Team Building & Retreats tips
Published on
December 4, 2024

21 Best Team-Building Activities for Winter 2024

Winter is likely to be a synonym for less time spent outdoors and is often associated with a noticeable decline in team initiatives and bonding activities. Beware of winter’s potential, because it’s so much more than woolen sweaters and hot cocoa!

Winter is an outstanding season to revitalize your team spirit with meaningful activities. The colder months, often marked by shorter days and long to-do lists, can sometimes leave employees feeling a bit left out or even exhausted. But here's the catch: team-building events - yes, even during winter - can dramatically improve your team’s cohesion and productivity.

Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that 40% of employees report feeling isolated at work, leading to lower engagement and a weaker commitment to their organization. Similarly, BetterUp’s studies show that working towards promoting a sense of belonging can lead to a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a massive 75% cut in sick days! And you’re right, these savings will later translate to millions for larger companies.

Why not harness the winter spirit to break the monotony of your office routine and improve company culture? From snowy outdoor adventures to indoor problem-solving challenges and creative workshops, no one is left behind!

In this article, you'll discover:

  • Outdoor Activities for Adventurous Teams
  • Competitive & Problem-Solving Indoor Activities
  • Creative Activities for Every Team
  • Winter Activities to Unwind
  • Virtual Activities You Can’t Miss

Dive in and prepare to uncover the ultimate list of activities that will have your team thriving this winter season!

In This Article
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Outdoor Activities for Adventurous Teams

1. Ice Skating

Nothing beats a thrilling ice skating session with your team. It doesn’t really matter if your colleagues are professional skaters or first-timers: this activity guarantees team bonding and even friendly races (if you’re brave enough!). Most rinks offer rental skates and warm drinks, making it a winter classic your team will love.

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 10–30 people
Great for: Encouraging teamwork and stress relief.
Price estimate: $10–$25 per person (skate rental included)
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

2. Snowball Fight

Challenge your crew to a well-organized snowball fight. Divide into teams, build forts with materials you can spare, and let the battle begin. For a creative addition, add goals like "capture the flag" or set up a safe zone for warming up with hot chocolate.

Time estimate: 30 minutes–1 hour
Group size: 8–30 people
Great for: Boosting energy, breaking the ice, and fostering competition.
Price estimate: Free
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible


3. Winter Olympics

Bring out your team’s competitive side with a personalized Winter Olympics that suits everyone’s taste. Games can include sled races, snowman building contests, or indoor games such as winter trivia. Hand out medals to the winners and gather for team drinks afterwards. 

Time estimate: 1–3 hours
Group size: 10–50 people
Great for: Promoting collaboration and team spirit.
Price estimate: $20–$50 for supplies and prizes
Accessibility: It depends on the activities.


4. Ice Fishing

Take a break from the office, head outdoors, and try something new as a team: ice fishing! For the activity, you’ll need to rent a heated shack or instead fish in the open air. Bring snacks and hot drinks to make the experience more pleasant. It’s a tranquil activity that encourages conversation and team bonding.

Time estimate: 3–6 hours
Group size: 5–15 people
Great for: Small teams, providing both relaxation and challenge.
Price estimate: $30–$70 per person (gear and permits included)
Accessibility: Partially accessible.


5. Winter Scavenger Hunt

Plan ahead and organize a personalized Winter Scavenger Hunt for your team in the office or nearby park. Create clues that lead groups to items or landmarks they are meant to find, and set a timer to add some friendly competition to the event. Remember to include rewards and prepare for a Winter Wonderland experience.

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 10–40 people
Great for: Encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
Price estimate: $10–$50 (for printed clues and small prizes)
Accessibility: Yes


6. Winter Hike

Make the most of the great outdoors and experience the beauty of winter with a team hike. Snow-covered trails and the cold air are everything your team is looking for in this activity. Equip your employees with poles and spikes for icy patches and don’t forget the thermoses of hot chocolate.

Time estimate: 1–3 hours
Group size: 5–20 people
Great for: Reconnecting with nature and promoting physical activity.
Price estimate: Free to $10 per person (for trail access or rentals)
Accessibility: It depends on the trail.


7. Sledding

Nothing says winter fun like sledding, and we’re here to prove it! Plan ahead, head to a local hill, rent some sleds, and let your team enjoy the thrill of racing downhill. Combine it with a hot beverage and a fire pit s'mores session for post-sled relaxation.

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 10–30 people
Great for: Boosting morale and promoting friendly competition.
Price estimate: $5–$15 per person (for sled rentals if needed)
Accessibility: Partially accessible.


8. Snowman Building Contest

Take your team’s creativity to the next level in a snowman building contest! Split into groups, set a time limit, and provide fun props like scarves, hats, and carrot noses. Award prizes for categories like “most creative” or “tallest snowman.”

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 10–50 people
Great for: Teamwork and boosting creativity.
Price estimate: $10–$30 (for props and small prizes)
Accessibility: Yes

Competitive & Problem-Solving Indoor Activities

9. Ice Hockey

Prepare for some action on the ice with a friendly game of ice hockey. Rent a rink, define rules and play a structured match, or make it beginner-friendly for non-skaters. 

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 10–20 people
Great for: Physical activity and collaboration.
Price estimate: $15–$30 per person (rink rental and gear)
Accessibility: No


10. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are the ultimate indoor activity that will challenge your team while bringing its members together. Work to solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape before time runs out. Choose from several themes to match your team’s taste and get ready, set, go! Time is ticking.

Time estimate: 1 hour
Group size: 5–20 people
Great for: Improving problem-solving and communication, and teamwork under pressure
Price estimate: $25–$40 per person
Accessibility: It depends on the venue

11. Gingerbread House Competition

Test your architect skills with a Gingerbread House Competition. Split into teams, equip each of them with gingerbread kits, frosting, and candy, and have a jury decide who created the most amazing edible masterpiece. One thing’s certain: this activity combines teamwork with a challenge. The best part? You get to taste your creations!

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 5–50 people
Great for: Creativity and collaboration.
Price estimate: $10–$25 per person (gingerbread supplies)
Accessibility: Yes

12. Murder Mystery Dinner

Indoor activities become especially popular during winter, and this is the one you can’t miss! Transform your evening into an adventure with a Murder Mystery Dinner. Choose a themed kit, assign roles to participants, and watch as everyone gets into character, while solving clues to discover the “killer" over a team meal. This immersive experience brings a combination of drama and team collaboration.

Time estimate: 3–4 hours
Group size: 10–30 people
Great for: Problem-solving and breaking the ice.

Price estimate: $30–$70 per person (venue, meal, and kit)
Accessibility: Yes


13. Board Game Tournament

It’s time to bring out everyone’s competitive streak with a Board Game Tournament. Pick between classic and modern games, from Monopoly to Catan, and let participants face off in teams, pairs, or individually. Offer small prizes for winners, and don’t forget snacks to add an extra hype to the event.

Time estimate: 2–4 hours
Group size: 5–50 people
Great for: Strategy and teamwork.
Price estimate: Free–$20 (if purchasing games or snacks)
Accessibility: Yes


Creative Activities for Every Team

14. Ice Sculpting Workshop

Transform blocks of ice into sculptures with a guided Ice Sculpting Workshop. Professionals will help you turn ice into art, teaching participants the basics of carving. Teams can work together to craft their masterpieces, fostering teamwork.

Time estimate: 2–3 hours
Group size: 10–30 people
Great for: Teamwork and creativity.
Price estimate: $50–$100 per person (instructor and tools)
Accessibility: Partially accessible (some physical activity is required)

15. Winter Craft-Making Experiences

A winter craft-making session is everything your team needs! Organize activities like wreath-making, ornament painting, or candle crafting. This hands-on event is a great way to relax and create personalized souvenirs to take home.

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 5–40 people
Great for: Relaxation, creativity, and de-stressing
Price estimate: $10–$30 per person (supplies)
Accessibility: Yes

Winter Activities to Unwind

16. Winter Baking Class

Celebrate the holiday season with a baking class where your team learns to whip up their favorites like cookies, yule logs, or apple pies. Guided by a professional chef (or even a skilled team member!), participants can learn a new skill (very useful in this time of the year), bond over decorating, and, of course, taste-test their creations.

Time estimate: 2–3 hours
Group size: 5–25 people
Great for: Creativity and teamwork.
Price estimate: $20–$50 per person (ingredients and instructor)
Accessibility: Yes

17. Campfire Gathering

Get cozy and enjoy winter with your team in a campfire gathering. Bring blankets, sip on hot cocoa, toast marshmallows (a mandatory tradition!), and socialize by the fire. You can even add activities like storytelling games or a mini talent show.

Time estimate: 2–3 hours
Group size: 5–40 people
Great for: Relaxation and team bonding.
Price estimate
: $10–$30 (firewood and snacks)
Accessibility: Yes


18. Winter Wellness Session

Keep the team feeling their best with a winter wellness session. Offer yoga, guided meditation, or aromatherapy workshops, or even a full-body massage or a healthy cuisine session. Pair this with discussions on maintaining physical and mental health during winter for an extra rejuvenating experience.

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 5–50 people
Great for: Stress relief, team bonding, and promoting self-care.
Price estimate: $10–$50 per person (instructor and materials)
Accessibility: Yes

Virtual Activities You Can’t Miss

19. Virtual Winter Party

Who said you had to be in the office to strengthen bonds with your team? Bring the winter festivities online with a virtual winter party. Plan fun activities like a holiday dress code contest, live music performances, or even online snowflake crafting. End the activity with a prize or giveaway to keep the excitement going.

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: Unlimited
Great for: Remote teams and celebrating inclusivity.
Price estimate: $10–$30 per participant (for kits, prizes, or entertainment)
Accessibility: Yes


20. Virtual Hot Chocolate Tasting

Take the classic hot chocolate experience digital to a whole other level by sending team members customized kits with cocoa mixes and delicious toppings. Host a guided tasting over video chat, where participants can rate their favorites.

Time estimate: 1–1.5 hours
Group size: 5–30 people
Great for: Relaxation, team bonding, and discovering new flavors
Price estimate: $20–$50 per participant (for kits and shipping)
Accessibility: Yes

21. Winter-Themed Trivia Night

Test everyone’s knowledge with a winter-themed trivia night. Remember to include rounds on holiday traditions, famous winter sports moments, or fun facts about winter destinations. Offer prizes to spice up the competition!

Time estimate: 1–2 hours
Group size: 5–50 people
Great for: Fun competition and team learning.
Price estimate
: $5–$20 (for prizes or platform access)
Accessibility: Yes

Why Opt For Team-Building Activities This Winter?

Celebrate the magic of the season with team-building activities that will bring your crew together and promote a healthy company culture.

In this article, we covered all types of winter activities, from adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures like Ice Skating, Winter Olympics, Ice Fishing, and Sledding, to competitive indoor experiences like Ice Hockey and a good old-fashioned Murder Mystery Dinner.

For those who enjoy stepping out of their comfort zones and engaging in creative challenges, events like the Ice Sculpting Workshop are a standout way to boost teamwork and learn new skills. Looking to unwind? Join your team for a campfire gathering or indulge in a Winter Baking Class.

And don’t worry if your team is remote, TeamOut’s got you covered—a Virtual Hot Chocolate Tasting and Winter-Themed Trivia Night are fantastic options that make every single team member feel included, no matter where they are.

Holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or St. Patrick’s Day are excellent excuses to break from the routine, and winter is definitely  good for that too. 

Ready to make this winter one for the books? At TeamOut, we craft seamless, tailored team-building events that suit your team’s style, size, and budget. 

Reach out today and prepare for a winter experience your team won’t stop talking about!

About the author
Thomas Mazimann
Update on
4/12/2024
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.

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