1. Secret missions
Everyone draws a sealed card with a harmless mission (“get three people to say ‘cinnamon’”, “find out someone’s favourite holiday film”). At dessert, people reveal and guess missions. Runs quietly in the background all evening.
The secret mission game for office parties
Updated: 2026-10-19
Secret missions are the best ‘background’ game for parties of any size: everybody gets a small, harmless task at the door and tries to complete it unnoticed during the evening. At dessert, people guess who had which mission.
It turns small talk into a game – and gives quieter guests a perfect excuse to start conversations.
15 mission ideas you can print
- Get three different people to say the word “cinnamon”.
- Find out someone’s favourite holiday film and tell a third person about it.
- Find two colleagues born in the same month and introduce them to each other.
- Use the phrase “as the reindeer say” in two different conversations.
- Get someone to show you a photo of their pet.
- Learn one new word in a colleague’s native language.
- Get someone to recommend a book or series to you.
- Find someone who has never seen “Home Alone”.
- Give three people a specific, honest compliment.
- Get someone to hum a Christmas song.
- Get a colleague from another department to tell you about their best project this year.
- Find out who in the room travelled the farthest this year.
- Mention snow in every conversation for 15 minutes.
- Start a round of applause for the kitchen or service staff – without being obvious.
- Find out three people’s favourite Christmas cookie.
The games
2. Party bingo
A bingo card with things that will happen at the party (“someone mentions the snow”, “find a colleague who has never seen Home Alone”). First full line wins. Gives quiet people a reason to start conversations.
Host tips
- Missions must be harmless and work-safe: nothing involving alcohol, touching, or embarrassing anyone.
- Hand out sealed cards at the door – envelopes add suspense.
- Give a 2-minute ‘reveal round’ at dessert, then award small prizes for the best-hidden mission.
- Prepare 20 % more cards than guests.
FAQ
What if someone doesn’t want to play?
They just keep the card closed. The game works even if only half the guests take part.
How many missions should each person get?
One for parties up to 3 hours; give a second card to people who finish early.