There doesn’t need to be alcohol in the workplace this holiday season
Christmas functions are a great way to celebrate the year, strengthen relationships and reward your team. They are notorious for being a bit of a “booze fest,” with nearly half of staff surveyed having drunk too much at their work holiday party and more than a third of Aussie workers intending not to drink at the next Christmas function.
Overall, research shows that alcohol use contributes to about 11 per cent of workplace accidents and injuries in Australia.
With growing awareness around psychosocial safety and alcohol in the workplace risks, many organisations are choosing inclusive options that don’t centre around drinking and reducing alcohol in the workplace. Cultural change towards a healthier workplace is a leader’s responsibility these days, and that includes end-of-year celebrations.
Here are eight creative, memorable and alcohol-free ideas for your next end-of-year celebration that are still fun for everyone.
1. Escape rooms
Escape rooms offer a well-structured problem-solving challenge where teams work together under time pressure to solve puzzles and “escape” before the clock runs out. It naturally encourages communication, collaboration and strategic thinking, which are key skills that translate directly back into the workplace.
You can choose from a range of themed rooms, which just adds to the immersive experience.
Some escape room facilities do have a bar, but alcohol is simply not needed to create engagement.
2. Mini golf or adventure golf
Mini golf is easy to organise, accessible to most fitness levels and offers a relaxed, lighthearted environment where staff can chat and connect naturally. The low-pressure atmosphere makes it ideal for mixed teams or workplaces with a wide variety of ages and personalities.
The activity encourages movement, friendly competition and plenty of shared laughter. It creates a social setting that doesn’t rely on alcohol, while still providing the energy of a team outing and an enjoyable way to end the work year.
3. Cooking classes
Cooking classes provide a hands-on, interactive experience where employees work together to create a meal. Whether it’s pasta-making, sushi, desserts or multicultural dishes, the process encourages cooperation, creativity and shared achievement.
Because the group finishes by sitting down to enjoy what they’ve made, it naturally fosters connection and conversation. Cooking classes provide all the social benefits often linked with drinks without any of the risks or pressure around alcohol consumption.
4. Outdoor picnics or garden parties
An outdoor picnic or garden party offers a relaxed, spacious environment where staff can unwind in nature. Catered platters, food trucks or pot-luck style lunches can all create a festive feel without needing alcohol to drive the event.
Lawn games such as bocce, giant jenga, finska or cornhole add a fun, casual activity element that encourages participation. This alcohol-free event supports wellbeing as there are many health benefits to being in the outdoors, reduces risk and helps create a comfortable space where everyone feels included.
Consider going to your local park or botanic gardens for low-cost ideas.
5. Amazing Race-style challenges
Amazing Race-style activities offer excitement and energy to cap off the year. Stations can include physical challenges, puzzles, logic tasks or creative mini-games.
These activities naturally promote teamwork, problem-solving and communication. Because teams are focused on completing challenges, alcohol in the workplace becomes irrelevant, creating a safe, engaging and high-impact team experience. You can even hire corporate event companies to arrange for you.
6. Creative workshops
Creative workshops like painting, pottery, floristry or candle-making offer a calming idea for employees. These sessions allow staff to slow down, focus on something tactile and express themselves in a new way.
Creative activities help relieve stress and encourage relaxed conversation, making them an excellent alcohol-free option. One study shows that “… people who engaged with creating arts and crafting had greater ratings for happiness, life satisfaction and feeling that life was worthwhile than those who did not.”
Plus, they also give participants something meaningful to take home, leaving them with a positive association with the workplace and the event itself.
7. Volunteering days
Volunteering together as a team gives your staff a chance to contribute to something bigger than themselves and outside their ordinary tasks. Activities might include packing Christmas hampers, supporting local charities, community gardening or environmental clean-up projects.
Shared purpose builds morale and strengthens team relationships differently from traditional social events. Alcohol gets put to the back of the mind when the focus is on contribution, connection and making a meaningful impact in the community.
And of course there are so many health benefits of volunteering.
8. Board game or trivia nights
Board game events or trivia nights offer a fun, inclusive way for employees to interact in a structured but relaxed setting. With just a hint of competition to keep those creative juices flowing! Trivia can be customised with general knowledge, workplace highlights or industry themes, making it engaging for all participants.
But you don’t have to hold these at night. They will be equally as successful during the day, which again reduces the temptation to drink.
It’s a good idea to check the accessibility of each venue before booking to ensure that it really is an inclusive experience.