10 Ideas To Do With Your Team This Holiday Season in Houston, Texas

The holiday season is the perfect time for businesses to foster team spirit, enhance employee engagement, and create memorable moments. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, local food spots, or unique experiences, Houston has something for everyone. At The HR Ally, we manage your HR and payroll needs, allowing you to focus on what really matters: building a strong, connected team.

Here are ten great ideas to get started with your holiday planning:

1. Ice Skating at Discovery Green

 Embrace the holiday spirit by taking your team ice skating at Discovery Green, a Houston holiday staple. The outdoor rink, surrounded by the stunning downtown skyline, provides the perfect setting for a fun and memorable team outing. Skating not only encourages light-hearted competition and physical activity but also gives your employees a chance to enjoy the holiday season outdoors.

Afterward, you can warm up with hot cocoa at one of the nearby cafes or take a team photo by the park’s holiday decorations. This festive atmosphere is ideal for both large and small teams looking to enjoy a seasonal experience together.

2.  Volunteer Together at the Houston Food Bank

Giving back to the community is a powerful way to bring your team together during the holidays. Volunteering at the Houston Food Bank offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while strengthening bonds among your team members. Working together to help those in need fosters empathy and teamwork in a way that few activities can.

Whether you spend a few hours packing food boxes or distributing meals, the shared experience of giving back will leave your team feeling accomplished and united.

 

3.  Attend Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo is an extraordinary spectacle of festive lights and holiday displays. For an evening of wonder, your team can stroll through beautifully illuminated pathways while enjoying seasonal treats like hot chocolate and holiday cookies. The vibrant displays create an enchanting environment that encourages relaxation and conversation.

This laid-back holiday activity is perfect for teams looking for a festive yet calm experience that promotes bonding and a little holiday magic.

4.  Strayboots Holiday Scavenger Hunt

If you’re looking for an activity that’s both fun and interactive, consider Strayboots’ Holiday Scavenger Hunt. This event is perfect for small and large teams alike and offers a combination of team-building and city exploration. Your employees will split into teams, navigate the city of Houston, and solve holiday-themed challenges in a race to the finish.

Strayboots also offers a special perk for holiday participants: a free gift card for 2025, making this activity a win-win for businesses seeking a spirited event with a lasting impact.

5. Team Dinner at The Rustic

For a more laid-back option, organize a team dinner at The Rustic, a beloved Houston venue known for its blend of live music and locally sourced food. The Rustic provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxing, celebrating, and reflecting on the year with your team. With its indoor-outdoor space and festive vibe, this restaurant offers both a lively and casual environment for your employees to unwind and connect outside the office.

With options for sharing dishes, craft cocktails, and live music, a team dinner at The Rustic is sure to create lasting memories.

6. Holiday-Themed Brewery Tour at Saint Arnold Brewing Company

For a unique team experience, consider a holiday-themed brewery tour at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Houston’s oldest craft brewery. Your team can enjoy an engaging tour of the brewing process while sampling a variety of craft beers. During the holiday season, the brewery often has festive decorations, holiday brews, and special events, making it the perfect backdrop for team bonding. This laid-back yet lively setting encourages conversation, making it an ideal option for teams looking to relax and enjoy Houston’s local flavor.

7. Cooking Class at Central Market

If you want to combine team building with a hands-on activity, a holiday cooking class at Central Market is an excellent choice. Teams can learn to prepare festive dishes under the guidance of expert chefs, and the interactive nature of cooking fosters collaboration and communication. Whether it’s crafting holiday desserts or a full holiday meal, your team will enjoy working together while learning new culinary skills. Plus, sharing the final creations at the end of the class makes for a rewarding and delicious experience.

8. DIY Holiday Cookie Decorating Contest

A simple yet effective way to bring some holiday cheer into the office is by hosting a DIY Holiday Cookie Decorating Contest. Set up a cookie decorating station with a variety of sprinkles, icing, and toppings, and let your team’s creativity run wild. Employees can compete for fun titles like “Most Creative Cookie” or “Best Holiday Theme,” adding a competitive element that makes the activity engaging. This lighthearted event encourages team interaction and is perfect for teams that want to keep things simple but festive.

9.  Attend a Houston Rockets Game

For sports fans, attending a Houston Rockets basketball game is a fantastic way to bring your team together. The lively atmosphere at the Toyota Center, combined with the excitement of live sports, provides an excellent opportunity for team bonding. Cheering on the Rockets together fosters camaraderie and gives employees a chance to relax and enjoy some friendly competition in the stands. It’s a great option for teams looking to step outside the office and experience Houston’s vibrant sports culture.

10.  Holiday Potluck or Catered Lunch

If you’re looking for a low-key but effective way to celebrate the holidays with your team, hosting a Holiday Potluck or a Catered Lunch is always a hit. Encourage your team members to bring in their favorite holiday dishes, or arrange for a local Houston caterer to provide a delicious spread of seasonal favorites. Sharing a meal together not only fosters a sense of community but also allows team members to connect over their favorite foods and traditions. This easy-to-organize event is perfect for fostering team unity in a relaxed setting.

Conclusion

This holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate your team’s hard work and foster stronger connections through unique Houston-based experiences. Whether it’s an engaging scavenger hunt, volunteering together, or enjoying a local brewery tour, these activities create lasting memories and boost morale. By investing in meaningful team-building, you’re setting the stage for improved collaboration and a stronger company culture in the year ahead. Let The HR Ally handle your HR and payroll needs, so you can focus on creating unforgettable moments with your team this holiday season.