17 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Office

Green beer in a glass coffee mug surrounded by four leaf clovers in front of a laptop in a modern office

Ready to add a touch of Irish charm to your workplace? With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning some festive activities. Whether you’re a manager looking to boost team morale or an employee eager to add a little fun to the workday, we’ve got you covered with creative St. Patrick’s Day office ideas and games that everyone will enjoy. From fun contests to tasty food ideas and even office decor tips, get ready to make this St. Patrick’s Day at the office unforgettable. 

St. Patrick’s Day Contests for Your Team

There’s nothing better than a friendly competition to bring excitement to St. Patrick’s Day at work. These St. Patrick’s Day office games promote camaraderie among team members and add a bit of lighthearted competition to the celebration. Here are some engaging contests that you can easily organize:

  • Leprechaun hat toss: Set up a fun ring toss game using mini leprechaun hats as targets. Employees can take turns tossing rings from a distance, aiming to land them on the hats. It’s a simple yet entertaining game that can be set up in any open space in the office.
  • Pot of gold hunt: Hide small pots of gold (or gold-colored candies) around the office and have team members search for them. The one who finds the most gold wins a prize. This game encourages movement and interaction, perfect for a midday break.
  • Best dressed in green: Encourage your team to wear green and have a fashion show to see who’s the best dressed. Award prizes for categories like ‘Most Creative,’ ‘Most Festive,’ and ‘Best Overall.’
  • Irish trivia challenge: Test your team’s knowledge about Irish culture, history, and St. Patrick’s Day traditions. An activity like this can be a great way to educate and have fun at the same time.
  • Shamrock art contest: Provide team members with paper, markers, and other art supplies to create their own shamrock designs. Display the artwork around the office and have everyone vote for their favorite.

Each of these contests celebrates the holiday, reinforces team bonding, and creates a memorable experience for all. Remember, the goal is to keep the activities inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Related: Team Building At Work Ideas

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St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas

What’s a celebration without yummy treats? This St. Patrick’s Day, elevate the office festivities with these mouth-watering food ideas sure to please every palate. Here’s how you can add a taste of Ireland to your office party:

  • Green-themed potluck: Invite team members to bring in dishes that are either green or Irish-inspired. Think spinach quiche, pesto pasta, or even green cupcakes. It’s a great way to eat a bunch of different foods and honor the holiday spirit.
  • Candy salad: A trendy and sweet addition to your St. Patrick’s Day menu, candy salads are all the rage on social media. Mix in various green candies – like mint chocolates, green jelly beans, and lime gummies – to create a playful and colorful dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
  • Irish soda bread: Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine with freshly baked Irish soda bread. This simple, hearty bread pairs wonderfully with sweet and savory spreads, making it a versatile choice for an office snack.
  • Shamrock shakes: For a delicious and festive treat, blend up some homemade shamrock shakes. Use vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring to create this creamy, minty delight.
  • Mini shepherd’s pies: For a savory treat, make some mini shepherd’s pies. These bite-sized versions of the classic Irish dish are perfect for an office setting, so everyone can try a bite without feeling stuffed.

With these ideas, you’re not just treating your team to tasty snacks but also creating a memorable and engaging experience that highlights the fun and flavor of the holiday.

St. Patrick’s Day Decor Ideas for the Office

Transforming your office space with festive decor is a fantastic way to get everyone into the St Patrick’s Day spirit. From subtle touches of green to full-blown Irish-themed decorations, these ideas will help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your team:

Green balloon arch

Welcome your team with a grand entrance by setting up a green balloon arch at the office entryway. Mix different shades of green balloons, and maybe even add a few gold ones to mimic a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

St. Patrick's Day balloon arch with green and gold balloons in front of an office

Shamrock garlands

Drape shamrock garlands around the office – over doorways and along the walls. You can buy these or have a fun DIY session with your team to make them using green construction paper.

4 rows of shamrock garlands

Table centerpieces

Create simple yet impressive table centerpieces using jars filled with gold-wrapped chocolates and a few artificial green shamrocks. These can be placed in common areas like the break room or meeting tables.

table centerpieces using jars filled with gold-wrapped chocolates

Irish quote posters

Decorate the walls with posters featuring famous Irish quotes or sayings. Not only does it add to the decor, but it also introduces an element of Irish culture to the office.

office reception area with St Patrick's day décor, like shamrocks and quotes

Green lighting

For a more subtle effect, replace regular light bulbs with green ones in certain areas, or use green string lights to add a cozy, festive glow to the office.

green lighting above a desk in an office

DIY leprechaun hats

Set up a small craft station where employees can make and decorate their own leprechaun hats. It’s a fun activity that also adds to the overall decor.

Green leprechaun hats made out of construction paper

Pot of gold corner

Create a ‘Pot of Gold’ corner in the office to serve as a photo booth spot, adding an interactive and fun element to the decor. It’s a great way to encourage employees to engage with the theme and capture memorable moments.

Rainbow made out of tissue paper going into a pot of gold decoration on the wall behind of a table of food

With these St. Patrick’s Day decor ideas, your office will look festive and feel more lively and engaging. It’s important to create an environment where the entire team can feel the joy and excitement of the holiday.

As we wrap up our list of ideas for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the office, remember that the holiday is about coming together in good spirits and making memories. Each effort, whether organizing team contests, providing delicious Irish food, or decorating your office, contributes to a more vibrant and engaging workplace.

Celebrating holidays like St. Patrick’s Day at work can significantly boost morale, strengthen team bonds, and break the monotony of everyday routines. These moments of shared laughter and camaraderie often become cherished memories among colleagues.

We at 4 Corner Resources wish you a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day filled with fun, laughter, and lots of lucky moments. May your day be as rich as gold and as bright as a rainbow. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Pete Newsome

About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance and has been Clearly Rated's top-rated staffing company in Central Florida for the past five years. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded zengig, to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Connect with Pete on LinkedIn