Cooking classes for groups and team building in NYC

Making homemade pasta from scratch is an art, but you can learn the techniques to create perfect pasta every time in this authentic Italian experience. You’ll learn how to select the finest ingredients and how to craft pasta into a variety of shapes. This is a hands-on class, where you’ll master the techniques for mixing, rolling, and shaping pasta dough. You can even BYOB so you can sip your favorite beverage while you cook. You should wear flat comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little flour on, because you’ll be busy working together in the kitchen. You’ll use the whole class time to make pasta, but you can add an extra half hour to dine together at no extra cost.

Give your team the chance to learn how to toss out their dry boxed pasta and replace it with easy-to-make delicious fresh pasta. In this course, an experienced instructor will guide participants through the process of making and kneading the pasta dough, cutting it into the shape of your choosing (with or without the help of a pasta cutter) and preparing the pasta to be coiled and served. This course is an ideal way to give your team members a practical cooking experience that they can replicate in their home kitchens and it is sure to be a hit, given how versatile pasta is as a side or an entree.

Add a layer of competitive fun to your pasta making event with this handmade pasta challenge. Here, in addition to receiving practical instruction on the art of pasta making, your team members will be let loose to create their own pasta dishes in a competitive kitchen environment. This event brings the fun and excitement of cooking competition shows to your team members and gives them the opportunity to engage in a little light-hearted competition as they prepare their handmade pasta dishes. In addition, the menu for the event can be customized to include a wide range of entrees and sides, meaning that you can ensure that everyone is getting a meal that they truly enjoy out of the experience.

When you learn to craft your own perfect pizza from scratch, you can skip the delivery and have a piping hot pizza parlor experience at home any time you want. First, an expert chef will guide you through the process of creating a perfect pizza dough and explain why you need to let it rest and rise for the best results. You’ll shape your pizza and then add your favorite toppings, whether you like a classic Margarita or prefer a gourmet creation. You can choose from a variety of fresh and flavorful veggies, olives, and basil that make the difference between an average pizza and one that really shines. At the end of the class your group can enjoy your pizza creations together.

Making sushi looks like it would be difficult, but once you learn the technique you’ll be able to roll up this delicious Japanese staple any time you want to. This class will show you how to make the distinctive sushi rice you love, choose sushi grade fish that is fresh and delicious, and add additional ingredients called neta to create rolls bursting with a fusion of flavors. You’ll master some favorite styles of rolls, including a spicy tuna roll, a traditional veggie maki roll, and a salmon avocado sushi roll. You’ll also learn to make your own ponzu sauce, a much-loved Japanese citrus-based cause with a tart and tangy flavor. This class takes place in a hotel or restaurant, so your group will have an exclusive seating area but there may be other patrons in the venue.

If your team does everything with a competitive edge, you’ll love this culinary showdown. Chopped! Competition is modeled after popular television cooking contests with all the thrills and surprises you’ve come to expect. Your team’s creativity and cooking skills will be put to the test when you’re presented with a bin of unusual ingredients, like chestnuts, wasabi greens, golden beets, carrot juice, or fava beans, and then challenged to craft a unique signature risotto. See who can come up with the most delicious dish, and enjoy it along with an Italian feast that includes Crostini with Peperonata + Whipped Ricotta, Roasted Lemon-Rosemary Chicken, and a refreshing Tuscan Kale Salad, topped off with a Dark Chocolate Torte.

Escape from your ordinary workday and take your team on a culinary odyssey to the enchanting Greek Isles. This private group cooking class will show you the delights of Greek cooking. You’ll learn to make Horiatiki (Greek Salad with Feta, Olives, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Onions), Grilled Bronzini, Grilled Lamb Chops, Cucumber Dill Tzatziki with Grilled Pita, Briam (Greek ratatouille), and Baklava for dessert. Once you’ve finished cooking, the classroom will become a big communal table where you can enjoy this delicious repast together.

You’ll be able to imagine the sun on your back and the breeze in your hair as you take this journey to Tuscany through its storied cuisine. In a private, hands-on session, your team will work together to cook up an unforgettable feast. You’ll learn to make Arugula, Peach & Gorgonzola Salad, Grilled Tuscan Steak, Mushroom Risotto, Sautéed Greens, and Chocolate Cake for dessert, and then you’ll gather around the table to savor it together.

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays. You’ll say ¡Ole! to this journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine, where you’ll learn to make Homemade Tortillas, Guacamole, Salsa Verde de Tomatillos, Salsa Pasilla, and prepare various fillings and fixings, including nopales (cactus), camarones (shrimp), pollo (chicken), and carnitas (pork). And, of course, there will be refreshing margaritas to go with it. This event comes with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and you can upgrade to a full bar for an additional cost. If any of your group members have dietary restrictions just ask for an accommodation.

You don’t have to go to a Japanese restaurant to enjoy these favorites once you’ve learned to make them yourselves. In this hands-on team building class, you’ll learn to make sushi rolls and dumplings both with and without meat, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Savor those plump little pockets of dough filled with your favorite savory mix, and roll up delicious sushi however you like it. Your menu will include Potsticker Dumplings with Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce using pork-cabbage or vegetable fillings, Make Your Own Sushi Rolls where your only limit is your imagination), and Green Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing.

Cooking classes that focus on desserts are wildly popular. You’ll learn the secrets to making delicate French cookies, decadent chocolates, or a luxuriously decorated cake for a special occasion. Try your hand at whipping up a scrumptious dessert while you enjoy a fun session with your team.

If the members of your group have both a sweet tooth and an eye for detail, a cake decorating class could be the perfect fit. In this workshop, students spend the first half learning proper technique and basic decorating principles. Some of the piping techniques include stars, shells, rosettes, and zig-zags. Next, students put their skills to the test as they pipe their creamy buttercream frosting on a cake. All materials are provided for participants, and they’ll get to work with high-quality cakes and frosting. Students will also use multiple piping tips to decorate their cakes. Many others who have attended this class say that it was a fun and educational experience, with several students stating they signed up for the more advanced Cake Decorating 102 class because they were so eager to learn more.

If the members of your group enjoy French cooking, a macaron workshop will almost certainly be a big hit. Taught by a classically trained French pastry chef, this beginner-friendly workshop aims to demystify this delicate French cookie, starting with getting expert tips for making the meringue-based batter. Students will then move onto piping and baking the cookies. While they bake and cool, the focus turns to creating the fillings to complete the sandwich. Throughout the class, students will also explore a few different options for flavoring and filling their cookies. Some of the flavors include white chocolate, passionfruit, and raspberry. Students will receive plenty of hands-on experience in this workshop and will leave knowing the fundamentals of making macarons so they can recreate them at home.

Creating a buttery, flaking croissant might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! This three-hour workshop aims to take beginner bakers to French pastry chefs as they learn tips and tricks of baking this classic recipe. Throughout the course, students will make three types of croissants— traditional, pain au chocolat, and ham and cheese. Participants will get to take home their treats to share with others, and they will receive detailed recipes so they can confidently prepare croissants at home for their next family meal. This workshop is also BYOB (bring your own bottle), so students can sip on their favorite beer or wine as they bake and mingle with fellow classmates.

Making fine chocolates might seem like it’s far above your kitchen skills, but in this team building class you’ll master the techniques so you can create your own delicious treats. You’ll learn the art of chocolate couverture, like tempering chocolate and creating rich flavors of ganache. Your team will discover the secrets behind the three tempering methods and learn to identify untempered chocolate, and you’ll get hands-on experience with the seeding method to create chocolate with a perfect snap. You’ll even create chocolate “bowls” by using a balloon as a mold. This is a sweet culinary adventure that will satisfy your loftiest chocolate cravings.

Fresh Italian macarons are swoon-worthy, with their slightly chewy middle and crusty tops. Until now you had to visit a bakery to enjoy macarons, but when you complete this class you’ll know how to create this delicacy yourself. You’ll need to use special techniques to create this decadent and gluten-free cookie, but you’ll have no trouble mastering it with the help of an expert baker. After a fun ice breaker and introductions, you’ll learn the special mixing method known as macaronage, how to pipe the perfect cookie onto the baking sheet, and what creates the distinctive feet that make macarons so perfectly light and chewy. Finally, you’ll get to enjoy your irresistible macarons.

Share a hands-on kitchen experience with your group that focuses on preparing everyone’s favorite French desserts. You’ll wield a torch to make a luxurious Crème Brûlée with a creamy custard and a crispy caramelized sugar top crust. Then, you’ll learn the secrets to a light, smooth Chocolate Mousse that melts in your mouth. Finally, craft delicate, buttery Madeleines with a distinctive shell shape that hold a special place in French culture. During this two and a half hour session, you’ll start with a fun introduction and icebreaker before you roll up your sleeves and get busy in the kitchen.

Donuts might conjure memories of childhood visits to the donut shop on Saturday mornings, but they’ve enjoyed a resurgence and donut makers now create innovative spins on the classic “O.” Your team will learn to bake and decorate your own batch of donuts that are decorated for the season—intricate flower designs in vibrant fall colors will turn your simple donuts into edible masterpieces. Spending time together in a warm, cozy kitchen with the scent of dough and sugar in the air is a special experience to enjoy with your group.

Croissants are an iconic French pastry known for their butter, flaky layers and crescent shape, but you might not know that they first originated in Vienna.  The secret to making croissants lies in a technique called “lamination,” where you roll a yeasted dough into thin layers, spread it with butter, and fold and roll it multiple times to create thin layers of butter and dough. Then, they’re cut into triangles and rolled into a crescent-shaped treat that you enjoy with coffee at breakfast or filled with savory salads at lunch. You can also create variations by filling the plain dough with sweets like chocolate or almond paste, or savory fillings like ham and cheese or spinach and feta. Regardless of how you like your croissants, you’ll have fun learning this kitchen artistry with your team and you’ll know how to make your own croissants at home anytime.

You have probably admired intricately decorated sugar cookies that look like treasures in the bakery case, but you may not have thought you could make them yourself. Team building cookie decorating classes let your team connect over a fun and relaxing activity, and snack on the results. A skilled instructor will guide your group through the techniques and tricks of cookie decorating, like how to use royal icing to create intricate designs. You’ll work together to perfect your piping, experiment with colors, and explore decorative designs. This team building class is a fun way to foster teamwork, communication, and problem solving while you enjoy some hands-on time in the bakery.

If your group likes to explore new places or sample a diverse range of foods, a food tour might be just the ticket. You’ll experience an adventure in NYC’s rich culinary landscape, strolling diverse neighborhoods from the clamorous streets of Chinatown to the historic charm of Little Italy and sampling iconic dishes and hidden gems along the way. This is a great way to discover new favorite dining spots and sample unique menus. You can savor everything from authentic dim sum and gourmet pizza to artisanal pastries and eclectic street food. Your team will have experiences that get them talking together, learning about different cultures, and bonding over a love of food.

On this group food tour, you’ll stroll the tree-shaded streets of the Upper East Side past beautiful pre-war buildings, stately brownstones, and luxurious high-rise apartments and take in world-class museums and galleries that attract visitors from around the globe. This iconic neighborhood is home to chic cafes, trendy bistros, and cutting-edge restaurants, making it a delightful place to explore with your group. This tour visits five authentic food spots and samples delicious dishes from local and independently owned businesses. You’ll learn about the history and culture of the neighborhood as you savor its favorite dining spots, like H&H Bagels, Agata & Valentina, Xi’an Famous Foods, Lexington Candy Shop, Mimi’s Pizza, and Levain Bakery, and stop in at the famed comedy club Comic Strip Live and check out the five-story mural called Yorkville Glockenspiel. 

You’ll soak in the flavor, culture, and history of Chinatown and Little Italy as you explore the maze of the streets that make up this famed region of NYC. As you walk, your guide will entertain you with secrets of the city, historic parks, and exquisite NYC architecture and provide plenty of tips on additional places to see and eat. The tour includes eight tastings, which is enough for a meal. It includes a popular Chinese pastry paired with jasmine green tea (seated), a Chinese sponge cake with a twist, authentic Chinese dumplings, scrumptious roasted duck, seated and hearty tasting of Italian cuisine with choice of wine or beer, delicious imported Italian cheeses and olives, fresh pasta with an outstanding marinara sauce, and a well-known Sicilian pastry, cannoli.

If you love iconic neighborhoods and pop culture, the Greenwich Village Food Tour is for you. You’ll sample six mouthwatering food tastings from around the globe while you explore the charming streets of Greenwich Village, visit iconic historic sites like Washington Square Park, Taylor Swift's apartment, the notoriously haunted “House of Death,” and the legendary Stonewall Inn, and check out the apartments from television shows Friends and Sex in the City. You’ll sample hand-rolled New York-style bagels from Bagel Bob’s, hot, crispy falafel from Mamoun’s Falafel, and crispy fried cheese ravioli or classic arancini rice balls from Faicco’s Italian Specialties. A NYC food tour wouldn’t be complete without pizza, and you’ll taste the best at the ever-popular Bleecker Street Pizza, voted #1 in the city. Sample a taste of Mexico at The Little Taco House, and finish it off with a delectable cupcake at Molly’s Cupcakes, a fun little bakery that consistently ranks among the Top 10 cupcakes in the country.

Delight your team with the Upper West Side’s blend of celebrity glitz and local charm, nestled in the heart of Manhattan. This tour visits five popular food tastings, starting with Broad Nosh Bagels Deli for a freshly baked NYC bagel and followed by a slice of New-York-style pizza at Mimi’s Pizza. Next, try homemade chocolate rugelach pastries at Zabar’s Jewish market, a 90-year-old institution, and visit Gray's Papaya, New York City’s most popular hot dog spot for over half a century, for a 100 per cent grilled beef hotdog from. Finish your tour with a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery, made famous by Carrie Bradshaw from the hit show Sex and the City. Plus, you’ll explore iconic landmarks like The Beacon Theatre, the site of John Lennon's assassination, Jerry Seinfeld’s original apartment, and the Belnord Apartments, made famous in the hit TV show Only Murders In The Building. You’ll check out Banksy’s iconic “Hammer Boy'' mural and see the French-inspired The Ansonia apartments, once home to Babe Ruth of Yankees fame and the renowned composer Igor Stravinsky.

Experience one of NYC’s most delicious neighborhoods, Nolita (north of Little Italy), with your team or group. This tour will take you through six hearty tastings that represent five cultures while your tour guides share exciting stories and secrets of the area’s past and its ever-changing food scene. The tour explores Nolita and some of Little Italy/Chinatown, where it features a Spanish churro sandwich, a unique twist on NYC pizza, delicious falafel, scrumptious pasta with optional wine or beer, onigiri (Japanese rice ball), and amazing gelato. Plus, you’ll visit the “real life” Law and Order of this neighborhood, including a view of the famous former NYC police headquarters.

Taste the diverse offerings of NYC at this dining destination curated by the James Beard Foundation. Market 57 Food Hall showcases deliciously innovative vendors from unique minority and women-owned businesses. This two-hour indoor food tour features seven tastings while you take in stunning views of NY Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Little Island, and Historic Pier 57, all within proximity to Chelsea Market and the High Line. The tour features popular Asian options like Chinese dumplings with a twist from a Chinatown institution and crunchy sushi-style rice patties that are a modern take on Japanese comfort food. You’ll savor oyster chowder from Brooklyn’s only oyster cart, a hearty Italian sandwich from award-winning female butchers, handmade Mexican paletas from a husband-and-wife duo showcasing Mexican comfort food, and Caribbean-inspired empanadas from a Harlem mainstay. Plus, experience an exclusive seasonal tasting from the James Beard Foundation’s incubator program, Good To Go.

Nothing is more quintessential NYC than the humble bagel, and in this tour you’ll get to see where the bagels are made, sample a variety of bagels, and even try your hand at bagel rolling with a true bagel master. The NYC Bagel Tour takes your team through three renowned Midtown bagels shops. This intimate bagel tour covers less than one mile of walking for a leisurely stroll through the city.

If you love to explore new cuisines but you don’t want a hands-on class, a group tasting experience is a terrific option. You’ll get to learn about favorites like wines, chocolates, or coffee together as you savor and discuss different varieties and preparations. An expert guide will help you learn to appreciate foods and drinks more fully and discuss them in a knowledgeable way.

Learning to appreciate the unique taste and qualities of wine is a fun pastime and a way to enhance your meals with the perfect vino. In this workshop, your team will learn to tell the difference between an average wine and an excellent one and discern one varietal from another. A private wine tasting with your group is a great way to share the secrets to understanding wine. An expert sommelier will guide you through sampling six different wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and a rotating red selection. From mastering the language of wine to understanding its history, regions, and flavor profiles, you’ll learn to appreciate and talk about wines. This is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City's bar scene and delve into a wine experience in a serene atmosphere.

If you’re a group of chocolate lovers, this is your chance to learn everything you want to know about craft chocolate making. This class takes a deep dive into chocolate with a journey from bean to bar. You’ll sample 24 different origin cocoas (while sipping a glass of wine) from around the world, and explore the subtle differences that make every chocolate unique. Then, sample handcrafted chocolate truffles and get started learning to make them yourself. You’ll make a chocolate ganache (with plenty of “leftover” to take home) and then don your gloves to hand roll and finish a dozen truffles and add a variety of toppings. Everyone will go home with a box of truffles, a recipe, and a tub of ganache that you can continue practicing with.

Whether you slurp your coffee down with bleary morning eyes or savor each drop with the palate of a connoisseur, you’ll enjoy this event that tastes and compares two different coffee types side by side. This process, called cupping, allows you to appreciate the nuances of each coffee bean. “Green buyers” use this method to choose which coffee varieties to purchase, roasters use it to guide their roast profiles, and baristas use cupping to know how best to brew and serve coffee in the cafe. Your team will learn more about this truly magic bean that is probably the source of everyone’s favorite wake-up call. The class includes two 12-ounce bags of specialty coffee with the ideal grind for cupping.

Little Italy is home to some of the most authentic, and delicious, Italian food in NYC, and this feast takes you on a journey through the culture and culinary traditions of Italy. Your team will savor this fun dinner experience with four seated tastings, including savory antipasto paired with fine wine or beer at a neighborhood wine bar, meatballs at a longstanding restaurant known for this specialty, a signature Sicilian pasta at a woman-owned and -operated restaurant, and pasty and coffee at America’s oldest espresso bar. This is a great way to have a fun experience with your team that’s filled with delicious favorites and a relaxed time together.

Why should you plan a cooking class for groups or team building?

A cooking class for your next team building or group event is a fantastic way to spice up the usual office routine or mix in some fun and creativity. Unique cooking classes offer more than just a break from the daily grind; when you team up to learn new skills in the kitchen, you’ll also build stronger connections and share a new accomplishment. Plus, in the end, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal you’ve created together. 

There are more benefits to a group cooking class than you might imagine. Working on hands-on activities like chopping, prepping, cooking, and designing the final presentation of your meal is both engaging and fun. It breaks down barriers and gets everyone talking and collaborating. Preparing a meal requires teamwork and cooperation, skills that make you a stronger team in the workplace as well. You’ll put your creative problem-solving to work and get to know each other on a more personal level. Plus there’s one more benefit - you’ll leave work stresses behind when you are concentrating on food preparation.

Remember, a cooking class isn’t just about making food. It gives each member’s personality a chance to shine and allows them to express their original ideas. A group cooking class is a fun and casual environment where your team can relax and express themselves in ways that might not surface in the workplace. You’re sure to savor your memories, and new cooking skills, for years to come.  

How to choose the right cooking class for groups and team building

Choosing the right cooking class for your group or team building may seem daunting since there are so many choices. This is a great advantage since you can find a class that’s perfect for your group, regardless of your interests or preferences. First, consider what your goals are for the event. Do you want to foster “soft skills” like collaboration and communication, creative thinking, or problem-solving? Maybe your team shares an interest in the culinary arts or loves to explore different cuisines and cooking techniques. Determine what you hope to achieve by sharing a cooking class with your team. 

Next, consider the size of your group. Some cooking classes are offered in small, intimate settings where you’ll get plenty of hands-on guidance and interaction, while others can accommodate larger groups with a more structured approach and multiple team stations. Some classes take place in busy restaurants where you can soak in the high activity and buzz of a working kitchen. 

Choose a class with a menu that will appeal to your group members. You can explore culinary skills and ingredients that apply to a wide range of dishes, or focus on specific cuisines such as Italian, Thai, or French. For team members with dietary restrictions or preferences, look for classes that offer alternatives or even specialize in vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free cooking.

Organizing a successful cooking class for your group or team building 

Once you've chosen your cooking team building event, it's time to nail down the details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Planning and preparation are key to making your class a success. Designate a point person to coordinate the event, and allow time for them to coordinate class details, instructions for group members, and any materials or preparation needed. Plan to communicate with your instructor shortly before the class to address any last-minute preparations or changes, and inform your group members of what they need to bring or wear to the class.

Virtual cooking events often have specific class size requirements, so make sure the class can accommodate your group. If your group is too large, inquire about the possibility of scheduling additional instructors or time slots to include everyone. Alternatively, see if they offer other activities that might be a better fit for your needs. If you need to incorporate extra activities with your cooking event, such as a holiday celebration, a company announcement, or a social hour, check whether you can extend the time to fit these additions. Consider the location of the class as well, and whether it offers transportation or parking for your attendees.

Clarify what the price for your class includes and consider whether it offers a good value compared to other options. Many cooking classes include all fees upfront, but others may have additional costs such as taxes or gratuities. Understanding the price structure beforehand prevents any surprises on the day of the event. Look for experienced instructors who are skilled in teaching groups of your size and skill level. Review the menu to ensure it includes appealing dishes that use quality ingredients. Consider the overall value for your money—some classes may be more expensive initially, but they might offer a better experience with more hands-on instruction and higher-quality ingredients. A cooking class can double as a social event or even a team dinner, making it a great value compared to other team-building activities.

Who are group and team building cooking classes best for?

Many people love to experiment in the kitchen or explore new recipes, so cooking classes are a great choice for many groups or occasions. Cooking together is a fun outlet for friends or a unique way to build teamwork and collaboration among colleagues. Cooking classes are also a fun way to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or family gathering. Group cooking classes are designed to make everyone a chef in the kitchen, whether you’re an avid cook or you barely know how to make toast. 

If your group members have special dietary needs, many classes can adapt the menu to accommodate your needs. Some cooking classes even focus entirely on a vegetarian or gluten-free menu, so everyone can participate and feel included. A cooking class is fun for any time of year. In the summer, you may want to focus on farm-fresh ingredients or menus for outdoor dining. The winter holidays are ideal for festive foods like an elegant dinner, fancy desserts, or decorated cookies. Since classes are indoors, the weather is no obstacle to attending a cooking class.

Compare team building and group cooking events with other options

Food and beverage classes focus on a wide range of cuisines along with spirits and wines. If you can’t decide which class is best for your group, compare some of the features of different types of team building activities. Cooking classes are a great option if you’d like to create a full meal or learn new techniques in the kitchen. Classes may incorporate unique ingredients or explore the cuisines of various cultures. Group baking classes teach you to make favorites like apple pie, cinnamon rolls, or pizza, and they explore baked goods from other cultures like mochi donuts, focaccia, and churros. Baking is a favorite way to relax for many people and an opportunity to share special treats with family and friends. 

Group food tours are another great option for a group of food lovers. You’ll not only sample foods from favorite restaurants and bakeries, but you’ll learn more about the history and culture of NYC’s unique neighborhoods. You can broaden your exploration with food and drink tastings that include favorites like cheeses, chocolates, and olive oils. Many food-tasting classes explore pairing foods with drinks that enhance and complement them. 

Group mixology and cocktail making classes provide a hands-on opportunity to learn the secrets behind the bar from an experienced instructor. You’ll create cocktails that use creative ingredients and different mixing techniques. If you’d prefer to learn more about the alcohol options themselves, you might prefer a group wine tasting class or a group whiskey tasting class. You’ll learn about the different flavors, how they’re produced, and how to appreciate their nuances and discuss them in a meaningful way. Group paint and sip events explore painting techniques in a relaxed environment while you enjoy a bottle of wine together. The focus is on socializing and sipping on your favorite beverage rather than skill development or wine tasting.

Each type of class offers its own unique experience, whether you're looking to sharpen your skills in the kitchen, explore new flavors, shake and stir behind the bar, or simply enjoy a fun experience with friends or colleagues. You can also try a team building game, like an escape room group event or white elephant gift exchange.