If you love all things merry and bright, then throwing a Christmas party this holiday season is a must. A holiday bash is the perfect way to gather your friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers for a festive celebration, and while any party involving eggnog and mistletoe is sure to be a good time, we've got plenty of holiday party themes that'll really make your event stand out. From decoration inspiration to party games and unique activity suggestions, these Christmas party ideas can turn your gathering into the highlight of the holiday season, no matter the ages or interests of your guests.
Maybe you're looking to host a subdued Christmastime gathering, complete with impressive appetizers and a tasteful selection of wines. Perhaps you want to rock around the Christmas tree with games, music, and costumes galore. Whatever the case, we have fun ideas for holiday parties of all kinds that your guests are sure to love. It doesn't matter whether you're looking to host an epic event at home, at your church, or in the office — these inventive Christmas party themes can help get you started. Here's hoping you put together a festive fête your guests won't soon forget!
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Secret Santa Party
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The best way to exchange gifts with a big group is to organize a Secret Santa party. Simply have all your guests draw names anonymously, and then have 'em get a present for the person they select. The best part: Having everyone guess who bought their gift.
Who doesn't love a hot pot of fondue on a cold winter's day? Melt chocolate and cheese in fondue pots, and then set out plenty of bread, fruit, and cheese for your guests to dip and snack on as they please.
Sometimes, the best kind of parties are the ones where you can wear your coziest duds. Invite everyone to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas over to your house for a party that feels like a big adult sleepover.
You may not be able to take all your party guests on a trip around the world, but you can take their taste buds on a journey. Invite everyone to make a traditional Christmas dish from the country of their choice, such as Filipino Lechon Kawali or Mexican Bacalao.
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Santa Convention Party
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Have you ever heard of SantaCon? Have your own Santa Claus convention at home by inviting everyone to dress up as their own version of Santa (or, if they're not willing to fully commit, then at least a Santa hat).
For another Christmas party classic, instruct your guests to wear the tackiest holiday sweaters they can find, and then have a contest where everyone can vote on the best. The winner of the ugliest sweater gets a prize of your choice!
Wrapping all your holiday presents can seem like a real chore, but you can make it fun by turning the task into a party. Grab wrapping paper, scissors, and tape, and collect your friends so you can all do your wrap work together.
Give everyone an opportunity to escape from the winter weather for a bit with a tropical-themed Christmas bash. Ask guests to wear Hawaiian shirts so they're perfectly dressed for the occasion, and hand out leis to really set the tone.
The holiday season is all about generosity, so why not organize a party that's all about giving back to those who need it? Bring suggestions for goods to donate, then gather everyone to put together packages for the organization of your choice.
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Nutcracker Night Party
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A Nutcracker theme is a fun idea for both kids and adults. Decorate your home with nutcrackers of all sizes, and to tie in the theme, serve up goodies like Mouse King Cake, Sugar Plum Punch, and Danish Croissants.
If you have a big TV or projector screen, then it'll be easy for you to host a Christmas movie marathon. Make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand, and then spread out throw pillows and blankets so everyone is cozy.
A Christmas sing-a-long party may seem cheesy, but your guests will have a ball, promise. Get a karaoke machine or microphone, and have everyone taking turns belting out their favorite holiday tunes.
Tap into everyone's competitive side with a good ol' fashioned gingerbread house decorating contest. Just be warned: Things can get messy, so be sure you lay down a tablecloth and get your guests some aprons.
Put a fun twist on Oprah's Favorite Things list by having your own Favorite Things-themed celebration, where guests gift each other some of their fave products and goodies. Be sure to set a budget before your guests choose the items.
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Escape Room Party
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Sure, you probably don't associate escape rooms with Christmas, but there are plenty of holiday-themed escape room kits that you can purchase to enjoy with friends. And of course, anyone who's feeling extra creative can also put together their own game.
Speaking of games, your friends will love coming over for a night of holiday-themed games. Whether you break everyone into teams or have 'em compete as individuals, a little friendly competition is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Your guests can tap into their creativity with make-your-own ornaments, which they can then take home to hang on their tree. Pick a craft that everyone can make together, or buy pre-made ornaments that your guests can then decorate.
Want the perfect excuse to try out new Christmas cookie recipes? Organize a cookie swap, where everyone brings a few dozen homemade cookies of their choice and leaves with a fun sampling of every guest's creations.
Do you have some talented friends in your crew? Have everyone show off their dancing, singing, or musical instrument playing with a holiday-themed showcase (and yes, even those who aren't artistically inclined should be welcome to perform).
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Donut Decorating Party
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Donuts may not be the most traditional holiday treat, but they're so fun to decorate. Make or buy a bunch of plain donuts, then set up a table with frosting, sprinkles, candies, and other garnishes for your guests to utilize as they please.
For an adults-only Christmas party that can't be beat, grab some liquor, garnishes, and glasses and play bartender for the night, trying out a variety of holiday cocktails. Just make sure everyone has a designated driver!
Costumes parties aren't just for Halloween, you know! From reindeers and elves to classic Christmas characters, like Cindy Lou Who, have your friends dress up as their favorites, and put out some extra accessories for those who forget.
Get the fire roaring, set out a variety of marshmallows, and warm everyone up with a hot cocoa bar. You can even put together gift bags with hot cocoa mix and holiday mugs for your guests to take home with them.
You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't enjoy meats and cheeses. Keep your holiday party simple by putting together an easy grazing table filled with cheese, meats, crackers, grapes, and other tasty fruits and serve some wine on the side.
Let's be real: Waffles are great any time of day, so you can host a Christmas-themed brunch, lunch, or dinner for your guests where delicious stuffed waffles are the star of the show. You can even let everyone pick whether they want a sweet or savory filling.
Set up a holiday tablescape and have some friends over for a festive feast. If you're up for the challenge, you can make all the dishes yourself, or you can spare yourself some work by turning your dinner into a potluck.
Store-bought cards are nice, but nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like DIY Christmas cards. Set out paper, writing utensils, and other crafting accessories so guests can put together their own holiday greeting cards.
The only thing better than brunch? A brunch that involves a Christmas-themed craft as well. To make life easier on yourself, buy paper tableware you can toss when you're done and order in a brunch spread for your guests.
Nothing says Christmas like some festive tartan prints. Have everyone wear their favorite flannels over to your home, and deck out your place with plaid blankets, tablecloths, and pillows for all the cozy vibes.
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DIY Candle Party
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The only thing better than smelling a delicious Christmas candle is being able to make your own from scratch. Invest in a candle-making kit and then invite your candle-obsessed friends to create their own holiday-influenced treat.
While most people save their sparkly duds for New Year's Eve, you can break out your velvet and sequins early by organizing a Christmas party with a formal dress code. Everyone likes an excuse to dress up, right?
Wine is nice, but you can give the classic wine-and-cheese party a holiday twist by serving up some warm spiced wine instead. Make a few different varieties, and set out some plastic cups so everyone can sample them all.
You'll have everyone in a bubbly mood when you invite 'em over for a bubbly Christmas bash. Decorate with plenty of colorful balloons, and be sure to serve up some bubbly Champagne to round out the theme.
Chances are your Christmas tree isn't the size of New York's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, but that doesn't mean your tree doesn't deserve a grand unveiling as well. Once the tree is trimmed, invite over your crew to see it lit for the very first time.
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Paint and Sip Party
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If you've ever done a paint and sip night with friends, then you know how fun they can be. Host your own version at home with a Christmas-themed painting for everyone to recreate, and be sure to provide a little holiday vino as well.
Fans of The Great British Baking Show will love getting the chance to show off their skills with a baking competition. Invite everyone to bring their favorite holiday desserts and then get ready to indulge in a little bit of everything. You can even give a prize to the best baker.
Do you have a fireplace or a fire pit? Then gather your friends for a cozy night in, complete with plenty of blankets and accessories for making homemade s'mores. You can always go with an electric s'mores maker if you want to avoid any fire hazards.
The best kind of holiday parties are the ones where guests can take a keepsake home with them. Personalized stockings are a craft that even the least artistic folks can handle, and everyone will have a fun time decorating their own.
Let your pets (and your friends' pets) get in on the holiday fun. Dress up your dog, cat, or other four-legged family member in the festive outfit of your choice, and invite guests with well-behaved pets to bring their furry friends, too.
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White Elephant Party
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Also known as a Yankee Swap, Pollyanna, Dirty Santa, and a dozen other names, White Elephant parties are all about setting a budget, bringing a gift, and then watching as your guests choose and swap their way to a perfect present.
Making DIY Christmas wreaths is easier than you think, and they make for the perfect group craft project. Pick a tutorial for everyone to try, or buy some simple boxwood wreaths for your guests to decorate as they'd like.
No need to limit your holiday colors to red and green. For something extra festive, go with a rainbow theme instead, complete with a rainbow-colored gift box runner, rainbow cake and cookies, and multi-colored Christmas lights.
Oui, oui! Give your holiday party some Parisian flair with mini Eiffel Towers, berets for all your guests to wear, and plenty of French-inspired desserts, such as macarons, crème brulée, French madeleines, and more.
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Toy Drive Party
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Rather than buying gifts for your guests, have everyone bring a present that can be given to a kid in need. Collect toys and clothing for underprivileged children, and then bring them to a local donation center once the party is over.
You may not associate Christmastime with murder, but a Murder Mystery dinner is always a fun time (even around the holidays!). Buy a pre-made murder mystery set with a holiday theme, or if you're feeling creative, feel free to put together your own.
Yes, you can definitely have a piñata at your holiday party. Buy or DIY a Christmas-themed piñata for your guests to take turns trying to break, and fill it to the brim with candy canes and other holiday treats.
Take everyone back in time with a retro-themed holiday bash. Deck out your tree with tinsel and old-school C9 bulbs and play some throwback Christmas hits for everyone to enjoy. You can even put A Christmas Story on in the background.
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Christmas Tea Party
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For a sophisticated afternoon, you can turn your home into a Christmas-themed tea parlor. Put out holiday-flavored tea and finger sandwiches, and serve up some treats for guests to snack on while they sip.
Even people who aren't a fan of gingerbread cookies will have a blast decorating their own gingerbread people. Set out sprinkles, frosting, and candies, and see who can actually finish their cookie before eating it.
Take your guests to Scandinavia with a Nordic-themed holiday fête, which will make everyone feel oh-so cozy. Fun touches can include natural greenery, a neutral color palette with white and silver, and plenty of cute gnomes.
Corinne SullivanContributing WriterCorinne Sullivan is a digital writer and editor who covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, holidays and more.
