32 Christmas Party Ideas for a Holly Jolly Celebration

From festive drinks to themed party ideas, get inspired with these 32 easy and fun Christmas party ideas.

Christmas Party Ideas

1. Go for a Themed Christmas Party

Add an extra layer of excitement and make your party stand out by going with a fun theme.

It could be anything from “Winter wonderland” to a “Christmas pajama party.”

RELATED: Christmas Party Ideas for a Festive Celebration

2. Serve Cute Christmas Themed Treats

Bake or buy adorable Christmas-themed treats like reindeer cookies, Santa cupcakes, or Christmas tree brownies. 

Christmas party ideas | festive desserts
Image & Recipe by: Oh Sweet Basil

3. Set Up a Cute Photobooth

Create a cute photobooth corner for everyone to take pictures in front.

4. Have a Dress Code

Whether it’s ugly Christmas sweaters, fancy holiday attire, or pajamas; encourage your guests to dress up based on the party’s theme.

5. Serve Drinks in Ornaments

Take your drinks to the next level by serving them in clear plastic ornaments.

It’s such a cute twist and your guests will love sipping on their drinks while feeling extra Christmassy.

Christmas party ideas | ornament drinks
Image & Recipe by: Mama now What

6. Decorate the Door Entrance

Welcome your guests with a beautifully decorated entrance. 

You can use a wreath, Christmas decor signs, balloons, and even a cute doormat to set the festive party mood right from the start.

7. Have a Potluck

Ask each guest to bring a dish and have a potluck style menu.

It’s a great way for everyone to share their favorite dishes. Plus, it helps to take the pressure off of you to provide all of the food.

RELATED: Fun Potluck Themes to Spice up Your Gathering

8. Serve Holiday-Inspired Drinks

From grinch punch to Jack Frost mocktail and cranberry sprite punch, complete your party’s menu with festive drinks.

9. Have a Fun Gift Exchange

Organize a gift exchange game like Secret Santa or White Elephant. 

Set a price limit so it’s affordable for everyone, and if you’re doing Secret Santa, have each person share a wish list to make gift shopping easier.

10. Collect Items for Donations

In the spirit of giving, encourage your guests to bring items to donate to a local charity. 

It’s a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer beyond your party.

11. Create a Party Playlist

Curate a playlist of Christmas classics and modern holiday hits to keep the party vibes going.

RELATED: Christmas Aesthetic Playlist

12. Use a Disposable Camera to Capture Memories

Hand out disposable cameras and let your guests capture candid moments throughout the night.

Fun Christmas Party Ideas

13. Serve Christmas tree charcuterie boards

Impress your guests with a charcuterie board shaped like a Christmas tree. 

Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers in a tree pattern for a snack that’s as festive as it is delicious.

Christmas party ideas | charcuterie board
Image & Recipe by: Crystal Farms Cheese

14. Use a Winter Scented Room Spray or Plugin

A seasonal room spray or plugin can make your space smell like the holidays and feel even more magical.

15. Watch Christmas Movies

If you’re throwing a pajama party or keeping things super chill, consider watching a fun Christmas movie! 

But if you don’t want the movie to be the main event, just play it in the background with the sound muted.

It’ll add a cozy, nostalgic vibe to your party without taking the spotlight.

Christmas movie screening

16. Decorate Cookies

Set up a cookie decorating station with plain cookies, icing, and various toppings. 

It’s a fun activity that also results in delicious treats.

17. Decorate with Fake Snow Confetti

Sprinkle fake snow confetti around your party space for a whimsical winter wonderland effect. 

18. Play Some Fun Christmas Party Games

Play some fun party games like Christmas charades, Christmas trivia, or snowball scoop.

RELATED: Christmas Party Games for an Epic Celebration

19. Have a Friendsmas

Throw a Friendsmas party to celebrate the holidays with your besties!

RELATED: Friendsmas Ideas for a Fun Holiday Celebration

20. Have a Gingerbread Decorating Competition

Provide gingerbread house kits and let your guests compete to create the most impressive house. 

You can select winners based on a variety of categories like: most creative, funniest, or most festive designs.

21. Play a Video of a Fireplace on the TV Screen

Play a video of a fireplace in the background for a super cozy atmosphere.

22. Incorporate DIY Decor

Get crafty and make your own decorations! 

Creating party banners, garlands, and even table decor will add a personal touch and it’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit.

23. Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar

Create a hot cocoa bar with hot chocolate and different types of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and cinnamon.

Holiday hot cocoa bar
Image & Recipe by: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

24. Cater Your Food Menu

If cooking isn’t your thing, consider catering your party. 

Many restaurants offer holiday menus that you can order from, allowing you to focus on hosting.

Christmas Party Theme Ideas

25. Have a Cookie Decorating Competition

Just like a gingerbread decorating contest, give your guests plain sugar cookies and let them compete to see who can create the best decorated cookie.

26. Decorate Your Space with Christmas Lights

Don’t just limit the lights to the tree!

String lights around your entire space to create a whimsical and festive atmosphere.

27. Celebrate with cake

No party is complete without cake! 

Go for a Christmas-themed cake or cupcakes to add a sweet and festive treat to your celebration.

Cake for Christmas party

28. Send out a Cute Party Invite

Set the tone for your party with creative invitations.

Whether digital or physical, a cute invite will help get everyone excited for the party.

29. Have a Karaoke Session

Whether you’re using a karaoke machine, an app, or just a microphone, have a karaoke session and let your guests sing their favorite Christmas songs.

30. Give out Prizes for Games and Activities

Make your party games even more exciting by offering prizes for the winners.

31. Have Tasty Appetizers 

From pinwheel sandwiches to caprese skewers, have some tasty appetizers for guests to eat while mingling.

32. Host a Christmas Brunch

For an early morning celebration, host a Christmas brunch filled with classic brunch items.