This post shows you 17 fun Christmas party theme ideas.
Is your family looking for some fun ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year?
The holiday season brings with it twinkling Christmas lights, heartwarming traditions, and plenty of reasons to throw a Christmas party that’ll have everyone talking for years!
But at times, picking the right Christmas party theme can be very tricky. Even more than it would be when finding the perfect gift for that one family member (who already has everything).
I have put together 20 creative ideas for an unforgettable Christmas party that will make the occasion truly one to remember!
These themed Christmas parties are really easy, creative, and full of holiday cheer.
So, grab some candy canes and let’s dive into some of these Christmas party theme ideas that will make your gathering extra special this holiday season!
Classic Christmas Party Themes
There’s something undeniably magical about sticking to the old-time classics during Christmas celebrations.
These timeless Christmas party theme ideas have really stood the test of time for a reason!
After all, who doesn’t love an excuse to wear an ugly sweater or belt out Christmas carols with their loved ones? Heheh
1. Ugly Sweater Party
This is a Christmas tradition that’s as cozy as it is hilarious!
Everyone loves a good ugly Christmas sweater—bonus points if yours has flashing Christmas lights or a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer nose that lights up!
Invite guests to dig out the ugliest, tackiest sweater they can find and hold a contest with prizes for the most hideous outfits.
Some tips for spice:
Set up a photo booth with props like reindeer antlers and oversized candy canes to capture the ridiculousness.
You can add awards for categories like “Most Likely to Scare Santa Claus” or “Best Use of Tinsel.”
Trust me, this theme works perfectly for family Christmas parties, an office party, or corporate events.
It’s also low-pressure because, let’s be honest, looking good isn’t exactly the goal here.
2. Christmas Tree Decorating Party
This is a no-brainer essential.
Allow your family to help you decorate your tree by setting out the garlands, candy canes, string lights, and ornaments. To really enhance the Christmastime mood, turn on your most beloved Christmas films or tunes.
3. Secret Santa
Your holiday gatherings will be more exciting and mysterious with the addition of a Secret Santa!
There is no greater feeling of excitement than exchanging surprise gifts with loved ones, colleagues, or coworkers. It is also a fantastic opportunity to express your creativity and spread seasonal pleasure without going over budget.
4. Santa Claus & Elves Workshop
If you’re looking for a Christmas party theme that’ll get the kids excited, this one’s for you!
Have you thought of transforming your home into the North Pole with a Santa’s Workshop-themed party?
It’s easy!
Quick step:
- Decorate with Christmas lights
- Set up a craft station where kids can make their own Christmas cards.
- Don’t forget to have Santa Claus stop by to check in on his helpers.
The activities can be:
- A gift-wrapping contest where everyone competes to wrap the most creative-looking gift (extra points if they’re wrapping something shaped like a polar bear).
- Cookie decorating! Everyone can make Christmas cookies and get creative with sprinkles and icing.
Pro-tip: Leave some cookies out for Santa before the party ends 😉
5. Christmas Charades
This is a really cool way to begin the party. Particularly for a Christmas party, this popular party game is ideal for breaking the ice.
Have guests write down Christmas music, movies, and words for others to act out. Then, have fun speculating about who can act better than who.
6. Christmas Carol Karaoke
Do you have any family members who always go a little too hard singing Christmas carols?
Then I believe this would be a perfect idea for your party!
Let your family and guests discover their inner Mariah Carey by inviting them home! For a Christmas carolkaraoke night, you might want an affordable Bluetooth speaker as well.
Highlights:
- Create a playlist filled with holiday hits like “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and (of course) “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
- Offer a prize for best vocals, best (worst) song choice, and the most passionate performance.
This will bring the Holiday spirit and it also creates plenty of hilarious moments you’ll be talking about at family gatherings for years to come!
7. Christmas Pajama Theme
Who says pajamas are just for sleeping? Let’s make it fun and comfortable
Together, you can transform your family’s Christmas celebration into an inviting pajama party where everyone can unwind while wearing their most beloved pajamas with festive themes.
Set a cozy spot with pillows and blankets to watch a holiday television show or an iconic film, such as A Christmas Story or The Polar Express.
Pajama’s party essentials:
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies to add to the cozy vibe.
- Another idea is to create a Pajama Parade where the best-dressed family member wins a prize.
- Think matching holiday pajamas or extra festive slippers!
This is a cozy and laid-back party theme. I think it is great for families who prefer a night of bonding over Christmas movies to a full-blown holiday bash.
8. Name That Tune
Name that Tune has a great Christmas edition if music is more your thing. To prepare for a Christmas party game that will satisfy all, put together a few playlists on Spotify with a selection of Christmas and holiday songs.
9. Christmas Masquerade Ball
A Christmas masquerade ball is something you should throw only if you are in a groove for something fancy this year.
You will dress stylishly for this occasion and hang Christmas lights throughout your home. Finally, distribute masks to offer even more mystery!
This is a great party idea for families who want to add a little refinement to their holiday celebration and who truly enjoy dressing up.
Highlights:
- Hold a “Best Mask” competition with a prize for the most creative design.
- Pair it with a holiday playlist of festive Christmas carols that add elegance to the evening.
- Don’t forget to toast with some sparkling cider or champagne to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Other Related Post You Might Enjoy:
10. Red-Nosed Reindeer Scavenger Hunt
Looking for Christmas party games to keep the kids (and kids-at-heart) entertained?
I suggest a game of hosting a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed scavenger hunt!
Hide Christmas-related objects around the house or yard and give guests clues to find them.
How to Play:
- Split everyone into teams, and the team that finds all the items first wins a prize.
- Include items like Christmas cookies, mini candy canes, or even tiny gifts from “Santa.”
Scavenger hunts add a playful element to holiday celebrations. I also believe it can be a great bonding experience for family members of all ages.
Let’s explore some more specific Family-Focused Christmas Party Themes.
The best part of the holiday season is spending time with your loved ones.
These family-focused Christmas party themes will help you create cherished memories and bring everyone closer together.
11. Polar Express Night
“All aboard!” for a *Polar Express*-themed Christmas party.
You should consider turning your living room into a magical train ride, complete with golden tickets, conductor hats, and—most importantly—hot chocolate.
What You’ll Need:
- Set up “train seats” with chairs and have someone play the conductor, handing out tickets as each guest boards the Polar Express.
- Play the movie The Polar Express while everyone enjoys cookies and hot chocolate.
I bet you you’ll love seeing the excitement in the kids’ faces! As they embark on this magical adventure.
Plus, you just got to sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie together.
12. Christmas Storytelling
This is unbeatable in my opinion, especially if you have kids too!
Gather around the Christmas tree for an old-fashioned storytelling night.
Have the breadwinner of the family tell their favorite holiday stories.
Or if you want, each and every member of the family should tell their favourite holiday stories.
Fun Ways To Make It Special:
- Pass around mugs of hot cocoa and snuggle up in blankets to keep it cozy.
- Now add a fun twist by encouraging your family and guests to make up their own Christmas story on the spot! This will absolutely result in plenty of laughs.
Storytelling is always a great way to create lasting memories while keeping family Christmas traditions alive.
13. Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest
What is Christmas without cookies?
You can take the Christmas love to the next level by hosting a cookie decorating contest. You will need to set up a station with frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Then let everyone get creative with their Christmas cookie designs.
Make it a game competition where you offer prizes for categories like “Best Santa Claus Cookie,” “Most Colorful,” and “Best Use of Candy Canes.”
All these in return will encourage kids to get involved and share their masterpieces with family and friends.
It does not only end here with the blast decorating, but you’ll also end the night with enough to last through New Year’s!
Another idea to explore is charity & community-inspired themes.
It’s the season of giving, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by incorporating some charitable Christmas traditions into your party. These party themes combine holiday cheer with giving back to the community, making your Christmas celebrations all the more meaningful.
14. Christmas Charity Party
Why not combine holiday parties with a good cause? Host a charity-themed Christmas party where you ask guests to bring donations for a local charity.
This theme gives holiday cheer far beyond your guest list, so it could be canned food, gently used clothing, or toys for the less fortunate people!
Tips to Plan:
Set up a donation station by the Christmas tree where guests can drop off their contributions.
Include fun activities, like a raffle where all proceeds go to a charity of your choice.
This is one of the most fulfilling Christmas party ideas, and it reminds everyone that giving back is the true meaning of the holiday season.
15. Christmas Cards for a Cause
This theme is so simple yet so impactful. Invite guests to a Christmas card-making party where the goal is to create heartfelt cards for those in need, such as nursing home residents or children’s hospitals.
Tips to Get Crafty:
Encourage everyone to create individual Christmas cards by providing a variety of art supplies, such as glitter, stickers, and markers.
Gather the completed cards and send them to a nearby nonprofit or charity so they can be given to people who might be in need of a little extra cheer this holiday season.
It is a great method to get kids involved in giving back, and it also serves as a worthwhile effort that makes the community happy.
Corporate & Office Christmas Party Themes
Organizing a holiday party at work can occasionally feel like a delicate balancing act between professional and informal, but these ideas can help your team come together for a memorable celebration of the season.
16. Office Pajama Party
Who says jammies aren’t work-appropriate?
For the upcoming holiday celebration at work, you should consider thinking about throwing a fun pajama party instead of the formal outfits. Persuade coworkers to wear their most comfortable pajamas to work and create a laid-back attitude in honor of the holidays.
What Are the Perks of This Theme?
Everyone loves the excuse to wear comfy clothes to work.- Combine it with a “Breakfast for Dinner” spread featuring waffles, pancakes, and plenty of syrup!
This theme is fun, laid-back, and ensures everyone gets into the holiday spirit without the pressure of dressing up.
17. Christmas Movie Marathon
Have holiday movies to ring in the season if you work in a relaxed environment. Arrange the room, something like a breakroom with warm décor, festive lighting, and comfortable seating, and then show everyone’s choice of a holiday movie.
My Movie suggestions would be:
- HomeAlone
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- Miracle on 34th St
- Love Actually
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
This link offers a much wider option. By encouraging your colleagues to vote on the lineup beforehand, it can be a fun activity worth doing.
Don’t forget to offer holiday-themed snacks, e.g., gingerbread cookies and candy canes.
The Christmas movie marathons in the office are always a perfect way to spread holiday cheer while letting everyone bond and get to know more about someone and what they like as a person.
It is very important to savor the little things in life during the holiday season, starting with the cozy feeling of a warming cup of chocolate by the fireplace, the shimmering sparkle of the lights at Christmas, and the joyful laughter of your family and friends. It is, after all, the most magical time of year when you make memories!
Conclusion
The holiday season is always a perfect time to gather your family and friends for a themed Christmas party that everyone will love. These Christmas party theme ideas are guaranteed to add, if not a little bit, happiness and fun to everyone of your guests. Bringing out a lot of holiday spirit to your celebration.
Regardless of whether you are going with traditional concepts like an ugly Christmas sweater party or attempting something new like a Polar Express pajama party, remember that creating enduring memories and spending time with loved ones are the most important parts of the Christmas season.
These themed Christmas party ideas should provide you with everything you need to create a lasting, joyous, and festive gathering this year.
If you liked and need some more inspiration for your holiday celebrations, follow me on Pinterest for more fun Christmas party ideas, creative holiday crafts, and festive décor tips to make this the most wonderful time of the year!
This post shows you 17 fun Christmas party theme ideas.
