Christmas Party Theme Ideas

Want some fun Christmas party theme ideas for adults or kids? Here are over 50 ideas to add to your list! From whimsical themes to activity themes to elegant themes, you’re sure to find something of interest. If you’re planning on hosting a memorable Christmas party, a fun theme can make all the difference. 

photo collage of Christmas theme party ideas.

Hosting a Christmas party for friends and family is exciting, especially when you incorporate fun themes into the planning and execution. The Holiday season provides a chance to participate in a wide variety of activities, games and experiences.

What Time

Decide on the style of the party you want to host. It will dictate the time of your party. For example:

  • Morning brunch might be between 10am and 2pm.
  • Afternoon Cookie Exchange could be from 2pm to 4pm.
  • Evening Cocktail Party can start at any time between 5:30 and 8pm.
  • Evening Dinner Party can start at 6 or 7pm.
  • All Day Open House can be on a Saturday or Sunday between 11am and 5pm.

Make it Potluck

While you may request that your guests bring their own alcohol to drink, you can still create a signature cocktail to serve them when they arrive. Doing this creates a welcoming environment and the wow factor you are looking for with your Christmas Party. 

Why do Christmas Parties Need a Theme? 

A theme isn’t absolutely necessary, however it’s a great way to guide you when making decoration choices, or planning the menu, music, and everything in between. Plus, a great theme has the ability to get people excited and ready to party. 

I usually like to start with a color scheme or holiday decorating style. For instance a silver and white winter wonderland theme. With that you can begin setting the tone with the invitations you send!

There are several different themes you can choose when hosting a Christmas Party. Whether you choose to go with a basic theme, or something more in depth, you are sure to find something that delights all in attendance. 

Fun Themes

If it’s a fun theme you’re after, there are many to choose from. First consider who you will be inviting and expand from there. There’s a theme out there for all ages and stages of life. 

Naughty or Nice Party

A Naughty or Nice Christmas Party is a fun play on words that is sure to delight your guests. The idea is to have things from each category for your guests. For example: The naughty table is full of decadent desserts and more indulgent fare while the nice table has healthier, lighter options. 

Christmas Caroling Party 

Choose from your favorite Christmas songs and get all your guests involved. Just make sure to put the theme on the invitations so people can dress according to the weather. Once you have practiced a few times, head out to sing together to your neighborhood.

Don’t forget to bring a thermos of Hot Chocolate or Cider to keep those vocal chords warm. A Christmas Caroling and Hot Chocolate Party is sure to impress. 

Christmas Pajama Party 

Have everyone come dressed in their favorite Christmas jammies. Not only is this a comfy way to party, but it is so simple to choose an outfit. You can even be more specific by making it a onesie party where everyone wears onesies. Bring out the snacks, light a fire and enjoy a cozy evening with friends and family. 

A Christmas Pajama party offers up a fantastic opportunity for great photos too. So don’t forget to break out the camera.

Christmas Cookie Exchange Party 

A Christmas Cookie Exchange is a nice intimate Christmas Party theme, perfect for those who love to bake, or even those who don’t!

Cookie exchanges are a familiar Christmas tradition because they’re a fantastic way to get everyone involved. Have everyone whip up their favorite cookies and bring them along to the party to exchange. Set out take home boxes so everyone can select a variety to bring home with them. 

Stocking Stuffer Party 

This party theme is a fun one! Have each guest bring a personalized stocking and a few stocking stuffers. Guests can then take turns, filling each others stocking with goodies. This gives party goers a chance to play Santa and have some fun. 

The best part? All your guests will leave with some goodies in their Stockings. 

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

An Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is a fantastic theme for the Holidays. No matter who is in attendance at your party, this theme is sure to be a major hit. There are actually two different ways to execute this theme. 

  • The first way is to simply inform your guests to wear their ugliest Christmas Sweater. They can either buy one or make their own DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater. Then, once at the party there will be judging. Have categories like the most creative, the ugliest, the best DIY. Winners from each category will get a prize. 
  • The second way to execute an ugly sweater party is to invite them to make their own sweater at the party. Simply request that your guests bring an old sweater along with them to the party. Set out a decorating station with sparkles, pom-poms, buttons, fabric paint and more. Once guests arrive they can set to work making their own ugly Christmas sweater. The more decorations you offer the better. 

Dress Up Party

Really up the fun factor with a Christmas themed costume party. Have everyone come in characters like elves, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch.

A photo booth is a MUST for this whimsical theme!

Holiday Card Making Party

Invite your guests over to make their own Holiday cards complete with personalized embellishments. Include items such as buttons, colorful yarn, and more. Making your own Christmas cards can be a fun way to spend an evening, especially if your guests are the crafty type. 

A Holiday Card party is a great way to get together to celebrate the holidays, and send your guests home with one less thing to worry about this Christmas season. 

Christmas Movie Party

A Christmas Movie Party is a cozy way to spend the day or evening. This party theme is fantastic for Christmas parties where there are children involved. Offer up some of your favorite picnic foods, and put on some holiday classics. 

With this theme you don’t have to worry too much about seating. Set up blankets and pillows on the floor and get comfortable with a plate of delicious finger foods and desserts. 

A Christmas Movie Party is an easy way to enjoy the Holiday season with those closest to you. 

Kids Christmas Party

Having a party that is just for the kids can be a fun way to get them even more excited about the holiday season. A Kid’s Candy Coated Christmas Party is an adorable theme that invites the kids to decorate their own mini Christmas trees made out of Ice cream cones, icing and candy. 

Set a kid’s Christmas table for a light meal before consuming all those treats. Complete with several different activities, foods and fun, this theme is sure to impress the little ones. 

More Christmas Party Theme Ideas

  1. Winter Wonderland or Let It Snow – snowflakes, Let It Snow song, blue, silver, snowman décor, fake snow or batting.
  2. White Christmas – Bing Crosby song & album, all white dress, food, etc.
  3. Ornament Exchange
  4. Christmas Tree Decorating – play Christmas music, drink eggnog, eat cookies and appetizers.
  5. Gift Wrapping party
  6. Music Theme or Christmas Karaoke 
  7. White Elephant
  8. Christmas Tea Party
  9. Cocoa & Candy
  10. Neighborhood Round Robin
  11. Holiday Open House
  12. Christmas cocktail Party
  13. Cookie Decorating for kids
  14. Gingerbread House decorating kids party
  15. Dessert Party
  16. Game night – board games, puzzles, card games.
  17. Christmas Around the World
  18. Christmas Move Theme – Christmas Vacation, Polar Express, The Grinch, etc.
  19. Movie Marathon – watch party, popcorn bar, watch classic Christmas movies.
  20. Rustic Woodsy Party
  21. Feliz Navidad – Mexican Christmas traditions, Mexican hot chocolate.
  22. Plaid Theme – flannel, hot chocolate, sweaters.
  23. Ice Skating Theme – mulled wine, knit beanies, fire pit, roast marshmallows.
  24. Apres Ski party – chunky sweaters, faux fur, faux skin rugs, hot toddies.
  25. Fondue Party
  26. Retro 70’s Christmas – eggnog, onion dip, cheese ball.
  27. Wine & Chocolate
  28. Beer Tasting
  29. Christmas Pajamas Party – watch movies, pizza, popcorn, hot cocoa, photo booth.
  30. Christmas Luau or Tropical Theme
  31. Charcuterie Board party
  32. Season of Giving party – take donations of toys, coats, food; or pack boxes to give to needy.
  33. Christmas Card party – write out or address Christmas cards, or set up a photo area to take Christmas family photos.
  34. Christmas Brunch
  35. Christmas Dinner Party
  36. Make Christmas Crafts – ornaments, snow globes.
  37. Re-Gifting Party – clean out the gift closet and re gift it.
  38. Christmas Trivia game night
  39. Favorite Things party
  40. Holiday Ladies Night In
  41. Tacky Lights Tour – rent a limo or party bus to drive around and look at lights, or walk around your own neighborhood with a thermos of hot toddies or mulled wine.
  42. Secret Santa

What to Include in a Theme

  • Dress Code
  • Music
  • Food
  • Drink
  • Decoration
  • Activities

Get the free printable Christmas gift tags that you can use to tie onto party favors, presents, or food gifts. There are 3 different colors to use.

There are several fun Christmas party themes to try this year. Just remember to get creative and enjoy the festivities this holiday season. These themes will create awesome party memories that will last a lifetime. 

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