Christmas Party Theme Ideas

Why Follow A Theme? 

Although it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s a great way to guide you when making decoration choices, 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 initial idea you can begin setting the tone with the invitations.

Here are a few things to think about as you narrow down your theme.

What Time

The style of the party you want to host 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.

What to Include in a Theme

• Dress Code. If your crowd loves to dress to impress, they’ll love a dress code that can range from ugly sweaters to elegant cocktail attire.
• Music. Background music sets the tone and Christmas has a natural playlist. But you can narrow it down to focus on holiday classics, modern remakes, or instrumentals.
• Food. You don’t need to go over the top, but adding a couple of Christmas themed foods adds a festive touch to the menu. Think snowman shaped cheese balls, or reindeer cookies.
• Drink. Create a batch cocktail or punch and give it a name that matches the party theme. For green drinks call it Jingle Juice; for red call it Poinsettia Punch, and for a golden batch call it Santa’s Sleigh.
• Decoration. The decor is where you can really bring the theme to life. Keep your budget in check by focusing on 2 or 3 key areas to bring the theme to life. That could be a photo booth area, a table centerpiece, or the tree itself.
• Activities. Organize a simple game or activity that fits with the theme. It doesn’t have to be elaborate either. Maybe Pin the Nose on Rudolph, or a Christmas trivia game.

Fun Themes

If it’s a fun theme you’re after, there are many to choose from. First consider who you’ll 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 has lots of possibilities. The idea is to have “nice” things and “naughty” things represented. For example: The Naughty table is full of decadent desserts and more indulgent fare while the Nice table has healthier, lighter options. Naughty drinks are boozy, while Nice ones are alcohol free.

Christmas Caroling Party 

A Christmas caroling and hot chocolate party is perfect for a theater crowd or chorus group. Choose a handful of favorite Christmas songs and get everyone involved. Just make sure to put the theme on the invitations so people can dress according to the weather. Once you’ve practiced a few times, head out to the neighborhood and sing.

Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or cider to help keep you warm, or have a hot cocoa bar set up for when you get done.

Christmas Pajama Party 

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

A Christmas pajama party offers 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 traditional theme perfect for those who love to bake, or even those who don’t! Have everyone whip up their favorite cookies and bring them along to the party to share. 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 and can follow a similar path as a Favorite Things party. Have each guest bring a personalized stocking and enough small gifts to go around. Guests can then take turns, filling each others stocking with goodies. Depending on the guest list the stocking stuffers can be beauty products, small toys, even gift cards. 

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

This is another classic theme and no matter who is in attendance, it’s sure to be a major hit. There are actually two different ways to execute this theme, and prizes are a MUST. 

• 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 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 a sweater with them to the party. Set out a decorating station with sparkles, pom-poms, buttons, fabric paint and more. Once guests arrive they can get 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 essential for this whimsical theme!

Holiday Card Making Party

This is a cute party for kids, or if your friends are crafty. Invite them over to make their own holiday cards or gift tags, complete with personalized embellishments such as buttons, colorful yarn, and more.

A more adult alternative to this idea is to have guests bring their stack of cards to send out, and spend the time addressing them or writing personalized notes to each. The goal is to make a humdrum task more social and fun.

Christmas Movie Party

A Christmas movie party is a cozy way to spend the day or evening. This theme is fantastic for a family or children’s party. Offer up some of your favorite foods and eat picnic-style while watching 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 comfy.  

Kids Christmas Party

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. It’s similar to a gingerbread house party, but even easier!

Set a kid’s Christmas table for some wholesome snacks before consuming all those treats. 

Christmas Party Menu Ideas

For a theme party I love to make it an appetizers menu with a combination of heavy hors d’oeuvres and light bites. That way guests can stand and mingle around the room.

• Crockpot meatballs in bourbon sauce
• Easy Artichoke Bruschetta
• Baked Brie with 3 Toppings
• Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip 
• Antipasto or charcuterie skewers
• Bacon-Wrapped Apricots
• Vegetable Tray, or fruit and cheese tray for kids

Check out the full array of easy Christmas party appetizer ideas to try.

Signature Cocktail Ideas

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’re looking for at Christmas. 

• Christmas Cocktail with Vanilla Vodka
• Red Christmas Cocktail
• Christmas Mimosa Cocktail

More Christmas Party 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

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.