32 Christmas Theme Ideas That Will Sleigh Your Holiday Party
•Posted on October 13 2024
Deck the halls? More like deck the halls and your party with these Christmas theme ideas that’ll make even Santa jealous. Whether you’re into sparkly snowflakes or a cozy plaid moment by the fire, we’ve got 32 Christmas themes that will sleigh your holiday party. From hot cocoa bars to karaoke carol-offs, this list is here to turn your party into the holly jolliest one of the year. Grab your tinsel, because it’s time to make your party the talk of the North Pole!
32 Christmas Theme Ideas for Your Party
Table of content
1. The Nutcracker Ballet
Leap into a magical world where nutcrackers stand tall and holiday dreams come to life. This Nutcracker-themed party is one of the most classic Christmas theme ideas. Set your table with nutcracker plates, soldiers guarding the dessert station, and sparkling garlands bringing it all together.
- Decor Tip: Hang sparkly snowflake garlands from the ceiling and place mini tutus around wine glasses for an unexpected, pirouette-worthy touch.
- Activity Tip: Set up a Nutcracker treasure hunt where guests search for hidden toy soldiers or sweets hidden around the house—fun for all ages!
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2. Gingerbread House Party
Who says you can’t play with your food? This Christmas theme idea lets you do just that—build, decorate, and then devour your very own gingerbread dream home! It’s a sugar-fueled, frosting-filled adventure that’s perfect for getting everyone in the holiday spirit.
- Decor Tip: Turn your table into a sugary construction zone with gingerbread-themed plates and napkins, and line the walls with candy garlands for an extra-sweet touch. Bonus: Use candy canes as place card holders!
- Activity Tip: Host a “House Flipping Showdown” where guests have a time limit to create the best (or most hilariously unstable) gingerbread house. Award prizes like “Best Structural Integrity” or “Most Likely to Collapse”—it’s all in good fun!
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3. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Party
Grab your coziest PJs and get ready for a night where visions of sugarplums (and maybe a few cocktails) dance in your head. This Christmas theme idea is all about cozy vibes, twinkling lights, and a little pre-Santa excitement.
- Decor Tip: Create a Christmas Eve wonderland with stockings hung with care, Santa hats on every chair, and scatter wrapped presents as decor throughout the room—instant holiday cheer.
- Activity Tip: Have a DIY “Milk & Cookies” station where guests can decorate their own cookies and pair them with holiday-inspired drinks like spiked eggnog or hot cocoa!
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4. Forest Cabin Christmas Party
If the idea of spending Christmas surrounded by towering pines, crackling fires, and cozy blankets makes your heart skip a beat, then this woodsy Christmas theme idea is for you! Imagine your guests stepping into a warm, rustic cabin filled with evergreen garlands, twinkling lights, and woodland creatures peeking out from every corner. It’s the perfect blend of nature and holiday cheer.
- Decor Tip: Bring the forest indoors with pinecone centerpieces, plaid accents, and wooden tree cutouts. Scatter faux fur blankets over chairs for that extra cozy cabin feel.
- Activity Tip: Set up a “DIY Ornament Bar” with natural materials like pinecones, twine, and cinnamon sticks so guests can craft their own woodland-inspired decorations to take home.
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5. Santa's Believe Party
Do you believe in holiday magic? Well, you’re about to! This Christmas theme idea is all about channeling the joy, wonder, and sparkle of the season with Santa as the star of the show. Picture a party space filled with twinkling lights, jolly red-and-white decor, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic that has everyone—young and old—believing in the magic of Santa.
- Decor Tip: Create a Santa-centric photo corner with a life-size sleigh and gift boxes stacked high. Don’t forget a letter-writing station where guests can send their wishes straight to the North Pole.
- Activity Tip: Have a “Reindeer Games Relay” where teams compete in fun holiday tasks like tossing faux snowballs into Santa’s sack, or a timed gift-wrapping challenge—best score wins a special “I Believe in Santa” medal or personalized stocking stuffer!
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6. Winter Wonderland Party
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Bring that dream to life with a Winter Wonderland-themed party that’s as magical as a freshly fallen snow. This Christmas theme idea will have your guests feeling like they’re walking through a winter dreamscape with twinkling lights and frosty decor.
- Decor Tip: Use white faux fur throws and glittery snowflake table runners to create a cozy, elegant setting. Hang icicle string lights around the room and use glass ornaments filled with faux snow as centerpieces for an added frosty touch.
- Activity Tip: Host a “Build Your Own Snow Globe” station where guests can create personalized snow globes with miniature winter scenes—think tiny snowmen, woodland animals, and sparkling trees. They’ll love having a snowy keepsake to take home!
7. Welcome to Santa's Workshop Party
Grab your elf hats and get ready to make some magic—because you’re officially clocking in at Santa’s Workshop! This Christmas theme idea is where holiday dreams come to life, with candy cane stripes, toy-making stations, and a holiday vibe so strong, you’ll swear you can hear sleigh bells. It’s the perfect way to sprinkle a little North Pole magic on your holiday party.
- Decor Tip: Turn your space into Santa's workshop with oversized gift boxes, candy cane garlands, and twinkling fairy lights. Throw in some Believe Collection tableware for an extra festive touch (because even elves need to eat in style).
- Activity Tip: Set up a “Toy Building Station” where guests can create their own mini wooden toys or holiday crafts—complete with paint, glitter, and jingle bells. Extra credit for whoever can build something that might actually end up on Santa’s sleigh!
8. Christmas Movie Marathon Party
Grab your popcorn, snuggle up, and prepare for a sleigh-load of holiday nostalgia—this Christmas theme idea is all about binge-watching your favorite holiday classics. From Home Alone to Elf (and maybe a little Die Hard for the bold), this party is a one-way ticket to Christmas movie heaven. Just don’t forget the tissues for It’s a Wonderful Life!
- Decor Tip: Turn your living room into a cozy theater with floor cushions, fluffy blankets, and movie posters of your favorite holiday films. String up popcorn garlands, and serve snacks in movie-style containers with holiday-themed drinks (think hot cocoa with candy cane stirrers).
- Activity Tip: Have a “Holiday Movie Trivia” round between films—test your guests’ knowledge of holiday quotes, fun facts, and iconic movie moments. Bonus points if someone can perfectly recreate Kevin McCallister’s scream from Home Alone!
9. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Ready to jingle all the way to the top of the ugly sweater food chain? This Christmas theme idea is all about out-sparkling, out-tinseling, and out-glittering your friends with the tackiest sweaters imaginable. It’s the holiday fashion event of the year—so dust off that light-up reindeer sweater and prepare to dazzle (or horrify) your fellow party-goers.
- Decor Tip: Go for maximum kitsch by hanging Christmas sweaters on the walls, and using wrapping paper as tablecloths for that extra “did they try?” vibe.
- Activity Tip: Have a “DIY Sweater Station” where guests can add over-the-top decorations to their already questionable knits. Provide tinsel, ornaments, and battery-operated lights to take their sweater game from ugly to next-level tacky in no time!
10. Slumber and Sleigh Christmas Party
Why get dressed up when you can stay in your PJs? This Christmas theme idea invites everyone to show up in their jolliest jammies and snuggle into a night of pure holiday coziness. Think flannel, hot cocoa, and maybe even a Christmas movie marathon to top off the comfy vibes. It’s Christmas chill at its finest!
- Decor Tip: Deck the halls with fluffy pillows, plaid blankets, and string lights for a cozy Christmas movie vibe. Add a “Hot Cocoa Bar” complete with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream to keep the holiday spirit warm and sweet.
- Activity Tip: Turn the comfort factor up a notch with a “Holiday Bedhead Contest.” The messier the bedhead, the better! Offer fun prizes for “Most Disheveled,” “Best Pillow Crease,” and “Sleepiest Look”—guaranteed laughs!
11. Peppermint Party on Candy Cane Lane
Welcome to Candy Cane Lane, where everything is sweeter, brighter, and stripier! This Christmas theme idea turns your party into a peppermint wonderland with red and white stripes as far as the eye can see. From candy cane cocktails to sweet treats galore, it’s a sugar rush wrapped in holiday cheer. Get ready to embrace your inner candy connoisseur!
- Decor Tip: Deck your space in red and white stripes with candy cane garlands and peppermint-swirled decor. Fill clear jars with candy canes and peppermints for an easy (and delicious) centerpiece that guests can nibble on.
- Activity Tip: Host a “Candy Cane Hunt” where guests search for hidden candy canes around the party space. Make it a little competitive by awarding fun prizes to whoever finds the most!
12. Let It Snow - A White Christmas Party
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Make that dream a reality with this Christmas theme idea that’s all about embracing the icy magic of the season. Everything sparkles, glows, and feels like a winter wonderland—minus the freezing temperatures, of course!
Decor & Activity Tip: Go all out with white and silver everything—twinkling fairy lights, snowy wreaths, and sparkling ornaments. Set up a “Snow Globe Making Station” where guests can create their own mini winter wonderland inside a glass globe, complete with tiny trees, glitter, and faux snow. A perfect keepsake for a magical night!
13. Buddy the Elf’s Holiday Party
If smiling is your favorite, then you’ve just found the perfect Christmas theme idea! This Elf-inspired party is all about embracing the sugar-fueled chaos that Buddy the Elf brought to New York City. Think candy, syrup, and non-stop holiday cheer that’ll have everyone laughing like they’ve just had breakfast spaghetti!
Decor & Activity Tip: Go full-on Buddy with candy cane garlands, syrup bottles as table decor, and elf hats for everyone. Create a DIY “Syrup Station” where guests can try out Buddy’s favorite combinations—candy corn, marshmallows, and more!
14. Christmas in July
Who says you can’t deck the halls with palm trees? Christmas in July is your excuse to combine Santa with suntans. Santa in flip-flops, anyone?
Decor & Activity Tip: Think tropical vibes—string up hibiscus garlands and hang Christmas lights around surfboards. Have a "Santa's Limbo Contest" under a candy-cane-striped limbo pole for a sunny twist on the season.
15. Retro Christmas Party
Time travel back to the '50s with this retro-inspired Christmas! Bust out the vintage ornaments and cue the classic holiday hits—it’s all about the throwbacks.
Decor & Activity Tip: Deck your tree with tinsel, old-school glass ornaments, and bubble lights. For fun, host a “Retro Christmas Karaoke” and belt out holiday songs from decades past.
16. Plaid & Cozy
Flannel, fleece, and all things cozy! This Christmas party feels like snuggling up in front of a fire while wearing your favorite plaid pajamas.
Decor & Activity Tip: Decorate with plaid table runners and hang cozy stockings by a faux fireplace. Create a “Cozy Craft Corner” where guests can make DIY hot cocoa kits with marshmallows and candy canes.
17. Christmas Lights Party
When it comes to Christmas lights, more is definitely more! Transform your space into a sparkling wonderland that would make even Clark Griswold proud.
Decor & Activity Tip: String lights from every corner and tree branch, and use them to frame mirrors and windows. Organize a trip down the street to look at Christmas lights around the neighborhood.
18. Nordic Christmas Party
Embrace the hygge life with a Nordic-inspired Christmas party that’s all about simplicity, warmth, and minimalist beauty. Cozy up for a calm, chic holiday celebration.
Decor & Activity Tip: Use neutral tones, white lights, and simple greenery. Set up a “Nordic Wreath Workshop” where guests create their own understated yet elegant wreaths using natural elements
19. 12 Days of Christmas Party
From partridges to drummers, bring the classic carol to life with a party themed around the 12 Days of Christmas! Each day is a chance to dazzle with themed decor.
Decor & Activity Tip: Use partridge ornaments, golden rings, and drummers as part of your decor. Challenge guests to a “12 Days Trivia”—who can remember all the verses without messing up?
20. Grinch Christmas Party
Bring out your inner Grinch (but keep it fun!) with this green-filled, mischievous party theme. If stealing Christmas is wrong, we don’t want to be right.
Decor & Activity Tip: Go heavy on the green with Grinch-inspired decor, and add some Who-ville charm with colorful ornaments. Have a “Grinchy Games” corner where guests can “steal” presents or play a pin-the-heart-on-the-Grinch game!
21. Hot Cocoa Bar Party
This Christmas theme idea is all about warming up with a cup (or three) of the best hot cocoa ever! Create a DIY hot chocolate bar with every topping imaginable.
Decor & Activity Tip: Set up a cozy hot cocoa station with whipped cream, candy canes, sprinkles, and more.
22. Silver & Gold Christmas
Shimmer and shine with a glamorous Christmas theme idea that makes silver and gold the stars of the show. This party is all about elegance, sparkle, and sophisticated holiday cheer.
Decor & Activity Tip: Use silver and gold everything—glittering table settings, metallic ornaments, and shimmering lights. Set up a “Metallic Cookie Decorating” station where guests can create their own edible gold-and-silver-themed treats.
23. Christmas Craft Party
Let your guests get crafty this Christmas! This party is all about making your own holiday decorations and embracing the DIY spirit of the season.
Decor & Activity Tip: Set up crafting stations with supplies for ornaments, wreaths, or holiday cards. Add a “Best Craft Contest” to let guests show off their festive creations and take home a fun prize!
24. Polar Express Party
All aboard! This Christmas theme idea brings the magic of The Polar Express to life with train-themed decor, cozy hot cocoa, and a family-friendly atmosphere that’ll warm your heart.
Decor & Activity Tip: Set up a “Polar Express Ticket Booth” for guests to enter and serve hot cocoa just like in the movie.
25. Christmas Carol Karaoke
Warm up those vocal cords and get ready to belt out your favorite holiday hits. Christmas Carol Karaoke is all about singing loud and proud, whether you hit the notes or not!
Decor & Activity Tip: Use oversized lyric sheets as decor and create a cozy corner for “audience participation” with song request slips.
26. Holiday Brunch
Brunch, but make it Christmas! This Christmas theme idea is the perfect excuse to load up on waffles, pancakes, and bottomless eggnog, all while staying in your coziest pajamas.
Decor & Activity Tip: Set up a waffle and pancake station with festive toppings like candy canes and red-and-green sprinkles.
27. Christmas Around the World
Why stay local when you can go global? Bring Christmas traditions from around the world to your holiday party with this culturally inspired Christmas theme idea.
Decor & Activity Tip: Have food stations featuring festive treats from different countries—like stollen from Germany or panettone from Italy. For fun, create a “Passport to Christmas” where guests get a stamp for each cultural experience they try!
28. Reindeer Games
Get your antlers ready because this Christmas theme idea brings the competitive holiday spirit to life with a fun-filled night of Reindeer Games! From reindeer ring toss to snowball relay races, this party is all about festive fun and friendly competition.
Decor & Activity Tip: Create an obstacle course with holiday-themed challenges, and set up a reindeer ring toss station using inflatable antlers. Host a “Reindeer Relay” where teams race while wearing holiday gear—best time wins!
29. Snowman Party
Frosty would be proud! This Christmas theme idea turns your party into a snowy wonderland filled with snowmen and snow-themed fun. Whether it’s real snow or just marshmallow versions, you’ll be building smiles all night long!
Decor & Activity Tip: Decorate with snowflake garlands, white faux snow, and snowman figurines. Set up a “Build Your Own Snowman Station” with white balloons, felt hats, and scarves. If you’ve got real snow, go outside and have a snowman-building contest—winner gets the title of Frosty King or Queen!
30. Christmas Cookie Decorating
Let’s face it, the best part of Christmas cookies is decorating them! This Christmas theme idea brings out everyone’s inner pastry chef—just make sure there are plenty of sprinkles to go around.
Decor & Activity Tip: Provide decorating kits with everything from edible glitter to candy canes for guests to create their cookie masterpieces. Add a “Cookie Taste-Off” where guests submit their best-tasting cookies for a mini bake-off!
31. Apres-Ski Christmas
Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, you can still enjoy the cozy après-ski vibes with this Christmas theme idea. Think crackling fires, warm blankets, and hot toddies galore!
Decor & Activity Tip: Decorate with vintage skis, snowflake lights, and faux sheepskin rugs for that ultimate winter lodge feel. Set up an “Après-Ski S’mores Station” and let guests toast marshmallows by the fire while sipping spiked hot chocolate.
32. Christmas Tree Decorating Party
Ready to trim the tree? Gather your friends for a festive Christmas theme idea where everyone pitches in to make your tree sparkle with holiday cheer. It’s all about community and creativity!
Decor & Activity Tip: Provide a variety of ornaments, tinsel, and fairy lights for guests to use while decorating.
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How to Decorate for a Christmas Party (and Keep It Easy!)
Let’s face it—while decking the halls and trimming the tree is half the fun, cleaning up after your Christmas party is not exactly part of the holiday magic. So, here’s the secret to pulling off a festive, Instagram-worthy holiday party without the post-party disaster: disposable paper plates and napkins. Not just any, though—ones like the chic and festive designs we’ve got over at Moment and Company. They’re here to save your holiday decor and your sanity.
1. Festive AND Functional Decor
Why spend hours washing dishes when you can add a pop of holiday cheer with beautifully designed paper plates and napkins? Disposable doesn’t have to mean drab—choose plates with bold Christmas prints, whimsical patterns, and gold foil accents to instantly elevate your tablescape. Bonus: They add to the festive look and make cleanup a breeze. Who doesn’t love that?
2. Coordinated Color Schemes
One of the easiest ways to make your party look pulled together is by choosing a cohesive color scheme. Go for classic red and green, elegant silver and gold, or something a bit more unexpected like blush pink and festive emerald. Match your disposable napkins and plates to your theme, and boom—effortless elegance that doesn’t scream “paper plate.”
3. No-Fuss Setup, No-Fuss Cleanup
The beauty of using our disposable plates and napkins is that your table will look like a million bucks with half the effort. Arrange them in stacks at the buffet or place settings, ready to impress your guests. And when the party winds down, you can skip the dishes and focus on sipping that last glass of wine instead. Just toss and done—easy peasy, holiday breezy!
4. Layered Looks
Pro tip: Use your disposable goodies as part of your decor. Stack plates with napkins folded between, and add a sprig of rosemary or a candy cane on top for a personal touch. Add disposable cups with holiday-themed straws, and you’ve got a table setting that’s equal parts cute and clever. Guests will think you spent hours curating it (we won’t tell if you don’t).
5. Party-Ready Designs
At Moment & Co. , we’ve got a collection of paper plates and napkins that are perfect for any holiday vibe. Whether you’re going for the whimsical look with reindeer and snowflakes or prefer something elegant with gold foil accents, we’ve got you covered. Trust us—your guests will love them, and you’ll love not spending the evening scrubbing dishes.
Christmas Party Game Ideas
What’s a holiday party without a little fun and games? Whether you’re into friendly competition or just looking to break the ice, these Christmas party games are guaranteed to bring the laughs (and maybe some friendly sabotage). From gift-wrapping races to reindeer ring toss, we’ve got five festive ideas to make sure your party is the highlight of the holiday season!
1. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss
Ready to channel your inner Rudolph? Here’s how it goes: someone gets to wear inflatable antlers (it’s a look, trust us), while everyone else takes turns tossing rings onto them. The more rings you land, the better! Pro tip: jingle bells make everything better, so go ahead and add some to those antlers for extra flair.
2. Christmas Movie Trivia
Think you know your Home Alone from your Elf? Time to prove it! Grab your guests and quiz them on the most iconic holiday movies. For extra fun, play famous clips and see who can finish the line. Bonus points for quoting Buddy the Elf without laughing. Spoiler: It’s harder than it sounds.
3. Ornament Guessing Game
Simplicity at its finest. Fill up a big jar with mini ornaments and let your guests try to guess how many are inside. Closest guess wins a prize! (Hot cocoa mix or a holiday candle will do nicely.) It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly competitive. Plus, who doesn’t love a good guessing game?
4. “Wrap Battle” Gift Wrapping Race
Alright, time to test those wrapping skills! Give each guest a box, some wrapping paper, and a ribbon—then set the clock. The challenge? They have to wrap the gift as quickly (and neatly) as possible. Want to make it harder? Throw in a blindfold or oven mitts. We promise you’ll get some wildly creative results (or at least a lot of laughs).
5. Christmas Charades
Classic charades, but make it festive. Write down a bunch of holiday-themed prompts (think “decorating the tree” or “singing Jingle Bells”) and have your guests act them out without saying a word. Trust us, watching someone mime “building a snowman” while in full party attire is chef’s kiss entertainment.
Christmas Party Food Ideas
Let’s be real—half the fun of any holiday party is the food (okay, maybe more than half). Whether you're all about sweet treats or hearty apps, these Christmas party food ideas are guaranteed to keep your guests munching, mingling, and coming back for seconds (or thirds, we won’t judge).
1. Candy Cane Caprese Skewers
Take a classic and give it a holiday twist! Thread mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves on skewers, and arrange them in a candy cane shape on your serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and voilà—you’ve got yourself a festive snack that’s almost too cute to eat. Almost.
2. Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Turn your charcuterie into a work of art! Arrange your cheeses, meats, and fruits in the shape of a Christmas tree (with rosemary sprigs as the branches). Add some crackers for ornaments and watch your guests dig into your masterpiece. It’s like edible holiday decor!
3. Grinch Kabobs
A little sweet, a little healthy, and a whole lot of adorable. Skewer a grape, slice of banana, and a strawberry (topped with a mini marshmallow) to create little Grinch heads. Bonus: they’re the perfect snack to enjoy while you’re plotting how to “steal” Christmas… or just another glass of wine.
4. Santa Hat Brownies
Dessert, but make it festive! Top bite-sized brownies with a dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry to create mini Santa hats. It’s a win-win: they look adorable on the table and taste even better in your mouth.
5. Hot Cocoa Bar
Is it even a holiday party without a hot cocoa bar? Set up a station with all the fixings—think marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Feeling extra? Add some festive mugs and offer a spiked option for the adults. Cheers to keeping cozy!
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap on your ultimate Christmas party planning guide! Whether you’re going all out with a theme, getting competitive with games, or keeping things simple with disposable plates (hello, easy cleanup!), you’ve got everything you need to throw the most epic holiday bash of the year. From decorations that dazzle to food that delights, the only thing left to do is gather your favorite people and let the festivities begin.
So, pour the eggnog, crank up those Christmas tunes, and get ready to make this season merry and bright—because your party is going to sleigh!