The holiday season calls for extreme celebration. So much goes into making Christmastime memorable: The perfectly flocked tree, stunning outdoor Christmas lights, decorating your home in general, and (of course) spending quality time with friends and family. Whether you’re leaning toward a gift exchange or a classic option, hosting a holiday-themed soiree is a wonderful way to make the season even merrier. If you’re in the mood to plan a party, we’d suggest starting sooner rather than later and looking to our list of Christmas party ideas for inspiration.
Before you tap into your holiday spirit, it’s helpful to start planning with a general idea of how you want your party to go. Do you want a theme or possibly a dress code? Are pets and/or kids allowed? Do you want a shindig as large and festive as a wedding party? Having answers to these questions going in, as well as being familiar with general hosting tips, will make the process all that much easier and less stressful. Plus, if you picture the party you desire now, you’ll have more time to enlist the help of your friends and family in creating the whole holly, jolly experience.
The best Christmas parties are filled with amazing food and even better company, so plan your refreshments and guest list accordingly, no matter what theme you’re going for. Go down in history for hosting the best Christmas party ever with our list of 55 Santa-approved ideas your guests will never forget.
JulPo//Getty Images
1
Bring Out the Sparklers
Twinkling string lights are one thing, but you can do better than just that. Give each of your guests sparklers to light when it comes to photo time or the end of the night. They’ll add an extra, festive layer to the party and always make pictures turn out better.
Todor Tsvetkov//Getty Images
2
Provide a Sparkly Photo Backdrop
A place to gather among friends is always the perfect opportunity to snap some pics to update your Instagram feed. Give your guests the ultimate photo opportunity, and hang up rows upon rows of tinsel (or another festive backdrop) for them to pose in front of.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
CoffeeAndMilk//Getty Images
3
Require Cocktail Attire
If ugly sweaters aren’t your thing and black tie is a bit too formal for your guest list, set the dress code as cocktail attire. It’s fun to dress up every once in a while, and the holidays are the perfect opportunity to do so. Besides, carrying a glass of champagne looks so much better when you’re wearing something classy.
Todor Tsvetkov//Getty Images
4
Give Everyone Santa Hats
No matter what your guests show up in, give everyone a greater sense of the holiday spirit (and coordinating group photos) with matching Santa hats. These are basically an essential if you’re doing a gift exchange.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
ozgurcankaya//Getty Images
5
Hire a Caterer
Love a dinner party but not a fan of the actual cooking? Make your holiday feast one your guests will never forget by hiring a caterer to take care of all the meal prep for you. You’ll be able to solely focus on being a stellar hostess without the added anxiety of cooking.
GabrielPevide//Getty Images
6
Rent Out a Venue
Hosting in your own home can bring on a lot of stress—so ditch the anxiety and rent out a venue in which to entertain your guests. Some venues even offer to decorate for you (for an added fee, of course), but that way you won’t have to mess with decorating your home just to have to clean it all up by yourself over the next couple of days. It’s easier and can be a good change of scenery if yours is always the designated party house.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Kseniya Starkova//Getty Images
7
Invite Paw-dorable Plus Ones
Let’s be honest: Puppies make everything better. If you’ve got a lot of dog lovers in your life, make it a Christmas puppy party and encourage everyone to bring their furry friends in holiday-themed attire to make the event so much cuter.
Tanja Ivanova//Getty Images
8
Explore a Social Media Trend
First there was the charcuterie board craze. Now TikTok is obsessed with tinned fish. Use the holidays as an excuse to finally hop on the salty bandwagon and explore the mouth-watering brininess of cans of fish with your adventurous party guests. End the night with gift bags filled with some tins. (And maybe an on-theme ornament.)
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Lacheev//Getty Images
9
Hire a DJ
Make sure your guests hear only the best holiday music and hire a DJ (preferably clad in Santa attire) for everyone to jam out to. Sure, you could simply make a Spotify playlist like everyone else, but why would you want to be like everyone else?
JohnnyGreig//Getty Images
10
Bring in a Special Guest
Even if your party is adults-only, make your guests feel like kids again by bringing in Kris Kringle himself to divvy up party favors.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Pedro Merino//Getty Images
11
Invite a Master Mixologist
Give the gift of immaculate cocktails this holiday season by hiring a bartender for your event. Over are the days of adding BYOB to the end of your invites—work with a professional to create signature cocktails for your event that everyone will enjoy.
kajakiki//Getty Images
12
Host a Potluck
Like the idea of a caterer but don’t have the budget for one? Make your holiday party a potluck and have every guest bring their favorite dish from their normal festive feast.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Kyle Monk//Getty Images
13
Go Christmas Caroling
Buddy the Elf said it best: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Take your guests on a musical journey and go caroling around the neighborhood. Make it a heartwarming endeavor and see what nursing homes and hospitals in your area welcome carolers during the holiday season.
tenkende//Getty Images
14
Host a Christmas Brunch
When most people think of a Christmas party, they usually imagine the event happening at night. For all you early birds, host a holiday brunch instead that’s over way before the sun sets.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Image by Marie LaFauci//Getty Images
15
Make It a Murder Mystery Party
Love a good thriller? Set your party up to be a bit darker than most with a riveting murder mystery game—holiday edition. You can find a Christmas-themed game or switch some things up in a nonfestive option to make it align with the holidays.
vgajic//Getty Images
16
Take Your Party on the Road
Fill up the RV with your closest pals and host your Christmas party out in nature. Seclude yourselves from civilization as you share holiday tales and exchange gifts huddled around the campfire.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Tharnarwach Viriyapanicpakdee//Getty Images
17
Head to the Beach
It doesn’t have to be a white Christmas for you to host an exciting holiday party. Take your guest list to the sandy shore and celebrate the season next to the water.
FluxFactory//Getty Images
18
Double the Celebration
We’d only suggest doing this if you know for a fact that your partner would love to be proposed to during another (public!) celebration. If that’s something they’d want, use the holiday party as an excuse to get everyone they love all in one place and pop the question, then bring out the bubbles.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Thomas Barwick//Getty Images
19
Set Up a Party Hashtag
A personalized hashtag is a perfect way for all of your guests to view what everyone has posted for the celebration. Brainstorm what you want it to be and include it in your invitations so everyone knows what to include in their Instagram stories and posts.
Vladimir Vladimirov//Getty Images
20
Make It a Charitable Endeavor
Give back to the community and spend your would-be party budget on a local charity. Instead of having a get-together, gather all your friends and volunteer at a soup kitchen to do something kind for others less fortunate than yourselves.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Thomas Northcut//Getty Images
21
Decorate Cookies
Cookies for Santa is a timeless tradition, so host a cookie-decorating party this year. Great for the whole family, this kind of party even gets the little ones involved. Have some prebaked cookies and easy-to-use icing on hand for small children to use.
Westend61//Getty Images
22
Go Sledding
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, invite your Christmas party guests over to enjoy it. Warm beverages and cozy layers are sure to make it a memorable day.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
RyanJLane//Getty Images
23
Declare a Theme
Whether it’s Christmas sweaters or Christmas movie characters, every party is better when you dress up to fit a festive theme.
Getty Images
24
Decorate Christmas Wreaths
If your friend group loves a DIY moment, set up wreath stations with everything they need to create their own front door decor. Be sure to have plenty of floral wire, natural twine, greenery, fresh or dried accents like berry sprigs, sparkly elements, and of course ribbon for crafting.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
SolStock//Getty Images
25
Set Up a Photo Booth
Don’t leave it to yourself to capture all the memorable moments of this year’s party. Let your guests run free and take photos themselves! Be sure to have plenty of props for hilarious and conversation-worthy photos.
mike garten
26
Write Letters to Santa
Have kids write letters to Santa and then set up a festive mailbox by the front door for them to drop in on their way home.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Sara Ligorria Tramp
27
Organize a Gift Exchange
Organize a game of White Elephant. If you and your guests need some inspiration, allow these gift exchange ideas to guide you.
Brian Woodcock
28
Set Up a Craft Table
Decorate some cookies and set up an area for kids to craft. These beaded stars make for great decor, but you could also turn them into an activity!
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Paul Costello
29
Play the Right Tunes
Whether you have a solid playlist ready to go, organize some caroling fun for your guests to partake in, or hire a live band, great Christmas music will make all the difference.
Cheetah Is the New Black
30
Make It Black Tie
Make it a really special occasion with a black-tie dress code. We’re talking formalwear, hors d’oeuvres, and maybe even a harpist in the corner. Invite the whole neighborhood or keep it intimate—just make sure you tell all your guests the attire on the invitation.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Rachel Barrett
31
Combine the Centerpiece With Dessert
Don’t rush out to buy boatloads of flowers. An over-the-top cake can also be the star of the room. In this pretty Christmas dessert setup, Rachel Barrett hung a wreath, scattered matching ornaments, and then put each cake on its own stand.
Time Life Pictures
32
Watch Christmas Movies
Invite your nearest and dearest over for a viewing party of all the classic Christmas movies. Make it an all-day marathon or vote on a favorite movie to screen for a night in.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Mike Garten
33
Throw a Festive Dinner Party
If you’re hosting a dinner party, choose a table setting that’s equal parts festive and easy to clean up. The black paper here protects the table while custom doodles bring a personal touch and vibrant winter greenery and fruits brighten it up. Attaching holly leaves to napkin rings will always impress guests.
Ngoc Minh Ngo
34
Dress Up Drinks
Whether you dress up your drinks with garnishes (like threading a skewer through frozen cranberries or raspberries for a flavorful chiller) or deck out an entire cart, make sure the setting feels festive. People will inevitably gather around the drinks station. Pretty it up with a garland, sparkly glassware, and, of course, plenty of booze.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
ClassicStock//Getty Images
35
Plan a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Before you gather around the TV for a movie marathon, get a little exercise by hosting a scavenger hunt. If you need help with holiday-themed ideas, you can buy this deck of more than 200 cards.
Courtesy of Sugar and Charm
36
Break Out the Garlands
Is it even Christmas if you don’t have a garland? Dress yours up by crafting a modern wreath out of three gold rings. Add some mistletoe for extra greenery and romance.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Courtesy of Sugar and Charm
37
Set Up a Hot Cocoa Stand
Make sure everyone’s favorite holiday drink is flowing. Add marshmallows, peppermint sprinkles, and red cups (plus booze if it’s a grown-up event).
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Chelsea Lupkin
38
Serve Christmas Classics
Sorry, it’s simply not a party without pigs in a blanket. They get even cuter when formed into a holiday wreath.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Courtesy of Sugar & Cloth
39
Create a Balloon Tree
Assuming you already have a typical evergreen tree (whether real or faux), create a celebratory vibe with an additional pyramid of balloons.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
waahome
40
Play Holiday Bingo
Bingo is a go-to game that can be played by guests of all ages. Order this holiday-themed version for an easy before or after dinner activity.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Jonathan Boulton
41
Stir Some Punch
You absolutely need to know about jingle juice, especially if you’re a big fan of cran-apple juice and lime.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Ngoc Minh Ngo
42
Cover the Ceiling
Fluffy paper snowflakes make this dining room feel like a winter wonderland.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
ETHAN CALABRESE
43
Bake (Lots of) Brie
Melty, gooey cheese is always the star of cocktail hour. Set out a fresh-from-the-oven wheel with crackers, pita chips, or sliced apples.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
44
Set Up a Candy Cane Hunt
If you love Easter egg hunts, try this Christmas-themed version. It’s a truly sweet game of hide-and-seek!
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Jonathan Boulton
45
Brew Cocktails in Your Slow Cooker
Delegate bartending duties to your crockpot this year. This mulled wine is a classic everyone will be obsessed with.
Get the recipe from Delish.
EMILY HLAVAC GREEN
46
Make a S’mores Board
After you devour a charcuterie board, you’ll need a dessert board to dig into. Try this one completely dedicated to making the best s’mores ever.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Kate Sears
47
Make Everything Smell Like Christmas
Tuck pomander balls in every niche of your house. Studded with cloves or star anise, the decorative oranges make the house smell amazing.
Get the tutorial at Woman’s Day.
Sugar and Charm
48
Light Lots of Candles
Dress up your mantel or table with a mishmash of red and green tapers instead of generic white ones, or DIY a few of these festive pine-scented candles.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Getty Images
49
Make It a PJ Party
Forgo formal attire this year in favor of your best, cheesiest Christmas pajamas.
50
Wrap Up a Photo Backdrop
Want to have an Insta-worthy party? Make a picture-perfect background out of gift-wrap supplies for some fun snaps.
See more at Studio DIY.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Lindsay Conchar
51
Send Guests Home with Treats
Friends don’t let friends leave empty-handed!
Get the recipe from Delish.
mayholic
52
Make Christmas Cards
Gather your friends for a night of endless crafting in which you all make your own Christmas cards.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
GingerbreadCutterCo/etsy
53
Make Mini Gingerbread Houses
If your friends are particularly crafty, you can all gather to decorate gingerbread houses. Not so architecturally inclined? We won’t tell if you cheat and order a kit from GingerbreadCutterCo on Etsy.
lisegagne//Getty Images
54
Use an Instant Camera to Capture Memories
Forget Instagram and go analog! Bonus: You can use your photos to make a festive little garland.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
AYImages//Getty Images
55
Hang a Sprig of Mistletoe
Spread the Christmas love (or maybe a little mischief) by hanging mistletoe throughout your home. The holidays are so romantic, after all!