45 Christmas Party Themes to Celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Craft an elegant, all-white aesthetic, extending from imitation snow on the floor to plush sheepskin blankets adorning the seats. Enhance the ambiance with traditional white balloons and paper snowflake decorations. Set the mood with Bing Crosby's iconic melodies playing on a loop. Delight guests with white chocolate desserts, and offer marshmallow snowmen as a delightful treat for the little ones. Opt for a touch of sophistication with a white-tie dress code or simply invite everyone to dress in white for a chic and cohesive look.

Engage your community with a heartwarming tradition by organizing a Christmas tree lighting ceremony that unites everyone. To initiate the festivities seamlessly, encourage friends to contribute ornaments for the tree or provide a crafts station for children to craft their own decorations. Everyone can bring or craft their unique ornaments to adorn the tree. As is customary at any memorable tree lighting event, build excitement with a dramatic countdown from 10 before illuminating the tree. The moment the majestic tree lights up signifies the official start of the holiday season.

Turn your party venue into an arctic adventure! Think life-size cutouts of polar bears, penguins, and walruses on ice floes. Hang paper snowflakes from the ceiling, or create an indoor scene that’s reminiscent of Santa’s workshop. Get kids involved by setting up a crafts table, where they can create their own toys like little elves.

Like brunch, but more festive! A Christmas tea party is an opportunity to break out your fancy dresses, fine china, and Darjeeling tea. Make holiday scones (think currants and cinnamon) and finger sandwiches cut like Christmas trees (that tree-shaped cookie cutter isn’t just for cookies, you know). Invite your friends to the most elegant Christmas party ever — pinkies up!

Whether you bake everything from scratch or make things easier on yourself by getting a kit, gingerbread house decorating is one tradition we see every year. Make things interesting by turning it into a contest with prizes like the tallest house or best use of gumdrops. Keep it classic with peppermint trim and frosting icicles, or go for a theme like Barbie’s dream house or a Halloween haunted mansion. Minted’s personalized kids apron and mitt sets add a unique touch to any baking party. This is also a great virtual party idea; you could circulate the recipe to your friends and family ahead of time, bake at the same time, and show your final creations off on the camera.

For nature lovers, there’s nothing like a walk in the woods. Channel that fresh air feeling with natural textures like birch, pine, and burlap. Pinecones and spruce boughs bring a forest scent inside, a classic Christmas party theme that works on any winter day.

A Christmas tree made out of a hay bale pyramid? You better believe it. If you’re going with a country Christmas party theme, you’ll need to channel your inner cowboy. Pick up some plain cowboy hats and decorate them with string lights, tinsel, or a simple plaid ribbon to get in the mood. Cowboy boots are a must, as are bandanas (ideally in red and green). For decor, think barrel tabletops, saddle blankets, and, did we mention hay bales? To completely countryify your party, make sure you’re spinning country renditions of every Christmas song ever.

This holiday party theme brings everyone’s favorite board game to life. Take inspiration from characters like Mr. Mint to Queen Frostine. Peppermint and snowflake decorations will turn the room into a winter wonderland, while a life-size board game for kids to play on is the ultimate party fun. And of course, don’t forget lots of candy! Giant lollipops, gummy bears, or cupcakes with holiday frosting are a sweet way to celebrate the holidays.

Take the party south of the border with a fiesta holiday theme. Mariachi music, margaritas, and papel picado are a must. Instead of a Christmas tree, decorate a cactus with string lights and brightly colored pom-poms. Set up an outdoor taco bar for guests to make their own, and teach your kids about Mexican holiday traditions like Las Posadas, a procession through the whole neighborhood where children reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.

Aloha, snowbirds! Even if you can’t escape the cold where you are, you can still turn up the heat by throwing a Hawaiian Christmas party. Grass skirts, leis, and Hawaiian shirts make for festive attire. Tropical cocktails and fresh fruit will warm up appetites, while ukulele music keeps the party going on island time. Turn your backyard into a beach with lounge chairs, swaying palms, and tiki torches that set a relaxing mood. Transform your home into everyone’s favorite tiki-lounge themed bar!

Nobody does Christmas quite like Scandinavia, where they’re just a stone’s throw away from the North Pole. Channel the northern lights by setting up a colorful light display, or hang North Stars from the ceiling. For a new twist on a classic gift exchange, consider swapping books instead of presents. You can even do this virtually by coordinating a mail-in book exchange. This Nordic tradition will be a thoughtful addition to your Christmas party. For a sweet finish, bake some Finnish cardamom cookies that will make your house smell like heaven. Pass around lots of gløgg (mulled wine) for a cup of good cheer. Skål!

You don't need to visit the mountains to embrace this festive party theme. Provide everyone with a reason to showcase their vintage ski attire, including eye-catching Day-Glo puffer jackets from the '80s and oversized fuzzy pom-pom beanies. Rest assured, ski boots are optional for fireside relaxation. Welcome guests from the chilly outdoors with ski-inspired delights, such as ski-shaped cookies or a cocktail bar arranged beneath a chalet-style counter offering winter beverages like hot toddies or spiked cider.

This is not your grandma’s Christmas dinner. Up the drama this year by creating a cinematic look inspired by Dutch still-life paintings, long winter nights, and starry skies. Midnight blues, wine-toned accents, and gold hardware create a dark and moody look. Set the tone with candelabras for dramatic ambiance. Keep the menu rich and full, like roast duck, decadent chocolate cake, and merlot all around. Do your research beforehand and provide each guest with their horoscope based on their birth month.

If friends and family can’t celebrate in Vegas, bring Vegas to them with an adults-only Christmas party theme that plays to gambling, bright lights, and entertainment. Host a poker tournament, set up a blackjack table, and instead of gambling with poker chips, bet with Christmas cookies and cupcakes.

This wild holiday party idea is perfect for celebrating a special guest of honor. Whether it is a family member celebrating a monumental birthday or a colleague celebrating retirement, encourage attendees to line up some funny jokes that can be directed at the guest of honor. As the party planner, you can moderate how raunchy you allow the jokes to get. Continue the “roast” theme over into the dinner menu by serving a Christmas roast of your favorite meat.

The over-21 crowd will love this Christmas theme! Many breweries around the world will release winter brews and themed beer recipes unique to the months of November and December. San Francisco’s very own Anchor Brewing has released a special Christmas Ale every year since 1975. Head to your local liquor store and purchase a variety of beers that your guests may have never heard of. Create some note cards detailing flavors featured in each selection. Of course, with anything alcohol-related, ensure your guests are drinking responsibly and have post-party transportation arranged.

If you're planning to offer a selection of 12 different wines, anticipate a flurry of "yes" RSVPs. You could focus on wines from specific regions, particular grape varietals, or even invite guests to bring their own wine bottles to contribute to the tasting experience. Complement your wine samplings with an exquisite charcuterie board featuring a diverse array of world cheeses, cured meats, and an assortment of crackers.

Play homage to some of your favorite celebrities and fictional characters with a costume party that encourages guests to dress like someone who normally appears on the screen. As an icebreaker, instruct partygoers to guess the identity of everyone at the party. Investigate some fun cocktails to pour for everyone in attendance. You can start your research with our list of Christmas cocktails featuring gin, vodka, or whiskey.

Host a karaoke night dedicated to all our favorite Christmas carols and songs. Mail out party invitations a month or so in advance to allow guests to start stretching their vocal cords at home. Choose to rent a karaoke machine or simply print out lyrics to all your favorite tunes that party attendees can reference. Dress up your backyard to look like a stage, complete with streamers, a spotlight, and string lights.

Get it? We combined the word “Santa” with “extravaganza”. Various cities throughout the U.S. hold Santa races in December where runners are all dressed in red suits and white beards. Copying that trend, host a holiday party where all guests are instructed to dress up as Santa Claus. Minted has quite a few Santa-themed party invitations and holiday cards that would work perfectly for getting the word out!

Invite your friends over for a Christmas movie marathon on a snowy day. Choose from classics like Frosty the Snowman and countless Hallmark movies. Enjoy movie trivia, a drinking game, and fresh popcorn with customizable toppings, or set up an outdoor theater in the backyard and mail homemade tickets with your invitations for added fun.

Of all the funny Christmas party themes, this one takes the cake. Make it a contest by offering prizes, from the best home-made sweater to the most sparkles. Bonus points for anyone who recreates their parents’ (or grandparents’) retro Christmas outfits from the happy golden days of yore. And don’t forget to take lots of photos. Bake some sugar cookies in the shape of sweaters and allow party attendees to decorate their own ugly sweater-themed cookie!

So you want to throw a Fourth of July party, but you’re five months late, or seven months early. Enter: the Christmas in July party (or would that be Fourth of July in December?). Either way, celebrate the US of A with star-spangled decorations mixed with Christmas red and green. Fire up the grill and make some good summer BBQ food, because at this point, we don’t blame you if you’re bored of candy canes and Christmas pudding. Create a song list of some of the most patriotic tunes to play as well. You can really have some fun with this Christmas theme.

Turn your home into Whoville! This classic Dr. Seuss book makes the perfect funny Christmas theme. From green-hued treats to DIY Grinch decorations (basically green fur everywhere). Kids can make crafts inspired by the Grinch’s growing heart, or spend the afternoon watching the hit movie. Or, make storytime a group activity by having everyone read a page each from the book. Either way, it’s quality time spent together. After all, “Christmas doesn’t come from a store; Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

It’s either the perfect excuse to re-gift that weird fruit bowl or a chance to pick out an outrageous gift that you kind of want to end up with by the time the game is over. Either way, this funny Christmas party theme is the silly holiday staple everyone looks forward to. Set a price range so it’s a fair game, then sit back and see what everyone comes up with. For additional interactive game ideas to keep your holiday party guests engaged, be sure to read through our post on 28 fun Christmas games.

What exactly is a flannel holiday party, you ask? Anything you want it to be, as long as it involves flannel. This holiday party theme is especially perfect for a cabin getaway with friends, where all that’s on the agenda is lounging in your flannel. But if you really want to get in the spirit, head to the fabric store to pick up strips of flannel for decorations and easy touches. Nothing says holiday cheer like plaid bows mixed with evergreen boughs and your favorite cinnamon-scented candles.

Bring to life the beloved characters of this classic Christmas film! Pass out light-up red noses for guests to wear, plus reindeer headbands for the perfect photo op. Create adorable reindeer treats like cookies with pretzel antlers, or make DIY reindeer drink stirrers for a charming touch. Set up kid-friendly activities, like pin the red nose on the Rudolph or ring toss with “antler” branches. Let the reindeer games begin!

Make it a cozy night in and break out the matching pajamas. Keep everyone warm with flannel blankets for an outdoor party, or come in from the cold and sit by the fire to make s'mores. This one is also a perfect theme for a virtual party on a cold, winter day, when all you want to do is stay in bed. Be sure to have mugs of cider and hot cocoa on hand, complete with marshmallow snowmen you can craft yourself. It’s fun for all ages, too. If you're running late on Christmas photos, this could be a great time to grab the camera. Pajama parties make for great photos, keeping the kids busy with a fun activity that allows for candid photo taking. See our full list of unique family photo ideas for more inspiration.

Bring back the charm of Christmas past with a Victorian-inspired holiday party. Think lace table runners, antique ornaments, and vintage-style candles glowing on every surface. The old-world elegance instantly transports guests. This is a perfect choice if you want your gathering to feel timeless and magical.

If you’ve ever wished Christmas could feel like a storybook, this theme delivers. Picture shelves lined with teddy bears, dolls, and nutcrackers, with twinkling lights casting a whimsical glow. The atmosphere feels playful and nostalgic, making everyone smile. It’s like stepping into a holiday dream.

For a cozy, musical evening, you can’t go wrong with this theme. Set up a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream, then gather everyone around for carol singing. The warmth of the season really shines when voices fill the room. It’s simple, heartfelt, and oh-so festive.

Celebrate the longest night of the year with a theme centered on nature and light. You can decorate with candles, evergreen branches, and star accents to make the evening feel grounded and meaningful. The result is a cozy yet spiritual atmosphere.

For something truly glamorous, this theme is it. Invite guests to dress up in formal wear and masks for a night full of mystery and elegance. The mood feels effortlessly chic, and your guests will appreciate the dramatic flair.

Turn your dinner party into something interactive with a holiday table swap. Each guest brings a dish to share, and you can mix up seating arrangements throughout the evening. The atmosphere stays lively and is an easy way to try new flavors. This idea makes your holiday dinner festive, fun, and full of surprises.

Pro Tip: Assign each guest a different country and have them bring a dish inspired by that culture for a global twist to the evening.

Warmth meets elegance in this holiday theme. Set up your gathering near a fireplace, and decorate with candles, greenery, and a touch of sparkle. The glow of the fire sets the mood while everyone enjoys formal attire.

If you love trendy, feminine touches, this theme is perfect. Think pastel ribbons, dainty bows, and soft floral accents worked into your holiday décor. The setup feels pretty and playful without being overdone. It’s a fun departure from traditional looks that still feels festive.

Why wait until Christmas Eve to celebrate? Host a festive brunch instead, complete with pancakes, mimosas, and seasonal pastries. The casual yet celebratory feel makes the gathering relaxed and memorable. It’s perfect for connecting with friends before the busy evening events begin.

Bring the dance floor to your living room with this funky holiday theme. Disco balls, sparkly outfits, and upbeat music will keep your guests moving all night. The vibe feels lively and unforgettable. It’s Christmas with a retro twist.

If the beach is your happy place, bring those coastal vibes to the holidays. Use seashell ornaments, driftwood accents, and soft blue tones for a fresh take on Christmas décor. The mood feels calm and breezy compared to traditional styles. Guests will feel like they’re on a holiday retreat.

Soft pinks, blues, and lavenders bring a dreamy touch to your holiday setup. Pair them with metallics or snowflake details for a sweet and elegant party. The palette feels fresh and modern, offering a chic alternative to the traditional red and green. It’s a look that’s soft yet sophisticated.

For a charming, homey feel, gingham patterns and lush greenery are a winning combo. Use gingham tablecloths, simple garlands, and cozy touches for an inviting holiday setting. The look comes together easily while still feeling polished. It’s warm, classic, and endlessly festive.

The most innovative Christmas party themes trending this year include unique spins like Disco Noël, Coquette Christmas, and Toy Store at Midnight. These creative options mix nostalgia with modern flair and are a hit right now.

To choose a Christmas party theme that matches your venue and guest list, start by considering your space. Cozy homes work well with rustic or fireside formals, while larger venues are ideal for glamorous masquerades or winter wonderlands. Matching the theme to your guests’ personalities and comfort ensures everyone enjoys the atmosphere.

Budget-friendly Christmas party ideas include DIY paper snowflakes, simple string lights, and homemade cocoa bars. These low-cost touches help create a warm and festive atmosphere without overspending, proving that it doesn’t take much to make the night feel special.

You can incorporate DIY decorations into your Christmas party theme by crafting simple centerpieces, repurposing ornaments, or setting up a themed photo booth backdrop. Handmade details add personality and make your party feel more heartfelt and unique.

Food and drink pairings that work well with Christmas party themes include hot cocoa with a caroling night, champagne with a glam soirée, or spiced cider for rustic cabin gatherings. Matching flavors to your theme enhances the mood and ties everything together.

Lighting and décor elevate a Christmas party theme by setting the right tone. Soft candles create a nostalgic mood, twinkling fairy lights bring a sense of magic, and colored lighting enhances trendy themes like disco or coastal Christmas.

Family-friendly Christmas party themes that work for all ages include ugly sweater contests, movie marathons, and candy cane lane setups. These activities keep kids entertained while giving adults a chance to join in the fun.

The best seating arrangement for a Christmas party depends on your theme. Long banquet tables suit formal themes, clusters of small tables work for conversational gatherings, and cozy lounges or floor seating add to casual, relaxed parties.

You can add a cultural twist to your Christmas party theme by incorporating global dishes, music, or traditions. A fun idea is to assign each guest a different country and have them bring food inspired by that culture.

Entertainment ideas that complement Christmas party themes include trivia games for nostalgic gatherings, karaoke for trendy nights, and live music for elegant themes. Choosing activities that align with your theme keeps the celebration cohesive and engaging.