10 Amazing Christmas Party Ideas for the Merriest Holiday Celebrations

Discover Christmas party ideas and themes that will make your gatherings magical and memorable this holiday season.

Holiday parties are the best! They get everyone in a festive spirit, and the nice thing is that there are so many fun activities to do, delicious foods to eat, and creative themes to inspire your party during this season.

Whether you need an office Christmas party idea, girls’ night idea, or family gathering idea, this post has you covered. Adjust these ideas to your party size, resources, and interests! The main thing is to get inspired, enjoy each other’s company, and embrace the holiday spirit.

Here are some quick things to think about when planning your party:

1. Theme: Think of a fun theme to get everyone on the same page and in a merry mood. Christmas provides tons of inspiration for this, and this post provides some great ideas.
2. Attire: If it makes sense, set a dress code inspired by the theme! This will further bring your party vision to life.
3. Food: Depending on the theme, food may be a really important part of your gathering! Put some thought into what sorts of dishes will be best, whether it’s traditional Christmas foods, fancy hors d’oeuvres, potluck style, or sweet treats.
4. Decorations: Decorations and decor are a must! Make your space come to life with all the festive magic. This is a really important aspect to your party, as it’ll set the vibe and atmosphere.
5. Other: Think about other special touches such as activities, party favors, and invitations. These little things will make all the difference.

With these points in mind, let’s get into the Christmas party themes! While classics like ugly Christmas sweater parties and gingerbread house competitions are always a hit, I’m providing other creative holiday party ideas that are sure to be amazing, as well.

---

10 CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS

1. White Christmas
2. Sherry & Bright
3. Flavors of the Holidays Potluck
4. Mele Kalikimaka
5. Naughty & Nice (Game Night)
6. Blue Christmas
7. Stocking Stuffers
8. Global Christmas
9. Sleigh the Holidays
10. The Nutcracker

1. WHITE CHRISTMAS

THEME: For this Christmas party idea, think snow, ice, and everything white! Celebrate the magic of holiday weather in the comfort of the indoors. And if you live in a warm climate, this is the perfect theme to bring your winter wonderland fantasies to life!

ATTIRE: Obviously, wear white. But in addition to this, you can decide whether you and your guest go fancy, stay casual, or get cozy. This is totally up to you and the vibe you’re going for. Here are some great options to get in the spirit:

---

---

---

---

FOOD: Make all the white foods! Vanilla cupcakes with white frosting, white chocolate covered strawberries, custard pie, pasta with a white sauce, fish, scallops, roasted cauliflower, white asparagus, deviled eggs – be creative! If you make it potluck style, create a spreadsheet for people to sign up for different dishes so people don’t bring the same things.

DECORATIONS: Use fluffy decor, snowflakes, white Christmas trees, white garlands, and any other white, snowy decorations you can find to bring this winter wonderland to life! Look on Pinterest for inspo.

---

---

---

---

OTHER: Make some festive invitations for your party using Canva! There are tons of templates to personalize, and this way, your guests will have all the necessary information for the gathering. You can also give party favors for an extra special touch! Give white candies, a white candle, a white Jellycat, or white ornament.

---

2. SHERRY & BRIGHT

THEME: A fun twist on the classic saying, “merry & bright”. But in this case, it means wine (or other drinks of your choice) and sparkles/shine! This Christmas party theme is perfect for you and your girls, and will ring in the holiday cheer with fun, bubbly, lavish vibes.

ATTIRE: To emulate the “bright” part of this theme, you and your group can wear sparkles and sequins! You’ll all be feeling fancy, shimmery, and oh-so elegant.

---

---

---

---

---

FOOD: The star of the show is sherry wine, but feel free to concoct or include any other beverages of choice, such as champagne or fun cocktails/mocktails. In terms of food, this gathering is meant to feel a bit fancier, so you can think of some delicious hors d’oeuvres, create some elegant entrées, or even invite a private chef for the night. Here are some hors d’oeuvres ideas: 41 Hors d’Oeuvres for Classy Get-Togethers.

DECORATIONS: Sparkles and lights! Find fairy lights, sparkly decor, tinsel, and more! Make the space shimmer and feel fun and bright.

---

---

---

---

OTHER: Send out a sparkly invitation to fit the vibes! This will get everyone excited and will include everything they need to know, from the theme to the date to the dress code. Additionally, here are some party favor ideas your guests will adore and keep to remember the special night:

---

---

---

3. FLAVORS OF THE HOLIDAYS POTLUCK

THEME: For this Christmas party idea, embrace the flavors of the holiday! We’re talking warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as sweet flavors like peppermint and cranberry. There are so many fun foods, drinks, and decorations that fit this theme; you and your group will taste Christmas! You can even tie in common holiday ingredients like turkey, potatoes, and yams.

ATTIRE: No specific attire is required – wear what makes sense for your group!

FOOD: Of course, this Christmas party theme is all about food and flavors. Write down “holiday flavors”, throw them in a hat, and have everyone draw a flavor randomly. These flavors can include vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberry, peppermint, ginger, and eggnog. While many of these flavors can translate to sweet dishes, there are many savory dishes that use these types of spices and flavors, so be creative and do a little research! And don’t forget about drinks!

DECORATIONS: There are no particular decorations you should use, but you can easily decorate your place using these flavors! Cinnamon broomsticks, peppermint candies, and cranberries are great for decorations.

OTHER: Create a holiday food-themed invitation and send it to your guests! Let them know what the theme is and that it’s a potluck. As a party favor, you could give scented candles in various flavors, or other types of foodie gifts like a hot chocolate mix, an apron, or a baking extract.

---

---

---

4. MELE KALIKIMAKA

THEME: Being from Hawai’i, I know exactly what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in a warm climate. While Hawai’i may not feel like a traditional Christmas, there is warm weather, clear blue water, and a tropical breeze. Who wouldn’t want to be in paradise during the holidays? Escape your white Christmas and bring the tropical vibes to life. Or, if you live in a warmer climate, embrace the paradise. Think Christmas in July!

ATTIRE: For this holiday party idea, you can wear touristy Aloha attire, along with Christmas accessories, such as Santa hats and reindeer antlers. The goal is to make it feel like a combination between a Hawaiian vacation and the holidays! If you live in Hawaii, you may opt for attire from popular local brands, like Manuheali’i, Tori Richard, or Manaola.

---

---

---

FOOD: There are so many different ways you can go with food. Hawai’i is known for having some of the most delicious, diverse array of eats! You can recreate some local favorites, try your hand at making more traditional lu’au foods, or create dishes that remind you of the islands. For a fun sweet treat, set up a rainbow candy bar! Not only is this reminiscent of a Christmas candy land, but it pays tribute to the idea of Hawai’i being the “rainbow state.”

DECORATIONS: Use summer and beach themed ornaments, use decorations inspired by the beach such as shells, sand, rainbows, and tropical leaves, and use coastal colors like blues and creams, or bright colors that embody the beautiful islands.

---

---

---

---

OTHER: Find a Hawai’i-Christmas themed template for an invitation or make your own! Tell everyone to come in their best tourist-y attire. You can also give a Hawai’i inspired ornament as a party favor or make lei as an activity.

---

5. NAUGHTY & NICE (GAME NIGHT)

THEME: Let the games begin! For this holiday party idea, have “naughty & nice” game night with your friends. Split into two teams, one “team naughty” and the other “team nice”. Then, play some fun games to compete against each other, such as trivia, jeopardy, or minute to win it games. If you want to add in some fun details related to being naughty or nice (in terms of scoring, advantages/disadvantages, etc.), feel free to do so!

ATTIRE: If you want to go all out, make team attire or coordinate outfits. You can find lots of options online, customize your own, or simply pick a color for each team.

---

---

FOOD: Do potluck style so it’s easier! Have some “nice” foods that are a bit healthier, and “naughty” foods that are a bit more decadent. You can also have “naughty” drinks (with alcohol) and “nice” drinks (without alcohol). Here are some ideas: The Ultimate List of Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails.

DECORATIONS: Make the place feel Christmas-y and warm! Go the classic route of red and green decorations, twinkling lights, and wreaths and garlands.

---

---

OTHER: Because this is a game night, determine your teams ahead of time (whether it’s through a random generator, team captains, or another method), plan out all your games, and think of some fun prizes. These can be as simple as baked goods, candies, stickers, or gift cards.

---

6. BLUE CHRISTMAS

THEME: Based on the song “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley, host a Blue Christmas themed gathering! Instead of the traditional red and green, or even white Christmas, do something a bit different!

ATTIRE: Whether you and your friends dress fancy, casual, or cozy, the main things is that you dress in blue attire!

---

---

---

---

FOOD: There aren’t many naturally blue-colored foods, but be creative! Some ideas include cupcakes or a cake with blue frosting, blueberry pie, blue corn dishes, blue cocktails, or cookies with blue icing or sprinkles. You can also use blue dishware, as your foods will likely not all be blue. Set up a candy bar as well with all the blue candies!

DECORATIONS: Think all shades of blue. Find ornaments, balloons, garlands, lights, and more that will bring your blue Christmas to life!

OTHER: Make your invitations scream blue Christmas! And don’t forget to let your guests know the dress code. If you plan to set up a candy bar, that’s a perfect party favor. If not, consider giving a blue hand sanitizer, blue cake pop, blue nail polish, or any other small, blue item you think your guests will like.

---

7. STOCKING STUFFERS

THEME: For this Christmas party idea, it’s all about “stocking stuffer” foods, a.k.a. the small foods, a.k.a. appetizers! Get it? Anyway, have a finger food focused dinner party to ring in the holidays!

ATTIRE: No specific attire is recommended, but make sure you’re comfortable enough to eat all the goodies!

FOOD: From pigs in a blanket and charcuterie boards to crostini and puff pastry recipes, there are countless holiday appetizer ideas out there. Here are some ideas from delish to get you inspired: 72 Christmas Appetizers For The Best Holiday Dinner. You may even consider doing shot-style drinks, such as Jell-O shots or cookie shots. And don’t forget about desserts! Make cookies, bars, mini cupcakes, or cheesecake bites.

DECORATIONS: Deck the halls with stockings and make your space feel warm and cozy.

---

---

OTHER: Put some fun, homey invitations together using Canva or using art supplies. For some fun party favors, get mini stockings and stuff them with candies and other fun goodies.

---

8. GLOBAL CHRISTMAS

THEME: Different cultures and countries celebrate the holidays in various ways. Embrace this idea by have a “global Christmas” potluck. Thisidea will allow you and your group to explore other cultures, try different types of delicious foods, and celebrate Christmas in a unique way.

ATTIRE: No specific attire is needed here; go fancy, casual, or cozy – up to you!

FOOD: This holiday party idea is all about the food (and drinks!). You can either have everyone choose a different country/culture, pick one overall country/culture for the party, or even have a bunch of countries/cultures in a hat and have everyone pick randomly. Then, once the countries/cultures are determined, people can bring food and drinks inspired by them. Here’s an article to get you inspired: 15 Christmas dishes from around the world.

DECORATIONS: If you choose one country/culture to inspire your party, perhaps you find decorations related to that. If it’s a bunch of different ones, perhaps you can make the flags of those countries to put by each dish, or find decorations inspired by the country.

OTHER: Create some on-theme invitations with Canva, and get your guests excited! Be sure to determine the countries/cultures ahead of time so everyone has a chance to plan. You might also consider doing a fun activity at this gathering, such as Christmas trivia from around the world. This is a fun way to learn about other cultures, get in a festive spirit, and have a little friendly competition. Here’s a quiz with some sample trivia questions: Christmas quiz: How well do you know these holiday celebrations around the world? You might even look up Christmas traditions from different countries and take part in those during your party. For a fun party favor, you can give snacks from around the world, or travel accessories like bag tags or a passport case.

---

---

9. SLEIGH THE HOLIDAYS

THEME: In other words, slay the holidays! This is a fun way of saying, host a fancy dinner party! Dress up, eat fancy foods, set the table, and find some elegant decorations. This is a great Christmas party theme if your group wants to do something a bit extra and have a glamorous night!

ATTIRE: Wear elegant dresses and heels, suits, tuxes, or whatever else makes you feel fancy!

---

---

---

---

---

FOOD: Cook a three course meal, or more! Some ideas include oysters Rockefeller, beef wellington, crab cakes, scallops, risotto, or salmon. Check out this blog from epicurious with impressive dish ideas: 107 Main Course Recipes That Are Worthy of a Dinner Party. Dessert is also a necessary course – try your hand at a crème brûlée, chocolate lava cake, an apple tart, or an olive oil cake. Be sure to also have drinks; if your group likes wine, get a few bottles! Or, you can set up a bar/cocktail station. You can even hire a private chef if you want to go all out!

DECORATIONS: Think classy and elegant – twinkly lights, a more muted color palette, and aesthetic arrangements. Make a fancy center piece arrangement, put name cards out for your guests, set the table with some fancy-looking dishware and napkins, and create a menu for the evening. These little touches will make all the difference and in creating an extra elegant and special gathering.

OTHER: Be sure to send out an invitation to your guests! Include the time, date, theme, and dress code so they know the vibe. At your dinner table, you can also set out a nice little party favor, such as a candle, fancy candies, or personalized item.

---

10. THE NUTCRACKER

THEME: The Nutcracker is a classic holiday favorite – turn it into a Christmas party theme! You can draw tons of inspiration from the characters, sets, and story in general. This is a fun, whimsical idea to get you and your guests in a magical, Christmas-y mood! Of course, there are many variations of the story, so pick one you’re most familiar with.

ATTIRE: There are countless beautiful, intricate, costumes to inspire an outfit! From the Snow Queen and nutcracker attire to the sugar plum fairies and the Mouse King, there are many options. If you’re not into costumes, dress elegantly like you’re attending The Nutcracker, or grab inspiration from the colors of certain characters or scenes – there’s a lot of pinks, purples, blues, and reds.

---

---

---

FOOD: Get inspired by the story of The Nutcracker! Make a charcuterie board or cheese-y appetizer based on the Mouse King. Or, make white foods inspired by the Land of Snow. You can even have a German feast, as the production takes place in Germany. Of course, you also need desserts to represent the Land of the Sweets. Make a dessert table inspired by the dances related to chocolate, coffee, candy canes, and more. Get candies, cookies, macarons, bars, cakes, and whatever else you can think of. And think bright, pastel, whimsical colors. Don’t forget about drinks, as well! Make delicious cocktails/mocktails inspired by these same characters and scenes. Be creative with presentation and serving as well!

DECORATIONS: Find all the nutcracker decorations and whatever else matches the vibe. Again, draw inspiration from the various scenes and characters! You may find fun garlands and lights, a table runner, snowflakes, candy decorations, or sparkly balloons.

OTHER: Send out a Nutcracker themed invitation and let your guests know all the deets! If it’s a potluck, be sure to have people sign up for different dishes. You can give out mini nutcrackers, ornaments, or candies as fun party favors!

---

GET READY TO RING IN THE HOLIDAYS!

These Christmas party ideas will definitely make your gatherings memorable and magical. Pro tip: have more than one holiday party… you’re going to want to use multiple themes and get together with various groups!