Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
Holidays become 10x more fun with friends and family partying around your house and having the time of their lives. Take my word for it! But to throw the best Christmas parties that leave your guests talking well into the new year, you need more than just mistletoe magic.
We’re talking about bringing in the kind of festive flair that turns a regular gathering into a memorable celebration!
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy get-together with hot cocoa and carols or a full-on holiday extravaganza, this guide is here to help you shine.
Now, let’s deck the halls and make your Christmas party the highlight of the season.
1. Our Favorite Things Party
Why limit gift-giving to Secret Santa when you can host an “Our Favorite Things” party? Ask each guest to bring a few of their favorite items (think cozy socks, gourmet chocolates, or quirky gadgets) and exchange them with others. It’s a delightful way to discover new must-haves while sharing personal favorites with friends!
2. Paint Candles Together
Unleash your inner artist and create something beautiful with a candle-painting session! Provide plain candles and an array of paints for guests to design their own festive masterpieces. Not only is this a fun activity, but it also leaves everyone with a personalized keepsake to remember the night by.
3. Christmas Mimosa Bar
Elevate your party drinks with a chic Christmas Mimosa Bar! Set up a station with a variety of juices (cranberry, orange, and pomegranate are sure hits) and bubbly. Add garnishes like fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary for that extra festive flair. Cheers to a merry and bright celebration!
4. Christmas Charades
Bring out the laughter with a lively game of Christmas Charades! Create a list of holiday-themed phrases and characters for guests to act out, from Santa on vacation to a reindeer tangled in lights. It’s a surefire way to keep energy levels high and spirits even higher throughout the night.
5. Christmas Murder Mystery
Who doesn’t love a good whodunnit? Set the scene for a thrilling holiday mystery where guests dress up as Christmas characters and solve a festive crime. The only thing better than a cozy Christmas night is one filled with intrigue and laughter!
6. Hot Chocolate Bar Party
Turn up the heat with a DIY hot chocolate station! Think toppings galore—peppermint sticks, whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings. Want to spice things up for the adults? Add a “spiked” hot chocolate option. Cheers to warm cups and warmer hearts!
7. Pajama Party
Wrap yourself in warmth with an evening of cozy holiday pajamas and steaming hot cocoa. It’s the perfect low-key vibe for a snug night in, complete with laughter, stories, and maybe even a classic Christmas movie marathon!
8. S’mores by the Fire
There’s nothing quite like the crackling of a fire and the taste of winter-inspired s’mores. Whether you’re outdoors or by an indoor fireplace, s’mores with peppermint or gingerbread flavors will surely be the perfect winter treat.
9. Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt
Add a twist to the classic Secret Santa with a scavenger hunt! Hide gifts around the house or yard and give each person clues to find their secret Santa surprise. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving and laughing!
10. Holiday Mocktail/Cocktail Mixing Station
Shake up the holiday spirit with a DIY cocktail/mocktail bar! Mix festive drinks with ingredients like cranberry, cinnamon, and candy cane garnishes. It’s a celebration of flavors that everyone can enjoy.
11. Gingerbread House Competition
Unleash your guests’ creativity with a gingerbread house competition. Provide gingerbread pieces, frosting, and candy decorations. Whether they craft a masterpiece or a catastrophe, it’s sure to be a hilarious activity!
12. Around-the-World Christmas Feast
Why stick to just one tradition? Celebrate global cultures with a buffet featuring Christmas dishes from around the world, like Italy’s panettone or Mexico’s tamales. It’s a culinary trip that’ll delight taste buds and spark conversations.
13. Ugly Sweater Contest
Invite your guests to strut their stuff in the most hilariously hideous holiday sweaters they can find! Set up a runway (or just clear some space) and host a fashion show complete with prizes for the ugliest, funniest, and most creative designs.
14. Festive Fondue Party
Get dippin’ with a fondue station featuring chocolate and cheese! Add a holiday twist with themed dippers like candy canes, gingerbread, and cranberries. It’s a decadent treat that’s interactive and oh-so-delicious!
15. Christmas Karaoke
Warm up those vocal cords and get ready to belt out some holiday classics! Set up a karaoke machine or use a smartphone app. From “Jingle Bells” to Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” there’s a tune for everyone to love…or laugh at!
16. Holiday Cookie Decorating Station
Channel your inner baker with a DIY cookie decorating station. Provide plain cookies, colorful icing, and a variety of sprinkles so guests can personalize their sweet creations. It’s a deliciously fun activity for all ages!
17. Christmas Caroling Challenge
Turn your party into a stage with a Christmas caroling challenge. Split your guests into teams and have them perform a carol. Award points for creativity, enthusiasm, and, of course, singing ability!
18. Ornament Exchange
Host an ornament exchange where each guest brings a wrapped ornament. Draw numbers and take turns picking gifts, or steal an unwrapped ornament from someone else. It’s a spirited twist on gift-giving!
Related articles to Christmas party ideas
- Ready to Stir Up Some Holiday Mischief? 12 Christmas Gift Exchange Games That’ll Have Everyone Cracking Up
- 15 Christmas Wreaths So Spectacular, Even Rudolph Would Take a Selfie with Them
- 36 Must-Watch Christmas Movies That Should Be on Everyone’s List
- 7 BIG Christmas 2024 Trends That Are Going to Be Everywhere, EVERYWHERE
- All the Christmas Cheer, No Sticker Shock—Gifts for Every Budget!
- Here are 33 Dreamiest Christmas Wallpapers to Light Up Your Screen (Like Literally)
