If there’s a perfect time to host a party, it’s during the holiday season. However, with numerous festivities happening simultaneously, it’s easy for your gathering to fade into the background. As a host aiming for a memorable soirée, you’ll want to stand out from the rest.
In the planning of your holiday party, push your creative boundaries. This not only adds excitement to the process but also increases the likelihood that your guests will remember your exceptional effort. To assist you, we’ve compiled 15 distinct holiday party ideas that align with your celebration objectives. Whether you’re aiming for a lighthearted or sophisticated atmosphere, don’t shy away from going the extra mile. This is your opportunity to create a holiday memory that lasts—and perhaps establishes a tradition for years to come.
01 Retro Winter Wonderland Dance
Remember the excitement of a winter wonderland dance as a kid? Recapture that magic, minus the awkward phase, with this throwback-themed party. Invite friends to dress in ’80s or ’90s-style formalwear, set up a nostalgic photo booth, and create a dance floor with throwback hits.
Menu Idea: Channeling the school dance vibe, offer a buffet of easy finger foods like cheesy waffle cups with popcorn chicken.
02 Cozy Pajama Party
Encourage guests to wear their coziest holiday-themed pajamas for a relaxed and festive gathering. Create a snug atmosphere with fuzzy blankets, floor pillows, and maybe even a small fort. Enjoy classic holiday films like White Christmas or The Holiday.
Menu Idea: Keep it simple with movie-friendly snacks like popcorn and candy.
03 Tropical Escape
Bring the beach to your winter celebration by hosting a tropical escape. Ask guests to dress in vacation-ready outfits, decorate with island-inspired décor, and set up a photo booth with raffia and fake palms.
Menu Idea: Embrace the tropical theme with colorful and flavorful dishes like hot honey pineapple wedges.
04 Holiday Happy Hour
For a lighthearted and shorter gathering, host a holiday happy hour. Serve festive big batch cocktails and appetizers, and set a specific early evening time. Consider adding entertainment like a football game or a dartboard.
Menu Idea: Offer a variety of cocktails, such as the frosted Moscow mule, and include non-alcoholic options for everyone.
05 Santa Showdown Extravaganza
Bring out the playful side of your friends with a Santa Showdown costume party. Encourage guests to dress as Santa, and host a costume contest with creative outfits. The winner receives a trophy, and others can join the fun by dressing as reindeer, elves, or snowmen/women.
Menu Idea: Embrace the festive spirit with chocolate-dipped almond cookies and bourbon milk.
06 Cozy Classic Dinner Party
Create a warm and intimate atmosphere with a classic dinner party. Keep the guest list small, design a full menu with appetizers and desserts, and prepare conversation topics. Consider assigning seats to minimize any awkwardness.
Menu Idea: Serve comforting dishes like honey mustard chicken and vegetables.
07 Movie-Themed Costume Extravaganza
Celebrate the holiday season by hosting a movie-themed costume party. Ask guests to dress as their favorite holiday movie characters, creating a lively and cinematic atmosphere. Play movies in the background to enhance the theme.
Menu Idea: Tailor the menu to include foods from various holiday movies, like a cheese pizza inspired by Home Alone.
08 Hanukkah Potluck Celebration
Host a casual and festive Hanukkah potluck party by asking friends to bring classic Hanukkah dishes. Assign dishes such as latkes and sufganiyot, and prepare a larger main dish like brisket. Serve everything buffet style for a relaxed gathering.
Menu Idea: Feature latkes with a unique twist for a delightful Hanukkah dish.
09 Crafty Holiday Card Decorating Bash
Gather your crafty friends for a holiday card-decorating party. Set up a photo booth and provide supplies like cardstock, glitter, stencils, and stickers. Have friends make various holiday cards together and conclude the party by mailing them together.
Menu Idea: Keep it light with Cheesy Chili Baked Potato Fries, perfect for munching while crafting.
10 Ski Lodge Outdoor Extravaganza
Transform your outdoor space into a ski lodge for a cozy holiday party. String lights, light up a fire pit, and encourage guests to wear après-ski outfits. Roast marshmallows, serve hot chocolate, and set up board games for a delightful outdoor experience.
Menu Idea: Focus on small bites and chocolate desserts, like Delicious Peanut Butter Cups.
11 Ugly Sweater Brunch Bash
Host a daytime gathering with an ugly sweater twist. Make it an at-home brunch, serving classic dishes like waffles and cinnamon rolls. Offer various mimosa options, including orange juice, grapefruit juice, and pomegranate juice.
Menu Idea: Serve brunch classics like Coffee Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing.
12 Decorate-the-Tree Social
Invite friends to join you in decorating the Christmas tree. Provide snacks like a charcuterie board as a thank-you for their help.
Menu Idea: Alongside the charcuterie, offer snack-worthy items such as popcorn and trail mix, paired with sparkling water or iced tea.
13 Craft a Hot Chocolate Haven
Warm up your guests with a hot chocolate bar featuring artisanal cocoa mixes and homemade marshmallows. Balance out the sweetness with savory options like chips and pretzels.
14 Host a Holiday Cookie Swap Extravaganza
For the baking enthusiasts, organize a holiday cookie swap where everyone brings a batch of their favorite cookies. Set up a milk bar with various options, including whole milk and plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, and soy milk.
15 Embark on an International Culinary Journey
Celebrate Christmas around the world by asking guests to bring dishes inspired by different cultures. Create an eclectic menu, and have guests provide information cards for cultural context.
Menu Idea: Include dishes like tamales, symbolizing Latinx cultures, and the Feast of the Seven Fishes, common in Italian communities.