21 Best Christmas Themes You Should Try for Your Next Holiday Party
Yule have a blast with these creative, fun themes.
Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
You know how everyone always says, "We should get together," but then things get busy and you never do? Well, let's do it now! It's the time of year for holiday cheer—and besides, your house is already decorated! Sure, we know you're busy and can't imagine how you're going to get every gift wrapped and Christmas cookie baked. But take a deep breath: Why are you doing all of this anyhow? Isn't spending time with the people you love the most important part of the season? That's why we've rounded up the best Christmas themes out there so you can choose one to center a party or get-together around.
But forget making sure your house is perfectly clean. Forget the five-course Christmas dinner. We promise people won't check to see if you've dusted the baseboards or whipped up all the Christmas desserts from scratch. Sure, that's awesome if you love doing that stuff, but don't let perfectionism stop you from enjoying this time of year. Here, we've got a bunch of easy-to-pull-off Christmas party theme ideas that you'll love and your guests will remember for years. Whether you want to have a Christmas movie viewing, a Christmas wreath-making party, or something else entirely, we're sure any of our fun Christmas themes will bring out the reason for the season.
Holiday Movie Night Christmas Theme
Gather everyone together to binge-watch classic Christmas movies. Matching Christmas pajamas are optional, but festive popcorn snack packs served in old holiday cookie tins and popcorn stars are a must! Pack holiday themed socks in these vintage Christmas candy boxes for guests to take home as a party favor.
Cocktail Party Christmas Theme
It's no secret that eggnog is the king of Christmas cocktails, but we don't think you should stop there. Have everyone bring their signature drink, or play bartender and whip up a few yourself! (You can even make non-alcoholic Christmas drinks too to include little ones.)
White Elephant Christmas Theme
This classic game is pretty much like Secret Santa, but with a twist. Each guest brings a gift to the party (usually a cheap present or gag gift), then everyone takes turns choosing a gift to open, which can be stolen by another guest or exchanged along the way. Things can get hilarious and competitive rather quickly.
Get the full tutorial at Game On Family.
Country Christmas Theme
Trim a tree made from bales of hay, cook up some holiday-themed comfort food, and listen to your favorite country Christmas songs for a good old country Christmas bash.
Ugly Sweater Party Christmas Theme
If you're having trouble coming up with the perfect theme for your holiday bash, you can always throw an ugly sweater party. This tried-and-true idea is popular for a reason—it's so hilarious to see everyone dressed up in their holiday worst.
Pajama Party Christmas Theme
Everyone loves cozying up next to a warm fire in their matching Christmas pajamas. So this December, make your holiday party dress code super casual and invite everyone to come over in their winter woolies!
Deck the Halls Christmas Theme
Haven't had the chance to decorate yet? No problem—let others help you! Pull out the ornaments and lights, set up the Christmas tree before anyone arrives, then let them all get down to business. Serve casual foods like dips and chips, fruit skewers, and mini sandwich platters that you can pick up at the local deli. Give everyone a small ornament to take home.
Cookie Decorating Christmas Theme
Set out pre-baked sugar or gingerbread cookies, then place bowls of sprinkles, colored sugar, and frosting on the counter. This idea works equally well for kids and adults. Bonus: Provide aprons they can wear and take home with them!
White Christmas Theme
Why dream of a white Christmas when you can create your own? Deck the halls with white and silver décor and assemble your white artificial Christmas tree. Then use your crystal and vintage milk glass or ironstone dishes as the backdrop, and provide plenty of treats that mimic the beauty of snow, like meringue snowflake cookies and white hot chocolate.
Dessert Buffet Christmas Theme
Who doesn't love holiday desserts? Set up a buffet with cookies, candy, cakes, and cupcakes, and you've got a hit. Or ask people to bring their favorite desserts to lighten your party prep.
Brunch Christmas Theme
Change it up and get your BFFs together for a Christmas-themed brunch! Set out platters of make-ahead dishes such as egg bakes, blueberry-pecan pancake bread pudding, gingerbread rolls, fresh fruit, and bacon. Don't forget to mix up a pitcher of mimosas!
Chili and Soup Buffet Christmas Theme
If everyone is so cold they can't stand it, borrow a couple of slow cookers and set them up in a row for this "soup-er" buffet. Offer a variety of winter soups and chili, such as pumpkin soup, butternut squash soup, and various chili recipes. Don’t forget the toppers like shredded cheese, onions, and croutons!
Ornament-Making Christmas Theme
Sit and catch up while you create ornaments for your tree. Christmas appetizers and wine are all you need to serve. Even if you're not the craftiest, ornament-making kits take you step-by-step through the process. Plus, everyone gets to take an ornament home with them.
Holiday Movie Night Christmas Theme
Gather everyone together to binge-watch classic Christmas movies. Matching Christmas pajamas are optional, but festive snack foods like popcorn stars and easy baguette pizzas are a must.
Wreath-Making Christmas Theme
Gather a few basics, like faux fir or grapevine wreaths, pine cones, dollar store ornaments and ribbon, and fire up your glue guns. Set out some light bites and sips to enjoy with your pals as you create your own holiday masterpieces to display all season long.
Potluck Christmas Theme
Absolutely nothing is easier to coordinate than a potluck, since everyone pitches in and brings a dish. You can coordinate who's bringing what (salad versus dessert, for example), or just go with the flow and let everyone bring what they feel like.
Gingerbread House Christmas Theme
Ready, set, decorate! Divide guests into teams, set a timer, and create categories such as "best in show" or "most creative." Buy pre-made ready-to-decorate kits to save yourself time. Serve light appetizers and Christmas cocktails (though you can make a non-alcoholic batch for the kids!).
Wine and Cheese Christmas Theme
What's easier or more elegant to serve than wine and cheese? Pick a few whites and reds, then a couple of salty things (nuts, mixed olives, and salami), and couple of sweet flavors (dried fruits, jams, and honey). Finish off with grapes, berries, and two or three different kinds of crackers.
Caroling Christmas Theme
Channel Charles Dickens and get some friends together to go door to door in your neighborhood to sing old-time Christmas carols. Hint: You don't have to be good, just loud. Yes, this Christmas party theme is old-fashioned, but that's part of the charm. Finish off with hot cocoa or Irish coffee and cookies at your house.
Cozy Bonfire Christmas Theme
Besides getting the bonfire going, drape tables with buffalo plaid table runners or blankets, lots of faux fur accessories, red candles, and even scarves and mittens. Serve up homey foods like a baked potato bar, mac and cheese, and hot apple cider.
51 On-Trend Gifts for Even the Pickiest Teens
How to Get Your Amaryllis to Bloom Again Next Year
The Meaning of a Bird's Nest Christmas Ornament
Vintage Christmas Eve Pics to Make You Nostalgic
