The holiday season is all about making memories with those you love. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or a simple gathering to celebrate the season, there’s something magical about spending time with family and friends. But how do you make your holiday party stand out? What activities can you plan that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got 26 fantastic holiday party ideas to make your celebration one to remember.
From fun games and delicious treats to cozy activities and meaningful traditions, this list has it all. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small intimate get-together, there’s something here for every holiday party style. So, let’s dive into some creative and engaging ideas that will bring your holiday spirit to life!
1. Holiday Movie Marathon
Everyone loves cozying up with loved ones to watch holiday movies, but why not take it up a notch? Set up a holiday movie marathon featuring all your family’s favorites! Whether it’s the heartwarming classics like Home Alone or Elf, or the festive musicals like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, you can create a themed movie night complete with cozy blankets and popcorn stations.
To make it even more fun, consider hosting a holiday movie trivia game between films. Have guests answer questions about famous holiday scenes, quotes, or characters. This adds a competitive twist and keeps the energy high during the marathon.
2. DIY Holiday Craft Station
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by creating your own decorations and gifts? Set up a DIY craft station with supplies for making holiday cards, ornaments, or even little gifts for each other. You can provide items like colored paper, markers, stickers, glue, glitter, and ribbons, and let everyone’s creativity flow.
This activity is perfect for all ages, and it gives everyone a chance to make something unique to take home as a memento of the day. Plus, it’s a great way to bond over a shared creative experience while chatting and laughing together.
3. Holiday Cookie Decorating Contest
Cookies and holidays go hand in hand. But how about adding a twist by turning cookie decorating into a fun competition? You can bake a batch of simple sugar cookies, then provide frosting, sprinkles, and various edible decorations for everyone to decorate their own cookies. You could even offer prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Festive.”
This idea works well as a group activity, especially for kids, but adults will enjoy it just as much. You can all sit down together and enjoy the delicious results afterward with a warm cup of hot cocoa or cider.
4. Ugly Sweater Contest
Who doesn’t love a good laugh at a holiday party? Turn the traditional ugly sweater contest into an event by encouraging everyone to wear their tackiest, most over-the-top holiday sweaters. You can host a fashion show-style contest where each participant walks the “runway” to showcase their festive attire.
To make it even more fun, offer a variety of categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” and “Most Festive.” The winner of each category gets a fun prize, and you’ll have plenty of hilarious photos to look back on!
5. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Add some adventure to your holiday party with a festive scavenger hunt! Create a list of holiday-themed items for your guests to find around the house or outside. You can hide ornaments, small gifts, or seasonal decorations for participants to locate, or even create challenges they must complete, such as singing a Christmas carol or acting out a scene from a holiday movie.
This activity works great for all ages and can be easily adapted to suit your party’s theme or location. It’s an exciting way to keep everyone engaged and moving around while having fun!
6. Hot Chocolate Bar
There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot cocoa to get into the holiday spirit, so why not turn your hot chocolate station into a self-serve bar? Set up a table with a variety of hot chocolate options, including milk, dark, and white chocolate, along with plenty of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, chocolate chips, and cinnamon.
This allows your guests to customize their drinks just the way they like them. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy a holiday favorite while socializing with friends and family.
7. Christmas Carol Karaoke
Sing your heart out this holiday season with a fun karaoke session featuring everyone’s favorite Christmas carols. Create a festive playlist of popular holiday songs, such as “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Deck the Halls,” and let guests take turns belting out their favorite tunes.
Karaoke is a fantastic way to bring laughter and joy to your party, especially if you get a little creative with the performances. You can even add a competitive edge by offering prizes for the best, funniest, or most enthusiastic singers.
8. Gingerbread House Decorating Challenge
Get your creativity flowing with a gingerbread house decorating competition. Purchase pre-made gingerbread house kits or bake your own gingerbread pieces ahead of time. Then, divide guests into teams or let them work solo to decorate their houses with frosting, candy, and other edible goodies.
This challenge is perfect for all ages and allows for plenty of bonding time. You’ll be amazed at the variety of designs that come out of this activity, and it’s a great way to make delicious holiday memories!
9. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
A classic holiday tradition that never goes out of style is the Secret Santa gift exchange. Set a price limit for the gifts, and have each participant draw a name to determine who they will be buying for. The twist? No one knows who their Secret Santa is until the gifts are revealed.
This tradition is a great way to add a little surprise and excitement to your holiday gathering. Plus, it’s an excellent way for everyone to exchange thoughtful gifts without the pressure of overspending.
10. Holiday Karaoke Party
Everyone loves a good sing-along, especially during the holidays. Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app to let guests perform their favorite Christmas songs. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just in it for fun, holiday karaoke is sure to add some lighthearted entertainment to your celebration.
Make it even more festive by creating a holiday-themed playlist and encouraging participants to dress up in fun holiday costumes or accessories. This is one holiday tradition that will have everyone laughing and singing along!
11. Winter Wonderland Photo Booth
Capture all the fun with a winter wonderland photo booth! Set up a space with holiday-themed props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and festive signs. You can use a backdrop with snowy scenes, Christmas trees, or twinkling lights to create a magical atmosphere.
Guests will love snapping fun photos with friends and family, and you’ll end up with tons of memorable pictures to look back on for years to come. Be sure to provide a camera or smartphone with a tripod, or ask a few willing volunteers to play photographer for the day.
12. Holiday Bingo
Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo? Put a holiday twist on this classic game by creating custom bingo cards filled with holiday-themed items like candy canes, ornaments, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. You can use M&Ms or mini marshmallows as markers to add to the festive fun.
Holiday Bingo is a simple yet engaging game that everyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for all ages and is easy to adapt to fit your party’s theme. Plus, you can offer small prizes for the winners!
13. Snowball Fight (Indoor)
Snowball fights are a beloved winter tradition, but what if you don’t have snow? No problem! Create an indoor snowball fight with soft, white fabric balls or cotton balls. Set up a designated snowball zone where guests can throw “snowballs” at each other, or divide everyone into teams for a friendly competition.
This is a fantastic activity for kids, but adults will enjoy it just as much. It’s a great way to burn off some energy and have a blast with friends and family.
14. DIY Ornament Crafting
Nothing says the holidays like personalized ornaments, so why not make your own? Set up a crafting station with clear glass or plastic ornaments, glitter, paint, ribbons, and other decorative items. Guests can create their own unique ornaments to hang on their tree or give as gifts.
This creative activity is a fun way to make your party more memorable and gives guests something personal to take home. Plus, it’s an activity that everyone, from kids to adults, can enjoy.
15. Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
Want to make your tree decorating more exciting? Turn it into a friendly competition! Provide everyone with a small tree or a section of a larger tree, and let them decorate it with their own unique style. Offer categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Festive,” and “Best Use of Tinsel” for added fun.
This activity lets everyone get creative while adding a personal touch to the holiday decor. You can even invite guests to vote on their favorite tree decorations, adding an element of suspense and excitement.
16. S’mores Station
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of s’mores during the holiday season. Set up a s’mores station with graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows, and let guests toast their marshmallows over a small fire pit or in the oven. You can even mix it up with flavored chocolates or unique additions like peanut butter cups or caramel.
S’mores are perfect for an outdoor winter gathering or as a cozy treat for guests to enjoy inside. It’s a delicious way to keep everyone warm and satisfied during your holiday party.
17. Holiday Themed Pictionary
Pictionary is always a crowd favorite, and it’s even better when you add a holiday twist! Create
a list of holiday-themed words or phrases for guests to draw, such as “snowman,” “sleigh ride,” or “Santa’s workshop.” Divide your guests into teams and see which team can guess the most answers correctly.
Holiday Pictionary is an easy and fun game that will have everyone laughing as they try to draw and guess holiday-related terms. It’s a great activity for groups of all ages.
18. DIY Holiday Gift Wrapping Station
One of the most tedious parts of the holiday season is wrapping gifts, but it doesn’t have to be a chore! Set up a DIY gift wrapping station with plenty of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and gift tags. Guests can wrap their gifts together, adding their own personal touches and creative flair.
This is a great activity to make gift wrapping more fun and interactive. Plus, it’s a great way to help everyone get their gifts ready in time for the holidays.
19. Holiday Charades
Charades is a classic party game, and it’s even more fun with a holiday twist. Create a list of holiday-related actions or phrases for your guests to act out, such as “decorating the Christmas tree” or “riding in a sleigh.” Divide guests into teams and let the fun begin!
Holiday Charades is a fantastic icebreaker and gets everyone involved in the fun. Whether you’re acting out holiday movies, songs, or traditions, this game is sure to keep the energy high.
20. Festive Drinks and Cocktail Bar
Set up a bar area with festive holiday cocktails, mocktails, and drinks for guests to enjoy. You can offer classic options like eggnog, mulled wine, or spiced cider, along with fun, creative drinks that feature seasonal flavors like cranberry, peppermint, or cinnamon.
Having a drink station gives your guests plenty of options and allows them to mix and match flavors to find their favorite holiday drink. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday party, adding flavor and fun to the celebration.
21. Holiday Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge of all things holiday with a fun trivia game. Prepare a list of holiday-themed questions, ranging from general knowledge to pop culture and history. You can even split everyone into teams for some added competition.
Holiday Trivia is a great way to get guests talking and laughing while learning some fun facts. You can reward winners with festive prizes, making the game even more exciting.
22. Gift Exchange Games
If you want to make your gift exchange more interesting, try playing a fun gift exchange game! The “White Elephant” or “Yankee Swap” is a popular option, where participants draw numbers and pick a gift from a pile. The catch? Gifts can be stolen from others, adding an element of surprise and strategy to the game.
This twist on gift exchanges adds an extra layer of excitement and guarantees plenty of laughs as guests try to steal the best presents.
23. Holiday Karaoke Lip Sync Battle
Not everyone feels comfortable singing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t participate in the fun! Host a lip sync battle where guests perform popular holiday songs, but without the pressure of actually singing. The catch is to put on an entertaining show with exaggerated movements, costumes, and facial expressions.
This playful activity adds lots of energy to the party and gives everyone a chance to shine. Whether you have a seasoned performer or someone who just loves to laugh, this game is sure to entertain.
24. Snowman Relay Race
If you’re looking for a physical activity, organize a snowman relay race! Set up a course where guests have to roll up “snowballs” (made of white plastic balls, cotton, or pillows) and race to assemble a snowman. This activity works great for kids but can be fun for adults too!
The race adds some physical fun and excitement to your party. It’s also a great way to get everyone moving and laughing together.
25. Holiday Piñata
Piñatas aren’t just for birthdays; they’re great for holiday parties too! Hang a holiday-themed piñata filled with candy, small toys, or other goodies. Blindfold the participants, hand them a bat or stick, and let them take turns trying to break it open.
This activity is perfect for kids but also brings out the playful spirit in adults. After the piñata is busted, everyone gets to enjoy the treats inside!
26. Holiday Light Tour
If your neighborhood is known for its impressive holiday decorations, why not organize a holiday light tour? Gather your friends and family and take a stroll or drive through the best-decorated streets, marveling at the dazzling lights and festive displays.
This relaxing activity is perfect for a peaceful evening out with loved ones. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season and appreciate the beauty of festive lights together.
Conclusion
The holiday season is all about making memories, sharing joy, and enjoying the company of those you love. With these 26 holiday party ideas, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable celebration full of fun, laughter, and festive cheer. Whether you’re planning a laid-back gathering or a big bash, these activities will keep everyone entertained and connected. So get creative, plan ahead, and enjoy the time spent with your family and friends. Happy holidays!