33 Fun Christmas Party Themes: Unusual And Classy Ideas to Elevate Your Holiday
Looking for fun Christmas party themes that are a little different this year? Want to add a touch of class or a dash of cool while keeping the festive fun alive?
Whether you’re planning a gathering with family, friends or hosting an office party, this list of unusual and classy Christmas party ideas will inspire you to make this year’s holiday bash truly special.
From creative takes on pop culture to timeless elegance, these themes will help you plan the perfect event that captures the magic of the season.
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It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a large group or a cosy get-together, these holiday party ideas will bring the festive vibes to your celebration in all the best ways.
Classy, Quirky, and Totally Fun Themes That Will Wow Your Guests
Ready to start planning your party? Let’s dive into the list of party themes so you can get planning.
1. 12 Days of Christmas
Celebrate each verse of the classic carol with décor, games, and party food inspired by each of the 12 days.
Décor
Create playful centrepieces with miniature figurines or festive ornaments symbolising each day of the carols
- Mini drumsticks
- Golden ring napkin holders
- A pear tree
Decorate the room with banners or signs displaying lyrics from each verse or take key phrases from each verse.
Food & Drink
Serve themed treats inspired by each day, like “Five Golden Rings” onion rings or pear-flavoured cocktails in honour of the partridge.
Mini milk bottles with striped straws are a cute nod to the “maids a-milking”.
You don’t have to fill them with milk!! Maybe you could fill them with eggnog?!
Games & Activities
Organise a “12 Days” scavenger hunt where each clue is tied to a verse, leading to small seasonal prizes.
Dress Code
Invite guests to dress up as their favourite verse—think “lords-a-leaping” with crowns, or a “geese-a-laying” ensemble for those who like to go the extra mile with their costumes!
2. A Christmas Carol – Turn That Frown Upside Down!
Transport guests to Dickensian London with a theme inspired by A Christmas Carol, complete with Victorian costumes, festive treats, and ironic Scrooge-like charm, where everyone is challenged to ‘turn that frown upside down’ by having the best party ever!
Décor
Raid a thrift store for antique candelabras, vintage clocks, and worn, looking classic books as table decorations.
Create a “foggy” London effect with a dry ice machine.
Food & Drink
Serve traditional treats like mince pies, roasted chestnuts, and spiced mulled wine or cider in vintage mugs.
Activities
How about having a “Scrooge’s Resolutions” wall where guests write their resolutions to do something for the greater good.
Dress Code
Challenge everyone to come dressed head to toe in Victorian outfits.
Or, put together a dressing up box that guests can dive into. Fill it with an assortment of Victorian style accessories and pieces of clothing.
3. A Winter Wonderland
Choosing a winter wonderland theme is a chance to create a magical, frosty partyscape with glittering snowflakes, icy blues, and plenty of sparkle.
Décor
Frosted blues, icy whites, and a sprinkling of glitter or snow spray will instantly transform your space.
Festoon the party venue with white fairy lights. Get your kids or willing adults to create simple white paper snowflakes for you to hang.
Scatter faux fur blankets and light candles (or use faux candles) in storm vases to create a cosy yet frosty atmosphere.
Food & Drink
Break out the peppermint hot chocolate and snowy frosted cupcakes.
Come up with a signature winter cocktail like peppermint martinis in frosted glasses.
Consider going all out and having an ice luge for drinks.
Activities
How about setting up a DIY snow globe station? This would also double up as guests creating their own party favours.
Dress Code
Guests can wear icy blue or white, or even metallic shades to add to the winter wonderland theme. Faux fur accessories are perfect for warmth and style.
4. Bad Elf on the Shelf
Add a mischievous twist to your Christmas party with naughty elf décor, cheeky cocktails, and a playful scavenger hunt.
Décor
Position cheeky elf characters in unexpected spots (dangling from lights, hiding in plants).
Use lots of red and green to keep things bold, and include props like oversized candy canes for added festive delight.
Food & Drink
Serve “elf-sized” sliders, mini candy canes, and mischievous drinks like “Grinch’s Punch” in green hues.
Naughty elf shots add a playful twist for adults. Especially if you serve them in these “Let’s Get Elfed Up” shot glasses.
Activities
Organise a “naughty elf” scavenger hunt, with hidden elves throughout the venue—each one could contain a “dare” or cheeky prize for added fun.
Dress Code
Dare everyone to come dressed as an Elf! Think red and green with quirky elf hats, pointy shoes…
You could even have an Elf-Dressed contest with prizes for the best dressed elf or elves.
5. Bad Santa
Take inspiration from the Bad Santa movie and challenge everyone to bring their best Billy Bob Thornton style Santa vibes to the party.
Décor
Hang up a “naughty list” where guests can add their names or jot down playful confessions.
Use dark reds, black accents, and mini coal piles for a bit of cheeky fun.
Food & Drink
Eggnog is essential, it’s Bad Santa’s favourite!
Put together a few Christmas Snack Boards for everyone to forage from.
Activities
Set up a “naughty or nice” photo booth with fun props like devil horns, halos, and oversized Santa hats.
Dress Code
Challenge everyone to come dressed as Bad Santa from the movie.
6. Black and Gold
Want to go for upscale glamour? Black and Gold is an absolute classic theme, but you can still make it fun!
Décor
Use black tablecloths, gold confetti, and gold accessories for ultimate sophistication.
Gold candles or tea lights and glitter-filled balloons will make the space feel rich and festive.
Food & Drink
Champagne or sparkling wine is a must. How about serving it in gold-rimmed glasses or flutes?
Gold-dusted chocolate truffles and black and gold macarons are elegant add something special to an upscale theme.
Dress Code
Encourage glamorous black and gold attire for that extra touch of sparkle. Think sequins, satin, and metallic accessories.
Set up a golden glitter bar for face glitter or body paint, so guests can add a bit of shimmer for the night.
7. Cute Candy Canes
Sweeten up your holiday celebration with a candy cane theme.
Décor
Think red and white striped everything! Use candy cane garlands, peppermint-scented candles, and table settings with striped runners for a sweet, nostalgic feel.
Food & Drink
Peppermint hot chocolate, candy cane cocktails, and red and white desserts like peppermint bark or striped cupcakes are crowd-pleasers.
Dress Code
Red and white stripes or candy cane-inspired outfits are encouraged for a whimsical, sweet look.
8. Christmas Masquerade Ball
Bring an air of mystique to your party by hosting a masquerade ball.
Décor
Rich, luxurious fabrics, candlelight, and a deep colour palette (think burgundy, navy, and gold) will create a glamorous setting.
Food & Drink
Elegant sparkling cocktails, champagne, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres create a sophisticated experience.
Sweeten everyone up with dark chocolate treats or truffles for a touch of indulgence.
Activities
Organise a “mask reveal” photo area.
You could also organise a dance session where guests can try a simple ballroom dance.
Dress Code
Formal attire with elaborate masks. Sequins, feathers, and lace are all welcome for a look of mystery and elegance.
9. Christmas Movie Marathon
Want to go for a low-key gathering rather than full on party? Host a cosy Christmas movie marathon. It’s a great way to have a laid-back evening with your favourite people.
Décor
Set up a cinema-style viewing area with plenty of cushions, soft blankets, and fairy lights for a Christmassy vibe.
Go the extra mile and put up posters of classic Christmas movies like Home Alone or of course, Die Hard!!!
Food & Drink
Serve popcorn in classic popcorn boxes. How about having a big bowl full of candy pick ‘n’ mix? Go nuts and create a Candy Salad.
Nachos come to mind, as do hot dogs and corn dogs.
But by far the easiest but most impressive way to please a hungry crowd is with a snack board or two brimming with sweet and savoury treats.
Have soda cans on hand to pass round or use your slow cooker to make a big batch of hot chocolate.
Activities
Well, let me see, what to do at a Christmas movie marathon!!! Of course you need to line up some great Christmas movies.
Use my Christmas Movie Bucket List template as an invitation and ask guests to complete their line up. Then you can see if there is consensus of what to watch.
10. Christmas Neon Party
Bring a bold on-trend vibe to your Christmas party with a neon-theme. I’ve got a whole post on how to put together a neon-themed party.
Décor
Set up neon signs with fun holiday messages, such as “Merry & Bright,” and decorate with glowing Christmas trees and neon baubles.
Incorporate black lights to make the colours pop and add glow-in-the-dark tape to surfaces for a glowing effect.
Food & Drink
Serve colourful neon cocktails and mocktails with glowing ice cubes, and add fun neon straws or glowing drink stirrers.
Neon-coloured cupcakes or frosted biscuits are super cute.
Activities
Create a UV light photo booth area where guests can pose with neon props.
A neon face paint station always goes down well – and can get quite messy!
Dress Code
Encourage guests to dress in bright neon colours or wear glowing accessories, like light-up necklaces or glow bracelets.
White and fluorescent hues work best for maximum neon impact!
11. Christmas Number Ones
Celebrate the best holiday chart-toppers with a theme centred around Christmas number-one hits and iconic music stars associated with Christmas.
Décor
You can really go to town with decor for this theme! How about raiding a thrift store for a bunch of old vinyl to string up as garlands, decorations and even to use as part of the tablescape decor.
Musical notes also make a great decor accent. Oh and how about printing out lyrics from some of the most-loved Christmas hits and framing them in gold frames?
Drink
Serve drinks named after popular Christmas songs, like “Last Christmas” punch or “Jingle Bell” shots.
Activities
Host a lip-sync battle or mini karaoke session where guests can perform their favourite Christmas hits.
Dress Code
Invite guests to dress as their favourite Christmas adjacent music stars—whether it’s Mariah Carey, Wham!, or the Shane McGowan from The Pogues.
12. Christmas on the Beach
Bring a tropical twist to Christmas with a beach-inspired party filled with Hawaiian shirts, tiki drinks, and island vibes.
Décor
Use beach inflatables as a quick and easy way to decorate. I’m thinking inflatable palm trees, beach balls, and unicorns.
String up leis and fairy lights for a tropical festive touch, and add some sand and shells to the tablescape.
Food & Drink
Serve tropical cocktails like piña coladas or mojitos in coconut cups, and offer mocktails like fruity punch with fresh fruit garnishes.
Finger foods like shrimp skewers, pineapple salsa, and mini sliders are perfect for a beach party. Maybe festoon them with mini candy canes for a Christmas-Beach vibe.
Activities
A limbo contest or Hawaiian hula dance-off can get everyone moving and bring the beach vibes to life.
Dress Code
Encourage guests to wear Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, flip-flops, and sunglasses.
13. Cosy Christmas Pyjama Party
Get everyone into the ultimate cosy mood with a Christmas pyjama party featuring snuggly décor, a hot chocolate bar, and festive PJs.
Décor
Decorate with soft blankets, fairy lights, and fluffy pillows to create a cosy atmosphere.
Hang twinkling string lights around the room and add some Christmas-themed cushions for an extra festive touch.
Food & Drink
Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and flavoured syrups.
Serve mini pancakes, popcorn, and cookies for an indulgent snack selection.
Activities
Build a giant pillow fort for a bit of added fun.
Take ideas from this Christmas sleepover guide (for kids!) over on Bigheartlittlestar.com.
Dress Code
PJs!! Oh and fluffy slippers… and eye masks and hair in rollers?!!
14. Die Hard
For die-hard (see what I did there?!) fans of the action-packed holiday classic, a “Die Hard” theme has to be the ultimate festive party.
Décor
Set the scene with action movie props like walkie-talkies, police tape, and cardboard “cityscape” cutouts.
And you HAVE to have a banner that says “Welcome to the Party, Pal!” as a knowing reference for fans of the film.
Food & Drink
Serve snacks inspired by the movie, like pretzels, mini pizzas.
How about a cocktail called “McClane’s Punch”?!
Drinks served in classic red party cups is also a nod to the classic action party vibe.
Activities
Organise an action movie trivia game, focusing on Die Hard and other classic films.
Dress Code
Encourage guests to dress as John McClane, Hans Gruber, or other characters from the movie. For those feeling bold, McClane’s classic white tank top and “battle scars” look can make a memorable costume.
15. Elf: The Movie
Bring the holiday cheer of Buddy the Elf to life with a theme inspired by Elf, complete with candy treats, colourful decorations, and movie magic.
Décor
Decorate with giant candy canes, snowflakes, and oversized paper snowballs to create Buddy’s playful North Pole aesthetic.
String up colourful paper chains and place a “World’s Best Cup of Coffee” sign for extra fun.
Food & Drink
Serve Buddy-inspired snacks like candy canes, candy corn, and chocolate syrup “elf treats.”
Add a hot chocolate station with options for adding maple syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles—just the way Buddy likes it!
Activities
Play clips of the movie in the background, or organise a “Buddy the Elf” quote trivia.
Dress Code
Encourage guests to dress as Buddy the Elf or in elf-adjacent red, white and green clothing.
16. Dress as a Christmas Bauble
This is truly one of the most creative themes, perfect for craft-loving guests.
Décor
Decorate with an abundance of glitter, tinsel, and Christmas tree ornaments.
Hang large, colourful baubles around the space and set up a sparkling photo backdrop for guests to capture their unique costumes.
Food & Drink
Serve glittery cocktails and sparkling mocktails with edible glitter and colourful garnishes.
Mini cupcakes with edible baubles on top and sparkly desserts like cake pops will add to the festive, bauble-inspired theme.
Activities
Well, it has to be a bauble costume contest, awarding prizes for the most creative, colourful, or glittery costumes.
Dress Code
I guess this one is pretty obvious… ask everyone to come dressed as a Christmas bauble! DIY baubles that is… I’m thinking foil and wire and all sorts of fun ways to create a Christmas bauble outfit!
Here are some other super fun party theme ideas…
17. Funny Christmas Hats
Make your Christmas party a laugh-out-loud affair with a “Funny Christmas Hats” theme. Guests can wear the silliest, most outrageous Christmas hats they can find, and you can hold a contest to see who has the funniest one.
18. Home Alone
Relive the mischief and fun of “Home Alone” with this party theme. Set up a “Home Alone”-inspired menu with mac ‘n’ cheese, pizza, and ice cream sundaes. Encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite characters from the movie.
19. Gingerbread House Building
Get hands-on with a gingerbread house building contest. Provide all the supplies, and let your guests compete to see who can create the most impressive (or hilariously disastrous) gingerbread house. Award prizes for creativity and style.
20. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Celebrate the chaos and hilarity of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Guests can come dressed as their favorite characters, and you can serve eggnog and host an ugly Christmas sweater contest.
21. Naughty or Nice
Add a cheeky twist to your Christmas party with a “Naughty or Nice” theme. Guests can choose to dress as either a naughty or nice character, and you can serve a mix of sinful treats and angelic goodies.
22. Ornament Making Party
Get crafty with an ornament making party. Set up a crafting station with all the supplies needed to make unique and personalized Christmas ornaments. Guests can take their creations home as party favors.
23. Palm Springs Heyday Christmas
Throw a glamorous Palm Springs-inspired Christmas party with a 1950s flair. Think spray tans, oversized sunglasses, and OTT glam. Decorate with bright colors and mid-century modern touches for that true Palm Springs vibe.
24. Snow and Ice
Create a frosty, magical atmosphere with a “Snow and Ice” theme. Decorate with plenty of white, silver, and blue, and add snowflake accents everywhere. Serve icy cocktails and frosty treats to complete the winter wonderland experience.
25. Stranger Things Christmas
Combine the spooky with the festive in a “Stranger Things Christmas” theme. Guests can dress as characters like Joyce, Eleven, or Steve, and you can decorate with colored fairy lights and vintage 1980s decor.
26. Tacky Tinsel
Get everyone laughing with a “Tacky Tinsel” theme. Encourage guests to craft their own tinsel-covered outfits or accessories, and award a prize for the most creative or ridiculous use of tinsel.
27. Tartan and Scotch
Add a bit of Scottish flair to your Christmas party with a “Tartan and Scotch” theme. Guests can dress in their best tartan outfits, and you can serve a selection of Scotch whiskies. Decorate with tartan blankets and traditional Scottish touches.
28. The Grinch
Bring Dr. Seuss’s beloved character to life with a “Grinch” theme. Guests can dress as the Grinch or other characters from Whoville, and you can serve green-themed snacks and drinks. Decorate with Who-ville inspired decorations and plenty of holiday cheer.
29. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Mix Halloween with Christmas in a “The Nightmare Before Christmas” theme. Encourage guests to come dressed as characters from the movie, and decorate with a mix of spooky and festive elements. Serve themed treats like Jack Skellington cupcakes.
30. The Nutcracker
Add a touch of elegance and tradition with a “Nutcracker” theme. Guests can dress as characters from the ballet, and you can decorate with nutcracker soldiers, snowflakes, and twinkling lights. Serve festive treats like sugar plum cookies and peppermint hot cocoa.
31. Tropical Christmas
Turn up the heat with a “Tropical Christmas” theme. Think Hawaiian shirts, lei necklaces, and tiki cocktails. Decorate with palm trees, pineapples, and plenty of bright, sunny colors to bring a bit of the tropics to your holiday celebration.
32. Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Make your Christmas party a cozy and fun affair with an “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” theme. Encourage guests to wear their most outrageous and over-the-top Christmas sweaters, adorned with everything from flashing lights to tinsel. Set up a photo booth to capture everyone’s festive fashion, and hold a contest to see who can claim the title of ugliest sweater. Complement the theme with hot cocoa, spiced cider, and plenty of holiday snacks.
33. Vintage Christmas
Step back in time with a “Vintage Christmas” theme. Encourage guests to dress up in Christmas outfits from a bygone era—whether it’s the roaring 1920s, the groovy 1970s, or any decade in between. Decorate with retro holiday decor, and play classic Christmas tunes from your chosen era. The nostalgic vibes will have everyone feeling festive and reminiscing about Christmases of yesteryear.
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Planning the rest of your celebration? Explore our Christmas games and activities for kids, teens and adults.
Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. The site is full of useful and fun ideas for life and seasonal celebrations. Plus a growing selection of instantly downloadable fun printables and party planners. Read more.