One of the most wonderful things about Christmas time is the parties! What’s better than letting your hair down and spending quality time with your friends and family?
If you’re the one throwing the party, you have a fantastic opportunity to get creative and organise a bash that’ll knock your loved ones’ Christmas socks off.
For those of you struggling to think of the perfect Christmas party theme, don’t panic! We’ve rounded up 12 of our favourite festive themes, from Santa’s Grotto to Christmas movie marathons, so you’re sure to find a theme that perfectly suits your vibe.
Give one of these very merry Christmas party themes a go, and throw the party of the season this December.
12 Christmas party themes for 2024
1. Winter wonderland party
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas this year, why not bring the (fake!) snow indoors and throw a magical winter wonderland-themed party?
Decorate your home with fake snow, paper snowflakes and lots of icy silver and white Christmas decorations. Thanks to this Christmas party theme your guests will be able to stroll through a winter wonderland without getting chilly!
- Head to momooze for more winter wonderland party decorating ideas.
2. Christmas karaoke party
There’s nothing like a sing-song to get you feeling merry, so why not host a karaoke party this Christmas?
Enjoy belting all your favourite Christmas tunes at the top of your lungs and sing in the new year in Mariah Carey-style. A night on the mic with friends and family is definitely all we want for Christmas!
3. Tropical Christmas party
If you hate the cold and miss the warm weather, a tropical Christmas party theme is made for you!
Transport yourself to sunnier climates by decorating your home with tropical decorations (such as inflatable palm trees, leis and floral garlands).
Ask your guests to wear Hawaiian shirts and beachy clothes to keep on theme. You can also serve fruity cocktails (like piña coladas) and BBQ food for a real taste of the summer.
4. Wreath-making party
Fancy a crafty Christmas party? Wreath-making is the perfect mindful activity that’s not only fun but wonderfully festive too.
Buy all the materials you need for the wreaths (e.g. wire frames, ribbon) as well as a range of flora and fauna. Brew some mulled wine (or a non-alcoholic beverage of your choice) and enjoy creating stunning seasonal decor with your loved ones.
- You can find our free Christmas wreath pattern here on Gathered.
5. Ugly Christmas jumper party
It’s not Christmas without an ugly Christmas jumper, so why not celebrate this iconic piece of knitwear by having it as your party theme?
Get your guests to don their tackiest Christmas jumper and judge who’s wearing the most offensively festive piece. The worst (or best?) one wins!
- Find loads of ugly jumper inspiration in our round-up of The Best Ugly Christmas Ideas to Buy and Knit here on Gathered.
6. Santa’s grotto-themed party
Treat your friends and family to a night at the North Pole by transforming your home into Santa’s grotto!
Decorate rooms with fairy lights, Christmas trees, presents (which you can easily create by wrapping cardboard boxes in Christmas paper and making bows out of ribbon), and fake snow. The more decorations the better.
You could even re-create Santa’s workshop by having a little station for Christmas crafts and toy-making. We have plenty of free patterns here on Gathered that would make the perfect festive activity, including this adorable Christmas Carol Doll Crochet Pattern.
- Santa’s grotto idea from Roxanne Leah
7. Candy cane-themed party
What could be sweeter than a candy cane theme for your Christmas party? Scatter loads of these delicious treats around your home and go crazy on the red and white decorations.
Hang up banners and balloons in the signature colour scheme and make delicious candy cane cocktails or peppermint hot chocolates. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream!
- Candy cane Christmas party theme from handcraftedparties.com
Craft Christmas candy cane decorations
If you love the candy cane theme, check out our free DIY Christmas candy cane decorations pattern here on Gathered. These gorgeous makes will add a special, homemade touch to your Christmas decor.
8. Christmas characters party
Our next Christmas party theme is perfect for all the fancy dress lovers out there. Simply dress up as your favourite Christmas character and celebrate the season in super-festive style with your loved ones.
From Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer to Frosty the Snowman, there are plenty of festive characters to choose from.
This theme also gives you and your guests the chance to get imaginative with costumes. Try our free knitted Santa hat pattern and go as the most iconic Christmas figure of all.
We just love this fun party theme. If you can’t play dress up at Christmas, when can you?
9. Gingerbread house decorating party
Nothing smells as festive as the delicious scent of freshly baked gingerbread! Whip up some dough and cut out the shapes needed for your gingerbread houses, then get your friends and family over to help you decorate.
All you need to buy is some royal icing, piping bags, and some colourful candies, and you're ready to throw your gingerbread house decorating party.
Make sure you display your finished candy coated house for the pièce de résistance to your Christmas décor.
- Learn how to make a gingerbread house with our free tutorial here on Gathered.
10. Christmas movie marathon party
If you prefer more low-key, intimate social gatherings to big Christmas parties, throw a movie marathon night for your closest friends or family.
Create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere by stringing up fairy lights and covering your lounge floor with cushions and blankets. Then get out the popcorn, pizza and pick and mix and enjoy watching all your favourite Christmas films back to back.
11. Christmas Around the World party
Mix up your festive traditions this year by throwing a Christmas Around the World party! Research Christmas celebrations and dishes from different cultures and share them with your loved ones for a special and memorable night.
For more information on how to host a Christmas Around the World party, head over to Crate&Barrel.
12. Christmas pyjama party
If you’re all about being comfy over the festive period, why not host a Christmas pyjama party?
Create the ultimate laid-back vibe by wearing matching PJs with your guests and serve all the classic party foods like charcuterie boards and crisps and dip for maximum comfort.
You could even set up a little hot chocolate bar for the perfect after-dinner sweet treat that will keep everyone toasty warm!
Host a night to remember this Christmas
Host a night that you and your loved ones will remember forever with these 12 Christmas party themes.
Whether you fancy blasting the tunes for a night of karaoke or snuggling under a blanket and watching Christmas classics like Love Actually and Elf, the most important aspect of throwing a Christmas party is making precious memories with the most special people in your life.
Every Christmas party needs a cake!
Now you’ve decided on your Christmas party theme, why not make a cake to serve your guests?
Take a look at our pick of 33 Fun and Easy Christmas Cake Decoration Ideas and find tons of inspiration for the perfect Christmas party cake.
