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84 Christmas party ideas for every holiday get-together.

This list of Christmas party ideas sets the stage for making merry memories.

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Christmas party theme ideas that partygoers will remember forever.

Each year, the same Christmas music is played in every shopping mall. The same boxes of ornaments come out of storage. New memories are made, but old memories seem to take the stage. Families and friends come together, nostalgic, and repeat traditions while they share memories of yesterday’s yuletide.

Instead of recycling the same old Christmas party ideas this year, too, surprise everyone with fresh Christmas party theme ideas that honor tradition while entertaining family and friends in a fun new way.

If you’re eager to send out your party invitations or ready to make this year’s company Christmas party flyer, this list is full of the unique Christmas party ideas to choose from so you can get going on all the to-dos. Prepare to “wow” guests with something they haven’t seen a thousand times before.

Christmas party theme ideas to set the stage.

In general, Christmas party decoration ideas fall into two camps. Either they’re color-coded and all follow one strict look, or they’re a hodge-podge of nostalgic ornaments and haphazard strings of lights that instantly say “Christmas.”

This year, consider these new Christmas party theme ideas to shake things up. Some of these borrow from traditional decoration, but with a niche spin. Others are completely novel. Take your pick and see how impressed everyone will be with your decorations this year.

Throw an edible gift exchange.
This theme allows everyone to share a favorite holiday treat. Decide whether you want the actual exchange to be white elephant style or secret Santa, or a full-fledged potluck.
Host a retro Christmas party.
With an aluminum tree and homemade paper chains, this theme is easy and fun. Consider making a poster of a classic Christmas personality, printing it, and framing it. Set it on a tripod next to the front door to greet everyone who comes in.
Have a Christmas bonfire.
If you host a bonfire, the core activity could be as simple as roasting s’mores. Make them with peppermint cookies instead of graham crackers, and set up a mulled wine station to keep everyone extra toasty.
Host a Christmas tea party.
Think about setting up a Chai bar to favor the spicy and sweet varieties of tea that are perfect for Christmastime.
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White Green and Red Christmas Party Invitation
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Red Green Pink Christmas Party Instagram Square Post
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Work Christmas party ideas to wrap the year.

Company Christmas party ideas are also symbolic end-of-year celebrations. These occasions to get together infuse joy into the end of the fiscal calendar, and teams gather in the best of spirits.

Still, work Christmas party ideas tend to be the same old again and again. To boost engagement and host an even more rewarding holiday party this year, take your pick of these party ideas. Don’t forget to send out flyers and invitations that announce your new theme in style.

Card writing and gift wrapping party.
Provide Christmas cards, wrapping paper, tape, ribbon, and other wrapping goodies. Organize a gathering with loads of table space. Spend time together writing cards and wrapping gifts. See what everyone learns about one another based on the gifts they’re giving to loved ones.
Set up a wreath-making party.
The office can be converted into a wreath-making workshop, too. Provide snacks and beverages to keep everyone’s creative energy up. Check out some of these Christmas party food ideas to get started.
Host the simplest gift exchange.
The two best models of gift-giving in the workplace are secret Santa and white elephant gift exchanges. Each has a different vibe, so choose whether you want the personalized feel of secret Santa or the funny white elephant feel.
Organize a cookie decorating contest.
For the competitive teams, get everyone together to see who has the best cookie decorating skills. Offer multiple awards, like “most creative cookie,” “best Santa cookie,” “most ornate cookie,” and more.
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Navy and Red Patterned Ugly Sweater Flyer
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Green Ugly Sweater Party Flyer
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Red Green White Elephant Poster
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Christmas party ideas for adults, from fun outfits to games.

Christmas typically brings family gatherings to mind, but that’s not the case for every Christmas party. Whether you have a late dinner planned for after the kids go off to bed, or a Christmas party between friends, there are occasions when Christmas parties are more fun with adult-centric themes.

This list has the adults-only Christmas party outfit ideas and Christmas party game ideas that will make for memorable occasions — not to mention some excellent photo-ops.

Host a mulled wine tasting.
Holidays year-round are celebrated with good meals and wine-tastings, but in the spirit of Christmas, switch this up for a mulled wine tasting instead.
Set up your own “SantaCon.”
This isn’t to suggest that you rent the whole Convention Center for a popular “con.” Just ask attendees to each come dressed as Santa, then see who wears it best. This party idea makes for fun pictures (and photo collages) later. Get attendees on board by sending a fun invitation or announcement.
Set up a chocolate fountain.
Take advantage of an “adults-only” event by setting up the delicacies that no one wants little ones’ fingers in, like an elaborate chocolate fountain.
Have a weekend brunch Christmas party.
For busy adults juggling family and work commitments all month, host a weekend Christmas brunch party instead to maximize attendance.
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Navy White Elephant Party Flyer
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Green & Pink White Elephant Gift Swap Invitation
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Blue White Elephant Poster
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Pink & Grey White Elephant Party Flyer
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How to make the most of these Christmas party ideas.

  1. 1. Choose your theme.

    Explore Christmas party ideas and pick one that fits your celebration, elegant dinner or fun family gathering.

Family Christmas party ideas for multigenerational celebrations.

A raucous Christmas party between friends is one thing, but family Christmas party ideas have to appeal to everyone from Grandma to baby Janelle. For many people, Christmas is a family ordeal, and the generations-old traditions are half the magic. Still, it’s fun to shake things up sometimes.

Discover which of these family Christmas party ideas might spark a new sort of magic. Be sure to get family members on board and excited about new ideas when you send out your invitations and Christmas letters. Who knows? Maybe you’re about to introduce a new tradition that will stick.

Invite a surprise Santa.
When Santa shows up unexpectedly, it’s to the delight of children and to the surprise of adults. You can cast someone with Santa-like qualities, or a surprise out-of-town guest who no one knew would be able to attend.
Have a holiday game night.
The best thing about a holiday game night is that you can have games for different age groups spread out across separate tables. Kids Christmas party ideas almost always include at least a few board games to play together.
Host a pancake breakfast Christmas party.
Why not get together for breakfast instead? Pick a day and host a Christmas pancake party. Include fun new ingredients, like crushed candy canes, cinnamon, and cranberries.
Make cookie plates for Santa.
If everyone brings their favorite cookies to this event, you can make a party out of putting cookie plates together. Everyone goes home with a plate perfectly prepared for Santa.
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Christmas party invitation ideas that deliver more than words.

The perfect holiday sentiment can be sent with a personalized Christmas party invitation or card. If you’ve taken on a new Christmas party theme this year, or are asking guests to come in costume, or with certain foods, your invitation is what tells them what to expect.

Christmas announcements, flyers, letters, and invitations are all delivery methods to consider. Whatever you make, be sure to highlight the time, date, location, and whether people have to RSVP. To get people excited about your proposed party, pick your favorite of these Christmas party invitation ideas.

Holly designs.
If there’s one go-to graphic to adorn a holiday card, it’s holly. Green, spikey holly is wonderfully versatile, meaning you can use it to adorn the corners of an invitation or as a wreath around key information.
Focus on the food.
For a food-focused Christmas party, you can use imagery of the menu on your invitation. Imagine how many more people will come to your Christmas pancake party if you include a delectable picture of pancakes on your card.
Ornaments galore.
You could use little drawings of ornaments, or take pictures of some of your own. Decorate your Christmas invitation with enough baubles, and it will instantly say, “Christmas.”
A moving clip of a Christmas movie.
If you’re sending a virtual Christmas invitation, you can play with movement. For example, add a clip from an old Christmas movie or add an image of soft-falling snow in the background.
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Green And Beige Christmas Party Invitation
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Blue And Red Christmas Day Dinner Facebook Post
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Blue And White Christmas Party Celebration TikTok Video
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Brown and Golden Christmas Celebration Instagram Reel
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Virtual Christmas party ideas that cover any distance.

It’s not 2020 anymore, but virtual Christmas party ideas are still important for businesses, families, and friends who are spread out. These Christmas party ideas revolve around activities that give everyone something to watch or focus on together during a call.

Virtual parties require a special kind of structure, and these virtual Christmas party ideas give you a dozen places to start.

Decorate your trees together.
Everyone can set their phones or tablets up where there’s a good view of their trees, then spend the time together decorate while everyone else does the same. Occasional chatter will come in as friends admire others’ ornaments and lights.
Create a Christmas-themed murder mystery dinner.
With a little planning, a fun “merry murder mystery” dinner can unfold over a virtual Christmas party. There are murder mystery templates you can look up, or you can dream up your own.
Play Christmas movie charades.
Split up into two teams, then take turns acting out key scenes from Christmas movie favorites. Be sure to get some screenshots of fun moments to share and tag people in on the social media posts.
Try a beach Christmas theme.
Instead of Christmas in July, host a July beach party at Christmas. A virtual party is one no one has to leave the house for, so everyone can show up in their best beach wear.
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Blue Wintery Branded Zoom Background
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Navy Wintery Branded Zoom Background
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Red Christmas Zoom Background
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Christmas birthday party ideas for the “lucky” ones with holiday birthdays.

Everyone knows someone who grew up with “happy-merry-birthday-Christmas” gifts. Some people love having a holiday birthday, but others feel forgotten as would-be guests get sidetracked with holiday plans.

For a fresh shake on Christmas birthday party ideas to make sure everyone’s happy this year, pick your favorite from this list. Then, see how magical the next birthday party can be this year — not in spite of Christmas, but because of it.

Set up a deluxe hot chocolate bar.
Lean into the holiday spirit and make something extra sweet with a deluxe hot chocolate bar. Include toppings like crushed pretzels, peanut butter swirl, crushed candy canes, or even a little bourbon.
Host a winter picnic (indoors or out).
Depending on the weather where the birthday takes place, a wintery picnic could be accompanied by fluffy blankets and a bonfire. Alternatively, an indoor picnic could feature slippers and a fireplace.
Throw a “pamper” Christmas birthday party.
Set up a DIY spa and invite friends and family to stop in for a pampering retreat. Between holiday plans, everyone will benefit from a quick face mask or warm foot soak. This is a great birthday party idea for any time of year.
Make your own escape-room challenge.
With a little preparation, think about what puzzles and mysteries could be woven together for a homemade escape room. The more the puzzles have to do with the birthday person, the better.
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Colorful Cream and Blue Thank You Card
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Pink And Blue Birthday Party Invitation A5
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Pink Birthday Party Invitation A5
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Blue and Red Birthday Party Invitation
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How to get the best response from your Christmas invitations.

Christmas invitations and announcements have one core purpose: to spread the word.

But can they do more?

In fact, your holiday invitations also need to get people excited about the Christmas party themes you came up with. The goal is to get people to attend and to participate.

Here are some tips to help your party invitations do just that:

1. Put the most important information in legible fonts. You can adorn a card or holiday letter with a fancy font that says, “Christmas Soirée,” but the date, time, and location need to be easy to read.

2. Mention special activities and specific times they’ll take place.

3. Be clear whether guests should bring food or if they can expect it. Remember: people love good food, so this information is a hook for better turnout.

4. Make the RSVP process easy with a clear deadline.

Exercise: Icebreakers for virtual Christmas parties.

The toughest holiday parties to host are the kind that seem like they should be the easiest: virtual Christmas parties.

The main drawback of virtual parties is that the room unites everyone, but you can’t have multiple conversations happening one over the other.

Sometimes, this means it’s hard to get a conversation going. When people show hesitation, start them off with specific icebreaker questions. Use this list as a starter, then write more of your own.

  1. What’s the strangest Christmas present you’ve ever gotten?
  2. Did your family practice any tradition that you were surprised to learn wasn’t something everyone does?
  3. If you were on Santa’s naughty list this year, what would it probably be due to?

Adobe Express can help.

Adobe Express has templates and customization tools to put your favorite Christmas party ideas to work. If you want to use these Christmas party ideas in cards, letters, posters, banners, collages, flyers, or other creative projects, Adobe Express makes it as simple as picking a template and personalizing it, or making your own idea with easy-to-use tools. Whatever message you want to transmit, Adobe Express brings it to life, no experience required.

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