Party Ideas

5 Anti-Holiday Party Ideas for Every Grinch or Scrooge

By Megan Price

Sometimes all the Christmas cheer around this time of year can be a bit much. And while holiday get-togethers are great in their own way, we think that all you Grinches and Scrooges out there deserve a fun party, too! So turn off that Christmas music and toss the eggnog. It’s time for the ultimate anti-holiday party! 

1. Christmas Curmudgeon

If you dread the typical holiday party each year, we’re guessing you have a bit of a curmudgeon side. In that case, why not host an anti-Christmas party that includes a Roast? No, not the Roast Beast (although that menu item would fit perfectly into a Grinch Christmas party theme). We’re talking about a Comedy Central Roast!

A roast master can work with you to put together a hilarious and grumpy show that will rival Lisa Lampanelli’s best insults. Whether you want to roast yourself or someone else, there’s no better way to end the year on an anti-holiday note.

Comedian roasting at anti-holiday party
Find roast masters like Bob Keen Jokes & Roasts on GigSalad

 2. Not-Safe-For-Christmas Comedian

Let’s face it, the whole Christmas thing is chock-full of innocence. From jolly old St. Nick to newborn baby Jesus to happy little elves. If you’re trying to throw an anti-holiday party, ignore all that! A stand-up comedian who specializes in some darker material is a great way to forget about all those delicate parts of a traditional holiday party.

Gather your like-minded pals, book a bartender to keep the anti-holiday spirits flowing, and indulge in some R-rated laughs!

Performer doing stand-up comedy
Find stand-up comedians like Moody McCarthy on GigSalad

3. Little Drummer Boycott

Do you see red when “Frosty the Snowman” plays for the fifteenth time on your drive home? Does the sound of “Jingle Bells” make you want to rip down your neighbor’s twinkle lights? Your anti-holiday party should definitely not include traditional Christmas carols.

Instead, book a lively party band or a house music DJ to play tunes that don’t feature xylophones or triangles. Find everything from 80s tribute bands to karaoke DJs and rock the night away—just not around a Christmas tree.

Live party band and DJ
Find bands and DJs like The Live Experience (a band and DJ hybrid) on GigSalad

4. Holiday Movie Heckling

This is the time of year when you can watch “A Christmas Story” for 24 hours straight on cable television. But that’s a little ridiculous. So for your anti-holiday party, we suggest embracing the Christmas movie marathons and getting into the heckling spirit! Set up a movie screen and play your favorite love-to-hate-it holiday movie.

Pass out airplane bottles as party favors and indulge in a fun drinking game! And no shushing during this movie—the point is to yell at all those silly holiday characters and their outlandish predicaments. “Really, Kevin? Does aftershave burn that badly?”

Friends watching a holiday movie outside
Rent outdoor movie screens on GigSalad

 5. Visit from Krampus Claus

Sure, everyone seems to love Santa. But no one can be that jolly, right? Forget Kris Kringle. Krampus is the only costumed character who should be making an appearance at your anti-Christmas party!

According to Austro-Bavarian lore, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon who punishes all the bad children during the holiday season. Surprise your guests with a terrifying visit from Krampus! You can buy a mask and do it yourself, or hire a pro to really freak people out.

Invite Krampus to your anti-holiday party
Find a costumed character near you on GigSalad

So there you have it, party rebels. From comedians to live music to quirky characters, GigSalad has your back for planning the ultimate anti-Christmas parties. Forget the ugly sweater parties and silly gift exchanges. Let’s break free from tradition and make your holiday bash less festive but still unforgettable. ?

Ready to book something awesome for your anti-holiday party? Find the best performers and services on GigSalad.

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