When it comes to holiday gatherings, everyone’s ready to make some merry memories! Whether you’re hosting family or friends or planning an office Christmas party, finding creative activities that appeal to a wide range of guests can make your celebration stand out. Here are some festive activities to light up your gathering this holiday season!
Traditional Holiday Party Activities
Embrace the holiday season with these traditional Christmas party activities. From quirky gift exchanges to festive fashion and trivia, these classic ideas are perfect for a variety of crowds and holiday gatherings.
Host a white elephant gift exchange 🐘
This holiday game is always a crowd-pleaser. Set a spending limit and have each guest bring a wrapped gift. Draw numbers to determine the order, and let each guest pick a new gift or “steal” one that’s already been unwrapped. The element of surprise keeps everyone entertained!
✨ Put a unique twist on it! Check out: Unwrap the Fun with These Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas
Test your knowledge with holiday trivia ❓
Put your guests’ holiday knowledge to the test with a trivia game focused on all things Christmas. Include questions about popular holiday movies, songs, traditions, and famous figures (who really knows Santa’s reindeer?). The winner can take home a themed prize, like a cozy holiday blanket or festive mug.
Dress your best-worst with an ugly sweater contest 🧶
Invite guests to come in their gaudiest holiday attire for a laugh-out-loud competition. Let everyone vote on categories like “Most Hideous,” “Most Creative,” and “Best DIY Sweater.” Hand out prizes for the winners, like holiday-themed trophies or small gift cards.
Kid-Friendly Holiday Party Activities
Keep the kids entertained with these festive holiday games that are simple, hands-on, and guaranteed to bring out the giggles! From crafty creations to active challenges, these activities will keep little ones engaged and full of holiday cheer.
Race the clock with the candy cane hook ’em game ⏱️
Players hold a candy cane in their mouth, hook side out, and try to “fish” other candy canes from a pile and drop them into a bowl — no hands allowed! Points go to whoever transfers the most candy canes in under a minute.
Play a round of snowman slam ☃️
For this indoor twist on a winter wonderland snowball fight, set up a target of snowmen made of foam cups and give the kids “snowballs” made of cotton balls or rolled white socks. They’ll love the chance to toss these soft snowballs while you relax, knowing no one’s getting hit with ice!
Set up a holiday craft station 🎀
Set up a crafting table where little ones can create holiday-themed keepsakes like ornaments, holiday cards, or reindeer antlers. You’ll just need some paper, markers, glue, and glitter (if you’re brave) to let kids’ creativity run wild.
🧸 Find more kid’s holiday party inspiration: 15 Cheery Christmas Party Ideas for Kids
Musical Holiday Party Activities
Bring the holiday cheer with these musical holiday party ideas that will have your guests singing, guessing, and unwrapping surprises all night long. From karaoke classics to competitive challenges, these activities will keep the party full of fun and laughter.
Sing some Christmas carol-oke 🎤
Set up a festive karaoke station stocked with classic holiday tunes. Whether you’re belting out “Jingle Bells” or harmonizing with “Silent Night,” Christmas karaoke will turn your party into an unforgettable musical experience. For an extra dash of holiday magic, hire a Karaoke DJ to lead the activity!
Name that holiday tune 🎶
Put your guests’ Christmas music knowledge to the test. Play snippets of popular holiday songs and have everyone guess the title as quickly as possible. Divide guests into teams, keep score, and reward the winning team with small holiday prizes like ornaments or candy canes.
Pass the parcel 🎁
Pass the Parcel is a fun party game where players unwrap layers of a gift-wrapped parcel as holiday music plays. Each layer of wrapping hides a small treat, and when the music stops, the person holding the parcel unwraps one layer to reveal the surprise inside. Play continues until all layers are removed and the final prize is revealed in the center, making each unwrapping moment full of excitement! Add in fun challenges, like singing a Christmas carol, in place of gifts for a more risk-taking game.
☃️ Looking for more inspiration? Check out 55 holiday ideas to make your party merry and bright!
Flavorful Holiday Party Activities
Get your guests into the holiday spirit with some festive and delicious treats, perfect for adding a dash of creativity (and a sprinkle of sugar!) to your gathering. From decorating cookies to building gingerbread houses, these food-based fun ideas will keep everyone entertained and satisfied at your Christmas celebration.
Dip away with a festive fondue station 🫕
Offer a holiday-themed fondue with melted chocolate and cheese alongside dippable treats like fruit, gingerbread cookies, marshmallows, and pretzels. It’s a delicious and interactive way for guests to enjoy holiday flavors together.
Decorate Christmas cookies 🍪
Nothing says Christmas quite like cookies! Set up a decorating station with sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles. Let guests get creative with their decorating, and then hold a vote for the best cookie. Award prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Festive,” and “Most Likely to Be Eaten First.”
Build gingerbread houses 👨🍳
Set up a station with gingerbread house kits or the fixings for homemade versions, then give guests some time to build and decorate their own little gingerbread cottages. For added fun, set a theme or challenge, like “The Tallest Tower” or “Most Likely to Be Eaten First.”
🍬 Get creative with your sweets this year: 18 Unique Twists on Traditional Holiday Treats
Adult Holiday Party Activities
Add a festive twist to your holiday gathering with these adult-friendly Christmas party games that bring a little extra cheer and laughter. Whether it’s drinking games, charades, or solving a mystery at Santa’s workshop, these games guarantee a merry and memorable time for all.
Enjoy a holiday movie drinking game 🥂
Pick a classic like Home Alone or Elf and set rules, such as taking a sip every time Kevin screams or Buddy eats something sugary. Craft up some creative-themed cocktails or modify the game for hot cocoa or cider so everyone can join in.
Play a game of holiday charades 🤔
Create a list of holiday-themed phrases and add a few “naughty” or cheeky ones to keep things interesting. Acting out scenes like “awkward office party” or “finding the last-minute gift” is bound to bring out some dramatic performances.
🌟 Find ideas for an office holiday party: 8 Themes for an Unforgettable Corporate Holiday Party
Solve a Christmas-themed murder mystery 🕵️♂️
A Christmas-themed murder mystery can be a hilariously fun twist on a holiday gathering, adding a dose of mystery and intrigue to the season’s cheer. Players can wear costumes, and you can even decorate the scene with holiday props to add to the theme. Hire a murder mystery event host to create the perfect event, or buy a game kit to supply the story and characters.
🎄 Get expert tips for organizing a perfect event this season! Check out our simple guide for planning a holiday party (with a free printable checklist).
Whether you’re looking for some musical fun, competitive games, or traditional Christmas party ideas to keep the party rocking, there’s a holiday party activity here for everyone. So, let the festivities begin and give your guests a holiday celebration they’ll remember for seasons to come! ❤️💚
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.