35 Low-Key Christmas Party Ideas That Spread Major Holiday Cheer

You don't have to host the Christmas party to have friends over for some holiday fun. Plan one festive night in with these unique party themes, like Christmas karaoke and B.Y.O.B(ows).

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November 18, 2022

By: Maria Conti, Katie Friedman, and H. Camille Smith

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Have Yourself a Low-Key Christmas Party

Formal Christmas parties are fun, but not always easy on your wallet or schedule. There are invitations to send, decorations to hang, drink menus to plan — the list goes on and on. By the time your event rolls around, you might feel more depleted than in the holiday spirit.

Our advice? Skip the large and laborious gathering in favor of something more intimate. Here are 25 low-key Christmas party ideas that will delight your family and friends and help you create more unique memories. From cookie decorating with a '90s twist to Christmas karaoke and pampering parties, we've got you covered.

GET MORE IDEAS: Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

From: HGTV Magazine

Throw an Anything-But-Red-and-Green Party

Tired of the traditional red and green hues? Theme your Christmas party after the other colors of the rainbow. You can use saturated bottle-brush trees, pom-pom garlands, streamers, painted nutcrackers and glassware to get your palette across, then challenge your family and friends to find matching outfits.

GET MORE IDEAS: 50 Christmas Decorating Ideas That Aren't Red and Green

And, Set the Table With Your Happy Hue

It is a truth universally acknowledged: Your holiday table setting can be any color you want. That's right! Classic red and green not your thing? No worries, mix it up this year and set a guest-impressing table using any color that makes you happy. Learn how we used both vintage and new items to set a pretty-in-pink holiday table and more, below.

See More Photos: Colorful Christmas Table Setting Ideas That Go Beyond Red + Green

From: H. Camille Smith

Host a Christmas Movie Marathon

Cozy up couch-side with a cranberry cocktail, candied popcorn and your closest friends to view all of the holiday classics. Sure-fire crowd-pleasers include: It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and, of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Have yourself a very merry, little movie marathon and take a sip every time Santa appears on screen. You can get the full recipe for our famous Boozy Bourbon + Cranberry Cocktail recipe, below.

GET THE RECIPE: Boozy Bourbon + Cranberry Cocktail

From: HGTV Magazine

Revel in a Santa Paws Party

Have yourself a merry little Santa Paws Party, complete with social pups and Christmas cookies made for dogs. (Yep, it's just as cute as it sounds!) While the humans enjoy hot cocoa and biscotti, the dogs can dig into the chicken + sweet potato biscuits, below. And, of course you should offer seconds to all the good girls and boys!

GET THE RECIPE: Homemade Christmas Cookies for Dogs Recipe

Or, Throw a Festive Fête for Kids

Give young holiday party guests a space of their own with our ideas for setting a candy-themed kids' table. From the cookie-covered centerpiece to edible place cards that double as a fun craft project and take-home favor, kids of all ages will love this activity- and treat-filled table that — bonus — leaves adults free to relax and catch up over cocktails or coffee nearby.

See More Photos: Christmas in Candy Land: A Kids’ Holiday Table

Organize a Holiday Toy-Drive Party

Tempt your loved ones with a good time and a good cause by hosting a holiday toy-drive party. The price of admission? One toy per person. You can choose from larger organizations (like Angel Tree and Toys for Tots) or local charities, and send out one of our age-appropriate gift guides as a reference point. Leave a large donation box by your front door, and let guests know how many items were contributed at the end of the night.

GO SHOPPING: The Best Toys and Gifts for 5-Year-Olds

Host a Gift Exchange

Whether your friend group prefers Dirty Santa or to exchange gifts that the recipient will actually use, a casual get-together is the perfect time to make the swap. And, don't forget the package is part of the present. Need pointers so you can wrap like a pro? Check out our top Christmas gift-wrapping tips, below.

See More Photos: 80 DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

From: H. Camille Smith

Challenge Them to Christmas Karaoke

If they're going to belt Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" anyway, you might as well make things interesting. Supply craft beer and a karaoke machine, then tap your friends as the evening's entertainment. And, if you really want to dial up the fun, craft some of our festive photo booth props, below, for the stars to grab before they hit the stage.

GET THE HOW-TO: Easy DIY Photo Props for a Kid-Friendly Holiday Party

Help Guests Help Themselves

Buffet service not only frees the host from spending the entire party in the kitchen, it also creates a more casual feel that promotes mingling and conversation. Be sure to provide a variety of options so guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions will be satisfied, too.

See More Photos: Host Happy: Throw a Festive Friendsmas Party

From: H. Camille Smith

Make It a Mistletoe + Margaritas Fiesta

Roast turkey and whipped potatoes are great and all, but sometimes tacos and tequila are just the ticket to spice up the holiday season. Invite friends over for a holiday fiesta! Dangle mistletoe over doorways, prepare some chunky guacamole, and stock up on plenty of salt and lime. All are sure to grant your guests an extra-festive fiesta.

GET THE RECIPE: Toast to the Holidays With This Colorful Cranberry Margarita

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Amuse Them With Reindeer Games

Move over, White Elephant gift exchange. There's a new Christmas party activity in town. This year, invite your family and friends to participate in the inaugural Reindeer Games. Draw inspiration from our favorite holiday party games, linked below, and divide everyone into teams to play "Jingle Bell Toss," "Who Sang It?" and "Holiday Movie Madness."

GET MORE IDEAS: Holiday Party Games

Host a Stocking Soirée

Follow along with friends to make some festive and easy Christmas stockings. (Because no mantel is complete without them!) We have 37 original designs, linked below, to provide plenty of style inspiration. To sweeten this holiday party idea, send everyone home with goodies like homemade cookies or hot cocoa mix.

See More Photos: 37 Creative DIY Christmas Stocking Ideas

Weather Permitting: Party on the Porch

If you're blessed with a spacious front porch, pull up a few rocking chairs for a snug spot to slow down from the holiday's hustle and bustle and catch up over cocoa. Cozy up chairs with plush pillows and throws to encourage friends to snuggle up and sit a spell. Get more tips for cozying up your front porch for Christmas, below.

See More Photos: 12 Ways to Cozy Up Your Front Porch for Christmas

From: H. Camille Smith

Really Tempt Their Sweet Tooth

Move over, dry and crumbly cookie exchanges. Really make visions of sugar plums dance in their heads by whipping up our guest-impressing Christmas dessert board, below. While it may look like a lot of work, our 3-in-1 cheesecake recipe and our endlessly customizable shortbread recipe ensure you can create multiple flavors of treats from a single base recipe.

See More Photos: How to Create a Crowd-Pleasing Christmas Dessert Board

Or, Opt for a Healthy Vegetarian Spread

Christmas festivities are famous for packin' on the pounds. This year, offer your holiday guests a healthier option with our tips for assembling a sweet-meets-savory board that pairs crunchy veggies with fresh fruit and a variety of flavorful cheeses. Arranged in the shape of a vintage ornament, complete with a tasty, yogurt-based dip at the center, this seasonal spread is both festive and fabulous. Get all our tips for impressing (and healthfully treating!) friends and family, below.

See More Photos: Tempt Holiday Guests With a Healthy Christmas Cheese, Fruit + Veggie Board

Set Up a Spiked Hot Chocolate Bar

This year, treat them to decadent hot chocolate — made even better with booze. Invite your closest comrades over this holiday season and surprise them with a tasting of what can only be described as “liquefied Christmas joy.” Some of our favorite alcoholic additions to the classic hot chocolate include (but, are not limited to): whipped cream vodka, peppermint schnapps and a rich, caramelly bourbon.

GET THE HOW-TO: Set Up a Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar

Start a Santa's Wreath Workshop

You’re decking the halls, you might as well deck the front door while you’re at it! Ask friends over to join in on an afternoon of cocktails and catch-ups, while crafting one-of-a-kind Christmas wreaths to hang on their front doors this year.

See More Photos: Our Fave Christmas Wreaths, Garlands and Swags

Treat Them to a Boozy Holiday Brunch

Gift your guests a helping of holiday cheer first thing in the morning with a boozy brunch-inspired Christmas party. Bust out the holiday plates and deck the dining table with holly, pine and other greenery. Then serve something sweet and savory, like chicken and waffles or a tower of made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, linked below. And of course, make the star of the show big-batch mimosas or a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

GET THE RECIPE: Christmas Brunch Cinnamon Roll Centerpiece

From: Heather Baird

Host a Gingerbread House Competition

Compete with friends and find out who has the design chops to give plain gingerbread house kits the sweetest curb appeal. Gather inspiration from the photos, below, and transform your tasty abode into a cute farmhouse, log cabin, Cape Cod or Victorian. Royal icing and candy are essential building materials, while multiple bottles of pinot, cabernet and Chianti should also be on hand for a good time.

See More Photos: 15 Gingerbread House Ideas You'll Want to Try ASAP

Consider a '90s Cookie Decorating Party

Turn up the volume and up the ante this year with a laid-back, '90s-inspired holiday cookie party. Have friends break out their shiniest velour tracksuits and come prepared to trick-out and ice-up some gooey sugar cookies. The soundtrack? Dig out your favorite holiday CDs or stream your Christmas go-tos. You can whip up an entire batch of our Christmas cookies and cut them into fun shapes using our go-to recipe, below.

GET THE RECIPE: Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Lead a Christmas Light Parade

Spread some serious holiday cheer by leading a Christmas light parade through your neighborhood. Get your running or biking group in on the fun, and wrap everyone's arms, legs or wheels in multicolor lights for an electrifying convoy. (Santa hats, tinsel and jingle bells are also welcome attire.) Once you've completed the circuit, invite the group back to your house for cookies and hot chocolate.

GET MORE IDEAS: 12 Different Ways to Use the Same Strand of Lights

Make Merry With a Festive Friendsmas Party

Throw a festive holiday fête that only looks fancy with our tips, below, for turning grocery-store staples into easy-to-munch snacks. Mix up a big-batch cocktail so you're free to mingle and serve foods that don't have to be kept warm and can easily be served buffet style. This way, partygoers can snack as they wish while the focus stays on chatting and enjoying each other's company.

See More Photos: Host Happy: Throw a Festive Friendsmas Party

From: H. Camille Smith

Tempt Them With Pancakes + PJs

Encourage friends to wear the most outrageous Christmas onesie they can find and join you for a Pancakes + PJs holiday party. Lure them from their sleep with the earthy coffee aroma and the hissing and popping of bacon on the stove. Pile their plates high with stacks of fluffy pancakes and gather 'round the kitchen table for one holly-jolly breakfast.

Go Shopping: Our Favorite Places to Buy Matching Christmas Pajamas

Indulge in a Pampering Party

With presents to buy and travel plans to arrange, the holidays can be exhausting. So why not build R&R into your busy schedule by hosting a small pampering party? Throw on a favorite movie or playlist, break out the face masks and nail polish, and call your friends for a much-needed night in. And if you're wondering what to serve? Start with our healthy cheese, fruit and veggie board, below.

GET MORE IDEAS: Tempt Holiday Guests With a Healthy Christmas Cheese, Fruit + Veggie Board

Plan a DIY Ornament Party

Bust out the glitter, paint and pom-poms, and invite friends over for a DIY ornament holiday party. Christmas music blasting in the background is a must, and the crafting table should double as a judgment-free zone. And if you need some fresh ideas; check out our best DIY ornament project ideas, below.

GET MORE IDEAS: 85 Easy DIY Holiday Ornaments for All Ages

Or, a DIY Monogrammed Stocking Party

Try our faux-cross-stitch trick to get plain stockings ready for the Head Elf's arrival. Friends will love crafting a monogrammed stocking to use as handmade holiday decor or to give as a gift — especially since these personalized stockings look just like the hand-stitched version but come together much quicker and without needle and thread. Learn our easy no-sew trick, below.

get the how-to: Easily Monogram Christmas Stockings With This No-Sew Cross Stitch Trick

From: H. Camille Smith

Give In to a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party

Tacky Christmas sweaters are wardrobe staples during the holiday season. Throw a DIY tacky sweater preparty with your pals and prepare for the fun (and photo opportunities) ahead. Reference our guide, below, and supply guests with glue guns, puff paint, ribbons and gaudy holiday appliqués.

learn more: How to Host an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

Host a Present-Wrapping Party

Make the typically tedious holiday chore into a chore-no-more by throwing a BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Bow) wrapping party. Promise pals a booze-stocked bar cart, curated charcuterie board and festive wrapping paper, aplenty. All they’ll need to bring? Ribbons, bows and a bundle of holiday gifts ready for wrapping.

See More Photos: 80 DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Opt for a Christmas Cake-Off

Skip the usual cookie swap and host a friendly Christmas Cake-Off, instead. Ask fellow bakers to prepare their most popular babkas, bundts, genoises and more, then pass out paper and pens for judging. Together, you can award points for presentation, flavor, creativity, etc. Pro Tip: Our Birch Bark Yule Log Cake, below, will definitely secure you the top spot.

GET THE RECIPE: Birch Bark Yule Log Recipe

Invite Them to an Après-Ski Party

Bring a taste of the slopes to your home by hosting an après-ski-themed Christmas party. All you need are a few cozy buys (like faux-fur blankets, hand-hooked pillows, vintage skis, spruce or balsam candles, etc.) and a roaring fire. Serve mulled wine or hot toddies for good measure.

GO SHOPPING: 12 Chic Après Ski Decorating Ideas for Winter

Start a Holiday Card-Writing Party

Everything is more fun with friends, including writing Christmas cards. Send warm wishes to your loved ones (or even someone in the hospital or stationed overseas) by hosting a holiday card-writing party. You can provide the paper, scissors, glue and glitter, and your pals can take their pick of the 20 DIY ideas, below.

GET MORE IDEAS: 20 Handmade Holiday Cards

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Celebrate With Pinot, Pallets + Paints

Let your inner artists shine through and host a pallet-painting Christmas party. Rustic wood pallets are easy on the wallet and look right at home on the front porch, foyer or even hanging on a wall. Supply friends with pallets, paintbrushes and a constant flow of pinot for a fun and crafty afternoon.

GO SHOPPING: 15 Christmas Decorations You Can Buy on Amazon for Less Than $25

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Embrace an Elf on the Shelf® Party

Let the season's most mischievous character be your muse and throw an Elf on the Shelf®-themed Christmas party. Set the dress code as head-to-toe red (think pajamas and onesies aplenty), and stage the doll as a chef or bartender in the kitchen or a special guest in the photo booth. Need a little more inspiration? See our full list of creative poses and props down below.

GET MORE IDEAS: Funny, Creative Elf on the Shelf® Ideas Kids Will Love

Party Around the Fire Pit

If the idea of hosting a crowd indoors fills you with dread, invite friends over to celebrate in your great outdoors, instead. Whip up a big pot of our homemade hot chocolate or one of our warm-and-toasty winter cocktails and fire up the fire pit as the festive, crackling center of your celebration. Fill a tray with all the fixins for tasty s'mores and be sure to cozy up outdoor furniture with pillows and throws so everyone's extra comfy.

See More Photos: 11 Ways to Give Your Fire Pit Holiday Flair

Try a Toast to the Holidays Spread

For a sober soirée, why not throw a cheeky Toast to the Holidays party? Bring everyone together for mouthwatering crostini topped with arugula, smoked salmon, ricotta, hot honey, hazelnut spreads, etc. Follow our link, below, for 11 scrumptious variations that you can whip up in an afternoon.

GET MORE IDEAS: 11 Ways to Top Crostini, No Cooking Required

35 Low-Key Christmas Party Ideas That Spread Major Holiday Cheer

Related To:

Shop This Look

Have Yourself a Low-Key Christmas Party

Throw an Anything-But-Red-and-Green Party

And, Set the Table With Your Happy Hue

Host a Christmas Movie Marathon

Revel in a Santa Paws Party

Or, Throw a Festive Fête for Kids

Organize a Holiday Toy-Drive Party

Host a Gift Exchange

Challenge Them to Christmas Karaoke

Help Guests Help Themselves

Make It a Mistletoe + Margaritas Fiesta

Amuse Them With Reindeer Games

Host a Stocking Soirée

Weather Permitting: Party on the Porch

Really Tempt Their Sweet Tooth

Or, Opt for a Healthy Vegetarian Spread

Set Up a Spiked Hot Chocolate Bar

Start a Santa's Wreath Workshop

Treat Them to a Boozy Holiday Brunch

Host a Gingerbread House Competition

Consider a '90s Cookie Decorating Party

Lead a Christmas Light Parade

Make Merry With a Festive Friendsmas Party

Tempt Them With Pancakes + PJs

Indulge in a Pampering Party

Plan a DIY Ornament Party

Or, a DIY Monogrammed Stocking Party

Give In to a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party

Host a Present-Wrapping Party

Opt for a Christmas Cake-Off

Invite Them to an Après-Ski Party

Start a Holiday Card-Writing Party

Celebrate With Pinot, Pallets + Paints

Embrace an Elf on the Shelf® Party

Party Around the Fire Pit

Try a Toast to the Holidays Spread

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