Christmas party ideas
December fills up fast, so the best Christmas parties are the ones that are easy to say yes to. This collection covers everything from a children's elf workshop or pyjama party to a festive cocktail party, a gift swap with friends, a wreath-making evening, carols with hot chocolate and the office Christmas do.
Many of these ideas work for all ages, so you can bring the whole family together. Each plan lists what to buy, what to make ahead and a timetable for the day.
15 ideas
Candle making party
Pour scented soy candles in jars, choose fragrances and colours, and take home a candle and a wax melt.
Carols and hot chocolate night
Neighbours and friends gather outside for carol singing by lantern light and a hot chocolate bar.
Christmas cocktail party
A glamorous festive drinks party with three signature cocktails, canapés, a mistletoe photo spot and a cracker toast.
Christmas cookie swap
Each guest bakes a batch of one festive cookie and goes home with a tin full of everyone else's.
Christmas Eve family night
A Christmas Eve box for everyone, a buffet, family games, reindeer food and tracking Santa before bed.
Christmas pyjama party
Kids arrive in festive pyjamas for a hot chocolate bar, a Christmas film, a 'ticket to the North Pole' and a sleepover.
Christmas wreath making
Build a fresh foliage wreath on a moss ring with pine, eucalyptus, dried oranges and ribbon, with mulled wine.
Festive afternoon tea
Tiered stands of turkey and cranberry sandwiches, mince pie scones and mini yule logs with tea and fizz.
Gingerbread house contest
Teams build and decorate gingerbread houses against the clock, then a judge crowns the best.
Ice skating party
Book a session at an ice rink, with helmets, penguin skate aids for beginners and hot chocolate afterwards.
Office Christmas party
A festive work party with a venue, a two-course dinner, awards, a secret Santa and a DJ.
Santa's elf workshop
Kids become Santa's elves for the afternoon, making toys, wrapping presents and decorating cookies.
Santa's grotto at home
Transform a room into a grotto with a sleigh, snow and fairy lights for a visit from a hired Santa.
Ugly Christmas jumper party
Everyone wears their tackiest festive jumper for games, a jumper catwalk and a cosy Christmas buffet.
White elephant gift swap
Everyone brings one wrapped gift; players unwrap or steal in turns for the funniest swap of the season.