Holiday Party Ideas for Everyone

Putting together a party is no small task, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Between gift shopping, decorating, and just generally trying to pack in your favorite holiday traditions, carving out the time to curate the perfect holiday fest can be tricky.

Luckily, we’re offering our picks for festive fun that everyone can get in on to help you get the ball rolling and throw the holiday bash of your dreams. From office parties, intimate get-togethers, and even activities the kids can get on, we’ve got you covered.

Holiday Office Parties

Holiday parties often feel like a chore, but they don’t have to. While some level of awkwardness is expected at any office gathering, having a repertoire of holiday activities on deck can help guide you past any lulls throughout the night.

Games. Holiday games are one of the best ways to break the ice and get everyone interacting. Just be sure to choose something that everyone can get in on. Games like charades or conversation bingo are excellent choices for getting to know one another a little better. If you’re feeling creative, try making up your own office party game!

Ugly Sweater Contest. The holidays are all about coming together and setting differences aside, but a little healthy competition never hurt anyone. To make the night more interesting, host an ugly sweater contest. It’s an easy way to get everyone involved in the fun, not to mention a wonderful water-cooler conversation starter.

Secret Santa. For those unfamiliar, secret Santa is an anonymous gift-giving game where everyone purchases a gift for a designated member of the group. Once presents have been opened, everyone must guess who their secret Santa was. This game is another great way to get to know your coworkers a little better. Pro tip: having everyone draw up a short wish list can help relieve some of the pressure to find the perfect gift.

Holiday Parties at Home

Hosting a holiday party at home is the perfect opportunity to cozy up with those closest to you, not to mention the ideal excuse for sheltering from the winter weather. From playing board games to curling up on the couch to watch your favorite holiday movie, hosting a holiday party at home offers many low-maintenance options to choose from.

Sleepover party. For a dose of nostalgia, host a sleepover party. Partying in your PJs offers a chance to relax and unwind during a hectic holiday season. It’s also a great chance to get any kids involved in some of the fun. Be sure to pull out all of your spare blankets and pillows and whip out your favorite board games to play into the wee hours of the night!

Movie Marathon. Hosting a holiday movie marathon with friends and family is another excellent antidote to the chaos of the holiday season. It’s also the perfect option for those colder days when all you want to do is curl up on the couch in front of the TV. Just turn on the TV at any point during the holidays, or draw up your own list of movies to kick off your holiday movie marathon!

Crafting. The holidays are a great chance to tap into your creative side. Spend the night around the table with a fun activity like baking, decorating ornaments, or making wreaths. There are also tons of kid-friendly crafts to choose from that are sure to inspire a festive spirit in everyone involved!

Holiday Parties with Friends

The holidays are for spending time with those nearest and dearest to you, as well as reconnecting with those friends with busy schedules you may have lost touch with throughout the year. From breaking out your best silverware to dusting off your favorite holiday décor, there are plenty of ways to make your holiday party with friends a night to remember.

Classic dinner party. To celebrate the holidays in a more adult fashion, try hosting a classic dinner party. Flex your kitchen skills by whipping up some of your favorite holiday recipes that are sure to impress your guests. If cooking a whole feast isn’t your thing, host the party potluck style!

Costume/Theme Party. If you didn’t get your fill of playing dress-up in October, carry on the fun with a costume party throughout the holidays. Have everyone dress up as classic holiday characters or think outside the box with an unconventional theme like a summer or beach party to remind everyone that warmer days are coming.

What to Bring for Holiday Parties

By now, most of us know that it’s considered bad form to show up to a party empty-handed. That’s not to say you have to bring your host a lavish gift. Something small like chocolates, baked goods, or a bottle of wine is more than enough to show your appreciation. If you can’t afford a gift or forget to bring one, don’t sweat it. The most important thing you can bring to a party is always yourself, especially during the holidays!