When the holiday season rolls around, everyone’s expecting something special, something that feels festive and joyful. But as an event planner, you probably know that it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing the same things every year. 

How do you keep things fresh and exciting while still holding on to those classic Christmas traditions that people love?

The key is finding the right balance between the familiar and the new. You want to create something people will talk about and remember, but you also don’t want to stray too far from what makes Christmas… well, Christmas. So how do you do it?

Here are a few Christmas event ideas that take traditional holiday elements and give them a fresh twist.

Quick Glance at Ideas for Christmas Event

Christmas Event Themes That Wow

Traditional Christmas themes will always be crowd-pleasers. But there’s some room to reimagine these themes and avoid that ‘been-there-done-that’ vibe.

1. Winter Wonderland

We all love the soft snowflakes, the twinkling lights, and the cozy vibe of a Winter Wonderland. But you can give it a more modern feel by adding minimalist touches, like sleek metallic decorations or a pop of color like icy blues and silvers.

If you’re working with an indoor venue, soft white lighting and frosted glass elements can add a stylish, contemporary vibe.

2. Interactive Christmas Village

Christmas Village is such a classic, but you can update it by turning it into an interactive experience.

Instead of just setting up cute little houses, think about creating a market-style atmosphere where guests can shop local vendors, make their own DIY ornaments, or even play holiday-themed games.

You could even add a touch of nostalgia by creating a vintage toy shop corner or offering old-fashioned sweets like candy canes and fudge.

3. Santa’s Workshop

The concept of Santa’s Workshop is tried and tested, but you can bring it into the 21st century with some fun twists. Turn your Santa station into a gift-wrapping station where guests can personalize holiday cards, write letters to Santa, or even put together their holiday gift baskets. That way, everyone can tap into their inner elf.

4. Christmas Around the World Theme

This theme offers so much potential if you’re looking to do something different while still keeping the Christmas spirit intact. You could have stations featuring Christmas traditions from places like Italy, Mexico, or Germany, each with its own festive touch. 

Add a little holiday trivia from around the world for a fun, educational element. It’s a great way to add variety without straying from the overall holiday vibe.

5. Retro Christmas Party

A retro Christmas theme is a fun and unexpected twist that will transport your guests back in time. Think of it as an old-school Christmas with all the classic decorations and throwback tunes.

Imagine a vintage Coca-Cola Santa or a funky 1950s-inspired color scheme with pastel ornaments. Bonus points for having a Christmas movie marathon with classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life.

6. Christmas Carnival

For something completely different, why not throw a Christmas Carnival? We’re talking holiday-themed carnival games, a hot chocolate stand, cotton candy (yes, you can make it festive), and a photo booth with fun, quirky props.

You could even have a little Christmas Ferris wheel or carousel (if your venue allows it). This works great for a large event where you want something lively and engaging for guests of all ages.

7. Naughty or Nice Christmas Party

This one adds a playful element, and people love it. Set up two distinct areas: the “Naughty” side with cheeky cocktails, fun games, and maybe a bit of mischief (such as reindeer antler ring toss), and the “Nice” side, where you focus on elegant décor, cozy vibes, and traditional holiday elements. This provides a little something for everyone and keeps the event interactive and engaging.

Christmas Décor Ideas to Transform Your Venue

The right décor can completely transform a venue, making it feel warm, festive, and unforgettable.

8. Marketing Baubles

Make corporate décor stand out by using guerrilla marketing efforts for your baubles. You could use memes or add giveaway prizes for attendees, QR codes, branded baubles, or sponsored décor to give attendees something to look at and interact with!

9. Origami Tree Napkins

Napkin art can spruce up a plain table, and origami ideas like these Christmas trees can give attendees something to talk about and be wowed by. There are plenty of festive designs to choose from, and it definitely makes table settings more dynamic and personal for seated guests.

10. Block Christmas

Create modular decorations for a quirky corporate idea or for a low-key, space-saving alternative like a Christmas tree or 2D snowman. You could leave the kits to be built by attendees as a participatory activity like a Christmas creation competition or build and use them as festive decorations for your event space.

11. Snow Globe Photo Opportunity

Have you ever wondered what being inside a snow globe would be like? This is the perfect opportunity to find out and create a photo opportunity for your event that will be a big hit among children and adults alike. This inflatable idea also offers branding and sponsorship opportunities and has blown snow for that falling effect in the photos.

12. Winter Bar

If you want less overt theming, then incorporate the winter magic into your décor by drawing on traditional elements like birch trees inbuilt to the bar and lit with warm candle lighting.

It gives a classy Christmas feel without being too obvious. A shadow bar is also an excellent long-term idea because the inset area can be changed according to events or seasons for different effects each time.

13. Ice Throne

More photo opportunities like an ice throne can be fun to get people involved. A simple festive idea using cut-outs can be made more interesting by the lights and glitter backdrop. So, although it’s fairly simple, it is quite effective and perfect for any ice king or queen at the event.

14. Tree Centrepieces

Is one tree not enough? If you want tall centerpiece ideas, this could be an intricate Christmas twist for each table setting.

The trees and leaves are all white and decorated with ornaments and lights for a feel of bringing the outdoors inside. The tablecloths are also traditional Christmas greens and reds alternating to bring the room together.

15. Framed Polaroid

Adding nostalgia to events is effective, particularly at such a reflective time such as Christmas or the New Year when everyone is looking back on what they’ve achieved during the year.

These Polaroids are a great way for everyone to have a memento from the day, and as you can see, they can be branded with the event or company logo, as well as the details to remember.

Simply place wireless cameras on each table, and they connect to the print station where everyone can visit to see their snaps—great for networking too!

16. Gingerbread Head-In-Hole

A “head in hole” always injects a little fun into the event, and cute gingerbread men are bound to be a hit with attendees.

Creating photo opportunities and adding to the décor of the space, they could be scattered around the venue or added to a full photo booth. These are festive—who doesn’t want to see what they would look like as a gingerbread man (or woman)?

17. Classy Trees

A tree is a staple for a Christmas event. An excellent alternative is to have these trees that are a combination of chicken wire cones and floral spirals, which give a floating cascading effect from afar. They would be particularly enhanced when lit up with string lights or using up lighting.

18. Specialist Props

What would Christmas be without fun photo booth props to mark the occasion? Think of holding up mistletoe, antlers, and of course, Rudolf’s nose, you could also throw in some Santa’s hats and presents for attendees to hold up. Festive fun in a photo booth will always be a hit!

Christmas Event Activities to Engage Your Guests

The best events are those where guests are actively involved and remember the fun moments long after. Here’s how to keep the energy high and the vibes festive:

19. Christmas Trivia Showdown

Christmas trivia is a guaranteed hit, and you can make it a competitive game. You can divide your guests into teams or even mix it up with a Jeopardy-style game. 

Add questions about Christmas movies, holiday traditions, or even quirky facts like “How many pounds of red velvet cake does Buddy the Elf eat in Elf?” Keep the trivia lighthearted and fun. And, have a small prize for the winners to keep the competition fierce.

20. Cookie Decorating Contest

Everyone loves a sweet treat, and decorating cookies adds an element of creativity. Set up a decorating station with all the essentials such as icings, sprinkles, edible glitter, and even toppings like mini marshmallows.

Guests can either work in teams or compete solo. Afterward, you can display the cookies in a fun competition. The best part? It’s a perfect activity for all ages and can be easily adapted for a corporate setting or a more laid-back family event.

21. Christmas Charades

Nothing gets people laughing quite like a game of charades, and with a holiday twist, it’s guaranteed to be hilarious. You can choose prompts related to Christmas songs, movies, or common holiday traditions.

Play it in teams or just let individuals jump in. Charades works well for breaking the ice, especially in a mixed group of people who may not know each other well.

22. Gift Wrapping Station

Give your guests a chance to personalize their gifts or even wrap their own presents. It’s practical, fun, and makes sure everyone leaves with something they can use. 

Provide various wrapping paper styles, ribbon, and tags, and throw in some extra unique touches like burlap or metallic ribbons. A little extra thought like a DIY gift tag station makes the process even more festive.

Creative Christmas Food and Drink Ideas

Sure, there are certain Christmas dishes we all love, but you can add new flavors and unexpected twists to make your menu stand out.

23. Holiday Themed Food Stations

Rather than a sit-down meal, set up food stations where guests can help themselves. The best part about this is you can create a variety of themes.

You could have a taco bar with festive twists (think turkey and cranberry salsa) or a potato bar with all sorts of toppings, from classic sour cream to roasted chestnuts. This creates a casual, interactive vibe and allows people to eat at their own pace.

24. Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine Bar

There’s nothing more comforting than sipping on a hot drink during a chilly holiday season. Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes.

Add in a mulled wine or spiced cider option for the adults. For a more customized experience, include a variety of flavored syrups like caramel, peppermint, or hazelnut.

25. Festive Finger Foods

Forget the formal sit-down meals, finger foods are where it’s at. Mini versions of holiday classics, like pigs in a blanket, mini quiches, and sliders, are perfect for mingling and make the event feel more relaxed. You could even add a twist to some of these, such as cranberry sauce-infused sliders or savory pies with holiday spices.

26. Sweet Treat Stations

Desserts are a major highlight during Christmas, and setting up a “dessert station” can be both a practical and fun idea. Think mini pastries, gingerbread cookies, snowflake-shaped cakes, and a hot apple cider station. You could even include a chocolate fondue fountain for dipping everything from fruit to marshmallows.

27. Santa Brownies

Consider adding novelty food elements to your catering to tie food into event themes. For example, these simple brownie bites are given the festive treatment by adding frosting and fruit. There are so many possibilities, from food art to unique adaptations, but these little elements can make a big impact.

28. Snowman Desserts

Another intricate Christmas food idea sees these delicious meringue and patisserie snowmen in their Christmas hats in glass “globes” around a venue. These would work well at a themed food station or on individual tables as they would double up as edible centerpieces.

Here’s a list of all food and drink stations to make your event stand out.

Unique Christmas Event Spaces

Choosing the right venue is a huge part of creating a memorable event. While traditional event spaces are great, sometimes the location itself can set the tone for the evening. Here are some venue ideas that can elevate your Christmas event.

29. Historic Buildings or Mansions

If you want to add elegance and charm, a historic building or mansion is a stunning choice. These venues often have grand décor, fireplaces, and beautiful architecture that add a touch of sophistication to your event. Imagine holiday lights twinkling against grand chandeliers, or guests sipping cocktails in front of a roaring fire.

30. Barn or Outdoor Venue

For a more rustic feel, consider a barn or outdoor venue, especially if you’re hosting a more casual affair. Imagine your guests enjoying the crisp winter air while sipping hot cider by a fire pit or dancing under a canopy of fairy lights.

Outdoor Christmas venues can be transformed with soft, cozy blankets and lush greenery that will still feel festive while not overdoing it on the traditional.

31. Temporary Ice Skating Rink

A way to entertain large crowds and also retain the magic of Christmas is with a temporary ice rink, particularly if it can be in the open air to give an authentic atmosphere.

These can be adjusted to suit your event space and don’t always have to be made out of real ice (for those with a warmer Christmas) as synthetic rinks are increasing in popularity. It’s a cool twist on a Christmas party, literally!

End the Year on a High with These Christmas Event Ideas

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a Christmas event that feels festive, fresh, and fun, without losing touch with those timeless holiday traditions. 

Whether you’re mixing up the décor, adding some quirky photo ops, or keeping the classics with a twist, the goal is to create an experience that makes people smile, laugh, and take home a memory or two. 

After all, Christmas is about bringing people together and spreading joy, and with these festival ideas, you can do just that. 

So, let’s ditch the predictable and make this holiday season one your guests will remember long after the lights go out. 

Check out these seasonal event ideas that you can use throughout the year.

Published on 13th December 2017. | Last Updated on 13th December 2024.