Christmas is already a magical time for children, but you can make it even more unforgettable by hosting a festive party filled with games, activities, and delicious treats. Whether you're planning to host the event at home or booking a venue, these fun and practical tips will help you create a joyful, stress-free experience that your little guests will remember for years to come.
If you’re celebrating at home, you likely have many decorations already in place. But if you're hiring a venue, decorating it in a fun and festive way will help set the tone and make the space feel cosy and Christmassy. Think about hanging tinsel, garlands, and colourful paper snowflakes from the walls and ceiling. These are all easy to put up and take down and will add plenty of festive charm to the space.
If your venue allows it, you can even spray some fake snow on the windows to give the space a magical winter wonderland effect. In the dining area, a themed table cover or disposable tablecloth will not only add a Christmassy touch but also help protect surfaces from spills and crumbs.
Games are the heart of any successful kids' party, and Christmas gives you the perfect opportunity to add a seasonal twist to old favourites. Classic games like charades and Simon Says can easily be transformed into holiday fun by acting out Christmas songs and films or switching to "Santa Says" instead.
Another great option is Pin the Nose on Rudolph, which you can easily make using cardboard or paper. Simply draw or print a picture of Rudolph and cut out several red noses for the children to stick on while blindfolded. For a ready-to-play version, there are plenty of themed party games available online or in shops.
If you're looking for more variety, try a festive quiz based on well-known Christmas films. This can be played individually or in small teams and is a great way to wind things down after more energetic games. Speaking of active games, a candy cane hunt is always a crowd-pleaser. Hide candy canes around the house or venue and challenge the kids to find them all before time runs out.
When it's time for a breather, a Christmas film is a perfect way to help children relax while giving yourself a chance to tidy up or prepare the next activity. You can also set up craft stations where kids can make and decorate their own paper snowflakes or design their own Christmas cards. These crafts double as keepsakes, so they’ll have something to take home and remember the day by.
Decorating gingerbread men is another fantastic sit-down activity. You can either bake a batch beforehand or buy ready-made ones. Set out bowls of icing, sprinkles, and sweets, and let the kids get creative with their edible masterpieces.
When it comes to food, finger foods and simple party snacks are always a hit with children. Many supermarkets offer Christmas-themed options during the season, making it easy to put together a festive spread. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, mini pizzas, and veggie sticks all make great choices.
If you're up for getting a bit more creative in the kitchen, browse our Christmas Baking Recipes for some fun and easy ideas. You could even bake a Christmas tree-shaped pastry or use cookie cutters to create festive sandwich shapes.
Drinks are just as important. Hot chocolate topped with marshmallows is always a favourite, and you can also serve festive milkshakes or alcohol-free mocktails for something a bit more special. Of course, it’s always good to have water, squash, and juice available too, especially after all the excitement (and sugar).
To tie everything together, make sure you have a playlist of festive music ready to go. Use a reliable speaker to keep the tunes playing throughout the party and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Encourage kids to dress up in their best party outfits or come dressed as their favourite Christmas character. You could even offer a prize for the most creative costume.
For extra atmosphere, light the space with twinkling festive lights and add a sensory element with scented candles, winter air spray, or natural potpourri. These simple touches can really help make the event feel warm and magical.
A children's Christmas party doesn't have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, some festive creativity, and the right balance of activities, you can throw an event that will leave everyone smiling. For even more ideas, check out our full Christmas collection or explore more inspiration in the articles below.
