12 Outrageously Fun Christmas Party Themes You’ve Never Thought Of

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure Policy

November 19, 2024 Luci McQuitty Hindmarsh

Tired of the same old ‘White Christmas’ theme? Ready to ditch the boring red-and-green and shake things up this holiday season?

You’re in luck. I’ve put together the most fun, sometimes hilarious, wacky and ahead-of-the-trend Christmas party ideas that’ll keep your guests talking long after the decorations are down.

Inspired by this year’s biggest films, Netflix sensations and, of course, a certain Taylor tour, these themes bring a fresh twist to your holiday spirit.

Whether it’s for family, friends or coworkers, these ideas will inject originality and fun into your festivities.

From quirky costumes to playful activities, your Christmas party is about to get a serious upgrade.

Also read: Free 23 Page Christmas Planner Printable

Crazy Cool Christmas Party Themes That Are Anything But Basic

Ready to spice things up this season? I’ve gone extra on my first idea, as it’s the one I’m going with this year...

Here’s what’s coming up:

Nobody Wants This Christmas Party
90s Holiday Throwback
Bridgerton Christmas Party
Mean Girls Christmas Party
The Fall Guy Stunt Party
Taylor Swift Christmas Party
Barbie Christmas Party
Christmas in Outer Space
Christmas Villains Party
Emily in Paris Christmas Party
Ugly Sweater Fashion Show
Past Presidents of the USA Party

So, let’s get going...

1. Nobody Wants This Christmas Party

.responsive-video { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100%; height: auto; }

Inspired by Netflix’s hit show Nobody Wants This, this theme embraces the unexpected, with a quirky twist on the traditional Christmas party.

The goal? Have fun when things don’t go according to plan, all while rocking a So-Cal aesthetic and Valley Girl vibes.

How to bring it to life

So-Cal meets Christmas chic décor: Think Kardashian-inspired glamour, but with a deliberately mismatched, quirky twist. Go metallic with balloons and sleek trees, then add random, out-of-place items like beach towels, inflatable pool floats or a reindeer wearing sunglasses.

Unexpected playlist: Make the music as unpredictable as the rest of the party. Mix offbeat tracks from the show with cringey 2000s pop hits and a few ironic holiday classics.

Dress code: Guests can copy the most memorable outfits from Nobody Wants This, like Joanna, Morgan and Esther’s Bat Mitzvah dresses (glamorous, over-the-top and mismatched). For shopping inspo, Harper’s Bazaar has a roundup of where to buy Joanna’s outfits. Or keep it So-Cal casual glamour with oversized sunglasses, fluffy slippers and holiday-meets-laid-back vibes.

Games with a twist: Worst Gift Exchange is perfect here. Guests bring the most ridiculous, funny or useless gifts they can find and swap them in a White Elephant-style game. Wrap everything in over-the-top gift wrap.

Another game idea: Santa’s Mishap Relay, where guests race to complete silly holiday tasks while dealing with ridiculous mishaps, like decorating a tree blindfolded or wrapping presents with oven mitts on.

Mismatched but cool food and drink mashups: Go for fusion dishes that combine So-Cal party classics with Christmas favourites. Try fish tacos with cranberry salsa or mini avocado toast with festive toppings like smoked salmon or cranberry chutney.

Sweet ideas: Peppermint chocolate churros or Christmas sugar cookies with citrus glaze give it that California vibe.

Drinks: Make palomas with a holiday twist (pomegranate works beautifully) or frozen margaritas with candy cane rims. You could also add a DIY kombucha and mimosa bar for laid-back So-Cal energy.

2. 90s Holiday Throwback

The 90s are back in style in a big way, so why not relive the glory days with a 90s-themed Christmas party?

Because the 90s was a whole decade (and a lot happened), pick your vibe and commit. Grunge? BritPop and Cool Britannia? Full-on teen pop? You choose.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Neon lights, lava lamps and classic 90s movie or music posters that match your chosen vibe.

Food and drink: Dunkaroos, pizza bagels and colourful cocktails (bonus points for Jell-O shots). For more ideas, use this list of iconic 90s snacks and drinks.

Music: Build a playlist with Spice Girls, *NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” and, if you want a bit of edge, a dash of Nirvana. You can also search Spotify for 90s playlists like this one.

Dress code: Overalls, chokers and flannel, plus Santa hats for everyone.

3. Bridgerton Christmas Party

.responsive-video { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100%; height: auto; }

Transport your Christmas party to Regency-era England with a Bridgerton-inspired holiday soirée.

This theme is all about elegance, glamour and, of course, scandalous, delicious gossip.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Opulent touches like chandelier-style lighting, lavish florals and plenty of gold accents.

Food and drink: Tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and sparkling wine. If you want a menu plan, here are some tea party food ideas.

Music: Classical playlists and carols with a twist, like string quartet or piano covers of modern songs.

Costumes: Flowing dresses and gloves for the ladies, tailcoats and cravats for the gentlemen.

Activity: Create a “scandal board” where guests can anonymously add playful, gossipy notes throughout the night.

4. Mean Girls Christmas Party

Time to channel your inner Plastics. This theme is inspired by the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” scene from Mean Girls.

It’s all about sass, pink and that unforgettable holiday performance vibe.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Make everything so fetch with pink lights, silver tinsel and a giant mirror ball.

Food and props: Serve candy canes (just don’t sit with anyone who didn’t give you one). Add Mean Girls cupcake toppers like these and a “Burn Book” cake centrepiece. If you want a how-to, this is a great Burn Book cake tutorial.

Music: The Mean Girls soundtrack, plus “Jingle Bell Rock” on repeat, obviously.

Activity: Run a “Jingle Bell Rock Dance-Off” and crown the winner.

Dress code: Plastics-inspired outfits only. Pink Santa hats, short skirts and big confidence.

5. The Fall Guy Stunt Party

Inspired by the action-packed hit movie The Fall Guy, this theme is all about on-set Hollywood-style glam mixed with the hilariousness of everyone coming dressed as stuntmen and stuntwomen.

I can already picture the group selfie... Hollywood Oscars style... except everyone looks like they just rolled out of an explosion scene.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Clapper boards, director’s megaphones, movie-star chairs and action-movie posters. Add a DIY red carpet if you can.

Food and drink: “Hollywood cocktails” like festive martinis plus themed snacks like popcorn, mini sliders and movie-theatre sweets.

Activity: Create a DIY stunt competition with safe, silly challenges, like a mini obstacle course or foam-block “stunt training”.

Dress code: Aviator sunglasses, leather jackets and helmets for extra points.

Also read: 45 Creative Christmas Gift Exchange Themes That Sleigh!

6. Taylor Swift Christmas Party

If 2024 is the Year of Taylor, why not make your Christmas party Swift-themed?

Get ready for a night of evermore-level vibes with a Taylor twist on holiday cheer.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Glitter, fairy lights and lots of red (a nod to her famous album).

Food and drink: Go full Tay-Tay with themed snacks. There’s a great list of Taylor Swift party food ideas here, plus you can serve Taylor Swift inspired cocktails.

Music: A Taylor-centric playlist, mixing her hits with classic holiday tunes.

Activity: Karaoke, obviously. Bonus points for dramatic “era” costume reveals mid-song.

Dress code: Come as your favourite Taylor Era, from Fearless cowboy boots to sparkly 1989 looks. This Teen Vogue roundup is a useful starting point.

7. Barbie Christmas Party

.responsive-video { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100%; height: auto; }

Inspired by the feel-good vibes of the Barbie movie, this party is all about pink, positivity and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Time to create your own Barbie Dreamhouse Christmas.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Think pink Christmas trees, sparkly ornaments and lots of glitter. Start here: pink Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Food and drink: Themed treats and pink party bites work brilliantly. Use this list of pink party food ideas, plus cotton candy cocktails if this is an adults-only vibe.

Music: Upbeat pop, iconic Barbie tracks and a few holiday classics.

Dress code: Holiday Barbie, Astronaut Barbie, CEO Barbie, Ken in a sparkly jacket... anything goes.

8. Christmas in Outer Space

Why stay on Earth when you can take your Christmas party to the stars?

A ‘Christmas in Outer Space’ theme is perfect for sci-fi fans and anyone looking for an out-of-this-world experience.

Picture glowing decorations, metallic vibes and a futuristic twist on all things festive.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Silver streamers, glow-in-the-dark stars and neon lights.

Drinks: Cosmic cocktails with dry ice for that smoky effect.

Food: Snacks that feel futuristic, like astronaut ice cream, freeze-dried sweets or galaxy cupcakes.

Music: Electronic and synth-heavy playlists to get everyone in the galactic groove.

Dress code: Space suits, galaxy-print outfits or shiny alien headbands.

9. Christmas Villains Party

Who says Christmas has to be all about being nice?

Channel your inner mischief-maker with a Christmas Villains Party, where guests come dressed as their favourite holiday bad guy.

Costume inspiration:
Harry & Marv (The Wet Bandits) – Home Alone
The Grinch – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Ebenezer Scrooge – A Christmas Carol
Krampus – Krampus (2015)
Oogie Boogie – The Nightmare Before Christmas

More villain ideas:
Mr. Potter – It’s a Wonderful Life
Jack Frost – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Hans Gruber – Die Hard
Heat Miser & Snow Miser – The Year Without a Santa Claus
Burgermeister Meisterburger – Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

How to bring it to life

Decor: Dark and moody. Black trees, red candles and dim lighting set the villainous tone instantly.

Food and drink: “Grinch Punch” (green sour punch) and “Coal Cookies” (dark chocolate).

Activity: Play “Naughty or Nice”, where guests confess their funniest holiday mischief.

Dress code: Go full Grinch, Krampus, Scrooge or any holiday villain your guests love.

Also read: 15 Tips And Ideas To Help You Host A Cool Yule Christmas Party

10. Emily in Paris Christmas Party

.responsive-video { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100%; height: auto; }

Inspired by the stylish life of Emily Cooper, this Emily in Paris Christmas theme is all about chic Parisian elegance with a little holiday sparkle.

How to bring it to life

Decor: Twinkly fairy lights, lots of red and black accents and little Paris nods like mini Eiffel Tower decorations.

Food and drink: Macarons, mini croissants and champagne cocktails.

Music: A mix of French pop and classic Christmas carols.

Photo idea: A mini photo booth with berets, croissants, sunglasses and Paris-themed props.

Dress code: Bold, colourful outfits with chic holiday accessories, Emily-style.

11. Ugly Sweater Fashion Show

Ugly sweater parties are great, but why not turn it into a runway competition?

The uglier the better. Bonus points for creativity and lights.

How to bring it to life

Set-up: Make a mini runway using wrapping paper and let each guest do a quick catwalk moment.

Prizes: Create categories like “Most Hideous”, “Best DIY” and “Most Likely to Blind You with Lights”.

Food and drink: Gingerbread biscuits and peppermint hot chocolate keep it cosy.

Music: Mix traditional carols with upbeat pop.

Dress code: Tinsel, lights and maximum commitment.

Also read: 16 Fun Christmas Party Games For All The Family

12. Past Presidents of the USA Party

Election year vibes are in the air, so why not make it a presidential Christmas party?

Guests can dress as past (or current) US presidents for a fun, history-filled twist on the usual holiday party.

How to bring it to life

Decor: American flags, stars and stripes and portraits of past presidents with Santa hats photoshopped on.

Food and drink: “Presidential Punch” and snacks inspired by White House menus, like mini burgers and apple pie.

Activity: Historical trivia with a festive twist, like matching the president to a funny Christmas tradition.

Dress code: Anyone goes. Abraham Lincoln with a candy cane? Teddy Roosevelt in a Santa suit? Yes.

If at least one of these themes has sparked your imagination, your Christmas party planning is officially off to a strong start.

Oh, and for anyone thinking Netflix’s Baby Reindeer sounds like a perfect festive party theme... it’s probably best to leave this one off your list. Some things are better enjoyed from the safety of your couch, with the lights on.