11 Christmas Party Themes That Are Festive but Fresh

The holidays inspire hosts everywhere to put on their entertaining hats and make merry memories with their nearest and dearest. And while this annual time spent with friends and family is always special, no matter what your party looks like, why not make it even more memorable with a fun concept and fresh décor? We spoke with professional party planners for their best creative Christmas party themes and their tips on executing them.

Whimsical Winter Woodland

A cozy winter woodland conjures up images of snowy forests, twinkly fairy lights, and lush evergreen trees. Bring all of that woodsy inspiration to your next Christmas party with metallic, earthy tones, nature-inspired decor like bottle brush trees, rustic elements like wooden centerpieces, and a menu that takes its cues from the magical woodland forest, says Marley Majcher, owner of The Party Goddess. "Serve a menu inspired by forest fare, including mushroom-stuffed pastries, wild berry salads, and hearty root vegetable dishes," she says. "Offer a selection of botanical cocktails with ingredients like elderflower, thyme, and lavender."

Fireside Roast and Toast

Perfect for a gathering of close friends, host a fireside roast and toast where pals can roast each other in a convivial way. Alyssa Pettinato, who owns Alinato Events, recently planned this type of event, and it went off without a hook. "There was a live fire, cozy drinks that were infused with alcohol, and festive and fun decorations that included sassy ornaments and fun placement of mistletoe," she says.

Sugar Plum Fairy

Go classic with a beautifully executed sugar plum fairy party straight out of The Nutcracker. "Decorations should be in various shades of white, creams, and saturated pastels that appear dusted in sugar as if it was just snowing sugar outside," says Michele Fox Gott, owner and creative director of Center of Attention Events. "Decorate your windows by using a spray snow to create a frosty look."

And don't shy away from adding elements of the classic ballet to the party's look. "Nutcrackers line the party like soldiers," says Gott. "Use oodles and oodles of tulle like a ballet tutu to add [to your tabletop], which will add lots of airy clouds for our dream state."

As for the food, the bigger the better. "A giant dessert display to include loads of white sugary desserts such as Russian tea cakes, meringue cookies, macaroons," Gott says. "I always love a giant Croquembouche to take center stage, this time dusted in powdered sugar."

Galactic Holiday Escape

"Not into the full red and green scene? Why not create a futuristic and cosmic atmosphere with deep blues, purples, and silver metallic accents?" says Majcher. "Use twinkling lights to mimic stars and consider incorporating crystals and geodes in the centerpieces and even sending them home with guests as party favors."

For food, try "star-shaped appetizers, nebula cupcakes, and galaxy popcorn," Majcher says. "Consider a nitrogen ice cream station for a visually stunning and interactive dessert experience."

Holiday Speakeasy

What could be more fun during the holidays than a "covert" party filled with gorgeous artisanal cocktails and an air of merry mystery? "Channel your inner Peaky Blinder and give your guests a secret password for a holiday speakeasy where a craft mixologist can shake up and also teach how to make seasonal drinks," says Amy Shey Jacobs, an event planner and the founder of Chandelier Events, based in New York City.

Lean into the Prohibition Era by setting up a jazz playlist for those vintage vibes and serve your drinks in an assortment of old decanters and glasses—the more eclectic, the better. Fill the bathtub with bottles of gin and Champagne for good measure. "If you're feeling really inspired, hire a photographer to take black-and-white photos of your guests as a holiday gift," says Jacobs.

Cozy Ski Chalet

Get the fire rolling, break out the eggnog and spiked cocoa, and snuggle up during your ski chalet-themed party. This idea has many of the same elements you'd find at a traditional winter wonderland celebration—but feels decidedly fresh and ups the ante.

"Think faux snow, mountain range balloon installations—brown-and-green on the bottom, white on top—and shot skis for the particularly lively party-goers," says Liz Curtis, an event planner and the founder of Table + Teaspoon. "Also add some log décor, which can be as big as a log bar or as small as logs placed criss-cross on your snacks table," she says.

Have your guests dress the part by encouraging an après-ski dress code—all-white works, as do ski jackets—and pass out cute faux-fur earmuffs as party favors. You can even roast marshmallows using mini indoor s'mores kits.

Moody Glam

Dark spaces have the power to kindle both cozy intimacy and high glamor, says Yaz Quiles, event planner and the founder of POP! By Yaz. A moody, glam Christmas theme is also easier to pull off than you think and allows guests to wear their holiday best.

Set the scene by lowering the lights, adding flickering candles throughout your space, and layering a variety of luxe textiles and accents—think velvet linens, matte metal flatware, glimmers of gold, and a sparkling white Christmas tree.

Bring the theme to your bar, too: "Dark spirits, smokey undertones, and deep-colored nectars with natural garnishes are a perfect way to serve up swanky cocktails," Quiles says. "Complement drinks with indulgent, sweet-and-savory fare, like baked brie with cranberries and pecans and lamb chops with pomegranate molasses."

Holiday Chili Cook-Off

If your loved ones are food enthusiasts or seasoned chefs, hosting a chili cook-off come Christmas will easily become the event of the season. "In this potluck-style party, invite your friends, family, and colleagues to whip up their best chili recipe—have fun with meat, turkey, and vegan," says Shey Jacobs. "You can even give prizes for the best cornbread, cocktails, or chili pairings."

Set the scene accordingly with a table designated for crock pots, a voting booth, and a selection of red wines. You can even decorate your Christmas tree with cooking and chili-themed ornaments, chili lights, and red garlands. For the invitation, Jacobs suggests sending a note with a wooden spoon or oven mitt.

Overstated Winter Prints

Red and green are synonymous with Christmas, but you can channel the holiday spirit without broad strokes of this classic color duo. The solution? Opt for traditional winter prints instead. "Adopt a 'more is more' aesthetic by layering tartan in different colors, buffalo-check textiles, striped Pendleton blankets, and faux fur," says Curtis. "Ask your guests to tastefully mismatch these prints so that they bring life to the untraditional décor."

For a major design moment, use wrapping paper in these winter prints to cover a 6-by-6-foot cardboard wall—then use it as a photo backdrop.

The Giving Tree

This Christmas theme is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to give back this season. Invite everyone to bring a gift to place under a "giving tree" and plan a variety of events that all aim to do good. "Have some fun stations, like holiday card making for first responders or gift basket making for families in need, and focus on sustainable décor, like mini tree seedlings that can be planted post-event in a community garden," says Shey Jacobs. "You could also host a cookie or challah bake where everyone can create treats together to be gifted to a community center in need."

Stay on theme by sending invitations made from seeded paper, which can be planted in everyone's garden when the weather warms.

Cookie Swap

A cookie swap is a classic Christmas gathering, but take it up a notch with fresh décor and new ideas. Use cookies and their typical flavors and finishers to inspire your decorations—make a candy cane wreath, cut out cookie designs from festive paper to create a decorative garland, and set out plenty of trays filled with some of Martha's favorite Christmas cookies. Serve hot chocolate, coffee, and even cold glasses of milk for classic cookie dipping.