130+ Christmas Gathering Ideas Big, Small And In Between

Host a festive Christmas gathering with these creative ideas for food, activities, and decor. Find tips for making your holiday gathering fun, memorable, and filled with cheer!

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring friends and family together for a memorable Christmas gathering filled with warmth, laughter, and festive cheer. No matter the size of a party, creating an inviting and festive atmosphere can make your holiday party truly special. Today, I’m sharing ideas for fun gatherings ideas to host, creative ways to welcome guests, delicious food ideas, fun activities, and thoughtful ways to end the night!

Get ready to spread the holiday magic and make this season unforgettable!

Ideas For A Gathering

Part of the fun of a Christmas gathering is to have a theme!

• Winter Wonderland – Frosty white and silver decor with snowflakes and sparkling lights.
• Christmas Cookie Exchange – Guests bake and bring a batch of their favorite holiday cookies to share; everyone leaves with a variety of cookies and new recipes.
• Neighborhood Drop-In – Host a casual, come-and-go gathering for neighbors to stop by, enjoy festive treats, and catch up.
• Ugly Sweater Party – Guests wear tacky Christmas sweaters; hold a contest for the best one.
• Christmas Movie Marathon – Decor inspired by favorite movies like Elf or Home Alone.

• Christmas Tree Decorating Party – Invite friends and family to help decorate the Christmas tree. Provide an assortment of ornaments, garlands, and lights, along with festive snacks and drinks.
• Christmas Potluck – Invite guests to bring their favorite holiday dish to share, creating a delicious, diverse spread.
• Gingerbread House Decorating Party – Decorating gingerbread houses as the main activity.
• Girlfriend Christmas Brunch – Host a cozy, mid-morning gathering with your girlfriends.
• Reindeer Games – Reindeer-themed games and antler headbands for everyone.

• Christmas Carol Karaoke – Festive theme with holiday carol karaoke.
• White Elephant Gift Gala – Semi-formal dress code paired with a fun gift exchange.
• Cozy Christmas Dinner – An intimate, candlelit gathering with comfort foods, soft blankets on chairs, and warm drinks.

10 Fun Ways To Invite People To A Christmas Gathering

Calling, texting, or sending an evite is a wonderful way to invite family and friends to a Christmas gathering. Here are a few other ways that are are also fun and extra special!

• Ornament Invitations – Send each guest a personalized Christmas ornament with the party details attached by ribbon. They can hang it on their tree as a reminder.
• Send a Christmas Card Invitation – Mail out festive Christmas cards with a personal note inviting each guest to your holiday gathering.
• Mini Wreath Invitations – Deliver mini wreaths with an attached card listing the party details. These small wreaths can double as decor for your guests.
• “Santa’s Scroll” Invitations – Send a rolled-up “naughty or nice” list that reveals the party details when unrolled, as if straight from Santa’s workshop.

• Christmas Cracker Invitations—Create or buy Christmas crackers and place the invitation details inside. Guests “pop” open their invites to reveal the information.
• Snowflake Invitations—Handwrite or print invitations on paper snowflakes to let guests know they’re “one of a kind” and invited to a magical night.
• Hot Cocoa Kit Invite – Send a mini hot cocoa kit with a packet of cocoa, mini marshmallows, and a candy cane, with the invitation details attached to the tag.
• Digital Christmas Card – Create a festive e-card or video invitation featuring holiday animations or a countdown to the gathering.

• Christmas Carol Invitation—Write a fun, customized carol about the party and send it as an invite. You could even sing it and send it as a voice memo or video.
• Gift Tag Invitation—Send a small gift box with a festive gift tag that reveals the party details. As a bonus, include a small treat or trinket inside.
• Elf on the Shelf Invitation – If you’re inviting families, send a little elf figurine or photo with a note saying, “The elf says you’re invited to celebrate with us!”

Party Time: Greeting Family And Guests

Put on some music and a smile! Here are fun, festive and practical ways to great guests

• Hang a Christmas Wreath – Adorn your front door with a holiday wreath to welcome guests.
• Designate a Coat Area – Set up a coat rack or room for guests to leave their outerwear.
• Offer a Warm Beverage—Upon arrival, Hand guests a mug of hot chocolate, mulled cider, or eggnog.
• Play Christmas Music at the Entrance – Set a holiday mood with a playlist by the door.
• Light Holiday Candles – Use pine, cinnamon, evergreen, or vanilla-scented candles to create a cozy entry aroma.

• Hang Bells on the Door—Attach jingle bells to the door handle for a festive sound as guests enter.
• Display a Festive Doormat – Use a holiday-themed doormat to welcome guests.
• Use Twinkling Lights on the Entry Path – Line the walkway with string lights or lanterns for a magical touch.
• Offer a Small Appetizer or Treat – Hand out mini cookies or appetizers to nibble on as guests arrive.
• Decorate with a Welcome Sign – Write a festive message like “Happy Holidays” or “Welcome, Friends!”

• Provide Hand Warmers for Outdoor Events – If you’re hosting outside, offer small hand warmers to keep guests cozy.
• Light a Fire or Use a Fireplace – If possible, have a fire burning for warmth and ambiance.
• Serve a Signature Cocktail at the Door – Offer a festive drink like a cranberry spritzer or holiday martini.
• Use Fresh Pine or Greenery in the Entryway – Place fresh greenery or pine boughs around the entry to add a natural touch.
• Create a Christmas Photo Spot – Decorate an area with a holiday backdrop where guests can take photos upon arrival.

• Dress as Santa or an Elf – Give guests a giggle by dressing up to greet them in holiday costumes.
• Use Holiday Scent Diffusers – Diffuse peppermint, fir, or orange scents in the entry to enhance the holiday feel.
• Display a Bowl of Peppermints or Holiday Candies – Let guests grab a sweet treat as they come in.

Great Food Makes A Gathering

There are many ways to serve delicious food at any gathering. You can make it yourself, get it from your local deli or restaurant, or combine both. You can also ask guests to participate and bring something yummy to share.

• Warm Soup in Mugs – Serve comforting soups like butternut squash or tomato basil in easy-to-hold mugs.
• Baked Ham with Honey Glaze – A beautifully glazed ham that’s easy to slice and serve.
• Assorted Finger Foods in Cocktail Glasses – Mini charcuterie, veggies with dip, or shrimp cocktails.
• Gourmet Pizza Slices – Offer a selection of pizzas with festive toppings like fig, brie, and arugula.
• Truffle Popcorn in Paper Horns – Hand out paper cones filled with truffle-flavored popcorn.

• Prime Rib Roast – A classic holiday roast served with horseradish sauce or au jus.
• Mini Meatballs on Toothpicks – Serve classic or Swedish meatballs for easy bites.
• Bruschetta with Festive Toppings – Tomato-basil, cranberry-brie, and fig-goat cheese.
• Baked Brie with Cranberries – A warm, gooey brie topped with cranberry sauce or jam.
• Make a Breakfast Casserole – Serve a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole filled with ingredients like eggs, cheese, sausage, and vegetables.

• Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce – A juicy turkey breast for a smaller, flavorful holiday meal.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus – Savory, elegant finger food that’s easy to grab and eat.
• Stuffed Pork Loin – Pork loin stuffed with herbs, apples, or cranberries.
• Mini Sliders – Serve small burgers with gourmet toppings for a handheld option.
• Stuffed Mushrooms – Fill with cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs for a savory appetizer.

• Charcuterie Board – Offer a selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits for easy snacking.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon – Baked salmon with an herb crust, perfect for seafood lovers.Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce – A tender, elegant cut served with a rich sauce.
• Shrimp Cocktail Cups – Individual servings of shrimp with cocktail sauce in small cups.
• Caprese Skewers – Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

• Lasagna – Classic or vegetarian lasagna, a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
• Pulled Pork or Chicken Sliders – Small, flavorful sliders with coleslaw on the side.
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates – Sweet and salty bites filled with goat cheese or almonds.
• Mini Tacos – Serve bite-sized tacos with a variety of fillings for a festive touch.
• Cheese Fondue with Bread Cubes – A warm fondue with bread, apples, or veggies for dipping.

• Roasted Veggie Platter – Seasonal roasted veggies like brussels sprouts, carrots, and beets.
• Spicy or Garlic-Butter Shrimp Skewers – Easy-to-eat, flavorful seafood option.
• Mini Quiches – Assorted quiches with flavors like spinach-feta and ham-cheddar.
• Stuffed Mini Potatoes – Mini potato skins with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
• Flatbreads with Gourmet Toppings – Offer flavors like pear-gorgonzola or pesto-chicken.

• Deviled Eggs with Unique Toppings – Use bacon, truffle oil, or smoked salmon for a twist.
• Mini Crab Cakes with Aioli – Small seafood bites with a creamy dipping sauce.
• Roasted Chestnuts – A classic seasonal snack that adds warmth and holiday spirit.
• Mini Meat or Veggie Pot Pies – Individual pot pies with flaky crust and hearty fillings.
• Crostini with Various Toppings – Try goat cheese and fig, smoked salmon, or whipped feta.

• Gourmet Mac and Cheese Bites – Personal-sized portions of creamy mac and cheese.
• Pinecone Cheese Ball – A cheese ball shaped like a pinecone, decorated with almonds.
• Cranberry and Brie Pastry Bites – Puff pastry bites filled with brie and cranberry sauce.

Desserts And Sweet Endings

• Buche de Noel (Yule Log) – A traditional French Christmas cake decorated like a log.
• Mini Cheesecakes with Berry Compote – Bite-sized cheesecakes topped with seasonal berries.
• Peppermint Bark – Layers of dark and white chocolate with crushed peppermint.
• Homemade Peanut Brittle – A crunchy, caramelized classic holiday treat.
• Chocolate Truffles – Rich chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa powder, nuts, or sprinkles.

• Gingerbread Cookies – Decorate classic gingerbread men with icing and candy.
• Cranberry Orange Cake – Moist cake with cranberries and a hint of citrus, topped with glaze.
• Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing – Colorful, frosted sugar cookies in holiday shapes.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding – A warm, rich dessert with dates and toffee sauce.
• Classic Fudge – Chocolate or vanilla fudge squares, perfect for serving or gifting.

• Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding – Comforting bread pudding with spiced apples and custard.
• Mini Tiramisu Cups – Individual servings of tiramisu in festive, single-serve cups.
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – Sweet and salty treat with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
• Pecan Pie Bars – All the flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-eat bar form.
• Raspberry Linzer Cookies – Buttery, almond-flavored cookies with raspberry jam filling.
• Rum Balls – No-bake treats made with crushed cookies and rum rolled in powdered sugar.

What To Do At A Christmas Gathering

Add a fun activity to your Christmas gathering!

• Chat and Catch Up – Allow time for guests to mingle and reconnect.
• Sing Christmas Carols – Organize a sing-along of favorite holiday songs.
• Play Christmas Charades – Act out holiday-themed prompts for a fun game.
• Watch a Christmas Movie – Play a classic like Home Alone or Elf for a cozy atmosphere.
• Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange – Have guests bring quirky gifts to swap.

• Decorate Christmas Cookies – Set up a cookie decorating station with icing and sprinkles.
• Play Christmas Bingo – Use holiday-themed bingo cards and small prizes.
• Host a Christmas Trivia Game – Test holiday songs, movies, and traditions knowledge.
• Have a Christmas Carol Karaoke – Sing favorite holiday tunes karaoke-style.
• Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange – Draw names and exchange gifts.

• Make Gingerbread Houses – Provide kits or supplies for guests to build and decorate.
• Arrange a Christmas Lights Walk – Take a stroll around the neighborhood to see the lights.
• Do a Wine or Eggnog Tasting – Sample different types of wines or eggnog.
• Play Board Games – Set out classics like Monopoly or Scrabble for cozy entertainment.
• Host a Christmas Sweater Contest – Award prizes for the ugliest, funniest, or most creative sweater.

• Have a Christmas Craft Station – Make DIY decorations or small gifts.
• Play “Guess the Christmas Song” – Play a few notes of a song and have guests guess the title.

Call It A Night

• Give Each Guest a Small Parting Gift – A jar of homemade jam, spiced nuts, or hot cocoa mix.
• Give Each Guest a Jar of Christmas Simmer Pot Ingredients – Send guests home with a cozy gift: a jar filled with ingredients like cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and cranberries.
• Hand Out Wrapped Cookies – Send guests home with decorated cookies as a sweet treat.
• Play a Farewell Christmas Song – Choose a classic like We Wish You a Merry Christmas as a final song.
• Give Personalized Ornaments – Hand out ornaments with each guest’s name or initials.

• Hand Out Holiday Cards – Write a brief message and hand each guest a card as they leave.
• Send Guests Home with a Sprig of Fresh Greenery – Wrap pine or holly with ribbon for a festive touch.
• Give Out Warm Beverages in To-Go Cups – Send guests off with a cup of hot chocolate or cider.
• Set Up a S’mores Kit to Take Home – Pack marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for a DIY treat.
• Give Each Guest a Mini Wreath – Small wreaths make a lovely and festive send-off.

• Gift Wrapped Candy Canes – Tie a ribbon around candy canes with a small thank-you note.
• Offer Holiday Popcorn Bags – Seasoned popcorn in a holiday bag makes a fun snack for the road.
• Send Guests Home with Custom Hot Cocoa Kits – Include cocoa powder, marshmallows, and a mini candy cane.
• Wrap Up Leftover Goodies – Send guests home with leftovers packed in holiday containers.
• Play a Farewell Toast Game – Let each guest say a short farewell toast or share a highlight of the evening.

• Gift Small Potted Plants or Succulents – Send guests home with a bit of greenery that lasts beyond the holiday.
• Give Away Small Bags of Fresh Baked Goods – Send guests home with mini loaves or muffins.
• Share Printed Holiday Recipes – A recipe card from the night’s menu makes a memorable keepsake.
• Gift Mini Packs of Christmas Tea – Send a warm, cozy reminder of the evening.

• Have a Warm Hug and Send-Off at the Door – Nothing says goodnight like a friendly embrace. Offer Wrapped Chocolate Truffles – Individually wrapped truffles make an elegant, sweet send-off.
• Create a Group Goodbye Photo Opportunity – Take a farewell group photo to commemorate the night.

Christmas gatherings are all about creating happy memories with those we love most, and there are so many ways to make your holiday party feel unique, warm, and festive. Here’s to a joyful, laughter-filled gathering that leaves everyone feeling the warmth of the season! Merry Christmas and happy hosting!

Happy Christmas Partying, friend!