December is like one big holiday hug. Between the glittery lights, chilly nights, and all the cookies you can eat without judgment, it's the ultimate month for throwing parties. And while Christmas and New Year’s Eve get all the spotlight, there are so many other reasons to gather your favorite people and celebrate.

Whether you're planning something for your family, your friend group, or a bunch of sugar-hyped kids, I’ve got December party themes that are easy, unique, and full of magic.

So grab your calendar and your coziest socks, because December is packed with party potential!

Winter December Party Theme Ideas

1. Santa’s Workshop Party

When to Host: Early to mid-December
Why It’s Fun: Kids get to be little elves!

Turn your home into Santa’s workshop! Set up craft tables with easy holiday crafts, think DIY ornaments, reindeer food, and handmade cards. Everyone gets an “Elf Name”, and maybe even a visit from the big guy himself!

💡 Sweet Touch: Serve cookies with milk and cocoa, and have a little “Wrap It Up” station where kids can wrap small handmade gifts.

2. Winter Wonderland Party

Theme Vibe: Snowflakes, sparkles, and chilly fun

Cover everything in white, silver, and blue,  snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, glitter everywhere, and lots of cozy vibes. Play “Frozen” music in the background or even have a snowball fight (with soft pom-poms or cotton balls indoors!).

💡 Party Game ideas:  Winter minute to win it games such as “Snowman Stack” – who can stack the most marshmallows on top of each other before it falls?

3. Ugly Sweater Party

Date Idea: Around National Ugly Sweater Day (usually the third Friday of December)
Theme Vibe: The tackier, the better

Dig through your closet or hit the thrift store,  this is your time to shine with pom-poms, blinking lights, and glitter reindeer galore. Hand out prizes for the “Most Hideous,” “Most Creative,” and “Looks Handmade But Isn’t.”

💡 Photo Op: Create a silly photo booth with props like tinsel boas, giant candy canes, and cardboard cutouts of Santa.

4. Secret Santa Swap

When to Host: Mid to late December
Theme Vibe: Giving, laughing, and little surprises

Whether it’s a school group, workplace, or just your besties, a Secret Santa exchange is always a hit. Keep the gifts under $10 or make them DIY only for a crafty twist. Add a guessing game to see if people can figure out who their Santa was!

💡 Kid-Friendly Tip: Do a “Secret Elf” version with simple little gifts and good deeds for family members.

5. Holiday Book Swap – Perfect for National Read a New Book Month

Month-Long Celebration
Theme Vibe: Cozy, quiet, and book-lover approved

Everyone brings a wrapped book to swap, either new, used, or a personal favorite. Add hot cocoa, cozy blankets, and a roaring fireplace (real or YouTube version), and you’ve got the perfect low-key party.

💡 Extra Fun: Have everyone write a little note inside their book explaining why they love it!

6. Cookie Decorating Party

When to Host: Any day in December!
Theme Vibe: Delicious and creative chaos

Set out sugar cookies, royal icing in piping bags, bowls of sprinkles, and let the magic happen. Great for kids and grown-ups alike. You could even turn it into a friendly competition (with “Best Snowman” or “Cutest Cookie” prizes!).

💡 Pro Mom Tip: Cover your table with a cheap plastic tablecloth. You're welcome.

 7. Holiday Karaoke Night

Theme Vibe: Jingle Bell Rock meets living room stage

Grab a microphone (real or pretend), put on your favorite holiday hits, and let the performances begin! Kids can sing “Rudolph,” teens can belt out Mariah Carey, and the grown-ups will surprise you with their enthusiasm.

💡 Bonus: Set up a cocoa bar with toppings and let people “sing for their drink!”

8. Countdown to New Year’s Eve Eve Party

Date: December 30
Why It’s Fun: It’s the party before the party!

This one’s perfect for families who want to celebrate before the actual madness of New Year’s Eve. Play games, make party hats, pop confetti balloons, and count down to an early “midnight” (hello, 8pm bedtime!).

💡 Kid-Friendly Countdown: Use paper bags labeled 6pm, 7pm, etc., each with a surprise game or treat inside.

9. Pajamas & Pancakes Party

Theme Vibe: Comfy, cozy, and full of syrup

Invite your crew to show up in their fluffiest pajamas and enjoy a breakfast-for-dinner spread. Think waffles, pancakes, fruit, whipped cream, and breakfast sausage on a stick. It's silly, sweet, and such a vibe.

💡 Activity Idea: Kids can decorate pancake faces using fruit, chocolate chips, and syrup!

10. Hanukkah Celebration

Date: Varies in December
Theme Vibe: Traditional + fun for everyone

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with dreidel games, latkes, and gelt! If you’re hosting friends who aren’t familiar with Hanukkah, make it a learning experience with storytelling, songs, and crafts.

💡 Fun Craft: Kids can make paper menorahs or decorate dreidels with stickers and glitter glue.

11. Winter Masquerade Ball

Theme Vibe: Elegant, sparkly, and a little mysterious

Invite guests to wear semi-formal clothes and fancy masks. Think silver and gold, candles, and fairy lights. Serve elegant finger foods and play classy music, or flip the script and surprise everyone with a dance battle!

💡 For Kids: Make it a “Royal Snow Ball” where they can dress up as princes, princesses, or snow creatures.

12. Elf Training Camp

When to Host: Early December
Why It’s Fun: High-energy, super silly, and perfect for kids

Create stations like “Gift Wrapping 101,” “Toy Assembly Challenge,” and “Reindeer Chow Tasting.” Give each kid an “Elf Certificate” when they complete the camp.

💡 Snack Idea: Reindeer chow (aka puppy chow) and “Elf Hats” made from strawberries and mini marshmallows.

13. December Birthday Party

Theme Vibe: Make the birthday kid feel extra special

Let’s be honest, December birthdays can get lost in the holiday shuffle. Throw a winter-themed birthday party that’s not holiday-themed, maybe an ice skating party, an indoor snowball fight, or even a gingerbread birthday bash!

💡 Party Tip: Use snowflakes, stars, or winter animals instead of Santas and reindeer to make it feel birthday-focused.

14. Letters to Santa Party

When to Host: Early December
Theme Vibe: Wholesome, magical, and easy to set up

Set up a writing station with cute paper, stickers, glitter pens, and envelopes. Help little ones write or draw pictures for Santa. You can “mail” them in a special mailbox or take photos to send via email to the North Pole (wink wink).

💡 Keepsake Tip: Make copies of their letters to save in a scrapbook, it’s adorable to look back on.

15. Holiday Sip & Paint

For Adults: Wine and paint night
For Kids: Juice and craft night

Provide mini canvases, paints, and step-by-step guides (you can find great ones online). You don’t have to be an artist, just make it silly and fun!

💡 Theme Ideas: Paint snowmen, ornaments, candy canes, or even your pet in a holiday sweater!

16. Winter Solstice Celebration

Date: December 21
Theme Vibe: Natural, peaceful, and meaningful

Celebrate the longest night of the year with candles, nature crafts, and cozy storytelling. Take a moment to slow down and reflect, or just roast marshmallows by a fire and stargaze!

💡 Craft Idea: Make pinecone bird feeders or orange pomanders with cloves.

17. Toy Drive Party

When to Host: Mid-December
Theme Vibe: Giving back while having fun

Invite friends over for a casual get-together and ask everyone to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. You can have snacks, play games, and even make thank-you cards for the charity you’re donating to.

💡 Heartfelt Touch: Display the toys under a “giving tree” for everyone to admire before donating.

 18. International Holiday Party

Theme Vibe: Celebrate the world!

Learn how different cultures celebrate December holidays. Each guest or family can “represent” a country and bring a dish, decoration, or tradition to share. It’s fun, educational, and super tasty.

💡 Decor Tip: Hang flags, label foods, and make it feel like a little world tour.

December is a beautiful mix of magic, meaning, and memories. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want a sweet night with your family, these December party themes are perfect for turning even a regular weekday into a celebration. Big or small, silly or sentimental, it’s all about connection.

So light those candles, cue the jingles, and party your way through the most wonderful time of the year