You may love watching Elf more than your kid does, but let’s face it… Christmas is all about them! Don’t you remember not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve? The mind-boggling pile under the tree the next morning? Swearing that you hear Santa’s sleigh bells outside? Keep Christmas magical for your little ones with these 15 ideas for a Christmas party for kids!
Fun Christmas Party Snacks
One of the most fun parts of the holiday season is all the tasty treats! We’ve put together some simple but super festive ideas to keep your kids’ Christmas party menu on track.
Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats
We’re pretty sure Rice Krispies were invented just to mix with marshmallows and create adorable treats. These Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats are cute, on theme, and easy to make. You can also decorate them as gifts or snowmen, too!
Snowball Party Mix
We have a feeling this Snowball Party Mix is fairly addictive, and you may want to hide a batch in your special “no kids allowed” cabinet. But for the sake of a Christmas party, we’ll let them have some of it, too. And hey, it’s easy enough that they can even help make it!
Grinch Kabobs
For a healthier treat, try these Grinch Kabobs! All you need is some fresh fruit and marshmallows. They’re quick and easy to assemble as a last-minute snack idea.
💡 Pro tip: Keep the bananas from going brown by placing the slices in a bowl of lemon or lime juice first.
Crescent Roll Pizza Stockings
You can’t go wrong with incorporating pizza into the menu for a kids’ Christmas party. These Crescent Pizza Stockings are perfect! You can even try other shapes, like Christmas trees or wreaths. You may even already have all the ingredients in your fridge from a previous “Make Your Own Pizza” night!
Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple
Skip the hot chocolate in favor of something a little bit fancier for your Christmas party. The kiddos in attendance will be delighted with a fun holiday drink like this Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple. The adults will probably want a glass, too!
It’s simple to make with only a couple of ingredients. Add some shaved coconut to the rim of the glass to achieve the Santa’s hat look, and throw a candy cane and maraschino cherry in there to complete this Christmas-themed drink.
🍬 Looking for sweet ideas? We have 18 more unique twists on traditional holiday treats—from sugar cookies and classic desserts to healthy snacks and festive cocktails.
Easy Christmas Games and Free Printables
Little ones have short attention spans, so keep the party moving with some “reindeer games”! We’ve created some free printables that are perfect games for kids.
Christmas Bingo
Who doesn’t love bingo? You could even use this Christmas Bingo printable for an adult party! We’ve created a set of eight cards, so if you have more than eight players, you may want to team up.
You can have someone call out the bingo squares randomly or tie the game into a Christmas movie. All the squares feature popular holiday staples, so you can cover them as you come across them in your favorite film.
⭐ You might also like: 5 Unique Christmas Party Games for Adults
Christmas Memory Game
For younger party guests, try a Christmas memory game! Cut the squares of the printable below and hand them out to the kiddos facedown. Let them take turns turning over two cards looking for a match. If they find a match, they keep them and get another turn. The person with the most matches when all the cards are gone wins!
We’ve included a set of 12 cards for you. Print onto thick card stock for best results.
Snowball Slam
Snowball fights are such a fun part of the holidays! Bring the competition indoors with this cute Christmas party game called the Snowball Slam. If you really want to be authentic, these “snowballs” are awesome! For a less-expensive option, try white, balled-up socks.
Christmas Party Entertainment
If you want to add something extra beyond games to engage the little ones at your Christmas party, you can’t go wrong with one of these entertainment ideas!
Santa Visits
Sure, party games and printables are fun, but nothing lights up a child’s face like a visit from Father Christmas himself! Booking a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus is an experience they’ll never forget.
Santa can join in the games, pass out gifts and candy canes, listen to Christmas wishes, and pose for pictures. Mrs. Claus can read stories, lead songs, build a gingerbread house, and more. They love children and make the holiday season truly magical.
🎅 Read this: How to Have a Smooth Home Visit from Santa Claus
Children’s Party Magicians
Santa brings a certain kind of magic, but a magician is a whole different way to mesmerize your young guests! If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, a children’s party magician is a great option. They have experience working with a crowd of kiddos and can sometimes tailor their show to your theme. Just ask!
Children’s Music
One of the best things about the Christmas season is the music. Help the little ones burn off some energy and rock those jingle bells with a sing-along or a holiday dance party! A kids’ DJ has all the Christmas songs kids love. And a children’s music show is a great way to get your guests to join in the holiday fun! Feel free to give the entertainer a list of your favorite holiday hits so they can tailor it to your needs.
Arts & Crafts
Want the kiddos to use their creativity? Book an arts and crafts party! These companies will lead the group in a unique craft, like a glittery Christmas ornament or a handpainted Christmas cookie plate. Let your kiddos get a little messy! But don’t worry, if you hire an arts and crafts party professional, they will usually supply the aprons and other supplies needed.
Hosting a fun Christmas party for kids doesn’t have to be complicated! With a few simple ideas and some festive touches, you can create some unforgettable memories for your little ones. 🎄
Need to book a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, or another holiday character for your Christmas party? Find the best on GigSalad!
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.