How to throw a Christmas party for kids
If you’re looking to throw a Christmas party for kids, here’s your quick checklist of things to plan for:
- When and where it will be
- Who you’re going to invite
- What games they’ll play
- What decorations you’ll have
- The food and drinks on offer
- Any crafts you’ll supervise
- What entertainment you’ll book
- Any suppliers or caterers you’ll need
If you have a more modest budget, check out our tips for planning on the cheap here. No matter how extravagant or affordable you’re going; advance planning is key. You ideally want to give yourself at least a month to arrange everything. And don’t be afraid to get creative and combine some of the items above. We love games that get kids decorating the house or snacks they can make as an activity which they get to enjoy eating later.
How to entertain kids at a Christmas party
However, the biggest head-scratcher most people have when it comes to any kids party planning is the entertainment. Entertaining kids at a Christmas party is complex simply because you’ve got so many options and kids can have such different preferences. You could put the call out for a Santa near you to pop around with his list and large sack of presents or do something a little more low-key and bake sugar cookies for the little ones to decorate and take home. Whatever you choose, we recommend having a few backup options just in case something isn’t sparking joy like you’d hoped.
Here are some activities we love:
- Play “Santa Says” which is a Christmas version of Simon Says.
- Send them on a Christmas Scavenger Hunt.
- Do a fun and creative Christmas Mad Libs puzzle.
- Try collaborative Tree Decorating as a group.
- Visit charity shops to host an Ugly Sweater Station.
- Print out your favourite Christmas Carols and go ‘round the neighbours singing.
- Play a game of Pin the Beard on Santa, Jingle Bell Limbo or Reindeer Ring Toss.
- Have them bring presents for others and do group Gift Wrapping.
- Host a Christmas Name That Tune or Movie Trivia Quiz.
- Make a Photobooth with tonnes of props like hats, glasses and tinsel.
- Get creative with a Cookie or Gingerbread House Decorating station.
- Channel your inner Blue Rinse Brigade with some Christmas Bingo.
- Invest in a cheap Karaoke machine so they can have a go at Christmas tunes.
- Try a festive game of Christmas Charades or holiday-themed Pictionary.
- Have them race against each other in Santa Dress Up.
- Get some Face Painting kits and let them unleash their creativity.
- Have them make treats for Santa and his reindeer.
- Let them play with some Fake Snow.
- Host or plan an excursion out to a Festive Farm Animal petting zoo.
- Have Santa drop by to read stories to the kids and hear their wish list.
Just remember that the goal is to make memories, so take lots of photos and have a range of phone chargers on hand for parents in case they’re low on juice.
All sorted for Christmas party party-planning tips? Click here for our more general ideas on planning a great kids party.
