Your idea of cozy Christmas party ideas may be putting yourself in your favorite Christmas movie setting, or it can be as simple as wearing pajamas and watching Hallmark movies with your besties.
And the good news?
You’ll find something for everyone in the idea bank below.
12 Cozy Christmas Party Ideas Adults Will Actually Love
1. Retro Christmas Party
Retro Christmas party ideas are great options for adults because they are nostalgic and make us think of simpler times. You can:
- Play music from the decade that you’re trying to recreate with your party.
- Decorate your space to look retro, starting with your focal point (your Christmas tree)
Music and decorations are all you need for this idea. Of course, you can ask your guests to wear their “ugly sweaters,” if you like.
For a retro-looking Christmas tree, you’ll need:
If you like the Victorian look, there’s a really nice 48-piece set that has everything from Snowmen to Santa Claus and other decorations.
Go the extra mile with an old Coca-Cola vending machine ornament and wall art, like this.
Finally, you can spruce up your throw pillows to look retro with these cute options from PANDICORN Vintage.
2. Small Apartment Party
You have to work with what you have, and a smaller space is almost always easier to make cozy during the holidays. Apartment Notes gives us a lot of fun ideas to play with, which include:
- Placing small Christmas trees on end tables (such as this one or this one)
- Make extensive use of string lights, which can go around window frames and drape off of walls
- Add a wreath to your entryway, and feel free to place them on any doors inside of the apartment.
- Consider festive throw pillows for your couch.
- Add garland to staircase rails, if you have them.
One additional touch that always makes my home look and feel more festive is to use window clings. Snowflake clings are easy to put on and take off of your windows and add a little something extra to the space.
Now, just add in some good food, movies and music and start inviting your guests.
Related: Cozy Christmas Party Ideas for Adults: Themes, Fun Activities and What to Serve
3. Elegant, Festive Party
Elegant parties are a lot of fun with the right crowd. If you have friends and family who don’t mind getting dressed up, this idea is perfect for you. Your outfits are your own, but consider black tie for men and dresses for women.
You can even place a red carpet at the entryway to make it feel like your guests are walking into a VIP event.
Next up, you’ll focus on your food, drinks and decor. For your drinks, this festive DIY ornament is a cute option and consists of:
- Cranberry juice
- Fresh cranberries
- Ice cubes
- Rosemary
On your table, add these white birth trees and these ones if you have a mantle. Floating candles are an amazing, upscale touch, along with gold, plastic silverware (for easy cleanup).
You can also add in gold and silver balloons and, of course, fill the space with towering Christmas trees.
4. Black Decor Party
I’m going out on a limb with these Christmas party ideas because some people will appreciate the black decor and others will not. If this is not a good option for you, feel free to skip over it and go to one of the other choices below.
Create this dramatic look by The Garden Style with decorations that include:
- Black and silver wreath on your door with a black bowtie
- Black Christmas tree with gold and black ornaments
You can ask guests to wear all black or just allow their attire’s color to brighten up the space.
5. 1980s Party
For some, the 80s are a great era, but you can use this same concept for any decade that you like. You’ll use green, gold and red balloons for this idea, along with candy cane balloons.
I really appreciate the vintage neon lights that say, “Merry Christmas,” which you can find on Amazon.
But this is also the era where these hit songs came out:
- “Do You Hear What I Hear” by Whitney Houston
- “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
- “Deck the Halls” by Mannheim Steamroller
You can also play all of the great 80s movies that were part of every child’s childhood at this time, such as Babes in Toyland, A Christmas Carol and A Christmas Story.
6. Christmas Pajama Party
Pajama parties are always one of my favorite Christmas party ideas because you don’t have to go over the top with your attire. Show up with your Christmas pajamas and some cookies, and everyone is happy.
You don’t have to go crazy with this idea. Just tell your guests to wear pajamas and plan some movies for the night.
Of course, don’t forget the snacks:
- Bacon-wrapped dates
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
- Candy canes
- Cheese boards
- Cookies
- Gingerbread dip
- Meat and cheese boards
7. Simple Yet Elegant Party
Sometimes, an elegant and simple party is best. You want to focus on your dining table for this one with:
- Red and green flameless candles
- Garland put across the middle of the table
- Red and green bow ties on each plate
- Wine glasses
You can put on your favorite Christmas songs and move your tree closer to the dining table this year to create a picturesque ambiance for your guests. Lean heavily on your lighting to make this a cozy Christmas party that guests will remember for years to come.
Related: 23+ Best Christmas Side Dishes That Will Steal the Spotlight at Dinner
8. Gingerbread Party
A gingerbread party is a fun idea, and you can take this beyond just the decorations. You can even set up crafting stations where everyone can make their own gingerbread houses.
But let’s start with the decor. A fun centerpiece like the one in this Pin would be perfect. You can use gingerbread house decor or real gingerbread houses. Add fresh greenery, LED candles and pinecones to set the mood.
Serve gingerbread cookies and other sweet treats to align with the theme, along with hot cocoa and hot cider.
As for activities, you can:
- Play pin the bowtie on the gingerbread man
- Decorate gingerbread cookies
- Play a game of trivia
If you plan to set up a gingerbread house station, make sure you give guests bags to take their creations home in.
9. Hallmark Party
Hallmark Christmas movies are iconic. Why not host a cozy party where you binge-watch Hallmark movies all night and enjoy some snacks together?
Start by setting up a cozy viewing area with festive decorations. Hang fairy lights and make sure you have plenty of blankets and pillows.
You can even have your guests show up in their pajamas to make this party really cozy.
For food and snacks, you can serve:
- Hot cocoa – set up a hot cocoa bar to make this even more fun
- Christmas cookies
- Popcorn
- Mulled wine
- Pizza
You can plan other activities, too, if you want. Gift exchanges or board games are great ways to keep your guests entertained when you’re not watching movies.
10. Christmas Tea Party
A tea party is one of the coziest and cutest Christmas party ideas on this list. You can serve tea using a gorgeous, festive tea set and serve treats like:
- Cookies
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches
- Jam finger sandwiches
- Shortbread
- Mini pavlova
- Scones
Display your food on three-tiered stands to fit the theme.
Curate a relaxing Christmas music list and enjoy the company of your guests.
A tea party like this is something you can have in the middle of the day or even during brunch to keep it simple and fun.
11. Ugly Sweater Party
A classic and iconic cozy party idea. Ask your guests to arrive in their best ugly Christmas sweater. Serve delicious food, plan some games and have everyone vote to choose the ugliest sweater.
You can have multiple winners in different categories, like “most over the top” or “most creative.” Have fun with it and offer prizes for your winners.
Along with a contest, you can plan other fun activities, like decorating sweater-shaped cookies or crafting Christmas ornaments.
Serve tasty bite-sized treats like charcuterie, mulled wine and pigs in a blanket. Get as creative as you want with the menu, and focus mostly on keeping everyone entertained.
Related: 25+ DIY Fun and Easy Christmas Ornaments
12. Ornament Party
An ornament party is a fun and laid-back party theme that’s perfect for crafty crowds. Every guest can make their own ornament using the crafting supplies you provide.
You can find everything you’ll need at the local craft store. Give your guests multiple ornament options:
- Circular wood shapes
- Small birdhouses
- Gingerbread men
- Laser cut shapes
- Letters
To bring these ornaments to life, you’ll need some supplies. To start, you’ll need tacky and wood glue. To decorate them, you can offer:
- Buttons in different colors
- White sand or glitter for snow
- Stencils
- Sea glass
- Ribbon and twine
- Acrylic paint
- Scrap fabric
Don’t forget to serve snacks! Keep the food simple. Spiced cider, chocolate pudding, caramel apple slices and crackers are great options.
A party like this will really bring everyone together to converse and enjoy some laughs.
