Friendsmas Party Themes
The holidays are magical, but sometimes family get-togethers can be a little… stressful. Enter Friendsmas, the perfect excuse to celebrate Christmas (or the holiday season) with your favorite people, your friends!
Whether you’re single, married, or just want to have a chill night surrounded by laughter, Friendsmas is your time to shine.
But what exactly is Friendsmas?
What is Friendsmas?
Friendsmas is exactly what it sounds like: a Christmas celebration with friends instead of, or alongside, family. It’s a chance to gather your besties, exchange gifts, enjoy food and drinks, and create your own holiday traditions.
Some people do Friendsmas on Christmas Eve, others pick a weekend in December, and some even make it a full month-long celebration with multiple mini-gatherings.
Unlike traditional Christmas parties, Friendsmas is all about personality. You don’t have to follow strict traditions, wear fancy clothes, or stick to “classic” decorations. Instead, you can go wild with themes, activities, and decorations that your friend group will love. And it’s the perfect excuse to go a little over-the-top with fun ideas that might be “too much” for family gatherings.
So, if you’re ready to host your own Friendsmas this year, here are some creative, fun, and fresh theme ideas that go beyond the usual ugly sweater routine.
1. Festive Pajama Party
Who says you need to dress up to celebrate the holidays? A Festive Pajama Party is all about comfort, coziness, and laughter. Invite your friends to come in their most festive pajamas, think Christmas onesies, reindeer slippers, or even Santa-themed sleepwear.
Ideas to make it extra special:
- Hot chocolate bar: Offer marshmallows, peppermint sticks, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. For adults, a splash of Bailey’s or Kahlua makes it a little more festive.
- Movie marathon: Pick your favorite holiday classics like Home Alone, Elf, or The Christmas Chronicles. Bonus points for snuggling under blankets and pillows.
- DIY slippers contest: Encourage everyone to customize their slippers with glitter, stickers, or little jingle bells for a fun mini-competition.
A pajama party is perfect if your Friendsmas is meant to be a cozy night in, full of laughter and comfort. Plus, everyone gets to relax without worrying about fancy outfits!
2. Friendsmas Around the World
Take your Friendsmas on a holiday tour around the globe! This theme is perfect for foodie friends or anyone who loves trying new things. Pick a few countries and serve snacks, drinks, and desserts from each place.
Some tasty ideas:
- Italy: Panettone or tiramisu for dessert.
- Germany: Stollen bread and mulled wine.
- Japan: Christmas cake (it’s fluffy, sweet, and fun to decorate).
- Mexico: Homemade tamales or churros.
Decor tip: Set up different corners of your house for each country. Add little flags, themed decorations, and maybe even a quick “fun fact” about each place. Your friends will feel like they’re traveling the world without leaving your living room!
3. Secret Santa with a Twist
Everyone knows Secret Santa, but this version is all about laughs. Instead of traditional gifts, go for funny, quirky, or outrageous presents.
Gift ideas:
- A tiny kitchen gadget nobody asked for.
- A gag toy or weird ornament.
- Handmade crafts that are hilarious or “questionable” in quality.
Extra fun: Keep the theme open-ended, like “gifts under $10” or “gifts that start with the letter B.” Watching everyone open their surprises will have your friends in stitches, and you’ll get photos that are hilarious to look back on.
4. DIY Ornament Workshop
Combine creativity with holiday cheer! A DIY Ornament Workshop is perfect for crafty friend groups or anyone who wants to make keepsakes.
How to do it:
- Provide plain ornaments, paint, glitter, stickers, and any other craft supplies.
- Let guests decorate their own ornaments to hang on the Friendsmas tree or take home.
- Turn it into a contest: the most creative, funniest, or most festive ornament wins a small prize.
This theme gives everyone a tangible memory from your Friendsmas, and your tree will look unique and full of personality!
5. Cozy Cabin Vibes
If your group loves rustic, wintery vibes, a Cozy Cabin Friendsmas is perfect. You don’t need a real cabin, just bring the cabin feel indoors.
Decor ideas:
- Plaid blankets, flannel tablecloths, and fairy lights.
- Mini pine trees, pinecones, or rustic wood decorations.
- Candles or a faux fireplace to create that warm, cozy glow.
Food & drink: Cheese boards, mulled wine, mini pies, and hearty snacks. Acoustic holiday music or a vinyl record player can take the ambiance to the next level. This theme makes everyone feel like they’ve escaped winter chaos for a night.
6. Friendsmas Costume Party
Why settle for ugly sweaters when you can go all out with costumes? A Friendsmas Costume Party lets your friends express their holiday spirit in creative ways.
Theme ideas:
- Christmas movie characters: Dress as Buddy the Elf, The Grinch, or Kevin from Home Alone.
- Holiday superheroes: Imagine Santa’s helpers saving Christmas in style!
- Winter Wonderland: Sparkly outfits, snowflake accessories, and glitter galore.
Add a costume contest with prizes for the funniest, most creative, or most festive outfits. It’s a great way to make photos that everyone will cherish, and laugh at for years!
7. Friendsmas Game Night
Game nights are always a hit, and a Friendsmas Game Night adds a holiday twist. Whether your friends love board games, card games, or party games, there’s something for everyone.
Ideas to make it festive:
- Holiday-themed charades or Pictionary.
- A Friendsmas trivia game all about your group of friends.
- Classic games like Monopoly or Cards Against Humanity, but with a seasonal twist.
You could even create small prizes for winners, like mini ornaments, candy, or quirky holiday gifts. A game night is perfect for friends who love laughter, a little competition, and maybe a tiny sugar rush from holiday snacks.
8. Friendsmas Brunch
Who says Friendsmas has to be an evening event? A Friendsmas Brunch is a fresh and fun twist. Serve pancakes, waffles, pastries, and other festive breakfast foods. Add mimosas, mocktails, or flavored coffees for a cheerful, celebratory vibe.
Topping bar ideas:
- Sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, whipped cream.
- Fruit, nuts, or syrups for a fancy touch.
- Seasonal touches like cranberry sauce, gingerbread crumbs, or cinnamon sugar.
Brunch allows for a daytime celebration, making it perfect for busy schedules or friends who don’t like late-night parties. Plus, everyone loves food that doubles as a holiday treat!
9. Friendsmas Spa Day
Sometimes, the holidays are stressful, so why not take a break with a Friendsmas Spa Day? This theme is perfect for small groups who want a relaxing, intimate celebration.
How to set it up:
- DIY facials, foot soaks, and nail painting.
- Scented candles, soft music, and cozy robes.
- Healthy snacks, herbal teas, or festive mocktails.
It’s the perfect way to bond with friends while unwinding from the holiday hustle. And yes, you can still add a little festive flair with holiday-themed face masks or glittery nail polish!
10. Friendsmas Charity Challenge
Why not give back while celebrating? A Friendsmas Charity Challenge turns your party into a meaningful event.
Ideas to make it work:
- Guests bring items to donate to a local charity, like toys, food, or clothing.
- Host a holiday raffle with proceeds going to charity.
- Volunteer together as a group before or after your party.
This theme spreads holiday cheer in the most genuine way, and it’s a great reminder of the spirit of the season. Plus, doing something meaningful with friends can make your Friendsmas even more memorable.
11. Friendsmas Cocktail Night
For adult groups, a Friendsmas Cocktail Night can be both classy and festive. Create a menu of holiday-themed cocktails (and mocktails!) and set up a DIY cocktail station.
Drink ideas:
- Peppermint martinis
- Cranberry Moscow mules
- Hot toddies with cinnamon sticks
You can even turn it into a mixology challenge, who can create the best new holiday drink? Add some matching appetizers and finger foods for a full-on cocktail party vibe.
12. Friendsmas Photo Booth Party
Everyone loves photos! A Friendsmas Photo Booth Party adds a fun and interactive element. Set up a corner with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, silly glasses, and festive signs.
Extra tips:
- Use a backdrop with fairy lights or tinsel.
- Encourage everyone to take themed group photos.
- Consider a mini contest for the funniest or most creative photo.
By the end of the night, you’ll have a collection of memories captured in photos that you can print or share online, a perfect way to remember your Friendsmas celebration.
13. Winter Wonderland
Turn your home into a sparkling Winter Wonderland. Think snowflakes, fairy lights, silver and white décor, and lots of glitter. This theme is magical for group photos and gives a truly festive vibe.
Extra touches:
- Cotton “snow” on tables or window sills.
- Icy-looking cocktails or mocktails with clear ice cubes and glittery sugar rims.
- Snowflake cookies, peppermint bark, and other winter-themed desserts.
Your friends will feel like they stepped into a holiday movie set, perfect for a night full of laughter and magic.
14. Candy Cane Christmas
Sweet tooths, rejoice! A Candy Cane Friendsmas focuses on peppermint, red and white décor, and lots of sugary treats.
Ideas to try:
- Candy cane cocktails, hot chocolate with crushed candy canes, or peppermint cupcakes.
- Decorate the space with giant candy cane props or red-and-white striped table runners.
- Set up a candy bar for guests to fill bags and take home.
This theme is colorful, fun, and perfect for friends who love a little extra sugar in their celebrations.
Friendsmas is about celebrating the holiday season in your own fun, personal way. Whether it’s cozy pajamas, quirky gifts, spa relaxation, or even giving back to your community, there’s no wrong way to do it.
The best part? You get to spend time with the people you care about, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and maybe even start a new tradition you’ll repeat every year.
So go ahead, pick a theme (or mix a few!), get creative with decorations and food, and make this Friendsmas the most memorable one yet. After all, the holidays are better when shared with friends!
