Friendsmas Party Ideas
There’s Christmas with family… and then there’s Friendsmas, the cozy, chaotic, laughter-filled celebration that keeps your holiday spirit alive (and maybe a little tipsy).
Friendsmas is your chance to swap the family drama for inside jokes, ugly sweaters, and maybe a Secret Santa gift that doesn’t end in a re-gift. Whether you’re hosting your first one or your tenth, here are some fun, festive, and totally doable Friendsmas party ideas to make this year’s celebration unforgettable.
What is Friendsmas?
Friendsmas is exactly what it sounds like, a Christmas-style celebration, but with your chosen family: your friends! It’s usually held in early to mid-December (before everyone travels home for the holidays) and focuses on good food, laughter, and quality time with the people who make life sparkle.
There’s no pressure, no awkward family politics, and no rules, just a reason to eat, drink, and be merry with your favorite people. Some groups go all out with matching pajamas and a fancy dinner, while others keep it super chill with pizza, board games, and hot cocoa. The beauty of Friendsmas is that it can be whatever you want it to be, festive and fancy or cozy and casual.
How to Plan a Fun and Festive Friendsmas
1. Pick a Theme (Because We All Love an Excuse to Dress Up)
A theme adds instant magic, and makes decorating and planning easier. Go as low-key or over-the-top as you want!
- Ugly Sweater Party: A classic for a reason. Bonus points for homemade creations covered in tinsel and pom-poms.
- Pajama Party: Think cozy flannel PJs, hot cocoa, and Christmas movies on repeat.
- Holiday Movie Marathon: Dress as your favorite Christmas character — Buddy the Elf, Kevin McCallister, or the Grinch.
- White Christmas Dinner: Everyone wears white, the table is set with simple winter whites and candles, elegant but still relaxed.
- “Bring a Dish That Starts with Your Name” Party: Silly, yes, but surprisingly fun (Tara’s Tacos, Ben’s Brownies, Lisa’s Lasagna).
2. Make It a Potluck (Save Your Sanity)
Friendsmas is not the time to stress over cooking a full turkey dinner by yourself. Make it a potluck and let everyone bring something.
- Assign categories: apps, mains, sides, and desserts.
- Have a theme like “holiday comfort food” or “around the world Christmas.”
- Don’t forget the beverages, someone’s got to bring the mulled wine or spiked eggnog!
3. Set Up a DIY Drink Station
Because half the fun of Friendsmas is the festive drinks!
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. Add Baileys or peppermint schnapps for an adult twist.
- Holiday Cocktail Bar: Set out ingredients for a signature drink like cranberry mimosas or a merry mojito mocktail.
- Mulled Wine Pot: Keep it warm in a slow cooker, it smells amazing and tastes even better.
4. Plan a Gift Exchange That’s Actually Fun
Skip the awkward “uh, thanks?” moments and make your gift exchange something everyone looks forward to.
- Secret Santa: Classic and easy with an online generator like Elfster or DrawNames.
- White Elephant: Expect chaos, laughter, and that one ridiculous gift everyone fights over.
- $10 Challenge: Everyone brings something under $10, it’s hilarious how creative people get.
- Homemade or Thrifted Gifts: Keeps things budget-friendly and often leads to the best surprises.
5. Holiday Movie or Game Night
Once the food and drinks are sorted, it’s time for entertainment.
- Movie Marathon Picks: Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone, The Holiday, or Christmas Vacation.
- Party Games: Try “What Do You Meme? – Christmas Edition,” “Heads Up!,” or a simple trivia round with prizes.
- Printable Christmas Games: Holiday charades, Christmas bingo, or a Friendsmas quiz (“Who’s most likely to spike the eggnog?”).
6. Create a Friendsmas Photo Booth
You know everyone’s going to want that perfect group pic. Set up a simple DIY photo corner:
- Use a sparkly curtain or Christmas wrapping paper as a backdrop.
- Add fairy lights, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and funny signs.
- Use a tripod or phone stand with a remote shutter so no one’s left out of the photo.
7. Have a Cookie (or Dessert) Swap
Sweet tooth alert! A cookie or dessert exchange is the ultimate way to spread the sugar love.
Everyone brings a batch of their favorite cookies, brownies, or fudge to share. You’ll all go home with a mix of goodies, and maybe a new favorite recipe.
Make it extra festive with a hot cocoa or coffee pairing station on the side.
8. Keep It Cozy
Friendsmas doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. In fact, the best ones usually aren’t! Dim lighting, candles, fuzzy blankets, and holiday tunes in the background can set the perfect vibe. Think “warm winter hangout,” not “Martha Stewart showcase.”
9. Make a Shared Playlist
Every great party needs a great soundtrack. Ask everyone to add their favorite Christmas songs to a shared playlist before the night. You’ll end up with an amazing mix, from Mariah Carey to Michael Bublé, and maybe one chaotic track that someone insists is “festive enough.”
10. End with a Little Gratitude
Amid all the fun and laughter, take a moment to appreciate your friends. A short toast, a handwritten note for each guest, or a group photo to commemorate the night can make it feel truly special.
Because that’s what Friendsmas is all about, celebrating the family you choose, the people who make the holidays brighter, and the memories that last long after the last cookie crumb is gone.
So gather your crew, deck the halls, and pour another cup of cocoa, it’s Friendsmas time!
