Winter is all about celebration. It doesn’t matter whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Festivus — love and laughter are in the air, and it’s a great time to throw a party.
But with so many different holidays and activities going on during the winter months,finding the perfect winter party theme can be difficult. Don’t worry, because we’re here to inspire you.
The Eventbrite community is home to almost 800,000 amazing event creators, so we know a thing or two about organizing one-of-a-kind themed events and holiday bashes that warm hearts and get people singing and dancing.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain why winter party themes are a great idea, give you 13 amazing winter party theme ideas, and zoom in on some event creators who are nailing the brief when it comes to all things winter.
13 winter party themes your guests will love
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Why choose a winter party theme?
Honestly, a party can be great without a theme. However, studies show that themed parties offer a unique atmosphere unmatched by random decor and entertainment.
Party themes serve as an anchor for your event. Party decorations, entertainment, food, location, sights, sounds, and smells can all be tied back to the central theme. This creates an immersive experience for your guests in which they aren’t just “showing up” to an event — they’re having an experience.
That’s why two-thirds of event creators that took part in our 2023 Event Trends Report told us the most important part of their role isn’t event logistics. It’s to create memorable experiences for attendees.
When it comes to winter, themes are an absolute must. Winter offers an abundance of special traditions and elements that make selecting a theme a delightful challenge for party planners. Not only does choosing a winter party theme help you create a special party atmosphere, but it’ll also simplify the planning process.
For example, you’ve instantly got plenty of potential food and decoration ideas if you know you’re planning a party with a Santa’s grotto theme.
But winter party themes can also help you better communicate your event’s goals and objectives. Returning to our Santa example, let’s say you’re hosting this Christmas party as a charity toy drive for a local hospital.
Using the Santa Claus theme, you can invite guests to don the red cap and make a child’s holiday season brighter — creating a unique experience for your partygoers while ensuring you achieve your party objective.
Curious to learn more about what to consider when planning a party (and how Eventbrite can streamline the process)? Let’s take a look.
13 winter party themes your guests will love
Now that we’ve covered why winter party themes are a great way to engage with guests and help you achieve your event goals, let’s dive deeper into some unique winter party theme ideas.
To help you get started on your party planning mission, here are 12 winter party themes that we absolutely love (and we think you’ll love, too).
1. Winter wonderland
There’s something incredibly elegant about cold weather. The winter season is cool, crisp, and minimalist — which can be the perfect way to style a party.
Enter the winter wonderland party theme.
It’s all about capturing the cool elements of winter. Imagine a palette of white, dark blues, and purples. This is an excellent opportunity to hire a local ice sculptor to create works of art as table centerpieces — you could even book a live ice sculpture demonstration for your guests. You could also consider hiring a snow machine to impress your party guests with real snow as they enter your venue.
To maintain the elegant mood you’ll want a menu in keeping with the upscale theme. Petit fours, cakes, and finger sandwiches are wise. Some classy entertainment could include a live jazz band, a piano concert, or a DJ spinning Christmas classics and seasonal favorites.
Need some inspiration? Look no further than event creator WINE SOCIAL’s Winter Wonderland Party. Embracing the seasonal color palette, WINE SOCIAL opted for an elegant event, encouraged guests to show up in silver or white and served elegant hors d’oeuvres with champagne.
If that’s not nailing the brief, what is? You may also want to check out our holiday event planning guide for more tips on transforming your party into a winter wonderland.\
2. North Pole
Nothing screams “winter” more than Santa Claus and his elves. This winter party theme is a hole-in-one — you can make it as memorable as you want.
Go for decorations that capture the magic and spirit of the North Pole. That means plenty of reds, greens, whimsical patterns, toys, candies, and sweets.
Unlike the winter wonderland theme, a North Pole party can be more homey and simple regarding the type of food and drinks you’re serving. Think hot cocoa, candy canes, Christmas cocktails for adults, and hearty stews for a sit-down menu.
A winter wonderland is the perfect theme if you’re planning a party for families with children, but it can also be adapted for a fun adults-only bash.
Easy entertainment ideas include everything from performers dressed as elves to a visit from Santa or a handler bringing in live reindeer to create a small petting zoo.
If you’re looking for best practices, it’s worth checking out event creator Heartland Charter School and their North Pole Party. This was a family-focused event with a massive range of kids’ entertainment — including games, crafts, educational activities, and a visit from Mrs. Claus.
3. Winter sports
If you’re planning a party for sporty people, a winter sports or Winter Olympics theme is definitely a winner.
Your decor should match the Olympics’ vibe and feature sporty patterns, skis and snowboards, flags of the world, and ski lodge garb throughout. Meanwhile, menu options could be 80s-inspired to capture the golden age of Aspen — or you could take guests across the pond for a Scandinavian potluck.
Your entertainment will depend on your venue, but exciting options might include a winter sports display or the chance for guests to go ice skating.
One Eventbrite creator who knows how to do this theme well is Erasmus@Cardiff. Their adults-only Apres Ski Party nailed the winter sports vibe with ski lodge decor, après ski drinks, and a ski attire dress code.
4. White elephant party
If you’ve ever participated in a white elephant gift exchange, you know it’s a great way to get guests up, moving, and laughing. They’re also often called “Yankee Swaps” or a “Dirty Santa” party, but they all work the same — each guest brings a present, and then you make a game of swapping those gifts around.
This theme is easy because the main entertainment for a white elephant party is the game itself. You’ve just got to look for decor that captures the gifting vibe, like bows, packaging, or decorated Christmas trees. It’s that simple.
Although this is a Christmas classic, you can also put a unique spin on the white elephant theme to better align with your venue or event’s style.
For example, look at event creator PHX Fest and their Mezcal White Elephant party. They served each party guest a cocktail on arrival with a number on the bottom. After everybody got their numbers, the games began — with each person opening a wrapped bottle and others getting to choose another gift or steal one already opened.
These types of games are the best way to engage party guests. But if you’re looking for more interactive event ideas, we’ve got you covered.
5. Christmas in July
The Christmas in July theme is a fun and flirty take on a traditional Christmas party. Instead of decking the halls with evergreen trees and fake furs, Christmas in July is all about capturing tropical summer vibes.
Best of all: You can hold a Christmas in July party in December or July. The theme works no matter the season.
That means decor that fuses summer fun with Christmas classics. For example, you can greet guests with Hawaiian leis on arrival, decorate palm trees with lights and baubles, break out pool furniture, or even bring in some natural sand.
For a menu, this one is great for summer BBQ staples alongside more traditional Christmas belly warmers and cocktails — while entertainment options could include a reggae or ukulele band, hula hooping, or even a limbo contest.
Want to see how it works in practice? Take Mayfield West Bowling Club and their Christmas in July event as an example. This summer event features a festive menu, a Secret Santa raffle, and charity photos with Santa.
If you’re looking for more ideas to boost your Christmas party beyond just the theme, we can help. Check out our Christmas party event checklist.
6. Ugly sweater party
Who doesn’t love an ugly Christmas sweater? This is a super simple and affordable winter party theme.
By encouraging your guests to show up in their worst Christmas sweater, you can engage guests on arrival. The dress code can even double as your entertainment — host a best (or worst) sweater contest.
All you’ve got to do is source some traditional holiday decor and let your guests do all the hard work.
If you need some ugly Christmas sweater inspiration, check out event creator Gizmo Brew Works and their Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal: Small Business Market & Ugly Sweater Party. It totally hits the target while doubling as a Christmas market, so guests can shop in between the festivities.
Considering hosting an ugly sweater party but need convincing? We’ll explain 10 reasons why you should host a festive party.
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
If you’re looking for whimsical winter party themes, you can’t do better than Dr. Seuss and The Grinch.
It’s a Christmas classic, and this one is largely about the decor. Go for a vibrant color palette, whacky illustrations, and unique animals or gadgets to capture the sights and sounds of Whoville in the holidays.
You can even encourage guests to dress up like Whos and stage a fancy dress contest — or do a film screening of The Grinch.
Need inspiration? Event creator The Balmoral Hotel and their The Grinch’s Christmas Game Show event is the perfect example. Their engaging game show saw the Christmas baddie step up as the party’s MC to create a whacky winter atmosphere. Their success was partly thanks to using the right tools — in this case, they listed their event on the largest events search engine in the world : Eventbrite.
Create your winter events with Eventbrite
8. Pajama party
Sometimes the best winter party themes are the simplest — and nothing’s more simple than asking party guests to dress down and show up in their PJs.
A holiday pajama party is all about creating a cozy and warm scene. Think tartan blankets, loads of pillows, and an open fire. You could even set up a hot chocolate bar, do a breakfast buffet, and set up a contest for the best (or worst) pajamas. If you’ve got children, a festive storytime will be a nice addition, too.
Want to see how this unique theme can be adapted for all ages? Check out event creator Flash Selfie Lounge and their Christmas Pajama Party featuring over 30 photo concepts and a prize for the best PJ’s!
If you need help promoting your own pajama party, take a look at our guide on how to promote holiday-themed events.
9. Winter adventure party
If you’re after something a bit more exciting, a great option could be to go for a winter adventure theme. Think Mount Everest-chic.
Your decor should revolve around snow and ice, winter animals like polar bears or penguins alongside mountain climbing gear. Set a mountain explorer dress code and go for a menu of belly warmers. This would be another great opportunity to rent a snow machine or set up an ice carving demonstration to entertain your party guests.
For a more literal take on this theme, check out event creator Life’s 2 Short Fitness and their Women’s Winter Adventure Retreat event. Instead of dressing up as winter adventurers, this event gives attendees a chance to bundle up and do it all for real — with the line-up including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowbiking.
10. Ice bar
If you’re looking for a sleek and trendy winter party theme, an ice bar is the perfect theme.
This one is adults-only because the main attraction is going to be your ice bar. You’ll want to match your cool party vibe with Scandinavian decor like faux furs, blankets, and white and silver tones throughout.
For entertainment, you could go for a lights show, performers, or a cool DJ — and if you need lessons on how to make your ice bar a success, look at event creator Cliff House Maine and their Ice Bar 2.25. The event featured an ice carving demonstration, outdoor ice bar, live music, and signature ice bar cocktails.
11. Black tie New Year’s Eve
Winter doesn’t end after Christmas Day — and New Year’s Eve is a great excuse to throw a fancy party. Go for a black tie theme and encourage your guests to keep it formal.
In terms of decor, you can keep things elevated with a Gatsby-esque vibe, party cocktails, and canapés. Your entertainment lineup to ring in the new year could include a jazz band, a fireworks display, or ballroom dancers.
As a point of reference, look at event creator International Events Washington DC and their upcoming 2024 Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at the Luxurious Willard. Set in one of the city’s finest old hotels, it promises to be a night of flowing champagne, live music, and elegance.
12. The Nutcracker
When you think of winter, The Nutcracker is on many’s list of favorites. The famous ballet and its score are almost synonymous with the holidays — which makes it a brilliant party theme.
This one is ideal for hiring classical musicians, ballet performers, or even hosting a nutcracker decorating contest.
Your theme menu could center on the more traditional Christmas treats like macaroons, chocolates, candy canes, or chocolate mice. Decor should feature nutcrackers, plenty of greens and reds, and traditional German and Scandinavian patterns.
Event creator Scarsdale Ballet Studio and their The Nutcracker Wonderland Party is a pretty great example. The kid-focused party featured a themed tea party, a visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy, themed crafts, and stories.
13. Fire and Ice Festival
Create a sensational winter experience by organizing your own Fire and Ice Winter festival. Take inspiration from the successful event organized by Abraham House and craft an unforgettable celebration.
For the “Fire” aspect, set up inviting fire pits where guests can gather and revel in the warmth. Treat them to a delectable spread of s’mores, comforting foods, and steaming cups of coffee and cocoa. Indoors, arrange exciting games such as ax throwing, darts, and corn hole to keep the excitement alive.
For the “Ice” element, go above and beyond with an ice bar or snow bar, and serve imaginative icy concoctions and include an open bar outside that offers a wide selection of drinks, including coffee, cocoa, and a delightful bourbon sampling experience.
To add to the fresh-air dimension, transform your outdoor space into a winter playground, offering thrilling activities like snow dodgeball and amplify the festive spirit with live music performances like Abraham house did.
Take your winter party themes to the next level
It’s important to note this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are loads of amazing great party themes — and once you’ve found the perfect theme to create a unique guest experience, we’re here to help.
With Eventbrite, you can set up custom party event pages, create seating plans, sell tickets, and promote your holiday party using email marketing integrations, social ads, and more.
