12 Holiday Party Ideas that actually get people talking
Holiday Party: big vibes
Looking for holiday party? Start by choosing a vibe and one or two anchor moments, then keep the rest simple. These 12 holiday party ideas give you specific, do-able options with enough detail to actually try them.
Plan this with Outside
Ready to make it happen?
Holiday Party Planning Checklist
12 Holiday Party Ideas
Soft Theme Dress Code: all-black with one bright accessory (Holiday citrus
Make the dress code easy to join (one color, one accessory, one vibe). Keep a 12-minute timer so cleanup is one bag.
Table Topic Spinner (No Small Talk): Holiday citrus draft
Write 20 questions on slips and put them in a jar at the table. Set a simple scoreboard so people self-organize.
Dessert Flight: cookies (4 kinds) (Holiday photo-ready twist)
Serve 4 mini bites instead of one big cake moment. Announce one photo spot with good light so you are not explaining it all night.
Color Pop Scavenger Hunt with Photo Proof
Make a list of 12 items or poses that match the theme and set a 15-minute timer. Keep a 12-minute timer so energy stays high.
Instant-Photo Guestbook with Prompts: Holiday blind-vote twist
Leave an instant camera, tape, and markers by a table with 6 prompt cards. Set a simple scoreboard so guests can jump in any time.
Mocktail Mixer Board + Garnish Bar: Holiday two-team twist
Choose 2 juices, 2 fizzy mixers, and 3 garnishes (citrus, mint, berries). Announce one photo spot with good light so guests can jump in any time.
Theme in a Bag: Sporty Kit
Pick one color palette, one prop, and one signature snack that match the theme. Keep one photo spot with good light so people self-organize.
"How Well Do You Know Holiday?" Trivia: Holiday spicy reveal
Collect answers from Holiday in advance and print 10 questions. Keep three stations max so people self-organize.
Photo Prompt Wall: inside jokes (Holiday throwback tournament)
Tape up 12 quick prompts and one good light source. Announce three stations max so energy stays high.
Mini Craft Bar: sticker collage postcards (Holiday mini round)
Keep it to one simple project with all supplies pre-portioned in cups. Start three stations max so you are not explaining it all night.
Taco Bar with a "Build Guide" Sign: Holiday mini mix
Set out toppings in 6 small bowls and put 3 suggested combos on a sign. Run three stations max so you are not explaining it all night.
Centerpiece Activity: question-of-the-night cards (Holiday throwback round)
Put the activity in the middle of the table so it happens naturally. Run one sign with the rules so it feels like a real moment.
Home Screen Widgets
Beautiful countdown widgets that sit right on your home screen.
Lock Screen Widgets
See your countdown without even unlocking your phone.
Live Activities
Real-time countdown updates on your Dynamic Island.
Plan it with Outside
Pick an idea, create an event, and invite your crew — all in one app. Outside makes it easy to go from inspiration to real plans.
More ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good holiday party ideas?
Start with one clear vibe and one anchor moment, then keep the rest simple. For holiday party, that usually means a shared activity, an easy food plan, and one photo-worthy detail.
How do you plan holiday party without it feeling stressful?
Use a short plan with a start, middle, and end, and make choices that reduce coordination. Assign one small job to one person (music, food, or supplies) so you are not doing everything yourself.
What are the best holiday party ideas for a memorable day?
Choose one thing to make special, then design everything else around it. A strong anchor moment beats a packed list, and it is easier to execute well.