Festive & Fun Christmas Birthday Party Ideas

Hi, I’m Emma! If you’re looking for Christmas Birthday Party Ideas, you’re in for something truly magical. A birthday during the Christmas season is extra special—it blends the warmth of holiday cheer with the excitement of celebrating someone’s big day. But as beautiful as it sounds, I know from experience that it comes with a few challenges.

Christmas Birthday Party Ideas

A Christmas birthday is a magical blend of festive cheer and personal celebration. These Christmas Birthday Party Ideas help make the day feel extra special and not lost in the holiday rush.

Santa’s Sack Relay

This energetic game adds a festive twist to a classic relay race, perfect for a winter birthday bash. Kids and adults alike will love racing while dressed like Santa. It brings loads of laughter and movement to an indoor or outdoor party.

• Divide players into two teams.

• Give each team a Santa hat, jacket, and a sack filled with lightweight wrapped “presents.”

• One player at a time must put on the costume, carry the sack to the end of the course, drop off one gift, and return.

• The next teammate repeats the process.

• First team to deliver all gifts wins!

Candy Cane Hunt

A mix of Easter egg hunt and holiday fun, this game keeps partygoers engaged and moving. It’s a great way to turn the birthday into an adventure, using candy canes as the treasure.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maria Cortese (@mommyglitter)

• Hide candy canes all around the party space—indoors or out.

• Give each guest a small bag or basket to collect them.

• Set a timer (5–10 minutes) and let everyone search.

• Whoever collects the most candy canes wins a prize.

• Add clues or color-coded candy canes for a fun twist.

Reindeer Ring Toss

A festive party game that adds both decoration and fun. It’s silly, interactive, and perfect for photos too! This works great for kids and adults with a sense of humor.

• Use inflatable antlers or a reindeer headband worn by one player.

• Other players take turns tossing rings made of foam or rope.

• Score points for each successful toss that lands on an antler.

• Switch reindeer roles after each round so everyone gets a turn.

• The player with the highest total score wins.

Christmas Charades

Classic charades with a holiday and birthday spin is always a party favorite. It keeps everyone laughing and involved, whether they’re acting or guessing.

• Write down holiday and birthday-themed phrases (e.g., “decorating the tree,” “opening presents,” “building a snowman”) on slips of paper.

• Divide into two teams.

• One player acts out the phrase silently while their team guesses.

• Use a timer for each round (30 seconds to 1 minute).

• Award points for each correct guess and keep score for a winner.

Snowball Toss

Bring the magic of snow indoors with a safe and fun snowball toss game. It’s perfect for all ages and adds a snowy birthday vibe without the chill.

• Use soft white balls (pom-poms or balled-up socks) as “snowballs.”

• Set up baskets, buckets, or boxes at different distances.

• Players take turns tossing snowballs into the containers.

• Score more points for farther targets.

• Player with the highest score at the end wins.

Christmas Pictionary

Creative minds will love this drawing game that mixes holiday fun with birthday energy. It’s ideal for groups of all sizes and brings out everyone’s artistic side.

• Write Christmas and birthday-themed words on slips of paper (e.g., “Santa,” “birthday cake,” “mistletoe”).

• Divide players into two teams.

• One player draws the word while their team tries to guess within 60 seconds.

• No letters, numbers, or speaking allowed.

• Award points for each correct guess and rotate artists each round.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph

A festive take on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this game is simple, fun, and always a hit at kids’ birthday parties.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mrs Bell’s Classroom (@mrs.bells.classroom)

• Hang a large poster of Rudolph without his red nose on the wall.

• Blindfold players one at a time and spin them gently.

• Each player tries to stick a red paper nose as close to the right spot as possible.

• Use tape or reusable putty for safety.

• Closest nose wins a small prize or treat.

Snowman Dress-Up Contest

A creative game that turns guests into walking snowmen using simple materials. It’s fun for pairs or teams and makes for great photos too!

• Provide toilet paper rolls, scarves, hats, buttons, and construction paper.

• Divide guests into pairs or small teams.

• One person becomes the “snowman,” and the others decorate them.

• Set a time limit (3–5 minutes).

• Judge based on creativity, speed, or audience applause.

Holiday Bingo

Add a relaxed and interactive moment to your birthday party with a Christmas-themed Bingo game. It’s perfect for all ages and easy to customize.

• Print Bingo cards with holiday images (gifts, reindeer, snowflakes, etc.).

• Use buttons or mini candy pieces as markers.

• Call out the symbols randomly from a prepared list or draw cards.

• First to complete a row, column, or diagonal shouts “Bingo!”

• Offer small prizes for winners.

Christmas Cookie Decorating

This is more than a game—it’s a fun, delicious activity that doubles as a sweet birthday treat. Guests get creative and enjoy their creations afterward.

• Bake sugar cookies in holiday shapes ahead of time.

• Set up decorating stations with frosting, sprinkles, candies, and piping bags.

• Give each guest a few cookies to decorate.

• Provide sample ideas or hold a decorating contest.

• Everyone can eat or take home their masterpieces.

Gift Wrap Relay

A fast-paced and funny game that challenges guests to wrap “presents” while racing the clock. Great for team-building and laughter!

• Create teams and set out wrapping supplies (paper, tape, scissors, ribbons).

• Give each team a few oddly shaped items to wrap.

• Set a timer (2–3 minutes).

• Teams must wrap their items as neatly and quickly as possible.

• Judges pick the fastest and most creative wrapping for prizes.

North Pole Obstacle Course

An active and festive game that keeps kids (and adventurous adults) moving. Great for indoor setups or mild outdoor weather.

• Create a course with cones, gift boxes, tunnels, and snowflakes to jump over.

• Players must complete the course while carrying a small “present.”

• Time each participant or run as a relay.

• Add silly challenges like “tiptoe through candy canes” or “crawl like a reindeer.”

• Fastest time or team wins.

Hot Cocoa Pong

A birthday twist on the classic party game, perfect for winter! This version is warm, fun, and non-alcoholic—great for teens and family events.

• Set up cups filled with mini marshmallows and hot cocoa mix instead of drinks.

• Players try to bounce ping pong balls into the cups.

• When a ball lands, the player drinks or claims the cup and makes cocoa with it.

• Set fun challenges or questions in each cup for added surprises.

• First player to clear all cups wins!

Birthday Tree Decorating

Let guests create a personalized birthday tree—perfect if you’re celebrating someone special during the holidays. It’s part craft, part party centerpiece!

• Set up a small artificial tree or branches in a vase.

• Provide mini ornaments, tags, photos, and birthday-themed decor.

• Each guest decorates the tree with a message or ornament for the birthday person.

• Makes a great memory keepsake after the party.

• Use fairy lights to make it sparkle!

Christmas Karaoke

Let the music and birthday spirit shine with a holiday karaoke session. This brings everyone together for sing-alongs, performances, and lots of laughs.

• Set up a karaoke machine or use a YouTube karaoke playlist.

• Include classic carols and fun birthday songs.

• Let guests sign up to sing solo or in groups.

• Offer silly props like Santa hats or feather boas.

• Give awards for best vocals, funniest performance, or crowd favorite.

Tips for Keeping the Birthday Special

Celebrating a birthday during the Christmas season can feel tricky, but with a little planning, it can be truly unforgettable. The key is to make the birthday person feel seen and celebrated—not just as part of the holiday, but as the star of the day. These tips will help you keep the birthday joyful, personal, and separate from the usual Christmas chaos.

• Set a dedicated “birthday moment” during the party
  Choose a clear time to sing happy birthday, cut the cake, and open birthday gifts. This helps shift attention away from the Christmas theme and reminds everyone that the day is about celebrating a person—not just the season.

• Avoid combining birthday and Christmas gifts unless requested
  While it might seem convenient to give one big gift, it can make the birthday feel overlooked. Encourage separate gifts with different wrapping to show that both occasions matter equally.

• Plan early—December calendars fill up quickly
  People often have packed schedules in December. Send invites well in advance and confirm with guests early to make sure your celebration gets the time and attention it deserves.

• Use different decorations for birthday and holiday
  While you can blend themes, include clear birthday elements like balloons, banners, or a themed cake so the party doesn’t feel like just another holiday gathering.

• Give the birthday person a say in the plan
  Ask them how they’d like to celebrate. Whether it’s a sleepover, a themed party, or a small gathering with cake, involving them ensures the day reflects what they truly enjoy.

FAQ

How do I make a Christmas birthday feel special and not just like another holiday event?

Focus on separating the birthday from the holiday. Include a specific “birthday moment,” use birthday-themed decorations, and avoid combining gifts unless the birthday person prefers it. This helps them feel celebrated for who they are, not just as part of Christmas.

Can I still use a Christmas theme for a birthday party?

Yes! You can blend both themes beautifully. Just make sure to include birthday-specific elements like cake, banners, and games focused on the person’s big day alongside the holiday fun.

What are good games for a Christmas birthday party?

Fun options include Santa’s Sack Relay, Reindeer Ring Toss, Candy Cane Hunt, Christmas Charades, and Holiday Bingo. Choose games that are festive but easy for all ages to join in.

When should I start planning a birthday party in December?

Start early—ideally by mid-November. December is a busy month for most people, so early planning helps secure guests, venues, and supplies before the holiday rush.