Hilariously Festive National Lampoon’s Christmas Party Ideas

Throwing a National Lampoon’s Christmas Party is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and wild family-style chaos. Inspired by the cult classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, this party theme brings to life the over-the-top antics of Clark Griswold and his unforgettable crew. The movie has become a holiday staple, known for its outrageous scenes, quotable lines, and hilarious disasters that somehow still capture the warmth of the season.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Party

Celebrate the holidays with laughter, chaos, and classic movie magic through National Lampoon’s Christmas Party ideas. Inspired by the Griswold family’s wild antics, this theme brings unforgettable fun to your festive gathering.

Clark’s Light Show Challenge

This idea celebrates Clark Griswold’s obsession with Christmas lights. Guests can compete by decorating a mini tree, tabletop item, or even themselves using lights and tinsel. Award points for creativity, brightness, and “most likely to blow a fuse.”

 

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• Provide battery-operated string lights for safety

• Include tinsel, ornaments, and garlands for decorating

• Play Christmas music during the challenge

• Create fun awards like “Most Blinding” or “Clark Approved”

• Use timers to give guests 5–10 minutes to decorate

Squirrel in the Tree Scavenger Hunt

Inspired by the movie’s surprise squirrel scene, this game is a holiday-themed scavenger hunt where players find tiny toy squirrels hidden around the house. It brings laughs and keeps the Griswold chaos alive.

• Hide plush or plastic squirrels in clever spots

• Give guests a checklist or clues to guide their search

• Offer a prize for the person who finds the most

• Make it timed for added pressure and excitement

• Use sound effects of a squirrel for fun ambiance

Cousin Eddie’s Costume Contest

This game lets everyone dress up in their best Cousin Eddie look—or any other movie character—for a hilarious fashion show and contest. Think bathrobes, trapper hats, and beer cans.

• Set up a mini runway or photo wall

• Hand out props like fake cigars or rubber hoses

• Vote on categories like “Most Accurate” and “Most Ridiculous”

• Use movie quotes as part of the judging

• Give out silly prizes like moose mugs or fake license plates

Griswold Family Feud

Create a custom trivia game with questions based on the movie and general holiday fun. Divide guests into two teams and play it like Family Feud, Griswold-style.

• Prepare 20–30 themed questions in advance

• Use a buzzer app or bell for fast answers

• Award points for correct answers and funny guesses

• Include bonus rounds for movie quotes

• Give the winning team a “Jelly of the Month Club” certificate

Jelly of the Month Gift Exchange

Instead of a traditional gift swap, turn it into a funny twist where every gift is something weird, cheap, or homemade—just like Clark’s “bonus.”

• Set a low price limit ($5 or less)

• Encourage guests to bring wrapped gag gifts

• Take turns choosing or stealing gifts White Elephant-style

• Add “Clark’s Bonus Round” with a surprise booby prize

• Give out a fake certificate for joining the “Jelly of the Month Club”

Clark’s Meltdown Charades

In this version of charades, players act out scenes or quotes from the movie—including Clark’s epic meltdown—without speaking.

• Prepare a bowl with written prompts or quotes

• Divide into teams and set a timer for each turn

• Act out everything from “Squirrel in the Tree” to “Electrocution by Lights”

• Give bonus points for dramatic expressions

• Reward best meltdown impression with a “Clark Trophy”

Moose Mug Eggnog Bar

Set up an eggnog station featuring moose mugs, toppings, and mix-ins to honor Clark’s love for festive drinks. Make it cozy, messy, and fun.

 

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• Offer classic and non-alcoholic eggnog options

• Include mix-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, and whipped cream

• Serve in themed cups or DIY moose mugs

• Add fun labels like “Cousin Eddie’s Brew” or “Clark’s Special”

• Decorate the bar with garlands and blinking lights

Aunt Bethany’s Gift Wrap Relay

Guests race to wrap outrageous “gifts” like oddly shaped items, frozen food, or rubber chickens—just like Aunt Bethany’s presents.

• Split into teams of 2–3 players

• Set up a wrapping station with paper, bows, and tape

• Use silly items as gifts (toilet plunger, box of cereal, cat toy)

• Time each team and judge for speed and creativity

• Award a “Most Bethany-Worthy Wrap” prize

Clark’s Christmas Karaoke

Host a karaoke contest where guests sing classic Christmas songs and act out scenes from the movie. The more dramatic, the better!

 

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• Use a karaoke machine or app with holiday songs

• Include bonus points for themed costumes

• Add movie scene reenactment rounds

• Hand out lyrics sheets and props

• Let the audience vote for “Most Clark-Like Performance”

RV Parking Photo Booth

Create a photo booth area featuring a cardboard RV, fake snow, and props to mimic Cousin Eddie’s iconic setup.

• Use a painted cardboard or printed backdrop of the RV

• Add props like beer cans, bathrobes, and Santa hats

• Offer quote bubbles with movie lines

• Encourage guests to pose in character

• Share a hashtag for people to upload photos

Holiday Explosion Decorating Contest

Challenge guests to decorate cookies, cupcakes, or even a small tree in the most outrageously overdone way possible.

• Provide sprinkles, frosting, candy canes, glitter, and mini lights

• Set a timer to keep energy high

• Judge based on chaos, color, and creativity

• Have categories like “Clark’s Catastrophe” and “Tinsel Tornado”

• Offer edible prizes like candy-filled trophies

Griswold Movie Bingo

Play bingo using iconic movie scenes and quotes. Give out cards before the movie starts and mark off each moment as it happens.

• Print custom bingo cards with scenes like “Lights Fail” or “Cat Explosion”

• Watch the movie together or use a playlist of best moments

• Use candy or mini ornaments as markers

• Give out prizes for 1st, 2nd, and blackout winners

• Include bonus rounds with obscure quotes

Tacky Ornament Craft Station

Set up a station where guests create the ugliest, funniest ornaments to hang on a Griswold-style tree.

• Provide craft supplies: glitter, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, hot glue

• Offer weird base items like light bulbs or toilet paper rolls

• Create a judging station with voting cards

• Let guests hang them on a group “Tacky Tree”

• Award “Best Disasterpiece” and “Most Eddie Energy”

Christmas Catastrophe Obstacle Course

Recreate scenes from the movie in a funny indoor obstacle course—think “step over tangled lights,” “crawl under RV pipes,” or “dodge a squirrel.”

• Use cardboard boxes, lights, trees, and props for obstacles

• Make each station themed (e.g., “Aunt Bethany’s Couch Jump”)

• Time each participant or team for fastest finish

• Add sound effects for fun chaos

• Give everyone a participation award like “Griswold Gold”

Clark’s Bonus Breakdown Game

Have guests write their wildest holiday bonus dreams on paper, then play a guessing game where others match the dream to the guest.

• Use anonymous cards or slips of paper

• Include dream bonuses like “A trip to Hawaii” or “A house without lights”

• Mix in fake company bonus cards (like “Jelly of the Month”)

• Let people guess and match dreams to names

• Reveal answers with a dramatic Clark-style speech

Safety and Supervision Tips

While the chaos of a National Lampoon’s Christmas Party is all part of the fun, safety and supervision should still be top priorities—especially if you’re recreating some of Clark Griswold’s over-the-top moments. To ensure everyone has a great time without any real disasters, follow these important tips to keep your party festive and safe.

• Supervise outdoor decor setups if recreating light chaos
  Always have an adult oversee any outdoor decorating activities, especially if ladders, electrical cords, or rooftop displays are involved. Keep decorations grounded and safe for guests.

• Limit electrical overloads—unlike Clark
  Avoid plugging too many lights or gadgets into a single outlet. Use surge protectors, check your extension cords, and make sure all electrical items are rated for indoor or outdoor use.

• Clearly label alcoholic drinks
  Make sure all alcoholic beverages are labeled and placed separately from non-alcoholic ones, especially if kids are attending. Keep mixed drinks and spiked punch out of easy reach for minors.

• Create a designated driver or ride-share station
  Help guests get home safely by encouraging a designated driver system or setting up a space for ride-share pickups. Display Uber or Lyft QR codes near the door as a reminder.

• Keep pathways clear and well-lit
  With decorations and party games, it’s easy for areas to get cluttered. Make sure all walkways are free of tripping hazards and that indoor/outdoor areas are well-lit for evening events.

These simple steps help keep your party fun, functional, and free of any real Griswold-style emergencies.

FAQ

What is a National Lampoon’s Christmas party?

It’s a holiday party themed around the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The party includes over-the-top decorations, silly games, character costumes, and lots of laughter inspired by the Griswold family’s chaotic Christmas.

Do I need to watch the movie before hosting the party?

It’s not required, but watching the movie definitely helps you understand the references and humor. It’s also a great pre-party activity to get everyone in the mood!

What should guests wear to a National Lampoon-themed party?

Encourage costumes like Clark Griswold, Cousin Eddie, or Aunt Bethany. Ugly Christmas sweaters, bathrobes, trapper hats, and retro outfits are all great choices. You can also host a costume contest for extra fun.

Are these party ideas kid-friendly?

Many activities like cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, and photo booths are kid-friendly. Just be sure to separate adult drinks and games, and supervise outdoor or electrical setups closely.