December birthdays are extra special because they fall right in the middle of the holiday season. It’s a time filled with festive vibes, twinkling lights, and warm memories the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind birthday celebration.
If you’re looking for creative and magical holiday-themed birthday party ideas, you’re in luck. From winter wonderlands to Grinch-inspired fun, there’s something for every kind of December kid. Here are 10 unforgettable ideas to make their day one to remember.
Winter Wonderland Birthday Bash
Turn your party space into a dreamy winter wonderland that feels like stepping into a magical snow globe. Decorate with icy blues, whites, and silver accents. Think snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, soft cotton "snow" on the ground, and twinkling fairy lights for that cozy glow.
Fun Activities:
- DIY Snow Globe Craft – Kids can make their own snow globes using small jars, water, glitter, and figurines.
- Snowball Toss – Toss soft "snowballs" (cotton balls or foam balls) into buckets for points.
- “Frozen” Freeze Dance – Play "Let It Go" and pause the music for a fun freeze dance challenge.
Pro Tip: Use white balloons or cotton batting to create "snow drifts" around the party space for a magical touch.
Grinchmas Birthday Party
Nothing says "holiday mischief" like a Grinch-themed birthday party. This fun and quirky party idea is perfect for kids with a playful streak. Use lime green, red, and white as your color palette. Add some "Who-ville" inspired decor, like swirly Christmas trees and oversized candy canes.
Fun Activities:
- Grinch Pinata – Fill a Grinch-shaped pinata with green goodies and small toys.
- Steal the Presents – A game where kids "steal" presents from each other, musical-chairs style.
- Make Your Own Grinch Heart – Let kids design their own "hearts" with arts and crafts supplies.
Pro Tip: Serve “Grinch Punch” by adding green food coloring to lemonade or lime soda. Add a red candy heart to each drink for an adorable touch.
Candy Cane Carnival
Red and white stripes, peppermint treats, and sweet surprises are at the heart of this candy-inspired party. Decorate with candy canes, red-and-white striped tableware, and oversized lollipops for that candy-carnival effect.
Fun Activities:
- Candy Cane Catch – Toss candy canes into a hoop or onto a stick for points.
- Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt – Hide mini candy canes around the house for kids to find.
- DIY Candy Cane Ornaments – Let kids make candy cane-shaped ornaments with beads and pipe cleaners.
Pro Tip: Set up a candy cane-themed hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy cane stirrers. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Nothing says "holiday birthday magic" like building gingerbread houses. Set up a decorating station with all the essentials: gingerbread pieces, icing, and colorful candy. You can provide each child with their own mini kit to decorate as they please.
Fun Activities:
- Gingerbread House Decorating Contest – Kids compete to make the most creative, colorful, or "tallest" gingerbread house.
- Gingerbread Cookie Decorating – Let kids decorate gingerbread cookies with icing and candy.
- Gingerbread Man Storytime – Gather the kids for a quick reading of "The Gingerbread Man" to set the scene.
Pro Tip: Not up for the mess of gingerbread? Use graham crackers instead. They’re just as fun but much easier to work with.
Holiday Pajama & Movie Party
What could be cozier than a pajama party filled with hot cocoa, popcorn, and holiday movies? This birthday idea is perfect for kids who love to chill out and relax. Guests can come in their favorite holiday-themed PJs and enjoy a fun night of snacks and movies.
Fun Activities:
- Holiday Movie Bingo – Create bingo cards with classic holiday movie moments and have kids mark them off.
- Build-Your-Own Popcorn Mix – Set up a popcorn bar with toppings like chocolate chips, marshmallows, and candy sprinkles.
- DIY Pillow Decorating – Let kids design and decorate mini pillows to take home.
Pro Tip: Add an extra layer of fun by pausing the movie at key moments for trivia questions or surprise mini games.
Christmas Sweater Party
If "ugly Christmas sweaters" make adults laugh, they’ll make kids laugh even more. Invite all the guests to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters. You can also set up a "DIY Ugly Sweater Station" where kids can customize their own mini sweaters.
Fun Activities:
- Ugly Sweater Runway Show – Let kids walk the “runway” and show off their unique sweater creations.
- Find the Missing Button – A scavenger hunt where kids look for buttons hidden around the party.
- DIY Mini Sweaters – Kids decorate mini felt sweaters with paint, sequins, and buttons.
Pro Tip: Everyone’s a winner! Give out small prizes for "Funniest Sweater," "Most Creative," and "Best Use of Glitter."
Nutcracker Birthday Party
If your child loves ballet, elegance, and all things fancy, a Nutcracker-themed party will feel like royalty. Set up a classic tea party with tea cups, fancy sandwiches, and pastel-colored treats. Add touches of tulle, ballet slippers, and mini nutcrackers as decorations.
Fun Activities:
- Nutcracker Dance-Off – Play music from The Nutcracker and let the kids dance along.
- DIY Nutcracker Crafts – Let kids decorate mini wooden nutcracker figurines.
- Tea Party – Set up a tea party with mini sandwiches, cookies, and kid-friendly "tea" (juice or lemonade).
Pro Tip: Encourage kids to come dressed as ballerinas, soldiers, or any character from The Nutcracker for a fun costume element.
Holiday Game Night Party
This party idea is perfect for kids who love interactive fun. Set up a mix of holiday-themed games and board games, and add a special activity that will keep them entertained for hours: the Pick Me Up Game. This game challenges players to use hilarious pick-up lines for fun and humor, and it’s perfect for older kids, teens, and adults.
Fun Activities:
- Pick Me Up Game – Kids can play a kid-friendly version of this hilarious party game.
- Christmas Charades – Act out holiday-themed words and phrases.
- Snowball Toss – Toss soft "snowballs" into buckets to score points.
Pro Tip: This is the ultimate "family-friendly" party idea, as older siblings and adults can join the fun too.
Holiday Ornament Making Party
This party is all about creativity. Set up an ornament-making station where kids can paint, fill, and decorate their own ornaments to take home. It's a thoughtful way for them to make their own holiday keepsakes.
Fun Activities:
- DIY Ornament Decorating – Provide clear ornaments that kids can fill with glitter, beads, or small holiday trinkets.
- Create-Your-Own Stocking – Kids decorate their own mini stockings with paint and glitter.
- Ornament Guessing Game – Hide mini objects inside a large ornament and have kids guess what’s inside.
Pro Tip: Have gift bags ready so kids can safely take home their handmade ornaments as party favors.
Sledding & Snow Play Birthday Party
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, make the most of it! A sledding and snow play party is full of action and excitement. Kids can build snowmen, have snowball fights, and enjoy a hot cocoa break afterward. No snow? No problem! Create an "indoor snowball fight" with plush balls.
Fun Activities:
- Snowball Fight – Organize a friendly snowball fight using soft, safe "snowballs."
- Snowman Building Contest – Kids compete to see who can build the best snowman.
- Snow Spray Art – Use spray bottles filled with water and food coloring to “paint” designs in the snow.
Pro Tip: Have spare gloves, hats, and scarves on hand in case guests forget theirs.
The Perfect Game for Any Party
Want to make your birthday party truly unforgettable? Add the Pick Me Up Game to the mix. It’s hilarious, engaging, and guarantees everyone is part of the action. Kids, teens, and even adults will be hooked. The game is all about using witty, clever, and sometimes goofy pick-up lines to win the heart of the “Hot Date” for the round. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for filling in downtime between cake, presents, and activities.
With so many magical holiday-themed birthday party ideas, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Whether your child wants to be a ballerina, a snow king, or the star of their own gingerbread village, you can make it happen. And don’t forget to grab the Pick Me Up Game for endless fun. Your December birthday kid deserves it.
