Youth Christmas parties are filled with games, snacks, goofy gifts, and lots of laughter. Teens often become little kids at the holidays, eager to gather under the Christmas tree and create new memories.
In youth ministry, a Christmas party is a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Plus, you get to enjoy fellowship and welcome guests. So encourage youth group members to invite friends or classmates. Then kick off the event with Christmas-themed icebreakers to get to know one another.
For youth Christmas parties that include an exchange (gifts, cookies, ornaments)? Keep extras handy, in case someone forgets or shows up at the last minute.
Need suggestions for pulling off epic youth Christmas parties? We’ve collected our favorites, including fresh twists on classic holiday party ideas. Merry Christmas to you and your youth group!
14 Themes for Youth Christmas Parties
Get into the spirit of the season with these youth group Christmas party ideas:
1. Christmas Karaoke
First on the list: Break out the holiday tunes and microphones. Then challenge kids to some rounds of karaoke. This idea for a youth Christmas party works great in conjunction with decorating the church or youth room for the season.
2. Ugly Christmas Sweaters
When December arrives, gawdy holiday apparel abounds. If you want to be different, swap out ugly Christmas socks. Or have kids bring a pair of “festive” (aka ugly) holiday socks for a gift exchange.
3. Grinchy Games
Let out your inner Grinch with some fun (and funny) Christmas activities for youth. For example, have kids each determine their Grinch name!
4. Christmas Movie Marathon
Host a low-key event that involves binging on favorite holiday flicks. Preview movies ahead of time, and obtain the proper permissions.
5. Wrap Party
Next up: Invite teens to get their gift-wrapping done together. Better yet, have teens offer to wrap presents for parents of young children. Or teens can host a children’s ministry Christmas party while parents shop and wrap gifts on their own.
6. Christmas Photo Ops
Set up photo props so you can take holiday photos of youth group members. After you have a snapshot worth keeping, let kids get silly with their cameras.
7. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
This takes a bit of planning, but resources are available online. Weather permitting, head outside and take kids on a memorable seek-and-find adventure.
