8. Jingle & Mingle
Set up a variety of seasonal snacks and appetizers. Then let kids hang out and catch up. After all, they’ve been swamped with finals, projects, sports, and extracurriculars. So let them unwind a while without too many structured activities.
9. Winter Wonderland
Turn your youth room or area into a snowy scene. This especially will be a hit if you live in a warmer climate. Use fake snow, white lights, and cutouts to add plenty of chill to your youth Christmas party. Bonus: Set up a hot chocolate buffet to warm everyone up.
10. Sneaky Santa
If your kids love to exchange white elephant gifts at Christmas, search for new ways to distribute (and steal) gifts.
11. Christmas Cuisine
Set out prebaked, unfrosted cookies and let teens release their inner child. Provide a variety of frostings and sprinkles. Another option is to set out graham crackers (or entire gingerbread-house kits) and have a decorating contest.
12. Unwrap Challenge
If you provide Christmas gifts for youth group members, make them work to unwrap them. For example, you can cover everything with layers of plastic wrap. Or you can make kids unwrap presents while wearing mittens!
13. Christmas Crafts
If your youth Christmas party is near the beginning of December, set out craft stations for kids. At some tables, provide simpler ornaments or even coloring pages. At others, offer more challenge, such as wreath-making supplies. Kids can work together, if desired. They also can use the finished crafts to decorate the church or their homes.
14. My Favorite Things
Have each attendee bring three of their favorite inexpensive items, from lip balm or a snack to a book or CD. After everyone does a brief Show & Tell, draw names so kids take home three new items.
What makes your youth Christmas parties stand out? Share holiday tips for teens in the comments section below!
