Get Inspired with 101 Holiday and Winter Event Theme Ideas

Holiday events bring people together with a sense of joy, tradition, and togetherness that’s unique to the season. We enjoy so many shared rituals this time of year, from decorating to gift-giving and feasting. There are endless opportunities for celebration, reflection, and connection.

But there’s also a lot of competition for space on everyone’s calendar during the holidays. If you’re an event producer, that’s a big challenge. Your event needs to really stand out, with a theme and experiences that create memorable moments, in order to entice guests to choose it over other opportunities. 

Creating those memorable experiences begins with a theme that offers universal appeal yet feels fresh and different. We’ve got a few ideas - 101 in fact - to help inspire your festive holiday or winter event. 

Holiday and Winter Event Themes

1. Winter Wonderland Gala – Transport guests to a shimmering icy world, with silver and blue decor, glittering lights, and frosty cocktails. Perfect for formal gatherings, this event can include a live jazz band and a dance floor surrounded by “snow.”
   
   
2. Gingerbread House Village – Guests are invited to build and decorate their own gingerbread houses, with a variety of colorful, edible decorations. Finished creations are displayed to form a festive holiday village that’s both impressive and delicious.
   
   
3. Silver Bells & Snowflakes – A sparkling winter ball with elegant silver and white décor, silver bells, and snowflake motifs. It’s an upscale event full of class and holiday magic.
   
   
4. Holiday Movie Marathon Night – Snuggle up for a night of holiday movie classics with cozy seating, fleece blankets, and an endless supply of popcorn and cocoa. This theme creates a relaxing, nostalgic vibe perfect for all ages.
   
   
5. Ugly Sweater Party – The tackier, the better! Guests compete to see who has the most outrageous sweater, with prizes, music, and games. It’s a lighthearted theme ideal for creating laughs and Instagrammable moments.
   
   
6. Winter Carnival – Bring on the winter fun with carnival games, food stalls, and rides. This theme can include activities like ice skating, snowball toss, and a mini Ferris wheel, giving it a magical carnival-in-the-snow vibe.
   
   
7. Holiday Crafts Market – Support local artisans and enjoy a festive shopping experience with holiday gifts, decorations, and handmade crafts. Set up stalls and booths with festive lighting, music, and treats.
   
   
8. Enchanted Forest Festival – Enter a mystical forest with twinkling lights, woodland decor, and magical creatures. The event can include activities like fairy house building or storytelling, creating a captivating winter escape.
   
   
9. Holiday Family Game Night – A relaxed evening with holiday-themed games, puzzles, and trivia for all ages. It’s perfect for multi-generational families, with prizes and snacks making it an entertaining way to bring everyone together.
   
   
10. S’mores and Stories by the Fire – Gather around a cozy fire for s’mores and holiday stories, creating a warm, rustic atmosphere. This is an intimate way to share holiday traditions and make lasting memories.
    
    
11. Snow Globe Soiree – Guests step into a life-sized “snow globe” with a backdrop of white lights and delicate snowflakes. Add artificial snow machines, and it feels like walking inside a winter wonderland.
    
    
12. Ice Princess Ball – A fantasy-filled event for kids with a princess dress code, tiaras, and winter-themed activities like face painting and crafts. It’s a magical day for young guests to feel like royalty in a snowy setting.
    
    
13. Holiday Cookie Decorating Party – Set up stations with cookies, frosting, and sprinkles for guests to create their own holiday treats. It’s a simple, hands-on event that allows for creativity and family bonding.
    
    
14. Frozen Fairytale Night – Step into an enchanted icy world with crystal decor, snowflake crafts, and frozen desserts. Inspired by magical winter tales, this event is great for children and adults alike who enjoy a fairytale atmosphere.
    
    
15. Winter Sports Day – Simulate popular winter sports with activities like snowball toss, indoor curling, and skiing or snowboarding games. Great for an active crowd, this event brings the thrill of winter sports indoors.
    
    
16. Arctic Animal Adventure – Celebrate the winter world of polar bears, penguins, and more with themed decor and activities. Educational and entertaining, this theme is perfect for families with kids who love animals.
    
    
17. Silent Disco in the Snow – Dance under the stars with headphones on, surrounded by falling snow. This unique event combines winter magic with a modern, upbeat twist.
    
    
18. Winter Solstice Celebration – Honor the longest night of the year with a solstice bonfire, storytelling, and warm beverages. A reflective, earthy celebration of nature and renewal.
    
    
19. Alpine Lodge Party – A ski lodge-inspired event with rustic decor, roaring fireplaces, and flannel blankets. Enjoy mulled wine, hot toddies, and alpine-inspired snacks for an après-ski feel.
    
    
20. Penguin Plunge (Winter Swimming) – Brave the cold for a winter swim in a chilly pool or lake, often for charity. A fun challenge for adventurous spirits who want to test their endurance!
    
    
21. Nordic Winter Festival – Celebrate Scandinavian winter traditions with music, bonfires, and cultural foods like glögg and gingerbread. Perfect for those looking to explore and enjoy a cozy Nordic vibe.
    
    
22. Enchanted Winter Woods – Explore a fairytale-inspired winter forest with twinkling lights and mythical creatures. A beautiful, immersive experience for families and kids who love a magical vibe.
    
    
23. Holiday Charcuterie and Cocoa Tasting – Sip on various hot chocolates and snack on a holiday-themed charcuterie board with seasonal cheeses, chocolates, and fruits. Ideal for those who love indulgent treats.
    
    
24. Festive Afternoon Tea – Enjoy a winter afternoon tea with seasonal flavors, such as peppermint and cranberry scones. With delicate sandwiches, tea cakes, and holiday decor, it’s a refined, cozy way to celebrate.

     

    Christmas Event Themes

    
    
    
25. Santa’s Workshop Extravaganza – Step into Santa’s workshop, where kids can build toys, craft ornaments, and write letters to Santa himself. Interactive stations create a hands-on holiday experience, ideal for families and children.
    
    
26. 12 Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt – Guests search for hidden items themed to each of the 12 days of Christmas, making for a fun and engaging activity. Perfect for team-building or as an interactive family event.
    
    
27. Elf School – Kids can learn the “secrets of being an elf” with fun activities like toy-making, cookie-decorating, and holiday songs. This interactive event is packed with energy and creativity, perfect for young holiday enthusiasts.
    
    
28. Christmas Lights Parade – An outdoor or indoor parade with twinkling light displays, music, and costumed characters. Ideal for larger spaces, this event brings a community together with holiday magic and festive spirit.
    
    
29. Nutcracker Ball – Inspired by The Nutcracker, this theme features ballerina decor, classical music, and even a live ballet performance. It’s a classy, whimsical option for those who appreciate holiday tradition with elegance.
    
    
30. Christmas Carols and Cocoa – Guests are serenaded by carolers singing holiday classics while they sip on cocoa with marshmallows. Simple and heartwarming, this event is a celebration of music and holiday cheer.
    
    
31. Polar Express Pajama Party – Guests wear their comfiest pajamas for a screening of The Polar Express, complete with a hot chocolate bar, marshmallows, and holiday cookies. Perfect for a cozy, family-friendly night in.
    
    
32. Christmas Around the World – Celebrate global holiday traditions by exploring decor, music, and foods from different cultures. This event is a great way to educate and entertain while experiencing new holiday customs.
    
    
33. Santa’s Sleigh Ride Adventure – An outdoor event featuring sleigh rides through a wintery scene or photo ops with a decorated sleigh. Warm up with hot cider and snacks afterward, capturing the wonder of the holiday season.
    
    
34. Christmas Tree Farm Social – Visit a cozy Christmas tree farm for an evening of tree decorating, caroling, and seasonal treats. It’s a rustic, charming event perfect for gathering with loved ones.
    
    
35. Christmas Carol Karaoke – Sing your heart out to your favorite holiday tunes in a fun karaoke setting. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just in it for the fun, it’s a merry time for all.
    
    
36. Elf Escape Room – Join forces with friends to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and help Santa’s elves save Christmas in this holiday-themed escape room experience.
    
    
37. Letters to Santa Station – Set up a special station for kids (and adults!) to write and send their letters to Santa. A sweet, interactive way to share holiday wishes with the big man himself.
    
    
38. Christmas Storybook Land – Explore a whimsical storybook-inspired world filled with larger-than-life book characters, gingerbread houses, and festive activities. Perfect for families with young children.
    
    
39. Holiday Baking Workshop – Learn how to bake traditional holiday treats like cookies, pies, and cakes with the help of a pro baker. A hands-on experience where you can eat your creations!
    
    
40. North Pole Pajama Party – Slip into your coziest pajamas and head to the North Pole for a night of movies, snacks, and a visit from Santa. A perfect evening for relaxing and having fun with friends and family.
    
    
41. Secret Santa Gift Exchange – A fun, surprise-filled event where guests participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange. It’s a lighthearted way to spread holiday cheer and enjoy a festive evening.
    
    
42. Christmas Ornament Swap – Bring your favorite Christmas ornament to trade with others in a friendly ornament swap. A charming way to build a unique collection of decorations.
    
    
43. Rudolph’s Reindeer Run – Dress up in your best reindeer costume and race for charity or fun in this whimsical holiday 5K. A festive event to keep you active while spreading holiday cheer.
    
    
44. Reindeer Petting Zoo – Spend time with reindeer and other holiday animals in this interactive petting zoo. It’s a kid-friendly, festive activity that brings the magic of Christmas to life.
    
    
45. Tinsel and Trivia Night – Test your holiday knowledge with a Christmas-themed trivia contest, complete with festive prizes and drinks. A fun way to combine competition with holiday cheer.
    
    
46. Holiday Scrapbooking Workshop – Preserve memories from the season by creating personalized holiday scrapbooks with photos, memorabilia, and creative decorations. A great event for DIY enthusiasts.
    
    
47. A Victorian Christmas – Step back in time with a Victorian-inspired Christmas celebration, featuring period music, traditional foods, and old-fashioned decor. A nostalgic trip to a classic holiday era.
    
    
48. Poinsettia Party – Celebrate the beauty of the poinsettia with a party focused on these iconic holiday plants. Guests can make their own floral arrangements and enjoy themed refreshments.
    
    
49. Christmas in the City – Experience a modern urban Christmas celebration with rooftop parties, city-wide light displays, and stylish cocktails. A chic, lively event for city dwellers.
    
    
50. Santa’s Grand Arrival – Celebrate Santa’s arrival in grand style, whether by sleigh, firetruck, or helicopter! This spectacular entrance is the perfect way to kick off your holiday festivities.
    
    
51. Vintage Christmas – Step into a time-honored Christmas celebration with vintage decorations, period costumes, and retro holiday music. This old-fashioned theme brings warmth and nostalgia.
    
    
52. Peppermint Party – A sweet event focused on all things peppermint, from peppermint-flavored treats to peppermint-themed decor. A fun, refreshing way to embrace the holidays.
    
    
53. Cozy Christmas Book Club – Gather with others to read and discuss classic Christmas books, from “A Christmas Carol” to modern holiday tales. A cozy, literary holiday gathering.
    
    
54. Christmas Lights Trolley Tour – Take a festive trolley tour to see the best holiday light displays around the neighborhood or city. It’s a charming, low-key way to enjoy the holiday magic.

    Hanukkah Event Themes

    
    
    
55. Festival of Lights Celebration – Gather to honor the story of Hanukkah with menorah lighting, traditional foods like latkes, and live music. A warm and inclusive way to celebrate the holiday.
    
    
56. Dreidel Spin-Off Tournament – Bring the fun of dreidel to life with a spirited tournament. Competitors of all ages can spin to win chocolate gelt and other festive prizes.
    
    
57. Hanukkah Feast Night – Enjoy a community-style dinner featuring traditional Hanukkah dishes such as brisket, latkes, and sufganiyot. A delicious way to share the holiday spirit with loved ones.
    
    
58. Hanukkah Storytelling Evening – Gather around for an evening of stories about the origins and traditions of Hanukkah. Perfect for families and anyone looking to learn about or connect with the holiday.
    
    
59. Glow in the Dark Hanukkah Party – Celebrate the Festival of Lights with glow sticks, illuminated dreidels, and neon decor. A playful and modern take on Hanukkah festivities.
    
    
60. Latke Cook-Off – Bring out the best latke recipes in this friendly cooking competition. Guests can sample and vote on their favorite, creating a fun and tasty celebration.
    
    
61. Hanukkah Crafts Workshop – Create menorahs, dreidels, and other holiday crafts with family and friends. A hands-on activity that combines creativity with tradition.
    
    
62. Hanukkah Choir Performance – Enjoy a moving performance of Hanukkah songs by a choir or musical group. A serene and joyful way to celebrate through music.
    
    
63. Menorah Lighting Ceremony – Join the community for a ceremonial menorah lighting each night of Hanukkah. A reflective and meaningful way to come together and honor the holiday.
    
    
64. Hanukkah Movie Night – Host a screening of classic or modern Hanukkah films with popcorn and cozy seating. A relaxed evening for family and friends to enjoy.
    
    
65. Hanukkah Scavenger Hunt – Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt with clues tied to Hanukkah traditions and symbols. A fun, interactive event for kids and families.
    
    
66. Hanukkah Glow Walk – Organize a menorah-lit nighttime walk to symbolize the spreading of light during Hanukkah. Combine with songs, stories, or reflections along the route.
    
    
67. Hanukkah Song Sing-Along – Gather for a group sing-along of traditional Hanukkah songs like "Maoz Tzur" and festive tunes. A spirited way to celebrate through music.
    
    
68. Hanukkah Art Exhibition – Showcase local artists’ work inspired by Hanukkah and its themes of light, resilience, and tradition. A great way to combine culture and community.
    
    
69. Hanukkah Comedy Night – Share laughs with a stand-up comedy night featuring Jewish comedians or holiday-themed humor. A lighthearted way to celebrate the holiday.
    
    
70. Hanukkah Candle-Making Workshop – Learn how to make candles for the menorah in this hands-on craft workshop. Guests can take home their creations for their own celebrations.
    
    
71. Eight Nights of Giving – Organize a charity or volunteer initiative, dedicating each night of Hanukkah to a specific cause or act of kindness. A meaningful way to honor the holiday’s values.
    
    
72. Hanukkah Dessert Party – Indulge in sufganiyot (jelly donuts), rugelach, and other sweet treats in a dessert-themed gathering. Perfect for those with a holiday sweet tooth.
    
    
73. Hanukkah Family Trivia Night – Test your knowledge of Hanukkah traditions, history, and fun facts in a friendly trivia competition. Great for all ages to learn and bond together.
    

    Kwanzaa Holiday Event Themes

    
    
    
74. Unity Festival (Umoja) – Celebrate unity by bringing the community together for a day of shared traditions, music, storytelling, and collaborative art. This event emphasizes building bonds and fostering togetherness.
    
    
75. Kwanzaa Craft Workshop – Create symbolic crafts like unity cups, mkeka mats, and kinara candle holders. A hands-on event for families to connect with Kwanzaa’s traditions through art and creativity.
    
    
76. Cultural Marketplace – Host a bazaar featuring Black-owned businesses, handmade crafts, and traditional foods. It’s an opportunity to celebrate cooperative economics (Ujamaa) and support the community.
    
    
77. Kwanzaa Candle-Lighting Ceremony – Hold a reflective event where participants light the kinara candles each day, discussing the significance of each principle and how it applies to their lives.
    
    
78. Stories of the Ancestors – Celebrate Kwanzaa’s principle of Kujichagulia (self-determination) by sharing stories of African heritage, legendary leaders, and personal reflections through spoken word and poetry.
    
    
79. African Dance and Drum Night – Experience the power of African rhythms with a night of traditional drumming, dancing, and live performances. Encourage guests to join in and learn the steps.
    
    
80. Feast of Faith (Karamu) – Host a communal feast featuring traditional African and African-American dishes. Incorporate rituals like sharing thanks, discussing the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), and honoring ancestors.
    
    
81. Kwanzaa Youth Talent Show – Showcase the creativity of the younger generation with a talent show featuring music, dance, spoken word, and art. Encourage themes of purpose (Nia) and self-expression.
    
    
82. Kwanzaa Film Night – Screen films or documentaries highlighting African and African-American history, culture, and resilience. Follow with a discussion on how these stories connect to Kwanzaa principles.
    
    
83. Ujima Community Service Day – Bring people together to engage in a day of community service, such as organizing food drives, cleaning up neighborhoods, or hosting educational workshops. A hands-on way to practice collective work and responsibility.
    
    
84. Kwanzaa Reflections and Vision Boards – Encourage attendees to reflect on the Seven Principles and create vision boards for the upcoming year, inspired by purpose (Nia) and creativity (Kuumba).
    

    New Year’s Event Themes

    
    
    
85. Masquerade Ball – Ring in the New Year with a glamorous masquerade ball where guests wear masks and elegant attire. Dance the night away under sparkling chandeliers.
    
    
86. Countdown Carnival – Enjoy a festive evening full of games, music, and delicious treats as you countdown to the new year. The carnival atmosphere adds a playful energy to the night.
    
    
87. Gatsby Glam Party – Travel back to the Roaring Twenties with a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed party. Think flapper dresses, jazz music, and vintage cocktails in a dazzling setting.
    
    
88. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show – Celebrate the coming year with an awe-inspiring fireworks display. A classic and unforgettable way to ring in the new year with family and friends.
    
    
89. Black & Gold Gala – Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a black-and-gold-themed gala, complete with elegant attire, champagne toasts, and a live band.
    
    
90. Sparkle & Shine Party – Light up the night with a dazzling sparkle-themed party where guests are encouraged to wear sequins, glitter, and all things that shine. A festive way to sparkle into the new year.
    
    
91. Roaring Twenties New Year’s – Celebrate the 1920s in grand fashion with flapper dresses, jazz music, and speakeasy vibes. A glamorous throwback to one of the most exciting decades in history.
    
    
92. Champagne and Cheers – Raise a glass at this bubbly-focused New Year’s Eve event featuring champagne tastings, cocktails, and an unforgettable midnight toast.
    
    
93. New Year’s Resolution Party – Gather friends to reflect on the past year and share resolutions for the year ahead. This event includes goal-setting workshops, vision boards, and inspiring conversations.
    
    
94. New Year’s Pajama Party – Celebrate New Year’s Eve from the comfort of your own cozy pajamas. With a laid-back vibe, this event includes a fun mix of snacks, movies, and party games.
    
    
95. Countdown Confetti Bash – A lively event with countdown moments, confetti-filled celebrations, and festive music that will ensure you ring in the new year with lots of laughter.
    
    
96. Around the World New Year’s Eve – Travel the world as the clock strikes midnight with a party celebrating New Year’s traditions from various countries, complete with international foods, music, and customs.
    
    
97. 2024 Vision Board Workshop – Kick off the new year with a creative vision board-making workshop where you can focus on your goals and aspirations. A perfect way to start with intention.
    
    
98. Glow-in-the-Dark Countdown – Celebrate the new year with glowing decorations, UV lights, and neon fun. Dance the night away in a fluorescent, futuristic setting.
    
    
99. Decades New Year’s Party – Celebrate the best of the past with a New Year’s party where each section of the venue represents a different decade. Guests can travel through time with music, fashion, and food.
    
    
100. Glow Party Countdown – A neon-lit countdown event featuring glow sticks, LED lights, and vibrant colors. A fun, energetic way to ring in the new year with friends.
     
     
101. New Year’s Eve Family Game Night – Celebrate the new year with a cozy, family-focused game night. Play board games, enjoy trivia challenges, and countdown to midnight together in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
     

     Final Thoughts