Friendsmas has become one of the most cherished holiday traditions for celebrating with your chosen family before everyone scatters for the actual holidays.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a full-blown festive bash, these Pinterest-worthy ideas will help you create a memorable celebration that your friends will be talking about until next year.
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Best Friendsmas Party Ideas for 2025
Cozy Pajama Brunch Friendsmas Party Idea
Transform your morning into a Pinterest dream with a pajama-clad brunch party.
Ask guests to arrive in their coziest holiday PJs or matching sets you provide as party favors.
Set up a hot chocolate bar with an array of toppings like marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings displayed in vintage jars. Create a waffle or pancake station where friends can customize their breakfast with festive toppings.
The relaxed vibe makes this perfect for a Sunday morning gathering, and the photo opportunities are endless when everyone’s coordinated in matching sleepwear.
Ornament Exchange Party
Give the traditional gift exchange a creative twist with an ornament swap. Set a budget (typically $10-15) and have each guest bring a wrapped ornament that represents their personality or interests.
Display them under a small decorated tree, then let guests pick numbers and choose in order, with the option to “steal” previously opened ornaments.
This game creates hilarious moments and ensures everyone leaves with a meaningful keepsake.
Set up a crafting station where guests can personalize their ornaments with the year and decorate plain glass balls with paint pens for an interactive element.
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition
Channel your inner child with a gingerbread house building contest that’s Instagram gold.
Pre-assemble the houses or provide kits, then go all out with decorating supplies: royal icing in piping bags, candy canes, gumdrops, chocolate chips, pretzels, and edible glitter.
Create different categories for judging like “Most Creative,” “Best Use of Candy,” or “Most Likely to Collapse.” Display all the finished houses on a dedicated table with twinkle lights, and don’t forget to snap photos before anyone gets hungry. This activity doubles as entertainment and decor for your party.
Ugly Sweater Cocktail Hour
Elevate the classic ugly sweater party by making it a sophisticated cocktail evening. Encourage guests to thrift or DIY the most outrageous holiday sweaters they can find.
Set up a signature cocktail bar with festive drinks like cranberry Moscow mules, pomegranate mimosas, or spiked hot apple cider.
Create a photo booth area with a sequined backdrop, oversized ornaments, and props. Award prizes for categories like “Ugliest Sweater,” “Most Creative,” and “Best DIY.” The contrast between tacky sweaters and elegant drinks makes for a uniquely fun atmosphere.
Cookie Exchange Extravaganza
Turn baking season into a social event with a cookie exchange party. Ask each guest to bake 3-4 dozen cookies of one type and bring copies of their recipe on cute cards.
Set up a beautiful display table with tiered stands, cake plates, and holiday linens where everyone can showcase their creations. Provide festive tins or boxes so guests can take home an assortment. Include a hot beverage station with coffee, tea, and cocoa.
This party solves your holiday baking needs while creating a cozy, delicious gathering. Bonus points for setting up a decorating station with pre-baked sugar cookies for anyone who wants to get creative.
Winter Wonderland Movie Marathon
Create a cozy cinema experience at home with a holiday movie marathon theme. String up fairy lights, pile the space with pillows and blankets, and set up different “stations” for snacking.
Create a popcorn bar with various seasonings and mix-ins, a candy station with theater-style boxes, and a s’mores station if you have a fireplace. Vote on movies democratically or create a bracket-style competition beforehand. Provide cozy touches like fleece blankets as party favors and encourage guests to wear their comfiest loungewear.
This low-key approach is perfect for friends who want quality time without pressure.
Secret Santa Reveal Dinner Party
Organize a Secret Santa exchange that culminates in a sit-down dinner party. Have friends draw names weeks in advance with a set budget.
Plan a festive multi-course meal or potluck where each person brings a dish. Before the gift exchange, play a guessing game where the recipient tries to figure out their Secret Santa based on clues.
Set your table with elegant holiday decor: evergreen garlands, candles, name cards with small ornaments attached, and layered plates with holiday napkins. This combines the anticipation of gift-giving with the intimacy of a dinner party.
DIY Ornament Crafting Party
Host a hands-on creative session where friends make personalized ornaments to take home.
Set up different crafting stations with various projects: clear glass balls to fill with fake snow and miniature trees, wooden circles for painting, felt ornaments for sewing, or photo ornaments with Mod Podge.
Provide all the supplies and simple instructions at each station.
Play holiday music, serve light appetizers and wine, and let everyone’s creativity flow. This party doubles as your entertainment and everyone’s party favor, plus it’s perfect for friends who love crafting together.
Holiday Karaoke Night
Bring the energy with a holiday karaoke party that celebrates the cheesiest songs of the season. Set up a karaoke machine or use a streaming service with lyrics.
Create a songbook of holiday classics and modern favorites for guests to choose from. Award silly prizes for performances like “Most Enthusiastic,” “Best Duet,” or “Most Likely to Go Viral.”
Decorate with a stage area using tinsel curtains, string lights, and a spotlight. Serve themed cocktails named after songs and keep the atmosphere light and judgment-free. This high-energy option is perfect for outgoing friend groups.
White Elephant Gift Exchange Party
Host the ultimate White Elephant party with clear rules and creative twists. Set a specific budget and theme (funny gifts, practical items, or local products).
Number wrapped gifts and let guests choose in order, with stealing allowed after the first round.
Make it Pinterest-worthy with a beautiful gift display area under a decorated tree. Serve heavy appetizers and cocktails throughout the exchange to keep energy high.
Consider adding rules like “three steals and you’re out” or special cards that grant immunity or forced swaps to make things more interesting.
Friendsgiving-Meets-Christmas Feast
Combine Friendsgiving vibes with holiday cheer for a festive fusion dinner. Host a potluck where everyone brings their favorite holiday dish, whether it’s traditional turkey and stuffing or international holiday treats.
Set a stunning tablescape with mix-and-match vintage plates, greenery runners, and plenty of candles. Create place cards with what each person is grateful for written by other guests (collected beforehand).
This heartfelt approach celebrates friendship while acknowledging the season. End with a gratitude circle where everyone shares their favorite memory from the past year.
Hot Cocoa and Charcuterie Night
Keep things simple but Instagram-worthy with a hot cocoa and charcuterie board party. Create an elaborate hot chocolate bar with multiple cocoa options (dark, milk, white, peppermint) and gourmet toppings.
Build stunning holiday charcuterie boards arranged in wreath shapes or Christmas tree patterns using cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fruits, nuts, and chocolates. The minimal cooking required lets you focus on presentation and time with friends.
Add board games or card games for entertainment, and encourage guests to get creative making their perfect cup while grazing.
No matter which Friendsmas idea speaks to you, the most important ingredient is quality time with the people who feel like family.
These Pinterest-perfect parties provide the framework, but your unique friend group dynamics will make any celebration special.
Mix and match elements from different ideas to create your own signature Friendsmas tradition that friends will look forward to every year.
More Christmas Ideas:
- 17 Fun Christmas Gift Exchange Games Everyone Will Want to Play
- 17 Fun Family Christmas Games You’ll Want to Play Every Year
- 37+ Easy Christmas Punch for Kids That Look Too Cute to Drink
- 50+ Easy Christmas Finger Food Ideas for Parties You’ll Want to Make Every Year
- 13+ Fun Christmas Party Themes Ideas to Impress Your Guests
- 30 Bold Christmas Party Makeup Ideas That Will Turn Heads Instantly
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Don’t miss these ideas and save them to your Pinterest profile! You will find a lot more inspiration in our Christmas Party board and also in our Christmas makeup ideas – check it out to find new ideas.
