30 Tips to Plan Holiday Class Parties
Posted by Courtney McLaughlin
 The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, fun celebrations! Planning a class holiday party is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories. However, organizing an event that is both enjoyable and manageable can be a bit tricky. From finding the right mix of games, treats, and decor to making sure every child feels included, there's a lot to consider.
Whether you're a teacher, room parent, or a volunteer coordinating the event, these tips and ideas will help you plan a holiday class party that’s filled with laughter, creativity, and a whole lot of holiday spirit—without the stress!
Planning Tips
- Save the Date - Once the party date is set, let families know the details ASAP. Include information about the time, location, and if there’s a dress up theme.
- Coordinate with the Teacher – If you’re the room parent or a volunteer, include your teacher in the party planning. They may have suggestions based on the class schedule and accommodating kids with special needs or allergies.
- Set a Schedule - Write a detailed timetable of events including activities, snacks and games. Allow plenty of time for set up and clean up.
- Volunteers - Use SignUpGenius to ask parents and caregivers to help with specific tasks, such as sending in items and volunteering during the party.
- Picture Person - Appoint a parent or staff member to take pictures during the event.
- Snack Time Keep refreshments simple with a mix of sweet and salty treats like popcorn and cookies
- Teacher Appreciation If you’re also coordinating holiday gifts for your teacher, collect money and shop before the party so kids can join in sharing your thanks.
- Party Favors If you have the budget, pick up a festive item for kids to wear and take home like hats or light up necklaces (party stories or Amazon often have inexpensive options).
- Give Back Consider collecting toys for a local nonprofit (or families in need in your school community) and inviting families to send in donations.
- Backup Activities Try to have a few icebreaker games in mind in case you have extra time during the party or one of the planned activities doesn’t work out. A simple round of “holiday would you rather” questions can be a hit!
Party Ideas and Themes
- Cookie Decorating - Line tables with plastic tablecloths and place bowls of frosting and sprinkles in the center. Put baked sugar cookies on a plate and let each student create an edible masterpiece.
- Holiday Bingo - Get everyone in the holiday spirit with holiday Bingo. Print out enough cards for several rounds and have plenty of crayons for kids to share. Have prizes ready for the winners!
- Caroling - Teach the class two or three holiday songs and visit neighboring classrooms to share the yuletide spirit. Treat the choir to cookies and juice following their performance.
- Costume Contest - Encourage kids to come dressed as a favorite holiday character from a book, song or movie. Parade around the school and host a costume contest.
- Holiday Trivia –What holiday is known as the festival of lights? Who wrote the Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Test kids on their knowledge of the holiday season with a list of questions filled with the spirit of the holidays. Genius Tip: You can even make it a fun activity by using our printable!
- Party Stations - Keep the party moving with seasonal “activity stations.” Work your way around the room and decorate a Christmas tree pinecone, complete a seek and find puzzle, make a shiny ornament and string together a jingle bell necklace.
- Gingerbread Houses - Using colored frosting, candy and other beautiful decorations, challenge teams to build the ultimate winter abode. Ask each team to come up with a story to go with their creation.
- Pajama Party - Celebrate the cooler season in cozy pajamas and warm blankets. Serve hot chocolate and watch a holiday movie.
- Scavenger Hunt - The countdown is on to find all the items on Santa’s list. Let older kids search around school grounds and hide items in the classroom for the younger set.
- Build a Snowman - Welcome students to the snowman-themed party with white clay and construction paper. Let each student build a snowman and design cool accessories.
- Holiday Sing-a-Long - Rent or borrow a karaoke machine or use an online app and make lots of joyful noise. Lead a few group songs then pass around a sign-up sheet so everyone gets a turn.
- Pin the Light on the Menorah - Don your blindfold and try to pin the flame on the candles of the menorah.
- Minute to Win It - These super simple games will have everyone cheering! Set the timer and count how many bells students can toss into a cup, stack a tower of cups or pile cookies on their forehead.
- Holiday Cards - Start with colorful construction paper, then help kids move around the room and decorate with foam cutouts, cotton balls, markers and glitter.
- Three Guesses - Pair kids up and give each a bag with a small gift. Each child can ask the other three “yes” or “no” questions to figure out what’s inside. If they don’t guess correctly, switch and let the other partner try.
- Snacks and Story Time - Invite a special guest to read a holiday story to the class then create a new one by going around to each student and letting them add to the tale.
- Holiday Charades - Pass out index cards and have each student write down the title of a holiday song, movie or festive phrase. Shuffle the deck and let students take turns trying to get the group to come up with the correct answer.
- Christmas Band Party - Pass out homemade instruments and jam out to favorite holiday tunes. Record the impromptu concert and send it to parents and caregivers!
- Gift Exchange - Ask each student to bring a gift to the party. Draw numbers to see who gets to select first, second, third, etc. When his/her number is called, the student can choose a new gift or “steal” one that has already been opened. Set a price limit and have a few extra gifts on hand.
- New Year’s Eve - Welcome the new year a little early with this fun party idea. Pass out noise makers, hats and glasses and start a dance party. Create a photo booth area with a cool background and silly props. Pick a time for “midnight” and let the countdown begin. 3-2-1!
With these tips, you can plan a holiday class party that’s fun and festive for everyone involved. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the celebration—it’s about making lasting memories and spreading joy!
Courtney McLaughlin is a freelance writer in Charlotte, N.C. She gratefully shares her life, home and heart with her daughter and their dog.
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