Having a birthday in December can feel like a double-edged sword—especially if you or someone you love is born close to Christmas. On one hand, the holiday season brings this built-in sense of festivity and joy, but on the other hand, a lot of December birthdays can get overshadowed by the holiday spirit. I’ve seen firsthand how a birthday celebration can get lost in the shuffle of Christmas parties, family gatherings, and gift shopping.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make sure a Christmas birthday still feels special and memorable, even with all the holiday hustle.
How Can You Make Your Christmas Birthday Feel Special?
To make your Christmas birthday feel special, it’s important to celebrate separately from the holiday. Avoid mixing Christmas and birthday themes—use different wrapping paper, and be sure to have a proper birthday cake. Instead of combining gifts, treat both occasions distinctly.
You can also enjoy the festive spirit by throwing a holiday-themed birthday party or choose to skip a party altogether and do something unique like a day trip. Whatever you do, make sure you still sing “Happy Birthday” to keep the focus on you!
So if you’re planning a festive birthday party, here are some fun ideas to get you inspired!
1. Embrace the Christmas-Themed Birthday Party
Why fight it, right? If you’ve got a December birthday on your hands, lean into the Christmas theme! I was at a party once where they turned the whole place into a mini winter wonderland party, and it was honestly so much fun. There were gingerbread houses as part of the activity (kids love decorating their own houses) and scattered Christmas lights around for a magical glow.
The birthday cake? A snowflake-covered masterpiece that doubled as a showstopper for the dessert table. And don’t forget to decorate with Christmas decorations like mini Christmas trees on the tables, or even candy cane-shaped place cards. This approach ties the birthday in with the spirit of the season but makes sure the birthday person still has their own spotlight.
2. Host an Ugly Sweater Birthday Bash
Do you know how ugly sweaters have become a staple of holiday parties? Well, they can be the perfect birthday party theme too. I’m telling you, an ugly sweater Christmas birthday party is a great way to get everyone laughing and in the holiday spirit. It’s funny how people go all-out with their ugly sweaters—from neon lights to peppermint sticks glued on, I’ve seen some wild ones! Add in a photo booth with some fun props like Santa hats, and you’ve got a memorable way to capture the fun.
3. Make It Movie Night with a Polar Express Party
If you’ve got younger kids or even a crowd that loves Christmas movies, a Magical Polar Express Party is a blast. You can have a “train ticket” for each party guest at the entrance, a hot cocoa station (with plenty of whipped cream, of course), and Christmas lights hanging all around the house.
4. Cozy Pyjama Party
A cozy pajama party is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed Christmas-themed birthday party. Everyone can wear their favorite Christmas PJs, snuggle up with blankets, and enjoy hot chocolate, holiday movies, and maybe even a small gift exchange. Another idea is a pampering party, where you can have fun doing face masks, nail painting, or even foot soaks, all while listening to Christmas music and enjoying festive snacks. Both ideas are simple, low-key, and perfect for a warm, festive celebration without too much fuss.
You can even do a cozy setup with plenty of blankets and pillows for a comfy movie night. Put on a few of your favorite Christmas movies, like Home Alone or A Christmas Story.
A Christmas birthday doesn’t always need to be big and extravagant—a small group of friends or family, sipping cocoa and watching a favorite film, can create a beautiful, intimate birthday vibe.
5. Create a Holiday Craft Corner
For those who love a more hands-on party, setting up a holiday craft station is such a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit. You can have everyone decorate Christmas cards, make their own ornaments, or even craft their own photo booth props.
You can even add a birthday gift station where kids can wrap gifts for their family members to take home. It’s a fun little personal touch that blends the birthday celebration with the act of giving, which feels right in the spirit of Christmas.
6. Make gingerbread Houses
If you’ve got some crafty kids, gingerbread houses are a fantastic option too. Not only is it a great Christmas birthday party activity, but they also double as party elements for décor until the kids take them home. It’s two birds, one stone—decorations and entertainment!
7. Have a Photo Booth
Make your Christmas birthday party unforgettable with photo booths, whether big or small. Guests can take fun videos or cute pictures together using holiday-themed props.
Some booths offer unlimited prints, letting you snap as many photos as you want and get them instantly. Others can send your favorite pictures and videos straight to social media, making it easy to share on Instagram, TikTok, and more.
8. Keep It Simple with a Christmas-Themed Outdoor Party
If you want to do something a little more low-key but still pack in the holiday cheer, try hosting the party outside. Depending on where you live, you might be able to transform your yard into a winter wonderland using string white lights and plenty of cozy blankets. Have a hot chocolate bar, throw in some Christmas music in the background, and you’ve got yourself a magical outdoor space.
I went to an outdoor birthday party one year, and while it was a little chilly, we stayed warm with a fire pit and lots of warm drinks. The kids loved roasting marshmallows, and the Christmas decorations we added around the yard made it feel like a cozy little escape in the middle of the Christmas season.
9. Snow Machine
Create a winter wonderland at your party, no matter the weather! Whether it’s hot or cold outside, you can bring the magic of snow to your event. Snow can fall from your rooftop or be gently sprayed from a corner of your venue. You can also rent a machine that blows soft snow flakes, some even with a sweet, bubble bath-like scent.
10. Fun Christmas Birthday Party Food
For the party food, you can set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and even some whipped cream. Plus, you don’t have to stress about making everything yourself—some festive finger foods and Christmas cookies should do the trick. Good idea, right?
Since we’re talking about party food, let’s dive into one of my favorite party snacks—charcuterie and cheese boards! They’re always a crowd-pleaser, especially with a Christmas twist. You can even do a Christmas Wreath Charcuterie.
Charcuterie boards are super popular, especially during the holiday season!
At the end of the day, no matter what you do, the key is making sure the birthday person feels like it’s still their special day, even if it’s during the busiest time of year.
