If you’ve hosted a kids’ holiday party, you know the truth: kids have the energy of five espresso shots.

I learned this the hard way when a “small” party turned my living room into a full-on obstacle course.

So if you want a party that feels fun, magical, and actually manageable, you’re in the right place.

Let’s run through 13 kids’ holiday party ideas that keep the fun high, the chaos low, and the memories adorable. Ready? Let’s go.

1. Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Kids treat gingerbread decorating like a high-stakes art competition.
I always set up a long table and let them go wild with icing and candy.

Why it works:
Kids stay focused, parents get cute photos, and everyone ends up sticky but happy.

Tips that save your sanity:

Preassemble the houses
Give each kid their own candy bowl
Cover the table with disposable paper

Amazon Pick:
Wilton Gingerbread House Kit (Includes icing + candies) – Everything stays simple and kid-proof.

2. DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

I swear kids act like hot chocolate is magical potion fuel.
A hot chocolate bar makes your holiday party feel cozy without much effort.

What to include:

Marshmallows
Crushed candy canes
Chocolate chips
Whipped cream
Holiday sprinkles

Why kids love it: They feel like little baristas.

Amazon Pick:
Land O Lakes Hot Cocoa Mix Variety Pack – A fun lineup that feels fancy without the price tag.

3. Holiday Craft Corner

Ever wondered why kids can craft for hours but won’t sit still for homework? Same.

Set up a craft table and let them make ornaments, cards, or little snowmen out of felt.

Keep it simple with:

Glue sticks (not glue bottles unless you trust chaos)
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Foam cutouts
Glitter only if you’re brave

Amazon Pick:
Alex Discover Holiday Craft Kit – A lifesaver when you want crafts without shopping for 20 tiny items.

4. Kids Holiday Movie Marathon

Sometimes the best party idea is letting the TV babysit for a bit.
Just being honest 🙂

Movies that always win:

The Grinch
Home Alone
Frozen
Klaus
Elf

Make it extra cute:
Create “tickets” and give each kid a popcorn bucket.

Amazon Pick:
Great Northern Popcorn Machine – IMO this thing makes popcorn taste like the cinema.

5. Mini Cookie Decorating Station

Kids love sweets. Kids love decorating things.
Combine them and boom—you’ve got the perfect holiday activity.

What you need:

Plain sugar cookies
Small piping bags
Colored icing
Holiday sprinkles
Edible glitter (trust me, they ask)

Amazon Pick:
Hiware 6-Piece Christmas Cookie Cutter Set – Makes cute shapes that don’t warp in the oven.

6. Santa’s Workshop Pretend Play

If you want the party to feel magical, this idea works every time.

Set up little “stations”:

A gift-wrapping corner
Toy building with blocks
An elf dress-up rack

Kids love pretending they work for Santa. Ever seen a toddler try to “wrap” something? Peak comedy.

Amazon Pick:
Melissa & Doug Wooden Stamp and Craft Kit – Great for gift-tag making.

7. Holiday Dance Party

Crank up the music and let the kids burn energy.
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Playlist must-haves:

Jingle Bell Rock
Frozen’s “Let It Go” (because they’ll request it anyway)
Santa Tell Me
Feliz Navidad

Add a tiny twist:
Throw in a dance freeze game. Kids love the drama of pretending to freeze mid-wiggle.

Amazon Pick:
Disco LED Party Light – Not expensive and instantly transforms your living room.

8. Snowman Building Contest (Indoor or Outdoor)

If you live somewhere cold, this one writes itself.
If you live somewhere warm like me, you can do “indoor snowmen” with marshmallows or cotton balls.

Categories to judge:

Funniest snowman
Most detailed
Most dramatic scarf placement

Amazon Pick:
Snowball Maker Tool Set – Turns snow into perfect balls faster than tiny hands.

9. Christmas Storytime Circle

Kids love when adults read with extra dramatic voices.
I always throw in a cartoonish Santa accent, even if it sounds nothing like Santa.

Book favorites:

“The Polar Express”
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
“Olaf’s Night Before Christmas”

Amazon Pick:
The Polar Express Hardcover Edition – A classic that never misses.

10. Kids Holiday Science Experiments

This idea works well because kids feel like mini scientists.
Plus, it’s educational even though they don’t realize it (sneaky win for adults).

Fun experiments:

Making snow with baking soda + conditioner
Growing crystal ornaments
Volcano “chimneys” with red and green foam

Amazon Pick:
National Geographic Holiday Science Kit – Makes you look like the coolest host ever.

11. Reindeer Games Obstacle Course

Ever wished your kids had an outlet for their endless energy? This is it.
Set up a short course indoors or outdoors.

Ideas for obstacles:

Jump over “candy cane hurdles”
Crawl under “snow tunnels”
Balance across “icy bridges” (aka taped floors)

Kids love it because:
It feels like a mini adventure.

Amazon Pick:
American Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Set – The kids go wild for this one 🙂

12. Holiday Gift Exchange for Kids

This one teaches kids how to give and receive thoughtfully.

Tips to keep it smooth:

Set a budget
Tell parents the theme
Let kids pick numbers to choose gifts

Fun twist:
Make it a “silly gift swap” where kids exchange funny or cute items.

Amazon Pick:
Warmies Stuffed Animals (Heatable Plush) – These always become the favorite gift.

13. Christmas Treasure Hunt

Kids act like detectives when you hide clues around the house.
It’s adorable watching them work together.

How to plan it:

Create 5–10 clues
Hide them in easy-to-find places
Put a small prize at the end for every child

Prize ideas:

Hot chocolate packets
Candy bags
Mini toys

Amazon Pick:
Melissa & Doug Mini Surprise Bags – Perfect for treasure hunt finales.

Final Thoughts

Kids holiday parties don’t need to feel overwhelming. You just need activities that keep the fun flowing without turning your space into a disaster zone.

These 13 kids holiday party ideas give you everything you need to host a party that feels joyful, organized, and full of cute moments.

Pick a few ideas, grab a couple Amazon finds, and enjoy watching the kids have the time of their lives.

And hey, if you join the dance-off or eat too many cookies, I won’t judge… FYI, I always do 🙂