Christmas party ideas for kids need to work for a slightly different crowd. You might have a whole nursery, a football club, a workplace party for staff children or a big family gathering. Ages are often mixed, the room is often busy and everyone's already a bit giddy about Christmas.
Here are ideas for Christmas and for school holidays more generally, plus some tips on organising it all without losing your festive spirit.
Book early for December
December weekends are the busiest time of year for children's entertainers, venues and caterers. Nurseries, schools and clubs often all want the last week of term, and so does everyone else.
If you're organising a Christmas party, try to book entertainment by early autumn. Weekday afternoons and early December dates are often easier to get, so stay flexible if you can.
Christmas party ideas for kids at home
A small Christmas party at home can be lovely. Think cosy and simple: festive films, decorating biscuits, making paper chains and paper snowflakes.
- Christmas biscuit or gingerbread decorating
- Making tree decorations to take home
- A Christmas jumper party with a dance off
- Festive pass the parcel with a small gift in each layer
- Hot chocolate and a Christmas film in pyjamas
Parties for nurseries and preschools
Nursery Christmas parties need to be short, gentle and full of songs. Little ones love joining in, but loud bangs and long shows aren't the right fit.
Many nurseries book a gentle entertainer with songs, bubbles, puppets and simple magic. Check what your setting needs to see first, such as DBS and insurance details, and ask the entertainer about it when you book.
School and club Christmas parties
For a whole school year, a football club or a Brownies pack, you're often dealing with a big group and a wide age range. An entertainer who's used to mixed ages makes a huge difference here.
Our page on a Christmas party entertainer for kids explains what these parties usually look like. A festive magic show, party games, a disco and a visit to the prize table are all popular. Ask what's included, because it varies.
- Christmas disco with games like musical statues
- Festive magic show
- Christmas quiz for older children
- Craft table for wreaths or cards
Workplace children's Christmas parties
Lots of businesses run a party for staff children in December. These are often big, mixed age events in a hotel or function room, and parents are usually there too.
Plan it like a family event. A family party entertainer who can hold the attention of toddlers, older children and parents together is ideal. Build in food, a show and a bit of free play.
School holiday party ideas
Christmas isn't the only holiday. Summer, Easter and half term are also great times for a get together, especially when children are bored and need something to look forward to.
Holiday parties don't need a birthday as an excuse. A summer garden party, an Easter egg hunt or a half term Halloween party are all fun reasons to get friends together.
- Summer: garden sports day, water games, a picnic
- Easter: egg hunt, bonnet making, egg and spoon races
- October half term: Halloween fancy dress and pumpkin carving
- February half term: indoor den building and a film afternoon
Tips for a smooth festive party
Keep the sugar sensible. Christmas parties come with a lot of chocolate, and a room of over excited children can get chaotic fast. Serve proper food first, treats after.
Check for allergies if you're giving out chocolate or selection boxes. And if there's a visit from a special guest in a red suit, give the entertainer a heads up so they can build it into the running order rather than having it clash with the show.
Give children something to do as they arrive, like colouring a Christmas card or decorating a paper crown. It stops a big group from running wild while you wait for the last few families to turn up.
Getting help with your party
If you're organising a party for a nursery, club or workplace, you'll have plenty on your plate already. Send us your date, venue, numbers and ages, and we'll come back with who's free and a quote (our price guide gives you a rough idea first). Nothing's booked until you say yes.