A Christmas pyjama party is a brilliant way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. I love hosting these cosy gatherings, where everyone shows up in their comfiest festive sleepwear. To throw a successful Christmas pyjama party, I start by sending out invitations that specify the dress code and set the tone for a relaxed evening.
I make sure to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, festive decorations, and plenty of snuggly blankets. I set up a buffet-style spread of easy-to-eat snacks and drinks, so guests can nibble throughout the night. Fun activities like a pyjama fashion show or gingerbread man crafts keep everyone entertained and in the holiday spirit.
On This Page
Key Takeaways
- Send invitations specifying festive pyjamas as the dress code
- Create a cosy atmosphere with soft lighting and snuggly blankets
- Offer a variety of easy-to-eat snacks and fun holiday activities
Planning Your Christmas Pyjama Party
I’ll share my top tips for organising a brilliant Christmas pyjama party. From setting the date to choosing fun activities, I’ve got you covered with all the essentials.
Setting the Date and Inviting Guests
I always start by picking a date that works for most people. Early December is often best, before calendars get too full. I send out invitations at least 3-4 weeks in advance. E-invites are quick and easy, but I love sending festive paper invites too. I make sure to mention it’s a pyjama party and ask guests to wear their cosiest Christmas PJs.
I keep the guest list manageable – usually 8-12 people for a more intimate gathering. If I’m inviting families, I factor in space for kids to play. I also ask about any dietary needs or allergies to plan the menu.
Choosing a Theme and Decorations
A theme helps tie everything together. I might go for ‘Winter Wonderland’ with white and silver decor, or ‘Santa’s Workshop’ with red and green. I use fairy lights, garlands, and baubles to create a festive feel. A Christmas tree is a must – it’s perfect for photos!
I set out comfy blankets and pillows for extra cosiness. Scented candles add a lovely touch – cinnamon or pine scents work well. I also put on some soft Christmas music to create the right mood.
Planning the Evening’s Entertainment
I like to have a mix of activities to keep everyone engaged. A Christmas film is always popular – classics like ‘Elf’ or ‘Home Alone’ are great choices. I set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like marshmallows and candy canes.
Games are a big part of the fun. I might organise a gingerbread house decorating contest or a festive quiz. For crafty guests, making Christmas ornaments can be a lovely activity. I also make sure there’s time for chatting and relaxing – it is a pyjama party after all!
Party Activities and Games
A Christmas pyjama party offers many fun options for festive entertainment. I’ve found some great activities to keep guests engaged and create lasting holiday memories.
Organising Festive Games and Competitions
I love starting with Christmas charades or Pictionary to get everyone laughing. For charades, I write holiday-themed words or phrases on slips of paper for players to act out. Pictionary works similarly, but with drawing instead of acting. Christmas Bingo is another crowd-pleaser. I make bingo cards with holiday symbols or words for a festive twist.
For a bit of friendly competition, I organise a gingerbread house decorating contest. I provide pre-built houses, icing, and various sweets for decorating. Guests can work in pairs or small teams. I set a time limit and have everyone vote on their favourite creation at the end.
Board games with a Christmas theme are brilliant for smaller groups. I’ve got a collection of holiday editions of popular games like Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit that always go down well.
Setting Up a Christmas Photo Booth
A photo booth is a must for capturing fun memories. I set up a festive backdrop using a large piece of fabric or a blank wall decorated with fairy lights, tinsel, and baubles. Props are key – I include Santa hats, reindeer antlers, oversized candy canes, and silly glasses.
I make sure there’s good lighting and a tripod for guests to use their own phones. For a special touch, I sometimes hire a Polaroid camera so people can take instant photos to take home.
To encourage participation, I create a hashtag for the party and ask guests to share their snaps on social media. It’s a great way to relive the fun afterwards.
Hosting a Christmas Film Marathon
No pyjama party is complete without cosy film watching. I set up a comfy viewing area with lots of pillows and blankets. I choose a mix of classic and modern Christmas films to suit different tastes. Some favourites include ‘Elf’, ‘Home Alone’, and ‘Love Actually’.
I prepare movie snacks like popcorn, chocolates, and hot cocoa. For added fun, I sometimes create a movie bingo game with common Christmas film tropes for guests to tick off as we watch.
Between films, we take breaks for stretching, snack refills, and toilet trips. It’s also a good time for quick rounds of other party games to keep energy levels up.
Curating a Holiday Music Playlist
Music sets the mood for any party. I create a playlist mixing traditional carols, pop Christmas hits, and instrumental holiday tunes. I use a music streaming service to easily share the playlist with guests before the party.
For interactive fun, I set up a karaoke machine with Christmas songs. It’s hilarious to see friends belting out ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ in their pyjamas. I make sure to include some lesser-known holiday tunes to keep things interesting.
Background music is important too. During game time or socialising, I keep the volume low enough for conversation. When it’s time to liven things up, I crank up the tunes for an impromptu dance party in our PJs.
Festive Food and Drinks
A Christmas pyjama party isn’t complete without tasty treats and cosy drinks. I’ve got some brilliant ideas to make your party menu festive and fun.
Preparing a Hot Chocolate Bar
I love setting up a hot chocolate bar for my Christmas pyjama parties. It’s a brilliant way to let guests create their own perfect cup. I start with a big pot of rich, creamy hot chocolate as the base. Then, I set out toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. For a grown-up twist, I include a bottle of Irish cream or peppermint schnapps for spiked hot chocolate.
I use clear jars or festive bowls to display the toppings. Wooden spoons and cute labels add a charming touch. I also offer flavoured syrups like vanilla or caramel for extra customisation. Don’t forget some cinnamon sticks and candy canes for stirring!
Crafting a Menu with Christmas Delicacies
When it comes to food, I focus on easy-to-eat nibbles that capture the spirit of Christmas. Gingerbread houses are a must-have at my parties. I buy kits or make them from scratch, then let guests decorate them with icing and sweets. It’s a fun activity and a tasty treat all in one!
I also put together festive charcuterie boards. I fill them with Christmas cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and dried fruits. Mince pies, sausage rolls, and bite-sized Christmas puddings are other crowd-pleasers. For a healthier option, I include a platter of winter fruits like clementines and pomegranates.
Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Drinks are key to keeping the party merry. I always have a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. For the boozy drinks, I create a signature Christmas cocktail. My favourite is a cranberry and gin fizz with a sprig of rosemary. Mulled wine is another classic that fills the house with a lovely spicy aroma.
For non-drinkers, I make a big batch of alcohol-free punch with cranberry juice, apple cider, and ginger ale. I add sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks for extra flavour. Sparkling apple juice in champagne flutes is a fun, festive alternative to bubbly.
To keep things simple, I set up a self-serve drinks station. This way, guests can help themselves while I enjoy the party too!
Wrapping Up the Party
As the Christmas pyjama party winds down, it’s time for some final festive activities. Let’s look at gift exchange ideas and ways to ensure guests get home safely.
Gift Exchange Ideas
I love ending a Christmas PJ party with a fun gift exchange. White Elephant is a great choice. Each person brings a wrapped gift and draws numbers. The first person picks a gift and opens it. The next person can steal that gift or open a new one. This keeps going until all gifts are opened.
Secret Santa is another brilliant option. Everyone draws a name and buys a gift for that person. It’s best to set a price limit. I suggest £15-20 for a nice gift that won’t break the bank.
Family Christmas pyjamas make lovely gifts too. You could give matching PJs to each family as they leave. It’s a sweet way to remember the party.
Ensuring a Safe Journey Home for Guests
Safety is key when the party ends. I always check if anyone needs a lift home. It’s smart to have taxi numbers handy or help guests book rides.
For those who’ve had a drink, I offer my spare room or sofa. No one should drive if they’re not fit to.
I make sure everyone has warm clothes for the journey. It can be chilly after cosying up in PJs all night.
Lastly, I walk guests to their cars or wait with them for taxis. It’s a nice final touch to show you care about their safety.