I think an ornament exchange is one of the CUTEST Christmas party ideas.
Everyone brings one little decoration and leaves with something they can hang on their tree for years.
Simple.
And unlike some gift exchanges, you don't have to figure out what size somebody wears or pretend to know what skincare they like.
Just bring a pretty, funny or completely unusual ornament.
You can keep the whole party relaxed with cocoa and Christmas music, or turn the exchange into a full game where everyone is stealing ornaments from each other.
Both sound good to me.
If you want to make your ornament exchange feel like more than people walking in, swapping a bauble and leaving, here are some festive ideas to use.
21 Christmas Ornament Exchange Party Ideas For A Festive Night
1. Create An Ornament Display Table
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| @lovelyharbor |
Give all those ornaments somewhere pretty to sit before the exchange starts.
Use a dedicated table with greenery, lights and maybe a few gold or red decorations around the gifts.
It instantly makes the exchange feel like the actual center of the party.
2. Send Handwritten Invitations
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| @jessletterman |
This type of party already has a slightly nostalgic feeling, so handwritten invitations fit perfectly.
Use red ink, a pretty envelope or even a wax seal if you are feeling EXTRA.
Make sure you include the ornament budget so nobody brings a $5 ornament while someone else arrives with a hand-blown glass masterpiece.
3. Number Every Wrapped Ornament
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| @victoria |
Give each ornament a number when guests arrive.
You can use the numbers later for drawing, swapping or choosing gifts.
It also keeps people from knowing which guest brought which ornament too early.
4. Turn Unwrapping Into A Game
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| @jandane |
Don't just go around the room opening gifts normally.
Pass ornaments during a Christmas story, use a timer or let guests steal from one another.
A little chaos makes the actual exchange much more interesting.
Related: 16+ Fun Christmas Games Everyone Will Love Playing This Holiday Season
5. Build A Hot Cocoa Bar
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| @amandaashley |
Ornament exchanges and hot chocolate were made for each other.
Put out marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, caramel and festive sprinkles so everyone can make their own cup.
Keep the actual ornament table FAR away from sticky little marshmallow fingers.
6. Add A Winter Wonderland Backdrop
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| @magicalcreationz |
Create a snowy-looking photo area with white greenery, silver ornaments, white sheer curtains, and soft lights.
It doesn't have to be enormous.
One decorated corner is enough for guests to take pictures with the ornaments they end up with.
7. Set Up A DIY Ornament Station
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| @skyryedesign |
Why exchange one ornament when everyone can also make another one?
Put out plain ornaments, paint, ribbon and other decorations and let guests create something themselves.
Glitter is optional depending on how much you value your carpet.
8. Make A Mistletoe Photo Booth
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| @karamichelle |
Add a red photo backdrop with a simple write-up and mistletoe overhead.
Couples can use it, friends can use it and somebody will inevitably pose dramatically underneath alone.
All valid options.
9. Display The Ornaments On A Tree
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| @balsamhill |
Instead of leaving every wrapped ornament on a table, use a small tree as part of the exchange.
Hang the ornaments as they are opened so everyone can see the collection grow throughout the party.
It basically becomes moving party decor.
Related: 20+ Christmas Tree Ideas To Boost Your Holiday Décor
10. Put Out A Christmas Snack Board
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| @elysia |
People need something to eat while they're judging everyone's ornament choices.
Cheese, crackers, cured meats, fruit and festive little red-and-green details work perfectly because guests can snack without sitting down to a full meal.
Related: 15 Creative Christmas Charcuterie Boards Ideas
11. Play Steal The Ornament
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| @kimgoss |
White Elephant rules but with ornaments.
Let guests unwrap one or steal one that somebody else already has.
Limit how many times each ornament can be stolen unless you want one glass snowman destroying lifelong friendships.
Related: 25 Christmas White Elephant Party Ideas Everyone Will Talk About
12. Serve A Signature Christmas Cocktail
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| @pamelarayment |
Choose ONE easy drink instead of trying to run a full bar.
Cranberry and pomegranate look beautifully festive, especially with rosemary and a gold-rimmed glass.
Keep a non-alcoholic version nearby too.
13. Make Personalized Ornament Tags
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| @sunshinemelodies |
Little handwritten tags can make even simple wrapping look thoughtful.
Add each guest's name if ornaments are assigned or use numbers if the exchange is random.
14. Ask Everyone To Wear Ugly Sweaters
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| @livvv |
There is something about terrible Christmas sweaters that makes people instantly less formal.
Make it part of the invitation and give a tiny prize to whoever brings the ugliest one.
Blinking lights deserve bonus consideration if you ask me.
15. Hold A Vintage Ornament Hunt
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| @jana |
Hide a few vintage-style ornaments around the party space and turn them into bonus prizes.
Guests can search for them between drinks and the actual exchange.
This works especially well if you want another little activity without setting up a complicated game.
16. Add A Candlelit Ornament Centerpiece
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| @confetti&roses |
Decorate the food or dining table with ornaments, pine cones, greenery and candles.
Just keep flammable decorations safely away from open flames because pretty Christmas decor is not worth setting the table on fire.
The gold and silver ornaments will reflect the light beautifully anyway.
17. Give Everyone A Take-Home Ornament Favor
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| @glamour&grace |
Yes, they are already leaving with an exchanged ornament.
But if you want to be extra nice, give each guest one tiny ornament from the host too.
Put it in a little box, each with a tag so they have a reminder of that year's party.
18. Play Christmas Carol Trivia
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| @sehajkaur |
Before the exchange, test everyone on Christmas songs.
Give the winner first choice of the ornament pile or an extra stealing opportunity.
Suddenly people will take Jingle Bells VERY seriously.
19. Add A Champagne Tower
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| @katie |
If your ornament exchange is more grown-up and glamorous, bring out the bubbles.
A small champagne tower beside the ornament display makes the party feel much more like an actual event.
You don't need twenty glasses either; a small version still looks cute.
20. Set Up A Snowflake Cookie Station
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| @athomewithalana |
If you want one more activity, put out plain snowflake cookies, icing and sprinkles.
Guests can decorate one while waiting for the exchange to start and eat their masterpiece immediately afterwards.
No need to make this into a whole cookie-decorating party unless you want to.
21. End With A Group Ornament Photo
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| @yogendra |
Do not let everybody sneak out before the picture.
Gather everyone together with the ornaments they received and take one big group photo in front of the tree.
Do it every year and eventually you'll have a whole collection of Christmas ornament exchange memories.
Which is actually really cute.
Conclusion
And that is all we have today on Christmas ornament exchange party ideas for a festive night.
This kind of party really doesn't need to be complicated.
Ask everyone to bring one ornament, put out something warm to drink and add a game if you want the exchange to feel more exciting.
Some people will go home with something beautiful.
Someone will probably leave with the weirdest ornament imaginable.
And honestly?
Both sound like a successful Christmas party to me.
