20 Fun Christmas Party Ideas For Kids They Won't Get Bored Of

Kids and Christmas parties are a VERY energetic combination.

Give them sugar, music, glitter and approximately five minutes and suddenly the living room has become the North Pole. 

Which is why I think a kids' Christmas party needs more than cute decorations.

You need things for them to actually DO.

Games, crafts, snacks and a few quieter activities in between will save everybody from hearing "what are we doing now?" every six minutes.

So, if you have little elves coming over this Christmas, here are some party ideas to keep them properly entertained.

Christmas Party Ideas For Kids 

1. Reindeer Ring Toss Game for Kids

@sehajkaur

Putting fuzzy antlers on somebody and making everyone throw rings at them sounds ridiculous.

Perfect kids' party game. 

You can make it competitive or just let everyone keep trying until the rings finally land.

2. Hot Cocoa Bar With Festive Toppings

@malenapermentier

Hot chocolate tastes better when kids are allowed to put way too many marshmallows in it.

Set out sprinkles, candy canes and other toppings and let them build their own cups.

3. DIY Christmas Ornament Decorating Station

@refreshliving

Give every child a clear ornament and let them decorate it however they want.

Paint, glitter and festive little details can keep this table busy for a while.

If younger children are coming, I would use shatterproof ornaments instead of glass because Christmas crafts should not end with somebody stepping on broken decoration pieces.

Then everyone gets to take their ornament home.

Cute AND useful.

4. Gingerbread House Building Contest

@eleanor

Nothing exposes people's competitive side quite like asking them to build a house out of cookies. 

Put out icing and plenty of candy.

Then let the little architects go wild.

The houses do not need to remain standing for very long, apparently.

Related: 20 Christmas Gingerbread House Ideas That Look Magical And Easy To Make

5. Pin the Nose on Rudolph

@ale

A Christmas version of pin the tail on the donkey was inevitable.

Blindfold, spin, red nose, Rudolph.

Very simple and still funny every time somebody puts the nose somewhere completely unreasonable.

6. Ugly Sweater Contest for Little Ones

@aliheather

Tell everyone to wear the most ridiculous Christmas sweater they can find.

Then give out categories like funniest, most colorful or most sparkly so more than one kid can win something.

7. Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt

@tiredmomsupermom

Hide the elf somewhere in the house and create clues leading toward it.

Make the clues rhyme if you're feeling ambitious.

Kids will probably sprint between every location like finding this elf is a national emergency. 

I would hide a small prize at the final stop too.

8. Cookie Decorating With Royal Icing

@momoparty

Cookies are already entertainment if you put undecorated ones in front of children.

Give them icing and sprinkles and now you're buying yourself a solid activity.

Prepare for strange-looking reindeer.

9. Christmas Movie Marathon Sleepover Setup

@bovishome_oak

After all that running around, this is where everybody finally sits down.

Make a blanket fort, bring in popcorn and let them choose a couple of Christmas movies.

Fairy lights will make the setup extra cozy.

And yes, somebody will fall asleep before the movie ends.

10. Snowflake Paper Cutting Art Activity

@fuzzymama

Fold paper, cut little shapes and open it up to see what snowflake appeared.

Kids love crafts with a surprise at the end.

Use age-appropriate scissors and help younger children with the cutting part.

Then hang the finished snowflakes around the room and congratulations, the kids also decorated your party for you. 

Related: How To Make Christmas Crafts: 16 Easy, Cute Ideas Anyone Can Try

11. Festive Face Painting Booth

@karla_baxa_art

Let them become reindeer, snowflakes, Santa or whatever festive character they suddenly decide on.

12. Santa Letter Writing Workshop

@chesbromargi

Set up a quieter table with paper, envelopes and festive stamps.

Kids can write their letters to Santa and decorate the envelopes afterward.

I like putting this activity between louder games because everybody gets a chance to calm down for a minute.

Related: 16+ Fun Christmas Games Everyone Will Love Playing This Holiday Season

You could even create a little North Pole mailbox for finished letters.

13. Frozen Hot Chocolate Science Experiment

@graydonarielle

Christmas science party? 

Why not.

The supplied idea mixes cocoa powder and baking soda for a fizzy experiment that looks chocolatey and fun.

Just make sure everyone knows the experiment is for watching and playing with, not drinking.

Science and hot cocoa can remain separate today. 

14. Musical Christmas Chairs Dance Off

@happymomhacks

Musical chairs is already chaos.

Add Christmas music and decorate the chairs with festive details and apparently we have upgraded it.

15. Wrap the Mummy in Tinsel Game

@oliveritaralynn

Halloween had toilet paper mummies.

Christmas gets tinsel mummies.

Split into teams and let kids wrap one volunteer in shiny garland as quickly as possible.

The finished pictures are going to be ridiculous.

Also, make sure the tinsel stays loose and clear of faces and necks.

16. Christmas Karaoke With Holiday Songs

@dempseycindy

Hand a microphone to a child and suddenly you've booked entertainment for the evening.

Christmas songs only.

Singing talent is completely optional. 

17. Mini North Pole Photo Booth

@шабнам

Candy cane stripes, North Pole signs and festive props make such a cute photo corner.

Let kids choose their own props and poses.

You'll probably get a much better picture when nobody is being told to smile normally.

18. Snowman Building Kit Party Favor

@grannybscottage

If you actually get snow where you live, this is such a fun favor.

Send each child home with little snowman accessories so the party continues outside later.

No snow? 

The little kits can still become cute winter-themed keepsakes or craft props.

19. Christmas Bingo With Candy Prizes

@brittanyjepsen

Christmas bingo is perfect when everyone needs to sit down again.

Use peppermint candies or chocolate coins as prizes.

Funny how quickly children become serious bingo professionals when candy is involved. 

Keep a few extra prizes around so nobody leaves the table completely heartbroken over a snowman square.

20. Wrap It Fast Gift Wrapping Relay

@prekpages

Give teams boxes, tape, wrapping paper and ribbon and start the timer.

Nobody said the finished gifts had to look GOOD.

Actually, the terrible wrapping is probably what makes this game fun.

Conclusion

A kids' Christmas party does not need to be perfectly organized to be a good one.

In fact, a little bit of festive chaos is probably unavoidable. 

Mix active games like ring toss and wrapping relays with crafts, cookies and movie time so everyone isn't running around for three straight hours.

I would definitely include one activity they can take home too, like ornaments or the snowman kits.

Then add cocoa and Christmas music and you're basically there.

Keep the tape, sprinkles and extra napkins nearby.

You are going to need all three. 

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20 Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Party Ideas For Halloween Town Fans

There is something very convenient about loving The Nightmare Before Christmas.

You can start decorating at Halloween and then somehow keep going straight into Christmas. 

But for this party, we're staying on the spooky side.

Think Jack Skellington faces, black roses, twisted hills, ghost dogs and enough black and white decor to make Halloween Town proud.

You can make the party dark and gothic or keep it a little cute for kids.

That's probably what I love most about this theme; it doesn't have to look only one way.

Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Party Ideas

1. Jack Skellington Cocktail Bar Setup

@charbyrne10

A Jack-inspired bar does not need much color at all.

Use black lace, white candles and skull details.

Dark bottles will finish the whole moody look without making the table feel too busy.

2. Sally's Patchwork Dress DIY Costume

@babsc1

Sally's dress is supposed to look pieced together, which is very convenient if you are making it yourself.

Different fabrics, visible stitching and uneven edges can actually make the costume better.

For once, perfection is not required.

I love that for us. 

3. Spiral Hill Centerpiece Table Display

@trippycats27

A miniature Spiral Hill in the middle of the table is instantly recognizable to anyone who knows the movie.

Let it stand against a glowing moon shape if you really want the full moment.

4. Oogie Boogie Burlap Lantern Craft

@keshakandi

A burlap Oogie Boogie lantern glowing green from inside looks creepy in such a fun way.

Use it on the dessert table or somewhere dark enough for that glow to actually show.

5. Zero the Ghost Dog Balloon Arch

@deannascarlett

Zero deserves his own entrance.

Build an arch from white balloons and add that tiny glowing red nose at the top.

It is spooky but still really cute.

And yes, this might be one of my favorite decorations on this whole list.

6. This Is Halloween Charcuterie Board

@jennuuine

Skull-shaped cheese in the middle of a dark charcuterie board feels very Halloween Town.

Surround it with dark berries, meats and anything else that keeps the color palette moody.

7. Nightmare Before Christmas Cake Tower

@valkyrie22fox

This is not the time for one quiet little vanilla cake.

Go tall.

Go black and white.

Add Jack's face somewhere nobody could possibly miss it.

The cake can basically become the entire dessert table centerpiece before anyone slices into it.

8. Haunted Toy Maker Workshop Photo Booth

@rachelxpalumbo

A weird little workshop filled with broken toys and old tools would make such a good photo corner.

Dim bulbs will make everything feel even more unsettling.

I would also throw in an old chalkboard because apparently we're committed now.

9. Lock Shock Barrel Trick or Treat Station

@lillybughernand

Give Lock, Shock and Barrel their own candy area.

Fill the station with dark wrapped chocolates and Halloween sweets.

People are going to take the candy anyway, so it might as well become part of the decor first.

10. Moonlit Graveyard Tablescape With Candles

@jsnden

A dining table filled with tombstone props sounds completely normal for this theme.

Use black candles and bits of moss to make everything look older.

Keep the lighting low and let the shadows do the rest.

11. Mayor of Halloween Town Invitation Cards

@somemamba

The invitation can be your first little clue that this isn't a regular Halloween party.

Go black and white with gothic writing and seal the envelope in dark wax.

Very serious paperwork from Halloween Town.

12. Nightmare Swirl Lollipop Dessert Tower

@restonlimo

Black and white swirl lollipops basically look designed for this theme already.

Stack them into a tower and suddenly candy has become decor.

13. Jack's Lair Fireplace Mantel Decor

@stewart1985

If you have a fireplace, please don't leave it looking normal.

Drape the mantel in black.

Add skull candelabras and dried dark roses.

Let candle wax get slightly messy.

Jack's lair was never supposed to look perfectly organized anyway.

14. Coffin-Shaped Cookie Platter Display

@kingjohnston

Black coffin cookies on a dark slate platter are simple, creepy and easy to understand.

Sometimes dessert doesn't need a whole backstory. 

15. Creepy Clown Costume Group Photo

@jnetbee

Lock, Shock and Barrel make such a fun little group costume.

This is especially cute if you're doing the party with kids and need costumes that actually belong together.

16. Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Night Blanket Fort

@brianna3browning

Now for the cozy part.

Build a blanket fort with dark fabrics and skull pillows.

Put warm lights around the inside.

Add snacks.

Then watch the movie while sitting inside what is basically the nicest little Halloween cave you could possibly make.

17. Black Rose Floral Arrangement Centerpiece

@yanmogsunguri

Black roses in a tall dark vase are dramatic enough that they don't need much help.

A couple dripping candles nearby and you're done.

18. Pumpkin Carving Jack Skellington Face

@adelaidewilliams37

Regular pumpkin face? 

Not today.

Carve Jack's stitched smile and those huge hollow eyes instead.

Once it glows at night, everyone will know exactly who it is supposed to be.

19. Haunted Forest Entry Pathway Lighting

@christinayearou

This idea starts before guests reach the door.

Use twisted branches along the walkway. 

Bring in purple lighting and low fog if you can.

Suddenly the path looks like it leads somewhere much more interesting than your front room.

A little dramatic entrance never hurt Halloween.

20. NBC Themed Kids Activity Craft Station

@drea_lopez_2004

Give the younger ghouls their own Halloween Town craft area.

Black and orange supplies can cover most of the color scheme.

Let them make Jack faces, pumpkins or whatever weird little character they decide belongs in the movie.

The crafts don't have to be perfect either.

Honestly, the stranger they look, the more on theme they probably are.

Conclusion

The Nightmare Before Christmas is basically begging to become a Halloween party theme.

You already have creepy characters, gothic colors, ghosts, graveyards and one very recognizable skeleton.

What more does a party planner need?

I love the idea of mixing the darker pieces like Jack's lair and the graveyard table with something cozy like the movie blanket fort.

That way the party doesn't feel like twenty versions of the exact same decoration.

Add the Zero balloon arch at the entrance, carve a Jack pumpkin outside and let Halloween Town take over for the night.

Christmas can wait a little longer. 

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20+ Toilet Paper Tube Crafts For Halloween That Are Too Cute To Throw Away

Before you throw away another empty toilet paper tube, put it inside a craft box.

I know they don't look like much at first, but add paint, paper, googly eyes, and a little imagination and suddenly you have an entire Halloween monster family.

These crafts are also helpful when you want something affordable to do with children during October.

You don't need an expensive craft kit, and most of the materials may already be somewhere inside your home.

Some of these toilet paper tube crafts can be used as decorations, while others become toys, party favors, or glowing Halloween displays.

So, start collecting those empty rolls because we are about to make them look much more interesting.

20 Easy Toilet Paper Tube Crafts for Halloween

1. Little Frankenstein Monsters

@ourkidthings

Paint the tubes green and give each Frankenstein a different face.

Add black paper hair, marker stitches, and small cardboard bolts on both sides of the head. 

You can make them look angry, confused, or strangely happy.

A full line of little Frankensteins will look adorable across a shelf.

See: 15 Frankenstein Themed Halloween Party Ideas That're Spooky And Fun

2. Glowing Jack-O’-Lantern Luminaries

@beckyprice

Paint the tubes orange before cutting out triangle eyes and crooked pumpkin mouths.

Place a flameless tea light inside each one and watch the faces glow.

Please don't use a real candle because cardboard and fire are obviously not the Halloween surprise we are looking for.

3. Black Bat Garland

@trudy

Flatten the tubes slightly, cut them into bat shapes, and paint everything black.

String the finished bats across a mantel, doorway, or classroom wall. 

Leaving the wings slightly bent will make them look like they are moving.

4. Tiny Mummy Tubes

@helenpark

Wrap each toilet roll in white gauze or strips of tissue paper, leaving a small gap for two very worried googly eyes.

5. Witch Hat Decorations

@milenaconforti

Turn black-painted tubes into small witch hats using pointed cardboard cones.

Purple, green, or orange paper ribbons around the base will make each one feel more finished.

You can also tuck a few sweets inside and use them as Halloween party favors.

6. Vampire Tube Figures

@marieflowers

A red paper cape is all a black-painted tube needs to become a dramatic little vampire.

Add pale fangs, slick black hair, and wide eyes that look suspiciously innocent.

7. Creepy Window Eyeballs

@collapse_of_loki

Cut eye shapes into the tubes and paint around them in white, green, or red.

Place glow sticks or flameless lights behind the openings before arranging them on the windowsill.

From outside, it will look like several pairs of eyes are watching the house.

Creepy? 

Yes. 

Difficult? 

Not at all.

8. Tissue Paper Ghost Trio

@tinathomas

Paint three tubes white, draw different ghost faces, and glue flowing tissue paper beneath them.

Display the ghosts at different heights so they look like they are floating together.

9. Skeleton Finger Puppets

@elianasantos

Cut the tubes into smaller sections that can fit comfortably over a finger.

Paint them black and add thin white skeleton bones. 

Children can use several at once to create a dancing skeleton hand.

It is weird but also very Halloween. 

10. Mini Haunted House Village

@portiastarks

Paint each tube to look like a different haunted building.

Add crooked windows, tiny doors, sharp roofs, and paper chimneys. 

You can even cut openings into the houses and place flameless lights behind them.

Arrange the complete village along a fireplace or shelf with small pumpkins between the buildings.

This craft takes longer than some of the others, but the result is worth displaying all month.

12. Werewolf Tubes

@angelamilnes

Cover the cardboard in brown paper, yarn, felt, or small pieces of faux fur.

Add pointed ears, sharp teeth, and large yellow eyes.

The more uneven the fur looks, the better, because I don't think werewolves are known for having perfect hairstyles.

13. Black Cat Decorations

@dubravka1539

Paint the tubes black and glue pointed ears at the top.

Pipe cleaner or painted whiskers and a curved paper tail will give each cat plenty of personality.

15. Feathered Owl Tubes

@hibou

Fold the top of each tube inward to create two pointed owl ears, then decorate the body with layers of tissue paper feathers.

17. Candy Corn Place Cards

@teachsecondgrad

Paint each tube with white, orange, and yellow stripes.

Write your guests’ names on small cards and tuck them into the top for a simple Halloween table setting.

18. Rustic Scarecrow Tubes

@neidjabezerra

Wrap the cardboard in burlap or brown paper and add raffia hair beneath a small paper hat.

Draw a stitched mouth, rosy cheeks, and a triangle nose to complete the face.

These scarecrows are less frightening and more autumn-looking, which makes them perfect for anyone who prefers cute Halloween decorations.

Display them beside mini pumpkins, dried leaves, and pinecones.

19. Mini Witch Broomsticks

@diyscraftsy

Wrap pieces of cardboard tube around small twigs, tie them with twine, and fan out the ends to create tiny rustic broomsticks.

20. Glow-in-the-Dark Monster Lights

@pinterest.com

In the tubes, put glow-in-the-dark sticks and cut out different monster eyes.

Use jagged eyebrows, uneven pupils, and sharp mouths so every monster has its own face.

Place flameless lights inside and line them across a dark hallway for a glowing Halloween surprise.

Conclusion

Who knew an empty toilet paper roll could become this many Halloween decorations?

You can create monsters, lanterns, puppets, party favors, or even an entire haunted village without buying a complicated craft kit.

And these ideas don't need to look completely perfect.

A crooked smile or uneven mummy wrapping usually makes the finished craft look even cuter.

Choose two or three projects for a simple October craft afternoon, or collect plenty of tubes and make the entire list.

Just remember to use flameless lights inside all cardboard lanterns.

Loved these toilet paper tube crafts for Halloween? Check out other Halloween craft ideas below and share this post with someone who keeps throwing their tubes away. :)

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