Kids' Christmas Party Plan: Games, Crafts and Snacks

A kids’ Christmas party works best with a clear two-hour plan: a quick welcome activity, two or three games, a craft, a snack break, and a small treat to take home. Keep each activity short, mix active and calm, and have an adult helper for every five or six children.

Step 1: Set the Basics

1. Age range. Keep the group within about three years, such as 4 to 6 or 7 to 10. Mixed ages work, but plan easier and harder versions of each game.
2. Guest count. Eight to twelve children is manageable for one host and one or two helpers.
3. Time and place. Two hours on a weekend afternoon, such as 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., avoids nap time and dinner. Clear a large room for games and a table for crafts.
4. Invitations. Send them two to three weeks ahead. Ask about allergies, and state whether parents should stay or drop off.

Step 2: Make the Schedule

Here is a plan that fits two hours.

Time	Activity
0:00 to 0:20	Arrival and welcome craft or coloring
0:20 to 0:35	Game 1, high energy
0:35 to 0:45	Game 2, quiet
0:45 to 1:10	Main craft
1:10 to 1:30	Snack break
1:30 to 1:45	Game 3, high energy
1:45 to 2:00	Story or sing-along, goodbye treat

Keep to this loosely. If a game is a hit, let it run a few extra minutes and skip the spare one.

Step 3: Pick Games

Pick one high-energy game, one quiet game, and one team game. Here are options from our game pages:

• High energy: Santa says, Santa limbo, or reindeer ring toss.
• Teams and relays: candy cane relay or stocking spoon relay.
• Quiet: Christmas bingo or Christmas scavenger hunt.
• Silly: toilet paper snowman.
• Prize round: pass the parcel, where everyone wins a small item.

Make sure every game ends with every child feeling included. Avoid elimination games for younger kids, or give “out” children a job, such as being the judge.

Step 4: Choose One Craft

One craft is enough. Pick something that kids can take home right away.

• Paper snowflakes are cheap and need only paper and scissors.
• Handprint ornaments make a keepsake for parents.
• Mason jar snow globes work well for older kids with help.
• Gingerbread house decorating doubles as a snack, and uses a lot of candy.
• Homemade Christmas cards is calm and good for a quiet stretch.

Cover the table with paper, put out wipes, and give each child a labeled bag for their craft. Have glue dry time in mind: choose crafts that are ready to go home by the end.

Step 5: Plan the Snacks

Keep it simple and non-messy:

1. A fruit platter, with grapes cut in half for the youngest.
2. Cheese cubes and crackers.
3. Mini sandwiches or pigs in a blanket.
4. A sweet: no-bake rocky road bars or iced sugar cookies.
5. Drinks: milk, juice, or orange marmalade hot chocolate in small cups, served warm, not hot.

Check allergies first. Peanuts and tree nuts are the most common concern, so keep labels on everything.

Step 6: Send-Home Treat

Make a small bag for each child: a candy cane, their craft, a small toy or sticker, and a thank-you note. It avoids a pile of leftover candy and gives kids a clear moment to say goodbye.

Tips for Different Ages

• Ages 3 to 5: shorter games, more movement, simple crafts with big pieces. Adults should stay.
• Ages 6 to 8: teams and relays work well. Add a small prize pool so everyone wins something.
• Ages 9 to 12: add a competition or scavenger hunt, and let them help run a game.

Safety Basics

• Keep a first aid kit and a list of parents’ phone numbers.
• Put breakable items out of reach.
• Keep the craft area away from the oven and candles.
• For a gingerbread activity, give each child their own plate so germs don’t travel.

For parents who want a calmer season overall, see stress-free Christmas with kids.

Quick Checklist

• Date, time, and guest list set
• Invitations sent with allergy question
• Two adult helpers confirmed
• Three games chosen
• One craft chosen and supplies bought
• Snacks planned and labeled
• Send-home bags assembled
• Wipes, paper towels, and trash bags ready
• First aid kit and parent contacts on hand
• Music and a story book picked