Teens love any reason for a party or dance. Everyone has been to a Christmas party with a decorated tree in the corner and holiday instrumentals playing. This type of party is nice, but may be boring for teenagers.
Teens want something more interesting than plain ornaments and traditional holiday tunes. They want something unique and a place to hang out with friends, chat, take pictures, and dance. The following ideas are a bit different for planning a teen holiday dance or party.
Theme Ideas for a Teen Christmas Party or Dance
Changing up traditions can give a gathering a sparkle and a feeling of winter magic. Consider some of these themes, or brainstorm some of your own.
- A party in an elegant hall can be very special. Is there a charming place that can be borrowed or rented for the event? A school gym is okay, but it's still a gym no matter the number of decorations. When looking for a spot with holiday flair, think chandeliers, marble floors, or a beautiful garden room. Maybe someone has a lovely large house to use?
- An evening of visiting homes for a fun or fancy progressive dinner can be great fun. Each family on the "route" sets up one course of the meal, with the end of the travel coming to a home with dessert and planned events or just some places to hang out. This works best with a smaller group.
- A Christmas or Holiday movie marathon night with scads of popcorn, Cookies and holiday treats can be fun and informal. Movies can run in the background or be played in a party room or home media theater. Perhaps a local movie house would donate or rent space for a special showing.
- Is there a funky coffee house in the area? Small to medium-sized groups might use the spot for a gathering. Advantages to this idea include built-in food and drinks (where individuals can order what they like), a predecorated place, and a music system.
Simple and Easy Holiday Parties and Ideas
With a smaller budget, a group of teenagers can still have a good time.
- Service projects are fun and thoughtful. Consider hosting a service-related gathering where teens help a senior with home repairs, fill Christmas stockings for children (with donated supplies), or go Christmas caroling for those in need of cheer. Afterward, celebrating with some homemade holiday snacks and enjoyable activities will top off the event.
- Another low-cost idea is a potluck meal and white-elephant gift exchange. White-elephants are recycled presents that can be funny, useful, or completely ridiculous.
Unique December Party Theme Colors for Teenagers
For theme colors other than the traditional cherry red and holly green, think deeper colors, such burgandy and deep, dark green.
Other awesome color combinations include:
- White with accents of silver, gold, or sapphire blue.
- Black and silver, with lots of shiny silver bells and ornaments against black velvet
- Pure snow white is lovely. Try completely covering the floor with white balloons.
Pulling Together Christmas Party Ideas
Music choices can make or break a party for teens. A dance with a cool mix of fast, slow, and holiday music (like Jingle Bell Rock and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree) is essential. Teenagers usually have certain "must-play" dance songs that are played at every party.
Bring in color and theme ideas using balloons, streamers, party ware, tablecloths, lighting, flowers, food, punch, and decorations. Decorated photo spots (such as an archway or a bench) are nice. Remember the mistletoe!
For more ideas, read the articles How to Have a Christmas Party or Dance for Teens: Fun Ideas for Teenager Dances and High School Holiday Parties and Teen Christmas Party Ideas & Dance Themes.
Whatever the choices made for a Holiday party for teens, it will be extra special when good friends are able to get together.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
