30 Best Grinch Party Ideas For Your Own Whobiliation
Lauren Miolene
Editor
Merry Grinchmas! We know what you're thinking, “isn’t a Grinch themed party the opposite of Christmas?” The answer is, absolutely not! Haven't you always wanted to walk the magical streets of Whoville during the holiday season? Dr. Seuss’ fictional world is the epitome of Christmas spirit that you’re going to want to recreate with these Grinch party ideas.
If you’ve never been to a Grinch Christmas party, now’s your opportunity to host your own. You’ll need tons of red and green party decorations, festive entertainment, and Grinch-inspired food and drinks. And to put your mind at ease, no one is planning on stealing Christmas this year.
P.S. These creative ideas are great for a Grinch birthday party, too!
Grinch Christmas Party Decorations
Grinch Christmas Tree
It’s not an official Christmas party without a magnificent trimmed tree filled with lights and ornaments. You’ll want to decorate your tree prior to the Grinch Christmas party, or you can always do it together with party guests as a festive activity. No matter when you decorate it, the Grinch is sure to want to steal it. Bonus points if it has one broken light!
Whoville Backdrop and Grinch-Themed Party Decor
There is no place like Whoville around Christmas Day, so allow guests to dive into Dr. Seuss’ cartoon with this fun photo backdrop. Purchase other photo props and party supplies including Grinch balloons, napkins, a table cloth and wrapping paper from Amazon for guests to capture photos of this unique celebration.
Grinchmas Wreath
This isn’t your ordinary holiday wreath, it’s grinchified! Create your own Grinch inspired wreath using a styrofoam wreath form, green feather boas, and red ornaments. Hang this on your front door to welcome everyone into your holiday Whobilation or use it as a centerpiece to dress up a table. For more details and instructions, visit From House to Home.
Christmas Countdown
The center of Whoville had a special countdown clock to keep track of time until Christmas—right down to the minute! DIY your own special countdown system to use for years to come or browse Etsy and its creative selection of Grinch-themed countdown decor including digital downloads of printable files.
Colorful Lights
Every Christmas party needs colorful lights. Whether you choose traditional, icicle, snowflake-shaped, or any other style, they will add a warm holiday glow to your Whobilation. You can never have too many!
Grinch Christmas Party Entertainment Ideas
Hire The Grinch
Did someone hear footsteps on the roof? It’s not Santa Claus but the mean and green Christmas hater—the Grinch! Browse our talented costumed characters and their portfolio of appearances, some including the Grinch and his dog, Max. An appearance by this iconic green character is sure to steal guests’ attention and liven up the holiday party. We guarantee they’ll be as convincing as Jim Carrey!
Visit from Santa
Although this is a Grinch-themed party, you’re still going to need Christmas spirit. That’s where jolly old Saint Nick comes in! Book a Santa Claus for people to share what presents they want this year, picture opportunities, and of course an extra touch of Christmas magic.
Grinchmas Carolers
Christmas music is one of the best parts about the holiday season. Am I the only one that keeps “All I Want for Christmas” on repeat the month of December?! If you’d rather go the traditional route with classics including “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” or “Carol of the Bells,” consider booking professional carolers. These talented singers will serenade you and guests with their beautiful voices that will sound like you are in Whoville.
Grinch Christmas Music
Depending on what version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas you want to use as party inspiration, you can have a live band perform the soundtrack. Choose between the classic 1966 cartoon, the live-action Grinch movie directed by Ron Howard in 2000, or the most recent adaptation in 2018 using songs by Tyler, The Creator.
Whoville Karaoke
Set up a Whoville karaoke station with a selection of holiday songs from the Grinch movies. You can also hire a Karaoke DJ to handle it all and provide a set up and the music. Guests will love to sing their hearts out in true Whoville fashion.
Dr. Seuss-Inspired Caricatures
Dr. Seuss characters have an adorably unique look to them, almost resembling real-life caricatures. Feature the opportunity for guests to be transformed into a Who by hiring a caricaturist to create individual drawings. Partygoers of all ages will love this personalized touch that also doubles as a party favor.
Grinch Party Games and Activities
DIY Grinch Ornament
Although the Grinch wasn’t a fan of Christmas festivities, he is an iconic holiday character that should make an appearance on your tree this year. Decorate your evergreen with a DIY Grinch ornament that is simple and adorable. Lay out clear ornaments, green feathers, and other Grinch crafts supplies for people to create their own Grinch Christmas decorations. Visit Bronner’s Blog for the step by step tutorial.
Appoint the Holiday Cheermeister
Nominate your party guest that “best typifies the qualities of Who-dom and Who-dery.” This can be someone with the most festive outfit, most Christmas spirit, or someone who needs extra holiday cheer. Order a sweater from Amazon and set up a special Chair of Cheer for the guest of honor, so they can perform their Holiday Cheermeister duties.
Grinch Mad Libs
Mad Libs is one of those perfect party games for guests of all ages, and you can purchase a Grinch Christmas version on Amazon for your celebration. Go through the book’s 21 stories with partygoers to finish the saga of how the Grinch stole Christmas. Kids will love filling in the blanks or grownups can play an adults-only version after trying a few of our Grinch-themed cocktails.
Grinch Gift Swap
You’ve probably participated in a number of gift swaps throughout the years, but you can easily change the style to match the Grinch theme. Assign every Who (guest) a number like the traditional version, but then randomly select a Grinch who will “steal” the final present. A small detail like this will help the Grinch theme come to life.
Grinch Slime
The slime craze is not going away any time soon, so incorporate it into this Grinch party for the younger guests. Along with the clear glue, saline, water, and baking soda base, mix green food coloring, green glitter, and tiny red hearts for a holiday version. This Grinch slime recipe is sure to be a hit for the little Whos in attendance.
Whoville Costume Contest
Have guests come dressed as their favorite Whoville characters for a costume contest. From Cindy Lou Hou to Martha May, and everyone in between, this will truly take your Grinch party to the next level. Have prizes ready for the most creative, funniest, and most authentic Grinch outfits.
Grinch Movie Trivia
Test your guests' knowledge of the Grinch movies with everyone’s favorite trivia. Prepare a list of questions related to both the animated and live-action films. You can split guests into teams and have a prize for the winning team.
Grinch Party Favors
Chocolate Coal
If there is one thing the Grinch loves about Christmas, it’s definitely coal. Instead of giving your guests a rock, give them something a little sweeter with chocolate coal. The exterior is gloomy but the inside is sweet, kind of like the Grinch himself! Stock up for your Grinch party with chocolate coal from Amazon.
Grinch Cake Pops
Making your own cake pops is one of the best sweet party favors, and the good news, you can get extremely creative with a Grinch theme. Make red velvet cake pops or color vanilla cake with red food dye, and coat in green-colored white chocolate or candy melts. This way when guests bite inside, they will see red covered in green—resembling the Grinch’s heart.
Make Grinch-Themed Party Food
Roast Beast
There’s a reason why the Grinch even took the roast beast from Cindy-Lou Who’s family, it was delicious! Use your favorite pot roast recipe using garlic, rosemary, or pepper, and bake with carrots and potatoes for the perfect winter meal. This dish is ideal if hosting a dinner party, but for any other occasion you can always make roast beast sandwiches.
Pro Tip: Book a caterer to serve guests a Grinch inspired holiday meal.
Grinched Eggs
Very similar to the party favorite, deviled eggs, but grinchified. Boil eggs to your liking, soak them in green food coloring, and add your favorite fillings like dijon mustard, bacon, or avocado to the cooked yolk. This simple step in this recipe is definitely going to be a success at your event.
Garlic in Your Soul Soft Pretzel Knots
You know what they say, “you’ve got garlic in your soul, Mr. Grinch,” but who says that’s a bad thing? Pay homage to the lyrics in this holiday song by whipping up garlic knots for your table spread. If you’re not a fan of garlic knots; garlic cheese, garlic shrimp, or any other garlic appetizer will be just as delicious.
Grinch Cupcakes and Cookies
A dessert table filled with Grinch treats will satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. To make your own Grinch cookies and cupcakes, you can add green food coloring to any vanilla cupcake, shortbread or sugar cookie recipe for a base and then add a red Santa hat and Grinch face design using icing. If baking isn’t your thing, easily decorate store-bought cupcakes with Grinch-themed toppers.
Who Pudding
“Who pudding a la Cindy-Lou Who” is a Grinch party requirement. You can honestly make any pudding recipe you wish, and decorate with festive candy and sprinkles. Or, you can make the official Who Pudding recipe from Seussville.com.
Mr. Grinch Fruit Kabobs
A simple fruit dessert never fails on the table spread. For a healthier option, try your hand at making these Grinch fruit kabobs. All you need to do is stack a green grape, banana slice, strawberry, and mini marshmallow on a toothpick to look like mini Grinches. These little guys will be a lot sweeter than the Grinch himself.
Serve Grinch-Themed Drinks
Tipsy Grinch Punch
Drink up, Grinches! Combine green Kool-aid, lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and vodka together to whip up a delicious Tipsy Grinch Punch. Complete with a red sugar rim and green paper straw to tie the whole cocktail together. Skip the vodka in this recipe for a fun and festive mocktail. Visit Simplistically Living for the full recipe.
You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch Mocktail
Take your choice of green beverage (Gatorade, Powerade, or Crystal Light) ginger ale, lemons, and cranberries to make a flavorful and fun mocktail for this Christmas party. Serve in festive red and green cups with matching straws for an extra touch.
Grinchmas Margarita
Margaritas are always a fun party drink option because they are easy to customize for the occasion. Create a Grinch inspired margarita using tequila, white cranberry juice, lime juice, and green food coloring for a delicious twist on this popular drink.
Green Jello Shots
Mr. Grinch was a hard man to please, but I think he would be fond of these Jello shots. Top the green gelatin with whipped cream, red sugar, and of course a little red heart. Get the full recipe and instructions from The Soccer Mom Blog.
Grinch Hot Cocoa
Have you ever seen green hot chocolate? Make this easy party drink that everyone will enjoy sipping on. Start with melting down white chocolate and mint chocolate chips, and combine with milk, green food coloring, and other fun toppings. Make this beverage beforehand and keep in warmers for guests to decorate their own cup of cocoa. For the recipe and further instructions visit The Keeper of the Cheerios.
Find more holiday party ideas here on The Bash.
