The Top Holiday Party Entertainment Ideas for 2023
Brittany Anderson
Editor
It’s the greatest time of year—holiday party season. Whether you’re planning an office holiday party, or a get together with family and friends, you’ll want to make sure it’s the best yet. These holiday party entertainment ideas will ensure your guests have a memorable end of year celebration.
If you’re ready to book holiday party entertainment, you’ve come to the right place. Here on The Bash, booking party vendors and entertainers is easy.
Pro Tip: Holiday booking starts as early as September. Don’t miss out on booking the perfect holiday party entertainment for your event!
Here are the top holiday party entertainment ideas for your 2023 celebrations:
Santa Visit
When it comes to the holidays, a visit from Santa is exciting for kids and adults alike. Everyone loves an appearance from jolly ole’ Saint Nick. Book a Santa to visit your holiday party for photo opportunities, to hand out gifts, or to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. If you’re lucky, Santa may even bring Mrs. Claus too.
Ugly Sweater Contest
If you’re looking for something to make your holiday party fun and a little more casual, consider an ugly sweater contest. This can work for all holidays and you can even offer prizes for the best, funniest, or most unique ugly sweater.
Live Music
There’s nothing better than some good music to get you and your guests into the holiday spirit. Hire a live band, solo musician, or a DJ to play holiday tunes and popular songs to keep the vibes lively or get guests on the dance floor.
Christmas Carolers
It’s not a holiday celebration without some Christmas carols (or holiday songs in general). Have a caroling session where guests can gather to sing traditional holiday songs together. For office Christmas parties, consider hiring some local Christmas Carolers to come sing songs while guests mingle.
Festive Photo Booth
Book a photo booth that offers holiday-themed props and decorative backgrounds. This type of holiday party entertainment can also double as a party favor for guests. Everyone will love to take home their prints and have these memories for years to come.
Choose a Theme
Who says a holiday party can’t have a theme? Theme parties add an extra level of excitement and allow guests and party hosts to get creative with outfits, accessories, decorations, and more.
Pro Tip: We love a Grinch themed party or Polar Express themed party for a 2023 event.
Holiday Karaoke
What’s better than holiday music? Set up a karaoke machine with a selection of holiday songs and greatest hits. You can also hire a professional karaoke DJ and let them provide the tunes, lyrics, speakers, and microphone.
Gift Exchange
A gift exchange is a fun holiday party entertainment idea that gives guests a chance to spread some holiday cheer. Secret Santa is always a crowd favorite and a fun way to surprise friends and family with a treat guests know they’ll love.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to have gifts at a corporate Christmas party (where guests may not know everyone in attendance), you can opt for a White Elephant Gift Exchange.
Food Truck
A food truck is a great way to combine your food option with some holiday party entertainment. Whether you go with a standard food truck or a specialty that serves unique coffee or mini donuts, your guests will love it.
Holiday Trivia
Host a holiday-themed trivia game, with questions related to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza traditions, popular holiday movies, and historical facts. This is a great idea for a company holiday party and a way to get all guests involved and interacting with each other.
Cookie Decorating
Have a cookie decorating station with plain cookies, various colored icing, and edible decorations. Guests of all ages will enjoy this entertainment idea that also can double as a dessert station.
Magician or Illusionist
Hire a magician or illusionist to perform mind-boggling tricks that will keep guests entertained and excited. You can also hire a performer who does strolling magic and tricks while guests are mingling and chatting amongst themselves.
Holiday Movie Marathon
If your party is more laid back and casual, you can set up a cozy movie corner with classic holiday films that guests can watch throughout the party. If you’re looking for something to play in the background, you can set up a projector or movie screen rental to project holiday classics on an empty wall.
Fortune Teller
Bring in a fortune teller or tarot card reader for guests who are interested in exploring mystical and entertaining aspects of the holiday party. What better way to get ready for the new year, than to take a look into the future.
Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a table with hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, candies, and other toppings. Guests can choose a mug and add their favorite toppings. You can also add an option to spike hot chocolate with different spirits and alcohol.
Classic Games
Organize fun games like charades or Pictionary with a holiday twist. For a corporate holiday party, games can be played in groups which will encourage team building while having some fun.
Christmas Themed Storytelling
Set up a cozy area with a virtual or real fireplace where guests can share holiday stories, reminisce, or even read festive tales aloud. You can really kick it up a notch this holiday season and hire a professional storyteller to come read to guests little and big.
Find more holiday party ideas here on The Bash.
