13 Winter Wonderland Theme Party Ideas
Are you looking for a way to make a memorable winter wonderland for your next party? You’ve come to the right place. With the right decor and party ideas, you can create an enchanting ice kingdom your guests won’t soon forget.
Here are 13 winter wonderland theme party ideas to help you turn your party into a true winter paradise:
Create Wintery Invites
To set the scene for your party, create whimsical invites that capture the charming atmosphere of a snowy wonderland.
Start by gathering materials: colored paper, scissors, glitter glue, and other items like fake snow, sparkly stickers, or fuzzy pom-poms. Cut the paper into wintery shapes and add a border of glitter glue to give it an enchanting feel.
Write your party details on the invite and then decorate it with your collected materials, making sure to let your creativity flow! You can create snowman heads, polar bears, or icy trees — the possibilities are endless. Finish it off with a festive message with a dad-joke-level pun "Let's have a chill time.”
Deck Out Your Space
Next, you'll need to create a wintery ambiance for your guests. Add a magical touch with decorations like snowflakes, icicles, and twinkling lights. Hang up twinkle lights all around the room, and decorate with white and silver snowflakes for a truly delightful atmosphere. You can cut your own snowflakes out of printer paper or purchase a package at your local craft or party supply store.
When it comes to table centerpieces, use glass jars filled with snowflake-shaped chocolates or white ornaments, as they will look stunning when scattered throughout the tables. You could also incorporate white roses in vases and potted evergreen trees decorated with pinecones, silver bells, and twinkle lights for extra sparkle.
Pro Tip:For an added wintery touch, why not invest in a snow machine!? This is one of the best ways to bring a little bit of winter magic to your party, particularly if you’re in a tropical or desert climate. Not only will it make your guests feel like they’re in a real winter wonderland, but it will also make for fantastic photo ops.
Indoor snow machines typically shoot “snow” 15 to 20 feet in the air. Double-check that the artificial snow is non-toxic and safe to be around pets and children. While fake snow is typically safe, be wary about breathing in the aerosol for extended periods of time.
Choose Comfort Food
When it comes to food for your party, comfort food is key.
Hearty soups or stews paired with warm bread or rolls are always popular options for guests at a winter wonderland party. Or go all out with a full-on hot chocolate bar complete with marshmallows and peppermint sticks.
Don’t forget dessert — try baking up some “snowball” cupcakes or cookies as treats for everyone.
Get Festive
Now that your decorations are set and your food is taken care of, it’s time to get festive with activities!
- Have an ice sculpture competition where teams can build sculptures out of freezer-made ice blocks using tools like chisels or cookie cutters.
- Play an indoor version of “Capture the Flag” using white scarves as flags instead of flags in flag football.
- Host a snowball fight indoors using soft white pillows instead of real snowballs.
- Make homemade snowflakes out of paper plates.
- Play carols on musical instruments such as guitars or recorders while everyone sings along.
If you want something more active, why not have everyone join in on snow tubing races? Grab your favorite FUNBOY Sleds and hit the snow-covered hills in the backyard!
Build Snowmen
Nothing like a classic wintertime activity to get the party going! You can spice it up by making an ‘ugly’ snowman competition and see who can make the wackiest, silliest snowmen out there!
Plus, bonus points for whoever uses props like old hats or festive decorations. It’s sure to bring lots of laughs as everyone tries their best to build the ugliest abominable snowman they can think of. Get creative with your builds and have fun!
Make It a Gift Exchange
Hosting a gift exchange at your winter wonderland party is a great way to ensure everyone goes home with something special. Create teams or have guests draw names, then let the gifting commence!
For added fun, make it a white elephant exchange where each person gets to keep their own gift or steal someone else’s. No matter how you choose to do it, your guests will love getting in on all of the festive fun.
Pro Tip:Need an awesome gift idea? Consider gifting the Winter Checks Inflatable ShotSki® — the world’s first and only inflatable shotski!
Turn Up the Tunes
Playing some festive music throughout your party is sure to create just the right atmosphere for your winter wonderland theme. From current hits like Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" or Mel Torme's classic "The Christmas Song" to classical holiday pieces like Vivaldi’s "Winter" from The Four Seasons — choose an upbeat playlist that will keep everyone in the merry mood!
Serve Winter-Inspired Drinks
Winter-themed parties are all about getting creative with drinks. Serve up warm, creamy hot cocoa with marshmallows and sprinkle on some peppermint for a festive touch. Or, if your guests feel a bit more adventurous, try a signature winter cocktail with some festive garnishes.
Other wintery drinks include:
- Hot Toddy
- Old-Fashioned Eggnog
- Mulled Wine
- Cranberry Sangria
- Sparkling Cider
Provide Winter Wearables
Nothing says “winter wonderland” quite like bundled-up guests wearing handmade scarves, hats, or mittens that match the theme. Have bundles of fabric ready ahead of time so guests can assemble their accessories upon arrival — a wonderful way to get everyone in the spirit.
For added fun factor, provide face masks made from white felt cutouts decorated with glittery snowflakes so everyone can keep their faces warm while still looking stylish.
Go Sledding
If you’re lucky enough to live in a snowy environment, take the party outdoors for some sledding fun! It doesn’t matter if you’re 2 or 102 — sledding is a winter pastime that’s ideal for friends of all ages. Just be sure to bundle up to keep frostbite at bay!
Don’t have a sled? Check out our incredible inventory of inflatable sleds here at FUNBOY. From luxe tubes and toboggans to sleighs and more, we have snow sleds to tickle just about anyone’s fancy— simply inflate, and you’re set to sled!
Pro Tip:When planning any event — especially one outdoors — be prepared for unexpected changes in weather conditions. Make sure you have blankets available should temperatures drop too low (or wind gusts pick up), and stock up on hot beverages if needed.
Set Up a Wintery Photo Booth
Capture all the winter fun with a snow-themed photo booth. Use props like snowflake cutouts and fake snow, or go all out and make a photo booth backdrop with white fabric and glittery decor. Set up a camera on a tripod with a self-timer enabled so guests can take as many photos as they want in front of this festive background.
Pass Out Party Favors
Give your guests something to remember the night by. Fill up goodie bags with white chocolate truffles, hand-knit mittens, and small bottles of eggnog. And don’t forget to add a few festive decorations like mini Christmas trees and pinecone placeholders.
End With a Toast
Once the fun is done, bring everyone together for a final toast. Pass out glasses of hot chocolate or apple cider and let everyone share what they enjoyed most about the day. This will be sure to leave everyone feeling festive and full of holiday cheer!
The Final Word
No matter what you decide, your guests will surely have an unforgettable night at your winter wonderland party. With these ideas, you can create an enchanting atmosphere that will be remembered by all. Grab your scarf and snow boots — and don't forget a FUNBOY Sled or two for an extra-memorable experience — and enjoy the frosty festivities.
Here at FUNBOY, we’re on a mission to bring FUN to the masses. Whether you’re hosting a winter wonderland theme party or looking for ways to have fun in the winter sun, we’ve got you covered.
Sources:
A Brief History of the White Elephant Party | Bunk
The best classical Christmas music to celebrate the festive season | Time Out
FACTS ABOUT POPULAR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS | WASHINGTON POISON CENTER