30 Ideas for the World’s Best Elf Themed Christmas Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
You did it! Congratulations! You found the world’s best Christmas party theme! Elf is a Christmas classic that has brought the holiday magic to homes for 20 years, so an Elf themed Christmas party is sure to have guests feeling holly and jolly in no time.
The best Elf party ideas are taken right from the movie! This is the perfect opportunity to sit down with a big mug of cocoa and watch to find party inspiration. If you don’t have the time this holiday season to rewatch this classic, we’ve come up with the ultimate list of Buddy the Elf party ideas that are sure to spread the Christmas cheer.
Make sure to refer to our handy holiday party checklist and check it twice so you can plan a Buddy the Elf approved Christmas party this year.
1. Santa Claus, I Know Him!
If you’re looking for an authentic Santa Claus that radiates jolly energy for this Elf themed Christmas party, you’ve come to the right place. The Bash has talented Santa characters in every major city that is ready to make your Elf themed party even more special. And don’t worry, our Santas don’t smell like beef and cheese.
2. Buddy's Spaghetti
If you’re brave enough to try it, make a big batch of Buddy the Elf’s famous pasta. You’ll need spaghetti, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, Snow Caps, M&Ms, candy corn, Pop Tarts, and marshmallows. If you’re not a fan of mixing sweet with savory, you can always serve pasta for dinner and have plenty of these sweet treats for dessert for other Elf themed Christmas party food ideas.
3. Candy Cane Forest
An easy decor option for an Elf themed party is recreating the magical Candy Cane Forest as an entryway to the venue. To bring this setting to life, line the pathway to your party space with candy cane lawn decorations. You can also include a Candy Cane Forest sign to add to the Elf movie decorations so guests know they’re about to immerse themselves into the story.
4. Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins Games
Set up for plenty of Elf and reindeer games at this holiday get-together. Some of our favorite Elf party ideas and games include a cotton ball toss, pin the Elf hat on the Buddy, or Elf trivia! Put your movie knowledge to the test by quizzing guests on characters, the plot, and the actors.
5. The World's Best Cup of Coffee
Buddy was welcomed to New York City with “the world’s best cup of coffee,” so get cozy at this Elf themed Christmas party with a hot mug full. Level up your coffee offerings by having whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and maybe different flavors of Baileys to give your coffee that extra Christmas cheer.
6. Lego Building
You’re lying if you never wanted to visit Gimbels after Buddy turned it into a winter wonderland. Between the paper snowflakes, fluffy snow, and Etch a Sketch artwork, this department store was transformed into a Christmas paradise. One of the most special details that Buddy brought to life was the iconic New York City skyline built out of Legos. For a unique Elf party idea, gather guests to take part in a Lego building competition that will get everyone involved.
7. Candy Cane Caprese
Stick with classics for Elf themed Christmas party food ideas, just with a festive twist. Make candy cane caprese by arranging sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a tray in the shape of a hook. Garnish with a balsamic glaze and fresh basil for a savory party food option.
8. New York Theme
If you don’t have time to travel through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, the Sea of Swirly-Twirly Gumdrops, and a walk through the Lincoln Tunnel, bring the New York City aesthetic to your Elf themed party. Start by featuring classic food carts serving hot dogs and pretzels, wear “I Heart NY'' apparel, and decorate your space with twinkling lights and street signs.
9. Christmas Carolers
You know what they say, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” So, Christmas carolers will make the perfect festive Elf party idea. Start your search to find caroling groups that will sing all the classics from Elf including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, and many more holiday favorites.
10. Green and Yellow Color Scheme
Green and red is the classic Christmas color combination, but everyone knows Buddy the Elf’s iconic green and yellow outfit. While of course you can still incorporate your favorite Christmas decorations into the mix, stick to a primarily green and yellow color scheme to honor Santa’s helper. Use this for easy details like servingware, tablescapes, and balloons.
11. Coffee Cart
If you’re not sure if you can brew the world’s best cup of coffee to add to the Elf party ideas, leave it to the professionals. For this Buddy the Elf themed Christmas party, browse local coffee carts on The Bash to make seasonal lattes, cappuccinos, and other fun coffee drinks.
12. Cookie Dough Dip
Santa’s elves enjoy sticking to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, but they also love cookies, especially cookie dough. Whip up a simple cookie dough dip like this one from Lemon Peony, or incorporate other flavors like chocolate and peppermint for a sweet party treat. Serve with wafer cookies, pretzels, and fruit to complete the festive dessert option.
13. Singing Loud for All to Hear Karaoke
Buddy loved his time working in the mailroom of the Empire State Building. Between the singing and dancing, it was definitely a party. Incorporate this excitement into your Elf themed party by booking a DJ or even a karaoke DJ for plenty of singing and dancing. Bonus points if you request “Whoomp! (There It Is).”
14. Maple Bourbon Smash
You can spike any beverage at this holiday party with maple syrup to make it Buddy the Elf approved, but you can’t go wrong with a classic maple bourbon smash to get everyone in the Christmas spirit—literally. You’ll need bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, fresh mint leaves, and club soda to mix up this perfectly sweet sip.
15. Paper Snowflake Decor
Before the Elf themed Christmas party, get the white craft paper and scissors prepared to make plenty of paper snowflakes. This DIY craft is quick, easy, and you can’t mess it up! The beauty of snowflakes is that they’re all unique, so you can cut any sort of shape or pattern your heart desires. Hang up your masterpieces throughout the party space to add festive charm while staying with the Elf themed party aesthetic.
16. Christmas Costumed Characters
What’s an Elf themed Christmas party without a visit from Buddy himself? Browse The Bash to find classic Christmas characters like elves, reindeer, and other iconic figures to bring the Christmas magic to life.
17. Letters to Santa
No matter how old you get, writing letters to Santa is always a fun Christmas activity. Feature a station at your party as a designated area to write your Christmas wish lists. Make sure to include paper, fun colored pens, envelopes, and of course, stamps! Complete the experience with a big red mailbox that will guarantee delivery to the North Pole.
18. Snowball Fight
Buddy and Michael bonded over their epic snowball fight in Central Park to take down those bullies. If you’re lucky enough for a white Christmas this year, invite guests outside for a friendly snowball fight. If it’s not cold where you live, you can get fake snowball fight kits on Amazon that are just as fun.
19. Etch A Sketch Competition
You might not be able to recreate the Mona Lisa on an Etch A Sketch like Buddy the Elf, but this Elf themed party idea will definitely put your artistic skills to the test. Get a few Etch A Sketch tablets on Amazon for guests to draw their best Christmas pictures. To take this Elf themed party activity to the next level, you can challenge guests to draw the same thing or even set a timer.
20. Festive Balloon Decorations
Transform your Elf themed Christmas party into the North Pole by incorporating magical balloon decorations in your party space. Find local balloon decorators on The Bash that will be able to make Elf inspired artwork to add to the Elf movie Christmas decorations.
21. Hot Cocoa
What’s more comforting than a cozy mug of hot cocoa? A DIY hot cocoa bar makes one of the best Elf Christmas party ideas. Set up a station for guests to dress up their cup before an Elf watch party or for dessert. Include fun toppings like marshmallows, candy canes, and Baileys for the adults!
22. Build Gingerbread Houses
Every party needs games and activities, so building gingerbread houses at this Elf themed party is the perfect way to celebrate. Purchase kits for guests and set up tables with all the supplies: candy, frosting, and gingerbread men. If you and guests enjoy a little friendly competition, time the activity to see who can build a Buddy inspired gingerbread house the fastest.
23. Maple Syrup Manhattan
Can you think of a better cocktail for an Elf movie themed Christmas party? Combine one of Buddy’s favorite foods with the magic of New York City to create the perfect festive cocktail. You’ll need whiskey, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, and bitters. Shake, pour into a chilled glass, and don’t forget to garnish with a cherry.
24. Elfie Selfie Station
Photo booths make the ideal party detail because it provides entertainment while also giving party favors! Start your search on The Bash to find local photo booths to create an elfie selfie station. Include props like elf hats, presents, and a North Pole backdrop that will capture smiles, afterall, smiling is Buddy’s favorite.
25. Toll House Cookies
If there is one thing Buddy the Elf and us have in common, it’s our love for Toll House cookies. Premade cookie dough makes the perfect party snack because all of the mixing and measuring is already done, allowing you more time to work on other Elf movie party ideas. Thankfully, VCRs are a thing of the past so no guests will shove cookies into it.
26. Caricaturist
When planning an Elf themed Christmas party, you’ll need entertainment to help set the tone. Book a caricaturist that will transform guests into their own illustrated drawing just like the Elf storybook. Browse local caricature artists for this unique party idea.
27. Hot Cocoa Bombs
When planning an Elf movie themed Christmas party, you’ll want to have plenty of fun ideas to keep the kiddos entertained. Set up a DIY hot cocoa bomb making station that doubles as a festive party activity and something they can take home afterwards.
To make hot cocoa bombs, you’ll need chocolate, hot cocoa mix, silicone sphere molds, and whatever fillings you’ll want. Melt down the chocolate, evenly spread it into the molds, and pop it into the freezer for a few minutes. Once the chocolate is solidified, fill with the hot cocoa mix and fillings, and adhere the sphere halves together with more melted chocolate.
28. Elf Movie Night
Is it an Elf themed Christmas party if you don’t watch the movie to celebrate? Invite guests to wear their best Christmas pajamas, cuddle up, and get into the holiday spirit with Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf. Serve popcorn and plenty of sweet treats as the perfect movie snack!
29. You Sit on a Throne of Lies Trivia
At this Christmas party, Elf themed activities are mandatory. Put your movie knowledge to the test with Elf trivia for a little friendly competition. Put together a list of questions like, “what is the first rule in the Code of Elves?”, “what are the four main food groups according to Buddy?”, and “what is the name of the snowman Buddy talks to in the North Pole?”
30. Candy Cane Forest Bark
To make Candy Cane Forest Bark, you’ll need dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes, that’s it! Melt the chocolate, layer it on a lined baking sheet, top with crushed candy canes, and let solidify. Break it apart to make a simple dessert to add to the Buddy the Elf party ideas.
Find more Christmas party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
