Looking to make this holiday season extra magical? A Christmas cookie decorating party is a fun and memorable way to bring your family together — and this year, we’ve gathered the best ideas to help you plan a festive event that everyone will enjoy. From setup tips and game ideas to delicious cookie inspiration, this guide shows you how to host a cozy and creative holiday party right in your home.
Why Host a Christmas Cookie Decorating Party?
Decorating cookies isn’t just about the tasty treats — it’s an activity that encourages creativity, conversation, and family bonding. With colorful icing, festive sprinkles, and joyful music, your kitchen becomes a holiday hub of laughter and memories that will last long after the cookies are gone.
📍 Planning Your Cookie Decorating Party
Festive Setup and Decoration
Start with a cheerful setup that matches your family’s holiday style. A long table covered in a red or green tablecloth sets the perfect canvas. Provide a variety of decorating materials — bowls of icing in different colors, themed sprinkles, edible glitter, and fun toppings. You can also add holiday decor like string lights, snowflakes, or small ornaments to add a seasonal vibe to the room.
For more setup inspiration, check out Mummy Time’s Cookie Decorating Party Ideas.
Kid-Friendly Stations
Create separate zones for different age groups: a simple decorating station for toddlers, a creative design corner for older kids, and an adult “challenge station” with more advanced techniques. Encourage everyone to share ideas, offer suggestions, and cheer each other on!
Fun Games to Entertain Everyone
Make your cookie decorating party interactive with a few fun games that fit the Christmas theme:
- Best Holiday Design: Let family members vote on the most creative cookie ideas. Offer small prizes like candy canes or stickers.
- Timed Decorating Challenge: Set a timer and give each person 5 minutes to decorate a cookie — the results are always entertaining!
- Guess the Ingredient: Blindfold participants and have them guess surprise toppings just by taste.
🍪 Best Cookies to Bake Ahead
A successful party starts with perfectly baked cookies ready for decorating. Some favorites include:
- Classic sugar cookies — easy shapes and smooth surface for decorating. Try this recipe: Best Rolled Sugar Cookies (AllRecipes)
- Gingerbread crinkle cookies — festive and fun to decorate. Recipe here: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Chocolate ginger crinkle cookies — rich, festive option. Recipe: Chocolate Ginger Crinkle Cookies (Leite’s Culinaria)
Holiday Drinks & Snacks
Keep your party cozy with drinks that pair well with cookie decorating. Warm hot cocoa with marshmallows, peppermint lattes, or simple cookie-themed punch will keep everyone energized and ready to decorate. Place a small snack station with popcorn, candy canes, or gingerbread bites to keep little guests satisfied between decorating sessions.
🎁 Take-Home Ideas
Give your guests something special to remember the event. Provide small boxes or bags with a few cookies, festive ribbon, and stickers so guests can share their creations with friends and family. It’s a thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer beyond just your home.
Involve Everyone in the Tradition
A Christmas cookie decorating party can become an annual tradition your family looks forward to year after year. Take photos of each year’s creations and compile them into a holiday scrapbook or digital album. You can even turn it into a friendly competition with themes for each year, like “Winter Wonderland” or “Candy Cane Carnival.”
Sharing the Joy
Encourage your kids to use their decorated cookies as gifts — tie a few together with ribbon and include a handwritten note. Sharing your cookie art with neighbors, teachers, or grandparents spreads the holiday spirit while teaching generosity and kindness during the season.
Final Tips for Success
Keep the party relaxed and joyful — it’s about creativity, togetherness, and fun, not perfection. Play your favorite Christmas music, have plenty of cleanup supplies on hand, and most importantly, enjoy the moments you spend together. These are the memories that make the holiday season truly special.
Ready for more holiday ideas? Visit Mommy and Me Cookies for family-friendly baking inspiration, festive cookie ideas, and easy recipes kids will love. You can also explore our Mommy and Me Cookies blog for more holiday cookie decorating tips and seasonal fun, or browse Classpop’s Cookie Decorating Party Guide for extra inspiration.