Hosting a cookie decorating party during the holidays is one of the most fun and meaningful traditions to share with kids. It’s creative, festive, and full of delicious results. The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With some smart planning and kid-friendly touches, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable holiday event filled with laughter, sprinkles, and joy.
1. Set the Date and Guest List Early
Choose a date that works for most of your guests like after school, on a weekend afternoon, or early in the evening. Send out invitations with the start time, end time, and theme. Limit the number of children per adult so things stay fun and manageable. Many party hosts recommend counting how many guests your table can comfortably fit.
2. Prepare Cookies and Supplies Ahead
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Bake the cookies in advance. Choose sturdy shapes like gingerbread men, trees, and stars so decorating goes smoother.
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Gather decorating supplies. Include icing in various colors, piping bags or squeeze bottles, sprinkles, candies, and small cookie sheets or placemats for each child. Keep napkins and wipes nearby for quick cleanup.
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Set up decorating stations. Give each child their own space and place bowls of toppings in the center for easy access.
3. Decorate the Space with Holiday Cheer
Create a festive vibe by adding fun holiday touches:
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Cover your table with a disposable tablecloth or wrapping paper runner
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Use twinkle lights, garlands, or a mini Christmas tree
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Provide aprons or chef hats for the kids to wear
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Play classic holiday music in the background to set the mood
4. Keep It Kid-Friendly and Safe
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Use safe tools like plastic piping bags, squeeze bottles, and edible markers
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Make sure the table is the right height with stools or boosters for younger children
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Set cookie limits like two or three each to keep things fair
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Pour toppings into small bowls or cups to prevent messes
5. Add Fun Party Games and Extras
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Design challenges like "Most Festive Tree" or "Silliest Reindeer Face"
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10-minute decorating rounds to keep things exciting
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Take-home treat boxes so each child can proudly bring their cookies home
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A simple photo booth corner with props for fun holiday snapshots
6. Make Cleanup a Breeze
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Use disposable table covers or a vinyl mat for easy wipe-down
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Have extra trash bags ready
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Ask kids to carry their finished cookies to a designated area
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Play a quick “cleanup song” to get kids involved and moving
7. Start a Holiday Tradition
Your Christmas cookie decorating party doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. Make it a yearly tradition. Switch up themes, track photos in a scrapbook, and let your kids help plan the next one. These are the kinds of traditions that turn into lasting memories.
Don't forget the tradition of Santa Photos!
While you’re building holiday traditions, don’t miss out on the most magical one of all, your annual Santa photo. Booking early means less stress and more sparkle. Whether you're going for matching PJs or fancy outfits, your Santa photo becomes part of the holiday story.
Book your Santa photo session today and make this season one to remember.
You don’t need perfection to make Christmas magical. A table full of cookies, happy kids, and sprinkles everywhere is more than enough. Hosting a fun and easy cookie decorating party is a simple way to create memories your family (and guests) will talk about all season long. So grab the icing, turn up the music, and let the sweet holiday fun begin!
