Best ‘out of the box’ Christmas party ideas
News
Tired of the same turkey dinners and predictable buffets?
This year, it’s time to mix things up with Christmas party ideas that are easy, sociable and full of flavour. Whether you’re planning a family get-together, a festive catch-up with friends or an office party that’s a little different, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without the stress.
From pizza parties to movie marathons, these out-of-the-box ideas prove that good food, laughter and great company are all you really need.
Host a Festive Pizza Party
Perfect for friends, family or colleagues who want great food and an effortless night out.
There’s something wonderfully simple about gathering around a table with a few pizzas and a round of drinks. A festive pizza party takes all the best bits of a Christmas meal, the laughter, the togetherness, the indulgence, and ditches the stress. No set menus, no overcomplicated planning, just the joy of sharing great food.
Book a big table at your nearest pizzeria and enjoy freshly made, authentic Neapolitan pizzas straight from the oven. Whether it’s your team toasting to the end of the year or your friends catching up before Christmas, opting for a laid-back setting with good music, warm lighting, and a festive atmosphere feels just right to celebrate a fantastic year.
- Reserve a table for your group and make it your main festive get-together
- Choose a mix of pizzas to share, add a Christmas twist with toppings like truffle, prosciutto or burrata
- Pair with spritzes, Italian wines or festive cocktails
- Add small touches like Secret Santa swaps or a Christmas playlist to make it memorable
- End with a classic Italian tiramisu or sharer for a sweet festive finish
A festive pizza party is simple, sociable and full of flavour, a relaxed way to celebrate that still feels special.
DIY Pizza-Making Night at Home
Perfect for families or small groups of friends who love to get hands-on.
If you’d rather stay in this year, a DIY pizza-making night brings everyone together around the kitchen counter instead of the dinner table. It’s especially great for families, the kids can get creative with toppings while the adults sip wine and catch up. There’s no pressure, no complicated cooking, and plenty of laughter along the way.
You can make your own dough or, for zero stress, grab a few Rudy’s Bake at Home pizzas. They’re made fresh in Rudy’s kitchens and delivered chilled, so you get that same light, fluffy crust without the effort. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes and you’ve got restaurant-quality pizza ready to go. If you go for a classic margherita, you have the freedom to add all the toppings you want!
How to do it:
- Set up a mini pizza station with ready-made dough, sauce, cheese and toppings
- Encourage everyone to make their own, add cranberry, spicy salami, or opt for a classic Margherita
- Add a friendly competition for “most festive pizza” or “cheesiest slice”
- Serve with mulled wine, hot chocolate or festive mocktails
- Finish with a film or games night while you eat
It’s family friendly, interactive and delicious, and it turns a night in into something everyone looks forward to.
Themed Christmas Quiz Night
Perfect for office teams or groups of friends who like a bit of friendly rivalry.
If the idea of another awkward work party fills you with dread, a Christmas quiz might be your perfect alternative. It’s low-cost, fun, and gets everyone involved, whether you’re testing pop culture knowledge, festive trivia or just having a laugh at who knows the lyrics to Fairytale of New York.
You can host one at home, in the office, or even at your local Rudy’s. Find a space that has a private room or plenty of space for group bookings, so it’s easy to combine your quiz night with great food and drinks.
How to do it:
–Split into teams and come up with funny festive names
–Mix rounds like “Christmas Film Quotes”, “Guess the Song” or “Who Said It?”
–Add a pizza break halfway through – you can pre-order Click & Collect pizzas or get them delivered to your venue
–Finish with prizes for the winning team (and maybe a pizza for the losers too)
It’s interactive, relaxed and brings people together, especially when there’s pizza on the table.
Christmas Movie Marathon Night
Perfect for cosy nights in with friends, family or flatmates.
Some Christmas parties are loud and lively, but sometimes, all you want is a laid-back evening filled with your favourite films. A Christmas movie marathon is the perfect way to celebrate without leaving your sofa. Add blankets, fairy lights and a few festive snacks and you’ve got a night that feels just as special as a big night out.
How to do it:
- Set up your living room like a home cinema with cushions, candles and fairy lights
- Pick a film lineup that suits everyone, Elf, The Holiday, Home Alone and Love Actually always go down well
- Stock up on snacks, popcorn and a few Bake at Home pizzas to bake between films
- Add a themed twist with Christmas pyjamas or festive trivia during the intermissions
It’s easy, nostalgic and budget-friendly, and it turns an ordinary night in into a festive favourite.
Alternative Office Christmas Party
Perfect for teams who want to do something more memorable than a buffet.
The office Christmas party doesn’t have to mean awkward small talk or glittery venues. More and more workplaces are going for experiences that actually bring teams together, from escape rooms and volunteering to casual dining experiences where people can unwind properly.
Start the afternoon with a lighthearted team activity, then end the day with a relaxed meal at your nearest pizzeria. With long tables, shared pizzas and good drinks, it’s an easy way to treat your team to something everyone enjoys. Opt for a party package, so you can spend your time catching up with colleagues rather than staring at the menus!
How to do it:
- Pick an activity like mini golf, bowling or a charity volunteering afternoon
- Book a big table at your local pizzeria, and grab a few pizzas, sharers and spritzes afterwards
- Keep the speeches short, the playlists upbeat and the atmosphere relaxed
- Order a few pizzas for Click & Collect if you’re celebrating in the office instead
It’s inclusive, relaxed and fun, a genuine celebration that brings your team together without the formalities.
A Cosy Night In with a Festive Twist
Perfect for couples, housemates or anyone who loves the quieter side of Christmas.
Not every celebration needs a crowd. A cosy night in can be just as special, especially when you add a festive twist. Light the candles, put on a Christmas playlist, and cook up something comforting. Pizza and prosecco, pyjamas and fairy lights, that’s a party in itself.
How to do it:
- Order your favourite pizza for delivery or Click & Collect
- Or stock up on Bake at Home pizzas for an easy, no-prep option
- Add festive touches like a cheeseboard, mulled wine or chocolate desserts
- Put on a Christmas film or some music and enjoy a slow, peaceful evening
It’s low effort, high comfort and perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate the season their own way.
Celebrate Christmas with Rudy’s
From family pizza nights to festive office meals, the best Christmas party ideas are the ones that bring people together, without stress. Whether you’re planning a big group booking, a cosy dinner for two or a relaxed night at home, a Rudy’s Christmas makes it simple.
Dine in at your local Rudy’s pizzeria for freshly baked Neapolitan pizza in a warm, festive atmosphere.
Order Bake at Home pizzas for restaurant-quality flavour from your own oven.
Try Click & Collect or delivery for fuss-free festive food whenever you need it.
Whichever way you celebrate, Rudy’s is here to make it easy, joyful and full of flavour.
Get in touch to find out more about Christmas at Rudy’s, and make your get-together one to remember.
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