Christmas Pajama Party Ideas for Kids
By Cedar & Ledger
A Christmas pajama party is one of the easiest holiday parties to host: the dress code is comfy, the activities are cozy, and it can end at bedtime or run into a sleepover with pancakes. Here is how to plan one.
Plan the basics
- Party or sleepover? A 3-hour evening party is simpler. A sleepover needs parent contacts, a pickup time and a breakfast plan.
- Keep the guest list small. 4 to 8 kids is plenty for a sleepover.
- Send invites 2 to 3 weeks out with the date, times, what to bring (pajamas, sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush) and an allergy question.
- Collect guest info. Parent phone, allergies, bedtime habits and pickup time on one sheet.
Activity ideas
- Pajama fashion show with a contest
- Pajama party bingo
- Make-your-own ornaments
- Cookie decorating station
- Freeze dance to Christmas songs
- Blanket fort building
- Flashlight stories
- Christmas movie with popcorn
- Hot cocoa bar with toppings
- Letters to Santa
Snacks and breakfast
- Evening: popcorn, hot cocoa, pizza, cookie decorating
- Morning: pancakes (add red and green sprinkles), fruit, juice
- Label anything with common allergens.
Pajama contest awards
- Coziest Pajamas
- Most Festive PJs
- Silliest Slippers
- Best Fort Builder
- Last One Awake
- Best Dance Moves
Make sure every child wins something.
Sample schedule
- 6:00 Arrivals and pajama change
- 6:30 Pizza
- 7:00 Bingo and crafts
- 7:45 PJ fashion show and voting
- 8:15 Movie and cocoa
- 9:30 Awards and lights out (sleepover) or pickup
- 8:00 next day: pancake breakfast, then pickup at 9:30
Want more game ideas? See Christmas party games for kids.
Printable kit
The Christmas Pajama Party Kit has the host plan, invitation, guest info and allergy sheet, packing list, schedule, menu, 12 activity cards, 4 bingo cards, contest ballots and 6 award certificates. Hosting more than one event this season? The Christmas Party Pack 2026 bundles 8 party kits, including this one.
Printables are made with AI assistance and reviewed before release.
Related template: the christmas pajama party kit template. Also see: Christmas Party Pack 2026 · 60-Second Christmas Party Games
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
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Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
Christmas pajama party ideas for kids: invites, activities, snacks, PJ contest awards and a sleepover schedule.
Do I need a template to do this?
No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.