10 post-holiday party ideas for January and beyond
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the parties have to stop. In fact, it’s the perfect time to gather again—without the pressure of gift-giving, travel, or packed schedules. And with cold temps, dreary weather, and less daylight, hosting something fun is the perfect cure for the winter blues.
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve rounded up our favorite after-Christmas party ideas—from cozy nights in to fresh-air adventures—each one easy to plan with Paperless Post. Our customizable Cards and Flyer invitations make gathering your people effortless, with RSVP tracking, guest messaging, and design tools that help you create an invite that matches your exact aesthetic. So grab your favorite sweater, text your group chat, and start planning—here are 10 ways to keep the festive spirit going into January and beyond.
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1. New Year’s Day brunch
Didn’t celebrate the night before, or ready to get the party started again? Host a New Year’s Day brunch and toast to fresh beginnings in the light of day. Serve up hot coffee, mimosas, and a breakfast bar loaded with crowd-pleasers like bagels, fruit, and pastries, to revive even your most tired friends.
If you want to split up hosting duties, ask guests to bring their favorite breakfast item. Choose a bright, celebratory invitation with metallic accents to carry over the sparkle from the night before. It’s a relaxed yet festive way to start the year on a high note, and one of the easiest party themes for January to pull off.
2. Vision board party
Kick off the year with a little creativity (and manifesting energy) by hosting a vision board night. Stock up on poster boards, glue sticks, and washi tape, and ask guests to bring a few old magazines to share. It’s part crafting session, part group therapy, and 100% inspiring.
Make the vibe cozy with candles, soft music, and plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone chatting as they create. Send an invite that captures the DIY energy. Something with artsy or collaged visuals works perfectly. Compared to other January party themes for adults, this one’s both introspective and motivating, and ideal for a winter night in.
3. Ice skating outing
Bundle up and hit the rink—indoors or out—for a little friendly fun on ice. It’s a great way to get moving while still embracing the chill. Encourage everyone to wear their cutest winter gear (think scarves, mittens, and pom-pom hats), and bring along body warmers or thermoses of hot chocolate to keep things toasty.
Choose an invitation design featuring icy blues, silvers, and snowflakes to match the theme. Be sure to ask guests to RSVP early—or set an RSVP deadline on your Paperless Post invitation—so you can reserve tickets or time slots in advance. It’s one of the most classic winter party ideas, and a nostalgic, lighthearted way to reconnect post-holidays.
4. Museum hopping
If it’s too cold for outdoor plans, plan a day exploring local museums or galleries. January often brings new exhibits, making it an ideal time to soak up art, culture, and conversation. Pick a few spots close together or take a mini day trip to a nearby city.
Include the day’s itinerary right in your Paperless Post invite using a Schedule Block so everyone knows the plan. Buy tickets ahead of time (many museums require timed entry), and cap off the day with hot chocolate or coffee at a cozy café.
5. PowerPoint party
Stay warm inside and turn your living room into a low-key lecture hall with a PowerPoint party. Have each guest prepare a short presentation on any topic they’re passionate (or just oddly opinionated) about. Think “the best snacks for road trips,” “which 2000s rom-coms deserve an Oscar,” or “why cats are better than dogs.”
Set up your laptop to stream slides to the TV, make popcorn, and hand out awards at the end for categories like “Most Convincing Argument” or “Best Visuals.” Choose a bold, playful Flyer design with animated GIFs to match the vibe. It’s cozy, creative, and guaranteed to turn a regular night in into something hilarious and memorable.
Turn your favorite group chat into an IRL party in minutes with textable invites that match your aesthetic. 
6. Cooking class
Skip crowded restaurants and cook something amazing together instead. Hire a local chef to lead a private class, or find a kitchen studio that offers group lessons. If you have space at home, even better—turn your space into your own test kitchen for the night.
Add Guest Questions to your RSVP to gather info on allergies or dietary restrictions to share with the chef. Decorate the space with fresh herbs, candles, and a long communal table for dining afterward. This is one of those party themes for January that feels intimate and interactive—the perfect way to combat post-holiday restaurant fatigue.
7. Cozy cabin getaway
When you need a change of scenery, a weekend cabin escape is the answer. Invite a few close friends for a winter retreat filled with fireside chats, board games, skiing, sledding, or just lounging in sweats with hot cocoa. Cook meals together, pour some wine, and unwind.
Gift each guest a pair of thick, cozy socks as a welcome treat. Choose an invite that feels rustic and warm—woodgrain textures, plaid patterns, or twinkly lights all fit the mood. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply getting out of town, it’s a great after-Christmas party idea that combines relaxation with adventure.
8. Spa day
Start the year with a little self-care by hosting a spa day for your crew. Book treatments at your favorite local spa, or create your own oasis at home with stations for face masks, nail painting, and mini massages.
Use an invitation with soothing hues like mint green, lavender, or soft blue, and build a playlist of mellow tunes. Sip herbal tea or mocktails, and serve light bites like fruit, veggie platters, and tea sandwiches. It’s a beautiful way to support friends doing Dry January—and one of the most refreshing winter party ideas for the post-holiday lull.
9. Soup taste off
Warm up your winter weekends with a soup cook-off. Ask everyone to bring a pot of their favorite homemade (or store-bought—no judgment!) soup, then sample and vote for the winner.
Provide disposable tasting cups and spoons, and give the winning chef a fun prize like a ladle tied with a bow. Toggle on the Comment Wall in your Paperless Post invite so guests can share what they’re bringing ahead of time (to avoid three versions of baked potato soup). It’s cozy, low-lift, and one of the most delicious January party themes for adults around.
10. Game night
Combat cabin fever with an old-school game night. Stock the table with dips, charcuterie, and finger foods that are easy to eat mid-turn. Mix classic nostalgia (Sorry, Clue, Uno) with strategy favorites like Catan or Codenames.
Ask guests in your invite to bring a few of their own games for variety, and serve themed cocktails or mocktails to keep spirits high. A bold, colorful invitation with playful stickers or GIFs sets the tone perfectly. And if you’re teaming up with a friend to host, you can add them as a co-host on your invitation to help with party planning!
Pull off your winter party ideas with Paperless Post
Ready to start planning your own post-holiday bash? We’re here to help. Whether you’re hosting a chill night in or a weekend getaway, Paperless Post makes organizing your winter party ideas effortless.
Send beautiful, customizable invitations via text, email, or Shareable Link—and get access to all our helpful party planning tools. Keep track of RSVPs, send guest updates, and coordinate details with ease. Whatever your favorite after-Christmas party idea is, you’ll find the perfect design to match your vibe.
So go ahead—extend the festive season a little longer. With Paperless Post, every gathering feels special, no matter the month.
Bring friends together for a fun night of bonding—from wine tastings to watch parties and more.
