Christmas Spirit Week Ideas

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Christmas Spirit Week has become one of the most loved traditions in schools, workplaces, community groups, and even right at home. It’s that fun week where everyone gets to be a little silly, a little sparkly, and a whole lot festive. But if you’ve ever been the one put in charge of planning it… you know the pressure is real. It has to be fun. It has to be doable. And, especially these days, it has to be Instagrammable.

Whether you’re organizing Spirit Week for a school full of excited kids, a workplace looking to boost morale, or a family wanting to count down the days to Christmas in a memorable way, here are some new, on-trend, and creative Christmas Spirit Week ideas that people will actually want to participate in.

What Is Christmas Spirit Week?

Christmas Spirit Week is typically a themed dress-up week leading up to Christmas break. Each day gets its own holiday theme, from pajama days to Santa hats to silly sweater contests.

Some places run Spirit Week for a full five days, others do three, and some stretch it out for a full seven. No matter the length, the goal is the same: spread joy and make memories.

Christmas Spirit Week Themes & Ideas

Below are fun, updated, and fresh ideas, mix and match to create the perfect lineup!

Day 1: Merry Morning – Christmas Pajama Day

Pajama Day is a classic that never gets old, and honestly, everyone deserves at least one day in December where getting dressed is optional.

Fun twists to keep it fresh:

• Matching family pajamas day (popular thanks to TikTok trends)
• Flannel & Fuzzy Socks Day
• Onesie Takeover – from reindeer onesies to Grinch pajamas
• “Woke Up Like This” Hair Day paired with Christmas PJs

Activity idea:

Hold a “Comfiest Outfit Contest”, winners get candy canes or hot chocolate vouchers.

Day 2: Cozy Christmas – Winter Wonderland Wear

Think blues, whites, sparkles, snowflakes, scarves, earmuffs, and the whole wintery vibe.

Ideas to include:

• Icicle crowns
• Snowflake makeup or face stickers
• Blue & silver outfits
• Fuzzy scarves and mittens
• “Frosty the Snowperson” dress-up challenge

Make it interactive:

Set up a paper snowflake-making station or hold a snow-themed photo backdrop contest.

Day 3: Red & Green Everything

A bold color-out always looks amazing in group photos.

Keep it fun with these variations:

• Team Red vs. Team Green (great for school competitions)
• Grinch Day – green clothes, messy hair, grinchy faces
• Peppermint Swirl – red & white themed outfits

Add a challenge:

Give bonus points for red or green accessories: hats, suspenders, jewelry, socks, or even green hair spray.

Day 4: Elf Day

The popularity of Elf on the Shelf and the new influx of elf-themed décor makes this one a modern must.

Ideas for Elf Day outfits:

• Red & green striped tights
• Elf hats with bells
• Suspenders & oversized collars
• Dusting of glitter (“elf dust”) on cheeks
• DIY felt elf ears

Activity suggestion:

Have hidden “elves” around the school or workspace, first to find one wins a small prize.

Day 5: Wrap Yourself Up – Gift Box Day

This newer trend is quickly gaining popularity, and it’s hilarious.

Participants decorate themselves like a present:

• Wrapped-box costume
• Bows on shirts, hair, or hats
• Gold and red ribbons
• Metallic gift bags turned into shirts (surprisingly easy!)

Pro tip:

Set up a runway for a “Best Wrapped Gift” walk-off.

Christmas Socks & Jingle Bells Day

For a more low-key option, especially great for workplaces or younger kids.

Ideas:

• Ugly Christmas socks
• Mismatched festive socks
• Socks worn over pants (always funny)
• Bell necklaces or bracelets to add some jingle

Deck the Halls Day – Christmas Tree Theme

Everyone dresses like a tree or decorates themselves like one.

Outfit inspiration:

• Green shirts with tinsel draped over
• Ornaments clipped onto clothing
• A star headband
• Construction paper “branches”
• LED battery-powered fairy lights (always a hit!)

Great for group photos or “Most Creative Tree” contests.

Reindeer Day

Perfect for kids and teens who love doing cute makeup and face paint.

Ideas include:

• Brown outfits with fuzzy vests
• Antler headbands
• Red noses (for Rudolph)
• Little white dots cheeks makeup trend
• Tail-on-a-string accessories

Make it competitive:

Have a “Reindeer Relay Race” or “Reindeer Ring Toss” (using inflatable antlers).

Snowman Day

Always adorable, and super easy.

How to dress:

• White tops
• Felt button stickers
• Orange paper noses
• Black beanies
• Scarves
• Add cardboard arms for fun photos

New twist:
Make it “Melted Snowman Day” where the outfit is goofy or messy, like a snowman who’s had a rough day.

Christmas Character Day

This one lets everyone’s creativity shine. Participants come as any holiday character—classic or modern.

Options include:

• Santa or Mrs Claus
• The Grinch
• Cindy Lou Who
• Jack Skellington
• Buddy the Elf
• Olaf
• Krampus (for older kids/adults)
• Barbie Christmas (a trend after the Barbie movie)
• Wednesday Addams Holiday Edition (another popular trend)

Great for a school parade or a TikTok-style runway challenge.

Christmas Movie Day

A huge hit because everyone has a favorite Christmas film.

Outfit ideas:

• Home Alone Kevin
• Elf inspired outfits
• The Grinch characters
• A Christmas Story pink bunny suit
• Polar Express conductor
• The Nightmare Before Christmas anything
• Classic claymation characters
• The Santa Clause outfits
• Jingle Jangle steampunk style

Let everyone vote on “Best Dressed Movie Character.”

Christmas Treats Day – Dress Like a Dessert

A quirky new trend that’s surprisingly popular on TikTok and Pinterest.

Ideas include:

• Gingerbread people
• Candy canes
• Hot cocoa
• Christmas cookies
• Fruitcake (good luck with this one!)
• Marshmallows
• Peppermint bark
• Ugly Christmas cupcake
• Holiday donut

Fun add-on:
Host a “Sweet Walk” where participants parade past and everyone picks the most delicious costume.

Christmas Music Day

Dress inspired by your favorite Christmas song.

Examples:

• “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – 50s outfits, records, guitars
• “Feliz Navidad” – bright colors, festive accessories
• “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – glittery diva outfits
• “Jingle Bell Rock” – retro rock style
• “Frosty the Snowman” – snowman outfit
• “Santa Baby” – pink glam
• “Let It Snow” – white and silver

Activity:
Create a playlist featuring everyone’s favorite Christmas songs.

Baking & Gingerbread Day

Perfect for schools or workplaces that want something themed but not too dress-up heavy.

Things to do:

• Wear brown/gingerbread colors
• Gingerbread accessories or aprons
• Mini decorating challenge at lunch
• Gingerbread house contest
• Best decorated cookie voting

Great for hands-on fun.

Candy Cane Day (Red & White)

Another easy theme but always looks great.

Bonus twists:

• Striped face paint
• Candy cane headbands
• Wear peppermint-swirled clothes
• Red & white mismatched outfits for a silly version

Good for younger kids or older teens who love matching vibes.

Santa Hat Day / Headwear Day

When in doubt, hats save the day.

Ideas include:

• Santa hats
• Elf hats
• Reindeer antlers
• Sparkly holiday crowns
• Tinsel halos
• Christmas fascinator-style headbands

Updated version:
“Holiday Hair Day”, kids and teens love doing red/green temporary color spray, tinsel extensions, or glitter gel.

Throwback Christmas Day

Everyone dresses like a Christmas from a different decade.

Ideas include:

• 50s diner-style Christmas
• 60s vintage ornaments & pastels
• 70s tinsel, gold, and flare pants
• 80s neon Christmas
• 90s ugly sweaters & classic patterns
• Y2K pink sparkles & metallics

New twist:
“1994 Christmas”, the year Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and so many nostalgic favorites dominated.

Holiday Photo Day

Since everything is trending online, this is a modern must-have. Participants dress in something photogenic:

• Matching outfits
• Monochrome looks
• “Christmas Aesthetic” outfits from Pinterest
• Cozy sweaters and beanies

Set up a photo booth with:

• Faux snow
• Tinsel curtain
• Santa chair
• Ring light setup

Encourage everyone to scan a QR code for the shared photo album.

DIY Christmas Craft Day

Perfect for schools or workplaces with a creative crew.

Ideas include:

• Wear aprons
• Bring craft supplies
• Make ornaments, cards, or mini wreaths
• A craft showcase at the end of the day
• Secret Santa labels & handmade gift tags

This theme works even if people prefer not to dress up.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (But Make It Modern)

Yes, it’s popular… but you can freshen it up.

Trendy variations:

• DIY Sweater Day – everyone makes their own
• Thrifted Holiday Sweater Challenge
• Sweater Glow-Up – take a plain sweater and decorate it on the spot
• Pet Sweater Day – share photos of your pet’s outfit

To make it extra fun, run categories like:

• Most festive
• Silliest
• Sparkliest
• Most dramatic

Cozy Christmas Reading Day (Great for Schools)

Everyone wears warm sweaters and brings a book for a read-in period.

Ideas:

• Bring holiday-themed books
• Read by flashlight
• Share your favorite Christmas story
• Hot cocoa bar during break time

Great for calm days during a busy week.

Minimalist Christmas Day (New Trend!)

For teens and workplaces that prefer a clean aesthetic.

Dress in:

• Creams, neutrals, gold, sage, or soft pine green
• Simple festive jewelry
• “Pinterest Christmas Aesthetic” outfits

Activity:
Create minimalist ornaments from wood beads or neutral-toned yarn.

How to Build Your Spirit Week Lineup

Here are sample schedules depending on the vibe you want:

Fun & Silly (Kids & Teens)

• Monday: PJ Day
• Tuesday: Candy Cane Day
• Wednesday: Elf Day
• Thursday: Gift Box Day
• Friday: Ugly Sweater Day

Cute & Aesthetic (Teens & Workplaces)

• Monday: Winter Wonderland
• Tuesday: Minimalist Christmas
• Wednesday: Holiday Photo Day
• Thursday: Christmas Character Day
• Friday: Sweater Glow-Up Day

Low Effort Week (Perfect for Workplaces)

• Monday: Christmas Socks Day
• Tuesday: Hat Day
• Wednesday: Red & Green Day
• Thursday: Cozy Sweater Day
• Friday: Treat Day / Cookie Exchange

Family Spirit Week at Home

• Monday: Christmas Movie Night
• Tuesday: Bake Cookies Day
• Wednesday: Craft Day
• Thursday: PJ + Hot Cocoa Night
• Friday: Neighborhood Lights Walk

Tips for a Successful Christmas Spirit Week

1. Make themes easy.

Not everyone has costumes lying around. Simple themes lead to higher participation.

2. Offer alternative ways to participate.

For example, if someone can’t dress up for Movie Day, they can bring a prop (ticket, popcorn, etc.).

3. Keep comfort in mind.

Avoid anything too bulky or messy for school hours.

4. Tie it to an activity.

Photo booth, cookie contest, scavenger hunt… activities make themes even more fun.

5. Mix low-effort and high-energy days.

You don’t want five consecutive costume-heavy days.

6. Celebrate participation.

Certificates, candy canes, or “Elf Points” go a long way.

Christmas Spirit Week is one of those traditions that everyone can participate in. By mixing classic favorites with trendy new ideas, you can create a week that feels fresh, fun, and exciting for everyone involved.

Whether your group loves cute or silly costume challenges, low-effort themes, or creative crafts, there’s something on this list. And who knows… this might be the year your Spirit Week becomes legendary.

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