When the weather cools down, the party ideas heat up! Just because it's winter doesn't mean birthdays have to be any less fun. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to get creative and cosy. The cool weather is perfect for warm gatherings, comfort food, creative indoor activities, and festive birthday decorations that bring people together.
We've rounded up the best winter birthday party ideas that are festive, fun, and full of personality. These ideas are designed to mix and match, so combine your favourites to create a party that feels just right.
13th Birthday Party Ideas for Winter
Planning a 13th birthday is all about fun, friends, and making memories. These winter-friendly party ideas are perfect for tweens and early teens who are looking for a good time, no matter the temperature outside.
Pajama Party
There’s nothing more comforting than spending a cold winter night in fluffy pajamas with your best friends. Set the scene with piles of cushions, sleeping bags, fairy lights, and a hot chocolate bar complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Add a DIY facemask station, nail painting corner, or even a small “midnight” breakfast bar for late-night snacks.
Cinema Party
Create your own cozy home theatre! Rent or stream the birthday child’s favourite films, pop some fresh popcorn, and provide themed snack boxes for each guest. Use balloons and signage to decorate like a real cinema. You can even set up a ticket booth and roll out a red carpet!
Ice Skating Adventure
If you’re near an indoor or outdoor skating rink, this is a winter classic. Ice skating is great for groups and always ends in laughter (and a few wobbly moves). Afterwards, head to a nearby café or back home for pizza and hot cocoa.
Donut Making Party
Turn your kitchen into a donut-decorating dreamland. Provide plain donuts and let the guests go wild with glazes, icing, and sprinkles. Add in a competition element like “best design” or “most creative flavour combo.”
Bowling Bash
Bowling alleys are made for winter birthdays! Many offer party packages with food, decorations, and even disco bowling with glow lights and music. You can personalise it with themed accessories like team shirts or matching socks.
Laser Tag Showdown
Laser tag is perfect for energetic teens and tweens. Book a session at your local venue or bring the game home with portable sets that work indoors. Split into teams, create themed team names, and keep score for ultimate bragging rights.
18th Birthday Party Ideas for Winter
An 18th birthday is a big deal – it marks the official start of adulthood! Whether you're going for chill or extravagant, these ideas are sure to make for a memorable celebration.
Indoor Picnic
A perfect mix of cozy and aesthetic. Lay out rugs, cushions, fairy lights, and serve a selection of grazing platters filled with cheeses, fruits, chocolates, and warm finger foods. Add a photo corner with props for Instagram-worthy pics.
Dance Party
Let loose and celebrate in style. Whether you're renting a venue or transforming your living room, a dance party is always a winner. Go full winter glam with a silver and blue theme, disco lights, and a snowflake-covered dance floor.
Winter Bonfire
If you’ve got a backyard or a safe outdoor space, a bonfire party can be truly magical. Set up hay bales or folding chairs with warm blankets, and serve toasted marshmallows, hot apple cider, and snacks. Play acoustic tunes or set up a speaker for a cozy music session under the stars.
Cocktail/Mocktail Class
Perfect for an 18th (if everyone is of legal drinking age). Hire a mixologist or watch online tutorials and provide ingredients for guests to mix their own drinks with mocktail substitutions! Create a DIY garnish bar with citrus slices, herbs, edible glitter, and fun stirrers.
Winter-Themed Costume Party
Let guests get creative with their outfits. Encourage costume ideas like snow queens, ski instructors, penguins, or characters from winter movies like Frozen or Narnia. Add themed snacks, a hot chocolate bar, and a prize for best dressed.
DIY Pizza Night
Food brings people together, and pizza is a universal favourite. Set up a topping station and let everyone design their own mini pizza masterpieces. Bake them together, then enjoy with sides, music, and party games.
Adult Winter Party Ideas
For adults, winter birthdays are a chance to bring friends together in a warm and welcoming space. These party ideas can be relaxed and sophisticated or get rowdy and wild!
Dinner Party or Themed Potluck
Host an intimate dinner party at home or ask guests to bring dishes based on a winter theme like Scandinavian comfort food, Christmas in July, or a “family recipes” night. Decorate with candles, place cards, and table runners for a polished look.
Live Music Night
Hire a local artist or band or even host a mini open-mic night if your friends are musically inclined. Whether it’s in your lounge room or a private function space, live music adds a special touch that guests won’t forget.
Wine Tasting Evening
Offer a curated wine tasting with a flight of reds, whites, and dessert wines. Pair with a cheese board, charcuterie, and dark chocolate for a classy vibe. Add note cards for guests to rate each wine and discuss their favourites.
DIY Spa Night
Self-care meets celebration. Think scented candles, homemade sugar scrubs, foot soaks, and relaxing music. Provide robes, slippers, and skincare stations with clay masks, lotions, and warm towels. It's a perfect night in with a few close friends.
Rent a Cozy Airbnb (Apres-Ski Lodge Style)
Plan a winter getaway in a mountainside cabin or countryside retreat. Look for properties with a fireplace, hot tub, and views of nature. Bring board games, prepare warm meals, and enjoy the luxury of a peaceful, scenic birthday.
Scenic Winter Road Trip
Get your crew together, plan a route with interesting winter stops to snow-covered mountains and quaint villages and hit the road. Make it a birthday road trip to remember with playlists, car games, and picnic stops.
Winter Home Birthday Party Ideas
You don’t have to leave the house to have a memorable birthday bash. These cozy indoor ideas are budget-friendly, easy to plan, and full of fun.
Winter Bonfire & Marshmallow Toasting
If your space allows, light up the fire pit and toast the night away with s’mores, fairy lights, and campfire songs. Create an outdoor lounge area with rugs, cushions, and plenty of blankets.
Karaoke Party
Nothing breaks the ice like a good karaoke night. Set up a microphone, a playlist of classics and pop hits, and maybe even judge performances for added laughs. Bonus points for winter-themed songs!
Board Games & Card Games Night
Keep it old-school and competitive with classic games like Pictionary, Uno, or Cards Against Humanity. You can also theme your night with ideas like murder mystery, retro game night, or a tournament with a grand prize.
Winter Party Decorations
<
No party is complete without decor! Here’s how to bring the winter magic home:
-
Colour Palette: Stick to cool tones like icy blue, white, silver, and soft lavender.
-
Balloons: Use snowflake prints, metallic finishes, and balloon arches to make a statement.
-
Tableware: Winter-themed plates, cups, and napkins can tie your look together.
-
Lighting: Fairy lights, LED candles, and lanterns add warmth and glow to any space.
Shop all your party supplies – balloons, banners, themed tableware, and more – right here. We’ve got everything you need to turn your space into a winter wonderland.
Homemade Birthday Cake Ideas
Winter is the perfect excuse to bake! From classic layer cakes to whimsical snowflake-themed creations, here are a few must-haves for decorating:
-
Cake Toppers: Choose from glittery “Happy Birthday” toppers, themed characters, or number candles.
-
Icing & Sprinkles: Pick up piping bags, coloured icing, edible glitter, and seasonal sprinkles.
-
Edible Paint & Sanding Sugar: Add texture and colour with edible decorations that shimmer like fresh snow.
All of these baking goodies and more are available in our baking supplies section. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a cake-decorating pro, we’ve got your back!
Conclusion
Winter birthdays can be some of the most memorable when you embrace the season. From indoor picnics and karaoke nights to winter bonfires and donut-making parties, there are so many ways to celebrate – even when it’s cold outside.
Shop birthday decorations supplies and make your winter celebration unforgettable!