Throwing a holiday party but tired of the usual red, gold, and green? Why not swap them for the icy blues, shimmering silvers, and crisp whites of a winter wonderland? Even with a cooler motif, this theme makes the season no less magical. It brings a little snow and sparkle indoors, no matter the weather outside!

If this sounds right up your street, grab your mittens and get ready to plan a whimsical winter wonderland holiday party. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you’ll need to create a festive atmosphere with the perfect winter wonderland menu, venue setup, and fun activities that will leave everyone talking about your bash!

Set the Scene with Magical Décor

Transform your space into a frosty fantasy with a winter wonderland color palette of blue, silver, and white. These colors should shine through in everything—from your tablecloths and napkins to the balloons and streamers floating above.

Add twinkling fairy lights to fill the room with a soft glow, as well as faux snow and snowflake decals for a touch of whimsy. For a cozy, festive vibe, winter-themed centerpieces like frosted mason jars with tealights, tiny snowy trees, and pinecones will complete the look and bring the magic to life!

Select the Perfect Venue for Your Winter Wonderland

When choosing the right venue for your winter wonderland holiday party, consider these aspects.

Capacity: Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. You want enough space for everyone to mingle, dance, and enjoy the festivities without feeling cramped!
Indoor and Outdoor Options: Having both is crucial, especially when unpredictable winter weather might decide to make an appearance. Indoor spaces should be cozy, with large windows that let in the natural light, rustic fireplaces to add warmth, and elegant dining areas to create an inviting atmosphere. If you opt for an outdoor venue, look for beautiful views where your guests can enjoy the crisp winter air and natural scenery.
Ambiance: The vibe of your venue will set the tone for the entire event. Whether you want a charming, homey feel or a sleek, modern atmosphere, make sure the venue’s décor aligns with your winter wonderland theme.

The Lakehouse offers both indoor and outdoor venues, providing the perfect versatility for any winter celebration. Whether you're looking to cozy up indoors by the fire or enjoy the serene beauty of the outdoors with a view of Lake Erie, The Lakehouse has the ideal setting for your holiday party!

Buy a $100 Gift Card, Get a $20 Bonus Card—and Brunch!

Give the gift of a waterfront dining experience at The Lakehouse. When you purchase a $100 gift card from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, you’ll receive a $20 bonus card and a delicious brunch, complete with our winter special—the Hot Chocolate Flight drink. It's topped with whipped cream and available in six delightful flavors. Treat yourself and a loved one to a memorable meal today!

Create a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere

There's no such thing as too much when creating an enchanting ambiance. To make your holiday party truly magical, focus on creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting is key—think string lights, lanterns, and flameless candles to set a warm, inviting glow. Add wintery accents like frosted garlands and snowy branches to bring the outdoors in.

For extra comfort, drape blankets and throw pillows in winter wonderland colors around seating areas, inviting guests to relax and stay warm. Seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon, and vanilla will fill the air with cozy holiday vibes, while classic holiday songs or soft instrumentals set the perfect soundtrack.

The Lakehouse offers the perfect setting to bring all these cozy elements together. It’s the ideal venue for a winter wonderland party your guests will love!

Craft a Winter Wonderland Menu

A winter wonderland party calls for a menu as enchanting as the setting! Your guests will love indulging in these delicious bites, making your winter wonderland celebration truly unforgettable.

Appetizers

Creative appetizers bring seasonal charm to the table. Consider serving cranberry and brie bites made with buttery puff pastry, melty brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, and a sprig of rosemary to mimic frosty evergreens.

Or how about snowman-shaped sliders made with mini burger buns decorated with edible eyes, a carrot nose, and edible glitter for a snow-kissed effect? These fun ideas turn simple bites into a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Main Dishes

When it comes down to planning a menu, entrees have to be a showstopper. You can stick with the traditional dish, like a roasted turkey with cranberry glaze and honey-baked ham, or mix it up with something lighter, like a winter vegetable risotto.

No matter what you have in mind, The Lakehouse crafts menus to fit your cravings. From family feasts to intimate gatherings, we deliver a dining experience that feels like home.

Desserts

Enjoy festive treats like snowflake sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and a hot cocoa bar with whipped cream and crushed candy canes—perfect for impressing your guests!

Celebrate the season with The Lakehouse's curated menu. From themed appetizers to indulgent desserts, we offer you an unforgettable experience, one bite at a time.

Limited-Time Offer

This deal won’t last long! Purchase a $100 gift card at The Lakehouse from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve and receive a $20 bonus card plus a delicious brunch. Enjoy our winter special—the Hot Chocolate Flight drink, topped with whipped cream and available in six delightful flavors. Don’t miss out!

Serve Winter-Inspired Drinks

No winter wonderland party is complete without drinks that capture the magic of the season! These winter-inspired drinks will keep the cheer flowing all night long!

Signature Cocktails

Research suggests that color influences our perception of a beverage's taste and aroma. This holiday season, impress your guests with vibrant cocktails embodying a winter wonderland, such as peppermint martinis, mulled wine, or spiced apple cider sangria, adding color and festive cheer to your celebrations.

Festive Mocktails & Warm Drinks

When hosting a holiday party, consider family-friendly options like winter mocktails and indulgent hot chocolates to add a festive touch.

At The Lakehouse, our menu features an enticing selection of beverages. From spiced winter cocktails to warm, comforting drinks, there’s something perfect for everyone to enjoy this season.

Entertain Guests with Engaging Activities

Keep the fun alive with winter-themed activities that guests of all ages will enjoy! Start with classic games like “Pin the Nose on the Snowman” or a lively holiday trivia competition. Adding small prizes for the winners—think festive candles or mini gift cards—will bring out everyone’s playful spirit.

For a creative twist, set up a craft table where guests can make DIY snow globes or custom ornaments. It’s a fun way to get hands-on, and they’ll have a keepsake to take home!

Don’t forget the photo booth—always a crowd-pleaser! Create a wintery scene with a snowy backdrop or even a giant paper cut-out snow globe. Provide fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, snowflakes, and ice queen crowns. Guests will love striking a pose and capturing magical memories from your winter wonderland party!

Prepare Winter Wonderland Party Favors

Send your guests home with a little winter magic! Simple yet memorable favors like snow globe cookies, hot cocoa kits, or mini snowflake candles are sure to delight. Package them in small, clear gift bags with a snow-dusted finish for a frosty look. Add a personal touch by including handwritten thank-you notes or tagging each favor with your guests' names.

These thoughtful details will make your party favors feel extra special and allow the warmth and joy of your winter wonderland celebration to linger.

Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Winter Wonderland Party

Planning your winter wonderland party doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation and these handy tips, you’ll be ready to throw a celebration that’s as magical as freshly fallen snow!

Create a planning timeline. Schedule key tasks like booking your venue, preparing decorations, and finalizing the menu at least a few weeks ahead of time to stay organized and stress-free.
Enhance guest comfort. Keep everyone cozy by offering coat storage, heating options, and blankets, especially for outdoor venues. Warm, happy guests equals a successful party!
Have a backup plan. For outdoor parties, prepare for unexpected weather. Secure a backup indoor space and plan fun indoor games just in case Mother Nature decides to shake things up.

For expert assistance in planning your perfect winter wonderland party, contact Abby, our event director, at abby@ncrventures.com. From designing stunning décor to coordinating every last detail, she’ll ensure your celebration sparkles with elegance!

Takeaway

A winter wonderland holiday party makes the best theme because it’s a perfect mix of elegance, coziness, and seasonal magic. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, embracing the frosty charm of a winter wonderland will ensure your event is both timeless and delightful.

Now, it’s time to bring your vision to life. Host the ultimate winter celebration here at The Lakehouse! With versatile venue options and custom catering services, we’ll help you create a magical atmosphere that’s tailored to your unique style and needs.

Contact our events team, and let’s discuss how we can make a memorable experience!

How to Throw the Perfect Winter Wonderland Holiday Party

Set the Scene with Magical Décor

Select the Perfect Venue for Your Winter Wonderland

Create a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere