Get into the Spirit with 6 Costume Party Ideas 

Costume parties are fun any time of year, not just at Halloween! Add an extra element of fun to your holiday gatherings by hosting a holiday costume party for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or any other holiday throughout the year. Choose a costume that stands out with humor and elegance to welcome everyone to your home. You have many options, so it’s nice to choose a theme for your party when picking out a disguise to wear. Ideas for themes include things that match the specific holiday, like a red and white costume for Christmas, themes from popular TV shows and beyond. These ideas from Pottery Barn will help you get inspired.

Halloween-Themed Host Costume Ideas

Hang a spooky wreath and string lights outside your door to welcome guests. Then open the door wearing a spider costume as you invite friends into your lair. Dress up as a witch or wizard and welcome guests to join you in a glass of brew from your ghostly punch bowl. Put on a classic vampire costume and stroll serenely from room to room among your guests. Be sure to occasionally break out into a wild, cackling laugh that matches your spooky costume to keep everyone on their toes.

Making Memories with a Thanksgiving Holiday Costume Party

Invite guests to your costumed Thanksgiving celebration and greet them at the door dressed as something unexpected or traditional. Take advantage of the unexpected and dress up as a traditional non-human Thanksgiving item to match your turkey day decor, like a cornucopia or a giant ear of corn. This sets the mood for a playful and fun, high-energy gathering with plenty of photo opportunities and lots of smiles. 

Holiday Party Costume Ideas for Christmas Gatherings

Dress up as the quintessential Christmas host or hostess by slipping into a Santa or Mrs. Claus costume for your holiday costume party. Some other costume ideas for this winter holiday include an ice king and queen in cool blue clothing, a sparkly snowflake or a puffy snowman. These are ideal because they represent winter and match the season perfectly. Be sure to set up a photo area in front of a festive wreath or Christmas tree so everyone has a spot to pose in their costumes for pictures. 

Holiday Themed Party Costume Ideas for Hanukkah 

Add a playful touch to your Hanukkah celebration while still honoring the dignity of the holiday by hosting a decorated sweater costume party. As the host, choose a sweater in bold blue with a gold embroidered dreidel or menorah emblazoned across the front. Hang some silver ornaments or plastic coins from the sweater to make it really stand out. This makes your costume complementary to your beautiful Hanukkah decor. Let kids dress up in full costume as dreidels or latkes. As a fun option, set out some party hats for any guests who show up without costumes to wear. 

Elegant Diwali Costumes

Celebrate the Festival of Lights, also called Diwali, by displaying a stunning array of traditional wax or flameless candles. Put on traditional Indian clothing, like Kurta pajamas or a silk Sherwani for men and a stunning, colorful Anarkali or Saree for women. These are typically made in vibrant colors and embellished with silver or gold trimming. The silky, shimmering fabrics used to craft your Diwali costume are perfect for catching and reflecting the delicate, shimmering lights left on all night. 

Patriotic Holiday Costumes

Plan a costume picnic for patriotic holidays that fall during warm summer months, such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day, for something a touch different. As the host or hostess of the party, dress up as Uncle Sam or the Statue of Liberty to show your patriotism and your fun side. Put red, white and blue decorations on your outdoor tables, and hang up string lights if you expect the party to go on through the night. Some other costume ideas for patriotic holidays include firecrackers, flags and founders like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.