Introduction

Boxing Day sits in that sweet spot between the excitement of Christmas and the return to normal life. It’s the perfect time to slow down a little, enjoy good food, and make more memories with the people you love. If you’re looking for 21 Boxing Day party ideas that are fun, simple, and easy to follow, this guide will walk you through everything.

Whether you want a cozy family gathering, a lively party with friends, or a relaxed day of games and movies, you’ll find something here that fits your style. The goal is to keep things low-stress, budget-friendly, and full of joy.

Getting Ready for a Boxing Day Party

Before you jump into the 21 Boxing Day party ideas, it helps to have a basic plan. You don’t need to overcomplicate things; a little preparation goes a long way.

Think about:

• Guest list: Is it just close family, or friends as well?
• Time of day: Brunch, afternoon gathering, or evening party?
• Budget: Use leftovers, simple decorations, and DIY activities.
• Space: Use your living room, backyard, or even a balcony.

Simple touches like fairy lights, candles (even battery-operated ones), and a background playlist of soft music can instantly make your space feel warm and welcoming.

1. Leftovers Feast Party

One of the most practical Boxing Day party ideas is a “leftovers feast.” You probably have plenty of food from Christmas, so why not turn it into a fun get-together?

How it works:

• Reheat turkey, roast veggies, gravy, and side dishes.
• Create a “build-your-own” sandwich or wrap station.
• Offer simple extras like salad, bread rolls, and dips.

You can also ask guests to bring their own leftovers to share. This reduces food waste and turns uneaten meals into a creative buffet.

2. Cozy Pajama Brunch

A pajama brunch is perfect if you want a relaxed, no-pressure Boxing Day party. Everyone shows up in comfy clothes, and the focus is on good food and easy conversation.

Menu ideas:

• Pancakes, waffles, or French toast
• Scrambled eggs, sausages, or veggie options
• Fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or fresh juice

Put on a light playlist, keep the lights soft, and let everyone lounge around. This is one of the best 21 Boxing Day party ideas if you’re hosting family or close friends.

3. Board Game and Card Game Night

A games night is classic, simple to run, and perfect for all ages. You can mix board games, card games, and party games so everyone has something they enjoy.

Game ideas:

• Strategy games (like Catan, Ticket to Ride)
• Party games (charades, Pictionary)
• Card games (Uno, poker, rummy)
• Quick games for kids (memory games, simple dice games)

Create a small prize for the winner, like a fun trophy or chocolate bar. It gives the night a playful, competitive vibe.

4. Movie Marathon Party

If you’re looking for low-effort Boxing Day party ideas, a movie marathon is hard to beat. All you need is a screen, snacks, and something good to watch.

You could choose:

• Christmas classics
• Family-friendly animations
• A favorite movie series
• Romantic comedies or light dramas

Set up a “snack bar” with popcorn, chips, candy, and drinks. Let guests vote on the movie list so everyone feels included.

5. Hot Chocolate and Dessert Bar

Turn your home into a mini dessert café with a hot chocolate and dessert bar. This is especially great if you have a sweet tooth or younger guests.

Set up:

• Big pot or thermos of hot chocolate
• Toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, cinnamon
• Desserts: brownies, cookies, leftover pie, cupcakes, or store-bought treats

You can add a tea and coffee station for adults. This is one of the sweetest 21 Boxing Day party ideas and doesn’t require heavy cooking.

6. Outdoor Fire Pit Gathering

If the weather allows and you have outdoor space, an evening around a fire pit can be magical. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for smaller groups.

Ideas to include:

• Marshmallows and s’mores
• Blankets and outdoor cushions
• Thermoses of hot drinks (tea, coffee, mulled juice)
• Simple background music

Make sure you follow safety rules for fire, keep water nearby, and supervise children. The combination of fresh air, warmth, and conversation makes it unforgettable.

7. Charity and Giving-Back Party

Boxing Day has a tradition of generosity, so one of the most meaningful Boxing Day party ideas is a “giving-back” theme.

You could:

• Ask guests to bring canned food or essentials to donate.
• Collect old toys, clothes, and books in good condition.
• Write cards or small notes of encouragement for people in need.

After the party, deliver the donations to a local shelter, charity, or community group. It turns your celebration into something that also helps others.

8. Potluck Comfort Food Night

A potluck is a classic way to make hosting easier. Everyone brings a dish, so you don’t have to cook everything yourself.

To organize it smoothly:

• Create a simple list: main dishes, sides, desserts, drinks.
• Ask guests to pick a category so you don’t end up with five bowls of salad.
• Encourage easy, comforting dishes like pasta, casseroles, and stews.

Label dishes for allergies and preferences (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) using small cards. It keeps things clear and considerate.

9. Sports Watch Party

In many places, Boxing Day is a big sports day, especially for football fans. If your group loves sports, turn your home into a mini fan zone.

What you’ll need:

• A TV or projector
• Comfortable seating
• Team colors or simple decorations
• Finger foods like wings, fries, nachos, sliders

You can make the game more fun with friendly bets (no money needed) like “loser has to wash dishes” or “winner picks the next movie.”

10. Kids Craft and Cookie Decorating Party

If you have children in the family, this is one of the most useful 21 Boxing Day party ideas. It keeps kids busy, creative, and happy.

Activity ideas:

• Cookie decorating with icing, sprinkles, and chocolate chips
• Simple crafts: paper snowflakes, holiday cards, coloring sheets
• DIY ornaments using paper, glue, and glitter

Cover the table with disposable paper or plastic, so cleanup is easier. At the end, kids can take home their creations as little souvenirs.

11. Book and Snack Swap

A book and snack swap is perfect for quieter groups who love reading. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and encourages conversation.

How it works:

• Ask everyone to bring one or two books they enjoyed.
• Ask them to bring a snack to share—homemade or store-bought.
• Lay all books on a table and let guests choose new ones to take home.

You can add a small reading corner with cushions and blankets where people can flip through their “new” books during the party.

12. DIY Pizza Party

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and letting guests make their own is both fun and interactive.

You provide:

• Ready-made pizza bases or dough
• Tomato sauce and cheese
• Toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, chicken, pepperoni, and more

Set up a “pizza station” where everyone builds their own pizza, then bake them in batches. It becomes both an activity and the meal.

13. Karaoke Boxing Day Bash

If your group loves music, karaoke is one of the best Boxing Day party ideas. It’s full of laughter and makes memories that people talk about for years.

To set it up:

• Use a karaoke machine or a TV with online karaoke videos.
• Create a simple “stage area” with a microphone (even a toy one works).
• Offer a sign-up sheet so everyone gets a turn.

You can give playful awards like “Best Performance,” “Funniest Performance,” or “Most Dramatic Singer.”

14. Photo Booth and Memory Wall

Boxing Day is a great chance to capture the end of the year with photos. A DIY photo booth is easier to create than it sounds.

You’ll need:

• A simple backdrop (a plain wall, curtain, or sheet)
• Props like hats, glasses, signs, and scarves
• A phone on a tripod or a camera

Next to the photo area, create a “memory wall” with sticky notes or small cards where guests can write:

• Their favorite moment of the year
• Something they’re grateful for
• A wish for the coming year

It becomes both a fun activity and a meaningful reflection.

15. International Flavors Food Night

Turn your Boxing Day party into a mini world tour by focusing on international dishes. This is especially fun if your guests enjoy trying new foods.

Ideas by region:

• Italian: pasta, bruschetta, tiramisu
• Mexican: tacos, nachos, salsa and guacamole
• Asian: fried rice, noodles, dumplings
• Middle Eastern: hummus, falafel, flatbreads

You can ask each guest to pick a country and bring something inspired by it. It makes your list of 21 Boxing Day party ideas feel truly global.

16. DIY Spa and Self-Care Evening

Not every Boxing Day party has to be loud. A calm, self-care themed gathering is ideal if you and your friends are tired after a busy December.

Set the mood:

• Soft music and gentle lighting
• Scented candles or essential oils
• Bowls for hand or foot soaks

Offer simple self-care activities:

• Face masks
• Nail painting
• Gentle stretching or light yoga

This is a lovely way to relax and recharge together before the new year.

17. Trivia Night Challenge

Trivia is perfect for groups that enjoy a bit of mental challenge and friendly competition.

Types of questions:

• General knowledge (geography, history, pop culture)
• Holiday and Boxing Day trivia
• Personal trivia about friends and family (e.g., “Who once broke a plate at last year’s party?”)

Create teams, keep score, and offer a small prize for the winners. Trivia works well for mixed-age groups if you balance the questions.

18. Digital or Hybrid Party for Distant Friends

If some loved ones can’t travel, include them with a digital or hybrid Boxing Day party. Thanks to video calls, they can still join in the fun.

You can:

• Set a specific time for a video call.
• Play online games together.
• Watch the same movie and chat during it.
• Share what everyone is eating or doing.

This idea makes the list of 21 Boxing Day party ideas more inclusive, letting you stay connected across distances.

19. Themed Costume or Color Party

Instead of a formal dress code, choose a fun theme or color scheme. It makes every photo look great and gives guests an easy way to join in.

Theme ideas:

• All-white winter outfits
• Red and green (or your favorite colors)
• Retro decades (80s, 90s, etc.)
• Cozy theme: sweaters, scarves, and fuzzy socks

You can add a mini “runway moment” where everyone shows off their look.

20. Resolution and Vision-Board Gathering

Boxing Day sits close to the new year, so you can blend your celebration with goal setting.

Activity ideas:

• Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and paper for vision boards.
• Ask everyone to write down one thing they’re proud of from the past year.
• Invite them to share one realistic goal for the next year.

Keep the tone positive and supportive. It turns your Boxing Day party into a meaningful step toward the future.

21. Simple Open-House Style Drop-In

If you’re not sure who’s free or you want a flexible plan, host an open-house style Boxing Day party.

How it works:

• Choose a time window, like 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Let friends and family know they can drop in whenever they like.
• Keep snacks and drinks out all day.
• Offer simple activities: music, games, and casual conversation.

This reduces pressure on both you and your guests. People can stop by between other visits or obligations and still feel part of your celebration.

Make Any Boxing Day Party Run Smoothly

No matter which of these 21 Boxing Day party ideas you choose, a few simple tips can make your day easier and more enjoyable:

• Keep the menu simple: Don’t try to cook everything from scratch. Use leftovers, ready-made items, and easy recipes.
• Delegate tasks: Ask friends or family to help with setup, music, or games. Most people are happy to pitch in.
• Plan a basic schedule: You don’t need a strict timetable, but knowing when you’ll serve food, start games, or watch a movie helps.
• Prepare a kid-friendly corner: If children are coming, set up toys, coloring books, or a small movie area.
• Remember comfort: Enough seating, warm rooms, and easy access to drinks and snacks keep everyone happy.

Conclusion

Boxing Day doesn’t have to be an afterthought. With these 21 Boxing Day party ideas, you can turn the day into a celebration that suits your personality, budget, and energy level.

Some parties will be lively, with karaoke and games. Others will be soft and calm, with pajamas and hot chocolate. Some might focus on food, while others focus on giving back, reflecting on the year, or simply being together.

Choose one idea or combine several:

• Start with a leftovers feast.
• Add a trivia round or a board game.
• End the day with a movie or a fire pit chat.

What matters most is not perfection, but connection. When people leave your Boxing Day party feeling relaxed, appreciated, and full of good memories, you’ve done it right.