Dressing up in a Christmas costume is a wonderful way to show your holiday spirit during the flurry of December festivities each year. If you're hosting your own party, greet your guests at the door in full regalia, or if you’re attending a Christmas costume party, come as a classic literary character! Below are some whimsical alternatives to the standard Santa and Mrs. Claus ensembles, along with matching online Christmas party invitations you can customize and deliver by text or email in minutes! 

Turn to classic literature for a thoughtful and nostalgic Christmas costume idea. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is full of vibrant and interesting characters. For men’s Christmas costumes, consider Ebenezer Scrooge in a Victorian suit and top hat, or The Ghost of Christmas Present in a deep green robe with a holly wreath crown. Tiny Tim, of course, makes for an adorable Christmas costume for boys.

Pay homage to pop culture and dress up as a character from a famous Christmas movie. Christmas costumes can include Buddy the Elf from Elf, the captain from The Polar Express, the Grinch from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, or Ralphie from A Christmas Story (with the most essential prop—a Red Ryder BB gun!).

If you’re looking for beautiful and elaborate Christmas party costumes, draw inspiration from The Nutcracker ballet. Characters include Clara (a perfect Christmas costume for girls), the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, the Nutcracker himself, and all the inhabitants of the Land of Sweets. Model your ensemble after the gorgeous stage costumes or create your own non-ballet version. For example, the Sugar Plum Fairy traditionally wears a gold tutu, but you could easily translate that concept to a sparkly gold cocktail dress and a few glittering accessories.

Who doesn't love a yummy seasonal dessert, drink, or candy? For this theme, you can dress up like a gingerbread man or woman, cup of hot cocoa, candy cane, figgy pudding, or fruitcake!

For more ideas for Christmas costumes, turn to traditional symbols of the holiday season. Dress yourself as a Christmas tree, a ball of mistletoe, or a wrapped present. Base your outfit on a silver and gold theme, or a snowflake motif. The possibilities are endless!

Take some risks and have fun putting together your Christmas party costumes. You’ll be sure to spread holiday cheer wherever you go! Ready to start planning your own Christmas party? Get started with this free Christmas party invitations.