The Grown-Up Guide to Celebrating on Your Terms This Season

Holiday chaos got you spiraling? Same. Which is exactly why we’re skipping the forced family dinners and diving into holiday party ideas for adults that are fun, flexible, and don’t require sitting next to the uncle who wants to debate local politics.

This is your permission slip for a holiday season filled with cocktails, curated chaos, and gatherings with the people you actually like.

Why We Need New Holiday Traditions (for Adults Who Are Tired)

Let’s be real: the traditional holiday script is outdated.
These holiday party ideas for adults work better because they center joy – not obligation.

If you want a celebration that feels like a warm hug and a soft launch of your revenge era? Keep reading.

1. Host “DrinksGiving” – The Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

This unofficial holiday is elite.
Friends are home, social energy is high, and everyone wants to escape their families.

Why It Works

• It’s low-pressure: cocktails + snacks = done.
• Zero forced conversation with relatives you haven’t seen since 2014.
• You can still show up to Thanksgiving well-rested and well-hydrated (or not).

If you’re gathering with friends before the official chaos begins, DrinksGiving is one of the best holiday party ideas for adults who love fun without the family politics.

2. Throw a “Drinksmas” on December 23rd

Your friends are off work.
Your energy is fading.
You need something festive that doesn’t involve passing judgmental gingerbread.

Enter Drinksmas.

How to Host It

• Japanese whiskey or themed cocktails
• Revenge outfit (non-negotiable)
• Photos your ex’s friends will absolutely see
• A “low-budge, high-vibe” snack table
• Write guests’ names on cups to avoid chaos (optional, but recommended)

3. Holiday Brunch: The Adult Version of Self-Care

If the evening scene isn’t your vibe, consider a brunch setup.
This is one of the easiest holiday party ideas for adults because:

• Everyone loves breakfast food
• Daytime lighting = better photos
• You can wear stretchy pants

Pro Tip

Set up a DIY Bloody Mary bar so beautiful your friends post it before you even pour your drink.

4. Gratitude Burn Ceremony (for Your Mentally Ill Besties)

Have each person write:

• What they’re letting go of
• What they’re calling in
• Who they’re blocking again in January

Set it on fire safely (important caveat), put on emotional music, and let the catharsis flow.

5. The Cozy Open House for People Who Can’t Commit to an Exact Time

A classic – but with actual personality.

Guests can:

• Drop by
• Drink something festive
• Eat semi-warm food
• Gossip
• Leave

Perfect for adults with bad communication skills or children who behave like raccoons.

6. New Year’s Day + Galentine’s Day: The Underrated Winners

These holidays? Criminally underrated.

NYD Ideas

• Pajama-only dress code
• Mimosa towers
• Photo wall of last night’s mistakes

Galentine’s Day

• Charcuterie competition
• Polaroid station
• Heart-shaped everything
• Ambient resentment for the patriarchy (free)

CTA: Your Turn

What’s your favorite grown-up holiday tradition?
Tell me in the comments – or steal one of these and pretend it’s your idea. I won’t judge.

Watch Episode 55, DrinksGiving, Drinksmas & Other Made-Up Holidays That Work Better Than the Real Ones, on YouTube.
Or find Every Day’s a Train Wreck wherever you get your podcasts.