31 Potluck Themes to Do in December

Introduction

When the holiday season arrives, bringing friends, family, and coworkers together over shared food is a tradition that never gets old. December, with its chilly weather and festive spirit, is the perfect month to host potlucks that are both fun and memorable. Whether you’re aiming for cozy, elegant, or playful, these 31 potluck themes for December are sure to delight every guest and make planning effortless.

Creative December Potluck Themes for Every Occasion

From holiday classics to inventive cuisine mashups, these potluck themes invite everyone to bring their best dishes to the table. Not only do themed potlucks simplify organizing, but they also fuel culinary creativity and ensure a variety of dishes, turning any gathering into a shared memory. Read on for ideas that will turn your next December potluck into an event everyone looks forward to!

31 Potluck Themes to Try This December

1. Classic Holiday Favorites – Everyone brings their family’s most-loved holiday dish, from green bean casserole to honey ham.
2. Soup & Bread Night – Warm up with homemade soups and fresh-baked breads; perfect for chilly December evenings.
3. Comfort Food Classics – Think mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and hearty casseroles for ultimate comfort.
4. Appetizers-Only Party – Make it easy and fun with bite-sized treats everyone can nibble on while mingling.
5. Global Feast – Assign each guest a cuisine (Italian, Mexican, Thai, etc.) for a globe-trotting potluck.
6. Holiday Breakfast for Dinner – Pancakes, breakfast casseroles, and festive mimosas in the evening.
7. Sweet Treat Swap – Everyone brings their favorite cookies, bars, or candies for a dessert-centric potluck.
8. Vegetarian/Vegan Night – Showcase delicious meat-free dishes that prove plant-based can be festive.
9. Crockpot Creations – Let slow cookers do the work with a spread of stews, chilis, and hot dips.
10. Make-Your-Own Taco Bar – Set out shells, tortillas, fillings, and toppings for personalized tacos.
11. Winter Salad Potluck – Brighten up winter menus with grain bowls, roasted veggies, and hearty greens.
12. Pajama Party Brunch – Bring breakfast casseroles, pastries, and hot chocolate—pajamas encouraged!
13. Pizza Party – Have everyone build their own creations or bring specialty pizzas to share.
14. Fondue Night – Cheese, chocolate, or broth fondues with lots of dippables.
15. Retro Recipes – A homage to vintage cookbooks: jello salads, deviled eggs, and classic casseroles.
16. Baked Potato Bar – Potatoes and all the fixings, plus creative toppings like chili and cheese.
17. Roast & Root Veggie Night – Celebrate seasonal produce with roasted vegetable and meat dishes.
18. Holiday Movie-Themed Potluck – Each dish is inspired by a favorite holiday film (think “Elf” spaghetti or “Home Alone” mac ‘n cheese).
19. Charcuterie & Cheese Gathering – Guests assemble boards featuring meats, cheeses, fruit, and crackers.
20. Festive Finger Foods – Mini quiches, sliders, shrimp cocktail, and skewers ideal for grazing.
21. Potluck Cookie Decorating Bash – Bake, decorate, and share homemade cookies as the main event.
22. Gingerbread House Contest – Bring supplies and let creativity reign; enjoy communal decorating and snacking.
23. Hot Drinks Potluck – Wassail, cider, cocoa, and more—plus all the toppings and mix-ins.
24. Holiday Tapas – Small plates from around the world for endless sampling.
25. Ugly Sweater Social – Dishes with punny “ugly” presentations encouraged—bring the silliest-looking treat!
26. DIY Sushi Party – Provide rice and seaweed, ask everyone to bring fillings and toppings.
27. Potluck Pot Pie Night – Chicken, veggie, or seafood—savory pies are the star.
28. All-American Classics – Meatloaf, baked beans, cornbread, and other homey favorites.
29. Holiday Potluck Around the World – Bring a traditional holiday dish from your heritage or a country you love.
30. Chili Cook-Off – See who can create the most flavorful chili recipe.
31. DIY Ornament Craft & Snack Night – Combine food with festive arts and crafts for an engaging gathering!

Keep It Organized: What You’ll Need

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save your potluck recipes to instantly generate a categorized shopping list—making it a breeze to delegate dishes, avoid duplicate ingredients, and ensure nothing is forgotten on grocery day.

Instructions for Planning Your December Potluck

1. Choose a theme based on your group’s tastes and the occasion’s vibe.
2. Ask each guest to sign up for a particular dish or category (main, side, dessert, drink).
3. Share any recipes or special instructions (allergy-friendly, nut-free, vegan, etc.).
4. Coordinate who brings serving utensils, plates, and décor for a cohesive setup.
5. On potluck day, set up a buffet style serving area with labels for each dish.
6. Encourage festive attire or activities related to the theme.
7. Enjoy a delicious and memorable celebration!

Weekly Meal Planning for the Festive Season

With so many events happening in December, meal planning becomes crucial. Schedule your potluck recipes in advance to keep your week organized and stress-free. CookifyAI helps combine shopping lists for all events (from dinner parties to work get-togethers), helping you buy exactly what you need.

Planning Benefits:

Efficiently track total quantities needed when making multiple recipes

Organize shopping trips by store section to save time

Minimize duplicate ingredients and food waste

Stay ahead of the holiday rush with all your meals mapped out

Pro tip: When juggling multiple potlucks or holiday gatherings, use CookifyAI to assign dishes and coordinate who brings what, leaving you more time to enjoy good company.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15-30 minutes per dish, depending on the recipe and theme
Cook Time: Varies; most potluck-friendly recipes range from 20 to 60 minutes
Total Time: Most potluck events last 2-3 hours including setup, dining, and clean-up

December Potluck Themes Recap

With these 31 inspired potluck themes, your December calendar will be packed with flavorful, festive gatherings. Themes make planning effortless and ensure everyone gets involved, making each celebration unique and memorable. Save your favorites, plan ahead, and gather with friends and family for unforgettable meals all season long!