Name: Holiday Popcorn Bar Ideas
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: popcorn (any flavor or variety; pop your own or buy microwave or pre-popped); assorted holiday candies (like M&Ms, Cadbury Snow Balls, gum drops, etc.); mini holiday crackers & cookies (like Goldfish crackers & grahams; Christmas cookie pieces); mini pretzels (regular or yogurt/candy coated); mini marshmallows; cereal (cinnamon, chocolate or holiday flavors); nuts & seeds (raw, salted or glazed)

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A Holiday Popcorn Bar is a quick and easy solution for last minute entertaining. Totally customizable and interactive, your guests will have a blast crafting their own popcorn snack!

Paper cup filled with holiday popcorn mix next to spilled popcorn.

Create Your Own Popcorn Bar for Holiday Fun!

The holiday season is so full of hustle and bustle already…and then it happens. You get the call that your neighbors from ten years ago are in town and want to drop by for a visit tomorrow with their five kids. Sure…no problem! (Now what?)

A holiday themed DIY popcorn bar is the perfect no-cook solution! A quick pop to the grocery store for some supplies, 30 minutes of set up and problem solved.

Not only is a popcorn bar easy for last minute entertaining, but it’s a fun treat for après snow play, a holiday movie night and a great addition to your holiday parties. With endless flavor combinations, it’s easy to please all your popcorn lovers!

A big white tub filled with popcorn next to bowls of popcorn toppings.

Popcorn Options

Pop your own or purchase microwave popcorn or pre-popped popcorn. Choose a single flavor like sea salt, kettle corn, caramel, or white cheddar…or serve up several different flavors. You can even make your own popcorn seasonings for a gourmet spin.

Popcorn Toppings

This is where it gets really fun! Scour the grocery store for all kinds of holiday themed sweet and savory treats. Your guests can pick their favorite toppings to create their own popcorn mix. Here are a few ideas…

Savory Toppings

Any kind of nuts or seeds
Mini pretzels (yogurt or chocolate coated pretzels, too!)
Holiday Goldfish crackers
Chex Mix
Crispy chickpeas
Cheese ball puffs

Sweet Toppings

Milk or white chocolate chips
Mini candy canes
Holiday gummy bears
Red and green M&M’s candies
Gum drops
Peppermint brownie brittle
Breakfast cereals in holiday flavors
Christmas cookie pieces
Mini marshmallows

I could seriously go on and on…but you get the idea!

Red and green gumdrop candies in a white dish.

Serving Pieces + Containers

Use large bowls, popcorn buckets, or holiday-themed vessels to hold popcorn. Don’t forget the popcorn scoops!

Small bowls and mason jars are great for corralling the mix-ins. Kitchen spoons work just fine to scoop up small candies and snacks.

Jars, paper cups, snack cups, popcorn bags, and takeout boxes make cute containers for guests to fill with their favorite popcorn bar items. You can decorate them with twine, ribbon or printable tags to make them festive.

Takeout boxes or snack bags with twist-ties make it easy for guests to make-and-take a popcorn treat bag home.

A paper cup filled with popcorn snack mix wrapped in cellophane next to bowls of candies.

Set Up Your DIY Popcorn Bar

Cover a table or counter with a festive cloth or holiday gift wrap. Place fillable containers, popcorn bowls and topping bowls within easy reach. You can also add some festive decorations like ornaments, a mini tree, ribbons + bows or fairy lights.

A buffet table with candies, nuts, snacks and popcorn to make your own popcorn mix.

A Popcorn Bar For Any Occasion

This is a fun and easy way to celebrate and entertain all year because it’s interactive and customizable. Change up your colors, flavors and decorations to fit any occasion:

Movie night popcorn bar
Birthday parties
Baby showers
Bridal showers
Wedding reception
Game night
Graduation parties

More Holiday Entertaining Ideas!