We’ve been to so many holiday parties, day and night, that feature THE cocoa bar. It’s such a great idea and a total crowd-pleaser. When it’s cold outside, what better way to warm up and enjoy your favorite people?
You’ve probably seen it on social, too: moms and dads setting one up on Christmas Eve for the kids and turning it into the coziest night in. It’s the kind of activity that creates memories for years to come.
If you’ve ever thought, “That is so cute! I want to do that this year!” but didn’t know where to start, so the idea fell off the wagon… we’ve got you. Below is everything you need to set one up, and our Hot Cocoa Bar Party Kit handles the hard part, step by step, with a full supply list. Holiday host champion? That’s you.
What You Need
- A slow cooker or large pot of hot cocoa (or a kettle of hot milk and cocoa packets)
- Mugs or insulated cups
- Spoons, stirrers and napkins
- Small bowls or jars for toppings
- A tray or cake stand to give the bar some height
- A sign and labels so guests know what’s what
The Best Hot Cocoa Toppings
You don’t need all of these. Pick six to eight and fill the jars generously.
- Mini marshmallows and big fluffy ones
- Whipped cream (keep the can in a bowl of ice)
- Crushed peppermint or mini candy canes
- Chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
- Caramel sauce
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon sticks
- Crushed cookies, like Oreos or gingersnaps
- Toffee bits
For an adults-only party, add a little something extra like peppermint schnapps, Baileys or Kahlua, and label it clearly.
How to Keep the Cocoa Warm
A slow cooker on the “warm” setting is our favorite trick. Make the cocoa on the stove, pour it in, and stir every so often so a skin doesn’t form. Set a ladle next to it and you’re done.
Set It Up So Guests Can Serve Themselves
Arrange the bar in the order guests will use it: mugs first, then cocoa, then toppings, then spoons and napkins at the end. A simple menu with easy steps helps guests know where to start, and mug tags with a spot for names mean nobody loses their cup.
Send Guests Home With a Cocoa Favor
Fill small jars or treat bags with a scoop of cocoa mix and a handful of marshmallows, then tie on a tag. It’s an inexpensive favor that guests actually use. Want to make your own mix? Try our Skinny White Hot Chocolate Mix.
☕ Crumbs of Knowledge
- Print the sign and menu on cardstock so they stand up and don’t curl.
- Use clear jars for toppings. Guests can see what’s inside, and it looks pretty on the table.
- Put a small trash bowl at the end of the bar for used stirrers and candy cane wrappers.
- Keep a backup batch of cocoa on the stove. The slow cooker empties faster than you’d think.
Get the Printable Hot Cocoa Bar Kit
Our Hot Cocoa Bar Party Kit comes in two styles: Festive (cranberry red and evergreen with snowflakes) for Christmas parties, and Classic (warm chocolate, caramel and cream) for cozy gatherings all winter long. You get both in one download. Each includes a hot cocoa bar sign that fits an 8 x 10 frame, a Build Your Cocoa menu, 15 topping labels per page (with blanks for your own add-ins), mug tags, cocoa gift tags and a host guide with a shopping list and party timeline.
Hosting a cookie swap too? Our Cookie Exchange Party Kit pairs perfectly with a cocoa bar, and our How to Host a Cookie Exchange guide walks you through it.
Stay cozy!
