How to Create a Circus-Themed Party
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Roll up, roll up! If your child loves bright colours, silly clowns, acrobats, and a touch of magical chaos, a circus-themed birthday party is a show-stopping way to celebrate. Packed with excitement, colour, and carnival fun, this party theme is guaranteed to leave your little one and their guests grinning from ear to ear.
Here’s your complete guide to planning a fabulous circus-themed birthday extravaganza!
Step 1: Send Out the Greatest Invitations on Earth
Set the tone with invitations that feel like a ticket to the Big Top! Add playful circus wording like:
• “Step right up to [Child’s Name]’s Spectacular Circus Birthday!”
• “Join us under the big top on [Date & Time] at [Party Location]!”
• “Come dressed as your favourite circus star!”
Include fun elements like mini popcorn bags or pretend ticket stubs with the invite.
Step 2: Transform Your Space Into the Big Top
Create a whimsical, carnival-like atmosphere with bold colours and circus flair.
Decor Ideas
• Red, yellow, and blue streamers and bunting
• Striped tablecloths and backdrops
• Balloon arches in bright colours
• “Welcome to the Big Top” signage
• DIY ticket booths or clown photo props
Set up stations like “Face Painting,” “Popcorn Stand,” or “Ring Toss Zone” for an immersive experience.
Step 3: Dress the Performers – Costumes & Accessories
Invite guests to come dressed as clowns, ringmasters, animals, or acrobats. You can also hand out:
• Clown noses or top hats
• Face paint or temporary tattoos
• Circus-themed masks
• Colourful suspenders or tutus
It’s a fun way to get everyone in the circus spirit!
Step 4: Circus Games & Activities Galore
Turn your party into a carnival with fun-filled games and stations:
Ring Toss
Use bottles or cones and hoops for this carnival classic.
Clown Bowling
Decorate pins with silly clown faces and let the kids bowl them over.
Balloon Animals or Face Painting
Hire an entertainer or DIY your own face-painting corner.
Tightrope Challenge
Lay a rope or tape line on the ground and see who can balance like a circus star.
DIY Craft Station
Let kids make clown hats, circus posters, or decorate popcorn boxes.
Step 5: Feed the Little Performers – Circus Snacks
Bring the carnival feel to your food table—label it the “Concession Stand” for fun.
• Popcorn in striped boxes
• Cotton candy cones
• Hot dogs and mini burgers
• Cupcakes topped with clown faces or circus animals
• Fruit skewers shaped like juggling balls
• “Lion Tamer Lemonade” or colourful drinks
Add a candy cart or sweet jars for extra wow!
Step 6: The Birthday Cake – Centre Ring Showstopper
Make your cake a showpiece:
• A tiered cake decorated like a circus tent
• Cupcake towers with circus-themed toppers
• A lion or elephant cake with fondant decorations
• Clown face cake with sprinkles and bright colours
Add a sparkling candle or a ringmaster topper for drama!
Step 7: Party Bags – Carnival Prizes for All
Send each guest home with a “Big Top Goodie Bag” filled with:
• Mini juggling balls
• Clown noses
• Stickers or tattoos
• Animal toys
• Sweets and treats
Package them in striped or polka-dot bags with a tag that says “Thanks for joining the show!”
Step 8: Bonus Touch – Carnival Music & Announcements
Set the mood with fun circus tunes and background carnival music. Add a microphone for the birthday child to play “Ringmaster” and announce activities—it adds excitement and laughter!
How Winterberries Can Help You Bring Your Circus-Themed Party to Life
At Winterberries, we’re all about helping you create unforgettable party magic—without the stress.
Our boutique party store is packed with circus-themed partyware, accessories, gifts, and everything you need to turn your home into a Big Top celebration.
✓ Circus-Themed Decorations & Supplies
From striped tableware and bunting to balloon arches, clown props, and themed party favours—we’ve got you covered.
✓ Can’t Find What You Need? We’ll Source It!
Need something specific—like a clown balloon or ringmaster cake topper? If we don’t have it in stock, we’ll happily source it for you through our party planning service.
✓ Custom Party Bags & Extras
We help you create one-of-a-kind goodie bags to match your theme and budget.
✓ Gifts & Keepsakes
Looking for something special for the birthday star or unique thank-you gifts? Our curated gift collection has you covered.
✓ Full Party Planning Services
Let us take care of the details! Our expert team can help you design, decorate, and execute a fabulous circus-themed party from start to finish.
At Winterberries, we believe every celebration should be full of joy, laughter, and colourful memories—and we’d love to help you make yours one to remember.
Ready to plan your circus-themed party?
Visit us online or in-store to shop our fabulous collection at 604 Fulham Road, SW6 5RP. Need help bringing it all together? Contact our friendly party planning team today at info@winterberries.store —and let the show begin!
Need more party inspiration?
Check out these circus-themed party blog posts:
https://fuelledbylatte.com/circus-carnival-themed-birthday-party
https://agnt.com/blog/circus-themed-party-planning-guide/
https://thissweetlife.blog/2019/07/04/aris-fourth-birthday-party-circus-theme/?amp=1