There’s something magical about late-night giggles, matching pajamas, and watching your favorite movies with your best friends. For preteen or tween girls, a Sleepover & Movie Marathon birthday party hits all the right notes—cozy, fun, low-pressure, and packed with memories. With a little planning and a lot of popcorn, you can turn your home into the coziest cinema-sleepover spot around.
Ready to throw the perfect pajama-packed party? Here’s everything you need, from themes and snacks to games and movie picks!
1. Setting the Scene: Cozy Cinema Vibes
Transform your living room, family room, or even a basement into a dreamy movie lounge and sleepover space. Think: soft lights, fuzzy blankets, and a chill, comfy atmosphere.
Essentials:
- Blankets & Pillows: Layer the floor with sleeping bags, air mattresses, throw blankets, and tons of pillows.
- Fairy Lights or String Lights: These set the perfect glow without being too bright for movie time.
- Projector or Big Screen TV: A projector adds a fun theater feel, but any screen works.
- DIY “Ticket Booth” or Signage: Hang a “Now Showing” sign or make paper movie tickets for each guest.
- Themed Décor: Go for Hollywood glam, retro drive-in, or cozy cabin vibes. Add a red carpet entrance for bonus fun!
2. Invitations That Set the Mood
Get everyone excited with themed sleepover invites! You can go digital with a design from Canva or send out printed versions shaped like movie tickets or popcorn bags.
What to Include:
- Party name: “Lila’s Movie Night Sleepover Bash!”
- Date, time, location
- Packing list: sleeping bag, pillow, PJs, toothbrush
- Optional: dress in a favorite movie character or themed pajamas
Encourage early RSVPs to help you plan sleeping space and supplies!
3. Movie Marathon Time!
Let the birthday girl pick a movie theme or genre to guide your marathon. Three to five movies is usually the sweet spot, depending on start time and how late everyone stays up!
Movie Theme Ideas:
- Disney & Pixar Night: Encanto, Turning Red, Moana, Inside Out
- Friendship Flicks: The Princess Diaries, Camp Rock, The Parent Trap
- Tween Rom-Coms: 13 Going on 30, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (PG version), A Cinderella Story
- Spooky-but-Fun: Hocus Pocus, Goosebumps, Coraline, Monster House
Create a schedule or movie “menu” so everyone knows what’s coming next!
4. Snacks & Drinks: Movie Theater Meets Sleepover
What’s a movie night without snacks? Go all out with a DIY snack bar that mixes classic movie munchies with sweet sleepover treats.
Snack Bar Ideas:
- Popcorn Bar: Offer plain popcorn with toppings like cheese powder, caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or rainbow sprinkles.
- Candy Station: Use jars or bowls filled with gummies, licorice, M&Ms, sour candies, and more.
- DIY Nachos or Mini Pizzas: Let guests customize their toppings before baking.
- Sweet Treats: Cupcakes, brownies, or cookies shaped like stars or movie reels.
Drinks:
- Mini soda cans or sparkling juice
- DIY milkshake bar
- Hot cocoa station with whipped cream, sprinkles, and marshmallows
Label everything with cute movie-themed tags like “Premiere Popcorn” or “Director’s Drinks.”
5. Pajamas, Pillows, and Fun Extras
Sleepover parties are about more than just the movies! Add some extra sparkle with matching pajamas or a fun bedtime surprise.
Ideas:
- Matching Sleep Masks: Hand these out when guests arrive (or include them in party favors).
- Movie-Themed Pajamas: Encourage guests to wear PJs that match the movie night theme!
- Build-Your-Own Pillow Station: Let guests stuff and decorate mini pillows as a craft and keepsake.
- Temporary Tattoos or Glow Bracelets: Great for nighttime fun!
Set up a “Midnight Snack Station” with grab-and-go treats for late-night munchies.
6. Games & Activities Between Movies
Keep the energy up with a few simple games or crafts between flicks or before bedtime.
Game Ideas:
- Movie Trivia: Test knowledge on the movies you’re watching or general pop culture.
- Charades: Movie Edition: Act out characters or scenes!
- Would You Rather – Sleepover Edition: Prepare fun, silly questions to get everyone laughing.
- DIY Spa Time: Mini facials, nail painting, or lip gloss-making kits for some glam downtime.
- Photo Booth Fun: Set up a corner with a backdrop and movie-themed props for silly group selfies.
7. Cake & Birthday Surprise
Every birthday needs a sweet centerpiece! Even though it’s a relaxed, stay-in kind of party, don’t skip the cake moment.
Cake & Dessert Ideas:
- Popcorn bucket cake
- Star-shaped cookies with guest names
- Movie reel cupcakes with fondant decorations
- Ice cream sundaes with all the toppings
Have a special candle moment after the first movie or during a snack break.
8. Sleep Time (Eventually)
Even if lights-out doesn’t actually mean sleeping right away, make sure everyone has a comfy spot to rest and wind down.
Wind-Down Tips:
- Dim lights and put on a calm “cool-down” movie or mellow playlist.
- Offer calming activities like coloring books or journals.
- Have a “quiet time” zone for guests who are ready to snooze sooner.
Pro tip: A few extra air mattresses or sleeping mats can save the night if someone forgets their stuff.
9. Party Favors to Remember the Night
Send guests home with little sleepover-themed goodie bags as a thank-you and memory of the night.
Favor Ideas:
- Sleep masks or fuzzy socks
- Mini popcorn bags or candy
- Personalized water bottles
- Stickers or movie quote bookmarks
- Glow-in-the-dark stars or flashlights
Bag everything up in a cute tote or small drawstring bag labeled “Thanks for popping by!”
10. Sample Party Timeline
Here’s a loose timeline for a typical sleepover & movie marathon:
6:00 PM – Guests arrive, decorate snacks, change into PJs
6:30 PM – Dinner or mini pizza bar
7:00 PM – First movie begins
8:45 PM – Game or craft break
9:15 PM – Second movie + snacks
11:00 PM – Cake and late-night fun
11:30 PM–12:00 AM – Wind-down activity, quiet time
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast, goodbyes, pick-up
