How to Train Your Dragon is a popular animated movie franchise that kids and adults alike have fallen in love with. The coming-of-age story featuring the adventures of Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and the rest of the Viking crew has captured the hearts of many. As such, How to Train Your Dragon birthday parties have become increasingly popular over the years.
If your little one is a fan of the powerful, yet compassionate Night Fury dragon Toothless or the fierce and fearless Viking warrior Astrid, then a How to Train Your Dragon birthday party theme is the perfect fit. With the right decorations, you can transform any venue into a Viking village from the island of Berk.
Potential Target Audiences
Some potential target audiences that would find value in this article include:
- Parents planning a How to Train Your Dragon themed birthday party for their kids
- Educators or youth group leaders putting together a How to Train Your Dragon event
- Party planners and event coordinators looking for How to Train Your Dragon party ideas
- How to Train Your Dragon super fans interested in party decor inspiration
This article aims to provide useful tips and ideas to anyone planning a fun How to Train Your Dragon bash.
Party Backdrop and Wall Decorations
One of the first things you need to set the tone for your How to Train Your Dragon party is an epic backdrop. Some backdrop ideas include:
Viking Village Backdrop
Create a Viking village backdrop complete with charming wooden cottages, tall pine trees, and flickering fire pits. You can hand paint the backdrop on a large piece of cardboard or cloth. For a 3D effect, make cottages, trees, and other structures out of cardboard and attach them to the backdrop.
Berk Island Backdrop
Paint a scenic backdrop featuring Berk island and all its glory. Include recognizable landmarks from the movie like the Great Hall, the old dragon killing arena where Hiccup first trained Toothless, grassy cliffs, and the vast open ocean.
Dragon Stables Backdrop
Set the stage for a dragon adventure with a backdrop featuring the old dragon stables and training grounds. Paint stone walls, wooden beams, fire pits, and all sorts of dragons like Deadly Nadders, Monstrous Nightmares, and more.
In addition to the main backdrop, decorate other party areas with How to Train Your Dragon themed elements. Here are some ideas:
- Hang dragon and Viking shields on the walls
- Drape faux fur pelts and dragon skins on chairs and tables
- Attach cardboard dragon heads or tails coming out of the walls
- Hang strings of Viking helmets, axes, swords, and oars from the ceiling
You can make many of these wall decorations easily and inexpensively from cardboard and craft supplies. Get creative with the decor and transform the space into a Viking domain!
Table Decorations
When it comes to How to Train Your Dragon birthday party table decor, think dragons, Vikings, adventure, and fun!
Viking Ship Centerpieces
Make mini Viking ships out of cardboard or wood and use them as table centerpieces. Fill them with faux gold coins, jewels, and weapons for a nautical explorer feel. Surround each ship with blue fabric “water” and sprinkle in some shiny fish scale confetti.
Dragon Nest Centerpieces
Create a 3D dragon nest tablescape bursting with eggs in a mix of colors and patterns. Accent with some trees, moss, large leaves, and mini dragons. Add LED string lights for an enchanting glow.
Map & Compass Runners
Print or hand draw maps of islands and oceans on parchment paper. Roll up and tie with rope for a rugged pirate map look. Use as table runners alongside compasses, telescopes, and other adventure gear.
Woven Placemats
Make placemats from jute rope wrapped around wooden dowels for a handcrafted Viking style statement.
Themed Foods and Drinks
You can’t host a How to Train Your Dragon party without some themed nibbles and treats straight from Berk’s Great Hall. These food ideas will delight kids and adults alike:
Dragon Tail Cake Pops
Cake pops dipped in blue candy melts with a sugar cone “tail” – so cute!
Fish Tail Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches cut into fish tail shapes. Use a bread punch to make the scales.
Hiccup’s Shield Pizza
Make personal sized pizzas on round flatbread crusts. Use pepperoni to decorate the top into Hiccup’s shield design from the movie.
Astrid’s Axes Fruit Kabobs
Cube fruit like pineapple, grapes, and melon and stack onto skewers like mini axes.
Toothless’ Seafood Pasta
Black pasta tossed in white sauce with shrimp and scallops – a dragon’s favorite!
Torch Lava Cakes
Individual molten lava cakes are served flaming for a fiery dragon effect.
Mead Mocktails
Sweet honey mead was a Viking favorite. Make kid-friendly “mead” using apple cider, berry juice, lemonade, or ginger ale. Serve in wooden tankards for realism.
Entertainment and Activities
In between all the feasting, keep your little Vikings entertained with these fun party activities:
- Dragon Training School – Set up stations to measure wing spans, test fire breath, throw tails, and more!
- Dragon Egg Hunt – Hide colorful plastic eggs filled with toys and candy all over!
- Dragon Piñata – Let kids take a whack at this epic paper mache dragon piñata!
- Dragon Races – Kids race while straddling blow-up dragons for laughs.
- Viking Boat Regatta – Float mini Viking ships in a paddling pool or tub race course.
Get the adults in on the fun with a parents vs kids round of Dragon Trivia!
Party Favors
Send your guests home with a piece of Berk to remember the bash by. Here are some party favor ideas:
- Plush Toothless or dragon masks
- Hand painted Viking shields
- Dragon eggs filled with candy or small toys
- Temporary dragon tattoos
- How to Train Your Dragon coloring books and crayons
If you have a lower budget, How to Train Your Dragon bookmarks, stickers, temporary tattoos, or print outs would also make great party favors.
With vivid decorations straight out of the imaginative world of How to Train Your Dragon, you can throw an unforgettable Viking and dragon-themed bash. Follow the backdrop, wall decor, tablescape, food, entertainment, and party favor ideas outlined above to bring Berk to life at home. Just use your creativity and have fun planning – your kiddos are sure to have a roaring good time!
