Crazy Fun Ideas for Entertaining Out-of-Town Guests
The holidays are approaching quickly, which means you’ll get a few blissful days (or weeks, if you’re lucky) of nothing but time with loved ones. Will you have friends and family staying at your house for Christmas? You could take them to do the traditional touristy stuff around your city… OR you could give them an experience and a souvenir to remember their visit! Check out these eight ideas for entertaining out-of-town guests between all of the celebrations and feasting!
Go on a tour of Christmas lights.
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like taking in some beautiful Christmas décor. Bundle up, grab a thermos of hot chocolate, and take a drive (or a stroll, weather permitting!) to check out the most festive homes in your town. Not impressed? Enlist your guests to help decorate and make your house the most festive destination in the neighborhood!
Host a multi-night card or board game tournament.
Facilitate some friendly competition between your family and friends with your favorite game. Raise the stakes by turning it into a tournament lasting the span of their visit. Circle up, drink up, and deal up. You might be shocked at how competitive everyone gets as the nights go on. Just don’t forget to choose a prize – even if it’s something as simple as getting the last piece of pumpkin pie!
Make a bonfire in your backyard.
If you’ve got a backyard (or even a fire pit), cozy up around a bonfire with your out-of-town guests. Mix up some spiked hot chocolate or warm apple cider, and break out the ingredients for s’ mores. Get the complete “campfire” experience with some ghost stories!
Break a sweat.
Exercise probably isn’t high on your “how to entertain houseguests” brainstorming list… but nothing feels better than a good sweat sesh in the middle of eating and drinking your way through the holiday season! Pick any activity you enjoy that will raise your heart rate, whether it’s going for a hike, having a dance party, or running a 5K. Then bask in those endorphins!
Sip, socialize, and create.
Spoil your guests by taking them to a group painting party! At Painting with a Twist, you and your guests can enjoy a beverage (or three) as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, following along step-by-step with a talented local artist. Not only will you have a blast getting tipsy and crafty, but your guests will also have a fantastic keepsake to take home with them.
Volunteer in your community.
There is something that feels good about giving back, especially around the holidays. Contact your local animal shelter, food bank, nursing home, or any other charity that is near and dear to your heart, and figure out how you and your guests can be helpful. Whether you’re serving hot lunches or walking cooped up shelter dogs, you and your friends will have a memorable day while making a difference.
Check out a local theater.
Grab tickets to take your guests to a play or a local comedy club. Local theaters usually have less expensive admission costs, and they offer the most authentic experience as portrayed by artists from your community! It might not be a Tony-worthy performance… but truthfully, sometimes it’s more entertaining that way!
Craft ugly holiday sweaters.
Ugly sweater parties are a Christmas-season staple. One way to ensure you’ve got the ugliest sweater in the room is to make it yourself! Set up an ugly sweater “bar,” complete with sequins, iron-on appliques, fabric paint, and all of the tacky goodness your heart desires. Tell guests to BYOS: Bring Their Own Sweater! You’ll all have a ball creating hideously beautiful custom sweaters from scratch.
It’s no doubt that your holiday guests are unique, and they deserve a trip that’s as amazing as they are! Give them the gift of an itinerary full of fun and creative activities, like a paint party. With 300 studios in 29 states, there’s bound to be a Painting with a Twist near you! We’ll take care of the hosting and entertaining. You just have fun!