Pickleball Holiday Event Ideas: Festive Ideas to “Dink the Halls” in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, pickleball players everywhere are have traded in their summer shorts and sunglasses for indoor pickleball (in most places). Whether you run events for a facility, church, or are just looking for ideas for your pickleball league, we've got you covered!

After all, the holidays are the perfect time to celebrate community, competition, and connection on the court. Whether you’re a club organizer or just planning a friendly neighborhood showdown, these pickleball holiday event ideas for 2025 will help you serve up some seasonal spirit.

🍗 Friendsgiving Potluck Smash

Food and pickleball? What could be better. If you play with a lot of groups, consider booking some courts (or a rec center or church gym) to have a meal and a game. Ask everyone to bring a side dish, dessert or main and then play Kings Court style. After the games, everyone can say one thing they're thankful for (be it a new paddle or fun friendships) and share a meal. We guarantee you'll get a lot of RSVPs on this one!

🎅 “Dink the Halls” Holiday Tournament

There’s no better way to combine holiday fun and pickleball than with a “Dink the Halls” themed tournament. Decorate courts with garlands, twinkle lights, and ornaments, and encourage players to wear red, green, and plenty of sparkle. Offer prizes for best dressed and most festive spirit during a friendly round-robin or more competitive bracket play. A holiday pickleball tournament is the a perfect way to bring groups of players players together before the end of the year.

👔  Ugly Sweater Smash

Get ready for laughter on the court with an Ugly Sweater Pickleball Event. Players wear their most outrageous (and maybe even uncomfortable) holiday sweaters while competing in doubles play. To keep the holiday cheer flowing, serve up hot cocoa or festive energy drinks afterwards. Don't forget to have your group vote on best holiday sweater!

🦌 “Reindeer Rally” Doubles Challenge

For a fun twist on team play, host a Reindeer Rally, where doubles teams are named after Santa’s reindeer—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and the rest. Each court can have its own theme or mascot, and players can compete for “golden antler” trophies. This theme is great for both adults and kids, making it one of the most family-friendly pickleball holiday events around. Alternatively (or if you don't have a big group), divide into Rudolph and Prancer teams and tally up the most wins and points for the ultimate trophy.

🎁 Paddles & Presents Charity Pickleball Drive

The holiday season is about giving, and what better way to do that than through pickleball? Organize a charity holiday tournament where entry fees or donations go toward a local food bank or toy drive. Add a festive touch by wrapping paddles or balls as part of the donation display. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the season and give back to the community through the sport we love. Want to keep it even simpler? Arrange a day with your pickleball group where everyone brings one item to donate to a local food bank. 

❄️ “Frosty Balls” Winter Tournament

If you live in a colder climate, turn your winter blues into winter fun with a Frosty Balls event. Played outdoors, this event can feature snowflake decorations, themed music, and cozy post-match refreshments like cider or mulled wine. Encourage players to wear white and blue for a “Winter Wonderland” aesthetic and see how long you can hang on the outdoor courts.

🎆  New Year’s Bash

Ring in the New Year pickleball-style! A New Year’s Eve tournament can include glow-in-the-dark paddles, countdown games, and a midnight toast. Celebrate 2025 with fun awards like “Most Improved Player,” “Best Dinker,” or “Spirit of Pickleball.”

✨ Serve It Up!

Whether you're organizing a pickleball event for family, friends, or your Swish group,  holiday pickleball events in 2025 are all about bringing people together in the spirit of fun, fitness, and festivity.

We hope these creative tournament ideas help you blend holiday cheer with the fastest-growing sport in America. We guarantee the fun, social elements will get your friends excited to join in on the fun.

So grab your paddle, cue the Christmas music, and let’s dink into the holidays!