As the holidays roll in, pickleball communities everywhere are looking for creative ways to celebrate the season. Whether you're hosting a club event, planning a neighborhood get-together, or simply want to add some holiday spirit to your weekly games, Christmas-themed pickleball activities are a fun way to connect, compete, and enjoy the game we all love.

Here are five festive pickleball activities perfect for Christmas, easy to organize, beginner-friendly, and guaranteed to bring out the holiday cheer.

1. Christmas Pickleball Tree Decorating Challenge

Turn your court into a winter wonderland! Set up a Christmas tree and let players decorate it using pickleball-themed ornaments, mini paddles, pickleball baubles, scorecard ornaments, and even garlands made of wiffle balls. If you want to take it up a notch, turn it into a competition: players earn ornament pieces by winning points or completing mini challenges.

2. Ugly Sweater Pickleball Tournament

Nothing says Christmas like an ugly sweater, especially one that restricts your overhead smash.
Players show up in their most festive, ridiculous sweaters and compete in a lighthearted round-robin. Give awards for “Most Festive,” “Most Likely to Cause a Fault,” and “Player Who Somehow Still Won in That Sweater.” 

3. Pickleball Gift Exchange Rally (White Elephant Style)

Combine a classic White Elephant with a rally-based twist. Players bring wrapped gifts (funny, pickleball-themed, or under a set price). Each rally winner gets to open, swap, or steal a gift.
Not only is it hilarious, but players also stay engaged because every point matters.

4. Holiday Skills Challenge: “Santa’s Pickleball Workshop”

Set up a series of festive skills stations, like “Elf Accuracy Alley,” “Reindeer Drop Shot Zone,” or “Santa’s Serve Sleigh.” Players earn points by hitting specific targets, completing timed drills, or performing trick shots. It’s great for player development and fun for all ages.

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5. Candy Cane Doubles Night

Pair up for a holiday-themed doubles session where every match comes with a twist. Some fun variations include:

• Candy Cane Rules: Only cross-court dinks count for double points
  
  
• Silent Night: Players can’t talk during play
  
  
• North Pole Switch: Teams switch sides every five points. Add candy canes as prizes or use red-and-white wiffle balls to make it extra festive.

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The holidays are all about spending time with people you love, and for many of us, that includes our pickleball community. These Christmas-themed pickleball activities bring together fun, creativity, and friendly competition while giving players a unique way to celebrate the season on the court.

Whether you choose to decorate a pickleball tree, host an ugly sweater tournament, or organize a candy cane doubles night, you’ll bring holiday spirit and great memories to your group.

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