Outdoor Holiday Entertaining: Tips for Hosting Under Your Gazebo or Pavilion

Tue, Nov 18, 2025By: Shawn Steinman

The holidays are a time for connection and creating memories with loved ones. While we often imagine these gatherings happening indoors around a fireplace, hosting festivities outdoors adds a unique touch to the season. Your gazebo or pavilion can become the heart of your celebrations, offering a beautiful and versatile space for entertaining.

And that transformation from backyard to holiday hosting hub is simpler than you might think. With a bit of creativity, you can design an inviting atmosphere that delights guests of all ages. This guide provides tips for ensuring your open-air holiday party is a resounding success that will be talked about long after the party lights fade.

The Magic of Hosting Holidays Outdoors ❄️

Hosting outdoors comes with several wonderful benefits:

Fresh scenery: Enjoy a change from the usual indoor setting and take in the crisp winter air. Why light an evergreen candle when you can breathe in the real scent of the season?
More space: Give guests room to mingle comfortably, especially during larger gatherings.
Elegant backdrop: Everyone loves holiday photo ops, and a decorated gazebo or pavilion creates a stunning setting.

How to Create a Festive and Cozy Atmosphere 🎁

Start with the decorations. A gazebo or pavilion is already beautiful, but it’s also a blank canvas ready to be dressed up for the season. Aim to make the space feel as inviting as a cozy living room.

Before decorating, make sure your structure is ready for winter. Clear gutters, secure the roof panels, and check that your gazebo or pavilion is properly winterized to handle snow and ice.

Lighting Is Everything 💡

Optimal lighting sets the mood and brings an enchanting glow to your space.

String lights: Drape white or multicolored string lights around the posts and roofline of your structure. LED lights are energy-efficient and stay cool to the touch, making them a safe choice.
Lanterns and candles: Place flameless, battery-operated candles in lanterns on tables or hang them from hooks. They provide a soft, flickering light without any fire hazard.
Spotlights: Use small, colored spotlights to highlight specific features, such as oversized ornaments or a small evergreen tree placed in a corner.

Decorate With Seasonal Accents 🎄

Bring the classic look of the holidays into your outdoor structure with natural elements and merry touches.

Wreaths and garlands: Hang a lush green wreath at the entrance of your gazebo and wrap garlands around the posts. You can use fresh pine for a wonderful seasonal scent or high-quality artificial greenery that can be reused year after year.
Seasonal centerpieces: Adorn your tables with centerpieces made from pinecones, ornaments, and seasonal flowers like poinsettias.
Layered textiles: Add plush cushions, soft blankets, and throws to your seating areas. Choose fabrics in colors like deep red, forest green, or winter white to enhance the holiday theme.

Keep Your Guests Comfortable ♨️

When hosting outside, comfort is key, especially as the temperatures drop.

Bring the Heat (Safely)

Patio heaters: Strategically place one or two propane or electric patio heaters around the perimeter of your gazebo. They radiate a surprising amount of warmth, creating a comfortable zone for guests.
Fire pits: A fire pit is a fantastic addition if you have nearby open space. It provides heat and a natural gathering spot where guests can roast marshmallows or sip a cup of eggnog by the crackling flames.

Serve Warm Beverages and Food

Hot drink station: Set up a self-serve bar with hot chocolate, mulled apple cider, and spiced tea. Provide toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and marshmallows.
Hearty, warm foods: Plan a menu around dishes that are easy to eat while standing or mingling and that retain heat well. Think of options like chili, hearty soups, or a baked potato bar with various toppings.

Plan Entertainment for All Ages

Encourage guests, young and old, to stay engaged.

Give Kids Their Own Holiday Haven

Create a special play zone where kids can have fun while adults relax and socialize. A KidKraft playhouse or swing set can transform into a winter wonderland for imaginative play. Let children enjoy hours of adventure, or decorate the playhouse with lights and a tiny wreath to make it part of your holiday scene.

Mix In Fun for Everyone

Holiday music: Put together a seasonal music playlist to play softly in the background. It adds to the ambiance without overwhelming conversation. If your guests are feeling lively, swap in a dance mix or start a little karaoke session to keep the fun (and laughs) going.
Yard games: Set up games like cornhole or a giant Jenga set. These are easy to play and encourage friendly competition.
DIY photo booth: Turn a corner of your pavilion into a photo booth. Decorate a backdrop and have fun props on hand, like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and silly signs.

Build Your Dream Holiday Hosting Space

Your backyard is the perfect place to make lasting memories. A Yardistry backyard gazebo or pavilion combines elegance and strength, creating a sophisticated focal point that enhances your space year-round. Picture loved ones gathered beneath twinkling lights, sharing conversation and the spirit of the season. These are the moments that make the holidays shine.