LDS Ward Activity Ideas: A Seasonal Ward Party Calendar
Ward activities are gatherings for the whole congregation of a ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as a Christmas party, trunk or treat, chili cook-off, or Pioneer Day breakfast. They build unity, welcome neighbors, and celebrate holidays. This hub offers a 12-month calendar, planning basics, and links to detailed guides.
Use the 12-month calendar to block out the year, then open the guide for each party when it is six weeks away. The timeline, budget estimates, and sign-up sheet near the end work for any ward party.
What does the General Handbook say about ward activities?
Ward activities follow General Handbook chapter 20. It explains that "Church activities bring Church members and others together as 'fellowcitizens with the saints'" (Ephesians 2:19). Purposes include building faith in Jesus Christ, providing fun and fostering unity, strengthening individuals and families, and helping members participate in God's work.
The handbook lists examples of good activities, including service, cultural arts, sports and fitness, outdoor activities, and "celebrations of special occasions, such as holidays or Church or local historical events." That last category covers most ward parties.
Who plans ward activities?
According to the handbook, "ward activities can be planned in any of the following ways, based on local needs":
- The ward council oversees planning.
- The ward council assigns specific organizations to help plan one or more activities (for example, the elders quorum plans the summer picnic).
- A ward activities committee, organized by the bishopric "when needed and where there are enough members". Youth may be called as committee members. The committee works under the direction of the ward council.
What rules matter for ward parties?
| Topic | Guideline from General Handbook chapter 20 |
|---|---|
| Cost | Most activities "should be simple and have little or no cost"; expenses approved in advance by the bishopric |
| Food | Members "may provide food if doing so is not a burden" |
| Inviting | Reach out to new members, less-active members, youth, single adults, those with disabilities, and people of other faiths |
| Not a burden | Members should not be made to feel obligated to attend every activity |
| Scheduling | Plan in advance, reserve the building, end at a reasonable hour |
| Monday nights | No Church activities after 6:00 p.m.; buildings closed (limited exceptions, such as New Year's Eve on a Monday) |
| Sunday | No sports or recreational events on Sunday |
| Standards | Uplifting; nothing contrary to Church teachings; no substances contrary to the Word of Wisdom |
| Prayer | Open, and when appropriate close, with prayer |
| Commercial | Activities for commercial or political purposes are not permitted |
| Fundraising | One approved fundraiser a year, only for specific camp purposes; no raffles, lotteries, or bingo |
12-month ward activity calendar
| Month | Activity idea | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| January | New Year's breakfast or game night | No separate guide |
| February | Valentine's dinner or ward talent show | No separate guide |
| March | Spring service day | No separate guide |
| April | Easter devotional and egg hunt for children | No separate guide |
| May | Ward garden day | No separate guide |
| June | Ward picnic or campfire night | No separate guide |
| July | Pioneer Day breakfast and games | Pioneer Day ward activity ideas |
| August | Back-to-school ice cream social | No separate guide |
| September | Ward service project | No separate guide |
| October | Chili cook-off, trunk or treat, or fall festival | Chili cook-off, Trunk or treat, Fall festival |
| November | Gratitude dinner or community service | No separate guide |
| December | Ward Christmas party | Ward Christmas party ideas |
Not every month needs a big activity. The handbook reminds leaders that activities "should not put undue burdens on leaders and members."
Seasonal ward party guides
Fall
- Church trunk or treat ideas. Forty themes, a parking lot plan, and safety tips.
- How to run a ward chili cook-off. Categories, judging sheets, and toppings bar.
- Church fall festival ideas. Thirty booths, a layout, and fundraising rules.
Winter
- LDS ward Christmas party ideas. Twenty themes, a program outline, food plans, and Nativity guidelines.
Summer
- Pioneer Day ward activity ideas. Breakfasts, pioneer games, and stories for July 24th.
How do you plan a ward party step by step?
- Counsel in ward council. Decide the purpose and who will plan.
- Pick a date early and reserve the building.
- Set a budget and get bishopric approval.
- Choose one theme that fits your ward's size and energy.
- Recruit helpers for setup, food, children's activities, greeters, and cleanup.
- Invite broadly and personally, including neighbors and less-active members.
- Open with prayer, enjoy the evening, and clean up together.
- Debrief in ward council: what helped people feel welcome?
How can ward activities welcome neighbors?
Ward parties are often the easiest place for friends of other faiths to visit a meetinghouse. Practical tips:
- Print simple flyers that members and missionaries can hand out.
- Station friendly greeters at the door.
- Seat guests with families, not alone.
- Keep programs short and understandable to visitors.
- Avoid insider jargon in announcements.
What safety basics apply to ward parties?
- Two adults must be present at activities with children and youth.
- Parking lots used for games or trunk or treats should be closed to moving cars.
- Food safety and allergy labels for potlucks.
- First-aid kit and a designated person who knows where it is.
- Higher-risk add-ons like hayrides, bounce houses, or fire pits need extra planning.
Most ward parties at the meetinghouse do not need written permission forms, because the handbook requires written consent for activities with an overnight stay, lengthy travel, or higher than ordinary risks (General Handbook 20.7.4).
If youth add an off-site outing, a hayride, or a sledding trip, you can text parents one Ward Waivers link. They read the details and sign on their phone, and you see who still needs to sign. It does not replace any official form your bishop or stake president asks you to use. Set up your activity. See our Forms & Safety hub.
Comparison: which ward party fits your ward?
| Activity | Effort | Cost | Best season | Good for guests? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trunk or treat | Low | Low | October | Excellent |
| Chili cook-off | Low | Low | Fall | Excellent |
| Fall festival | Medium to high | Low to medium | Fall | Excellent |
| Christmas party | High | Medium | December | Excellent |
| Pioneer Day breakfast | Medium | Low | July | Good |
| Ward picnic | Low | Low | Summer | Good |
What are good ward activity ideas for each season?
Beyond our detailed guides, here are quick ideas for every season. Each can be adapted for a small branch or a large ward.
Spring ward activity ideas
- Easter devotional and egg hunt. A short program about the Savior's Resurrection, then an egg hunt by age group for children.
- Ward garden day. Plant flowers at the meetinghouse (with facilities approval) or help members start gardens.
- Spring service day. Clean up a park or help older members with yard work.
- Ward talent show. Short acts from every organization.
- International dinner. Families bring dishes from places they have lived or served missions.
Summer ward activity ideas
- Ward picnic. Lawn games, a potluck, and a short devotional.
- Campfire night (where fire is permitted). Songs, stories, and s'mores.
- Fourth of July breakfast in U.S. wards.
- Ward sports night. Softball, volleyball, or pickleball with mixed-age teams.
- Pioneer Day. See our Pioneer Day ward activity ideas.
Fall ward activity ideas
- Chili cook-off. See our ward chili cook-off guide.
- Trunk or treat. See church trunk or treat ideas.
- Fall festival. See church fall festival ideas.
- Gratitude dinner. Families share something they're grateful for.
- Harvest service. Collect food for a local pantry before Thanksgiving.
Winter ward activity ideas
- Ward Christmas party. See our ward Christmas party ideas.
- New Year's activity. The handbook includes specific guidance when New Year's Eve falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
- Soup and game night. Low-key and cozy for January.
- Valentine's dinner. Open to everyone, not just couples, with seating that welcomes single members.
- Indoor ward Olympics. Silly relays in the cultural hall.
What does a ward activities committee do?
When the bishopric organizes a ward activities committee, it "works under the direction of the ward council," and "the ward council assigns one of its members to be in regular contact with the activities committee." Youth may be called as committee members. A well-run committee usually:
- Keeps a simple yearly calendar of ward activities.
- Recruits families and organizations to help with each event.
- Tracks budget requests and receipts for bishopric approval.
- Keeps a list of what worked (and what didn't) for next year.
- Coordinates building reservations and cleanup.
If your ward is small, the ward council can simply assign organizations to plan activities instead of organizing a committee.
How do you keep ward activities Christ-centered?
The first purpose listed for Church activities in the General Handbook is to "build faith in Jesus Christ." That doesn't mean every party needs a long program. It might mean opening with a sincere prayer, sharing a two-minute spiritual thought, including service, or simply making sure every person who walks in feels loved and noticed. For holidays like Christmas and Easter, a short program focused on the Savior can be the highlight of the evening.
How do you make ward activities easier on volunteers?
The same few families often carry every ward party. Spread the load by:
- Rotating responsibility among organizations each month or season.
- Using sign-up sheets for food, setup, and cleanup so many people do a little.
- Keeping a "party in a box" with tablecloths, serving utensils, extension cords, signs, and a first-aid kit so no one starts from scratch.
- Simplifying. A potluck and a short program are enough for most occasions.
- Thanking helpers publicly and personally.
Remember the handbook's reminder that "activities should not put undue burdens on leaders and members." Fewer, simpler activities that members enjoy are better than a packed calendar that burns people out.
Can ward parties include friends who are not members?
Absolutely. The General Handbook specifically asks planners to reach out to "people of other faiths." Ward parties are some of the easiest invitations members can extend. Make guests feel at home with greeters, name tags if helpful, and seating near friendly families.
How far ahead should you plan a ward party?
| When | Steps |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks out | Ward council picks the date and lead organization; check the stake calendar so you do not compete with a stake activity |
| 6 weeks out | Budget approved by the bishopric; building reserved |
| 4 weeks out | Post the sign-up sheet; invite neighbors and friends |
| 2 weeks out | Announce in sacrament meeting and ward newsletter; confirm food counts |
| 1 week out | Supplies bought; setup and cleanup crews confirmed |
| Day of | Set up 2 hours early; open with prayer |
What does a ward party cost?
These are estimates for a ward of about 150 people in the United States. Prices vary by area.
| Party | Estimate | Biggest cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chili cook-off (families bring chili) | $75 to $200 | Toppings, cornbread, drinks |
| Trunk or treat | $50 to $150 | Ward-provided candy backup, signs |
| Fall festival | $150 to $400 | Booth supplies, prizes |
| Christmas party (main dish provided) | $400 to $1,000 | Ham or turkey |
| Pioneer Day breakfast | $150 to $350 | Pancake supplies |
Remember: "Most activities should be simple and have little or no cost" (General Handbook 20.2.6).
Ward party sign-up sheet layout
| Job | How many | Names |
|---|---|---|
| Setup tables and chairs | 6 | |
| Greeters at the doors | 2 | |
| Food line or kitchen | 4 | |
| Children's games (2 adults per area) | 4 | |
| Program or music | 2 | |
| Photos for the ward (with permission) | 1 | |
| Cleanup | 8 |
Frequently asked questions
What are good LDS ward activity ideas?
Popular ward activities include a trunk or treat, chili cook-off, fall festival, ward Christmas party, Pioneer Day breakfast, ward picnic, service day, and talent show.
Who plans ward activities in the Church?
The ward council oversees ward activities. It may plan them directly, assign an organization, or work with a ward activities committee organized by the bishopric.
Who pays for ward parties?
The ward budget usually pays, with expenses approved in advance by the bishopric. Members may bring food if doing so is not a burden.
How often should a ward hold activities?
The handbook does not set a number. Plan activities that meet members' needs without putting undue burdens on leaders and members.
Can ward activities be held on Monday night?
Generally no. No Church activities should be held after 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, with limited exceptions like New Year's Eve falling on a Monday.
Do ward parties need permission slips?
Usually not. Written parental consent is required for activities with an overnight stay, lengthy travel, or higher than ordinary risks.
Can a ward party be a fundraiser?
Only in limited cases. A bishop may authorize one fundraising event each year to help pay for youth camps or camp equipment. Raffles, lotteries, and bingo are not approved.
What is a ward activities committee?
It is an optional committee the bishopric may organize when needed and where there are enough members. It works under the direction of the ward council to plan ward activities, and youth may be called as committee members.
Ward Waivers is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These resources provide general organizational information, not legal advice. Follow current Church guidance, local leader direction, and any required official forms.