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Fun Family Games for a Deepavali Open House
Open houses are mostly about food and conversation, but a few simple games can keep children happy and bring guests of different backgrounds together. When children are busy and having fun, parents can relax, and shy guests often find it easier to join in and make new friends.
The best open house games are easy to organise, inclusive and safe for busy homes. This guide explains games for children, games for all ages, activities for adults, practical tips for hosts and how games help create shared memories between families. Each idea can be adapted to the size of your home and guest list.
Games for Kids
Children usually arrive full of energy, so a few organised activities help them settle in.
Kolam colouring station
Print kolam designs on paper and set up a table with crayons and markers. Children can colour quietly while adults chat, and the finished pictures can be taken home as souvenirs. Our guide to dot grid kolam patterns has simple designs to print.
Lamp hunt
Hide small paper lamps or switched-off LED tealights around the garden or living room. Children search for them, and each finder gets a small treat. Keep the hunt well away from prayer areas and any lit lamps.
Active games
Musical cushions works like musical chairs but uses floor cushions, which is safer for younger children. A bangle toss uses plastic bangles thrown onto bottles or pegs for points, and pass the parcel with layers of festive paper is always a hit.
Prepare a small basket of prizes in advance so you are not searching for treats in the middle of the game. Simple items like stickers, pencils or halal-certified sweets keep everyone happy.
Games for All Ages
Some games bring children, parents and grandparents together.
- A festive quiz about Deepavali and Malaysian festivals
- A greeting challenge to say Happy Deepavali in the most languages
- Pictionary with festive words like murukku, lamp, saree and kolam
- Carrom, a beloved board game in many Malaysian Indian homes
- A simple word game naming festive foods from different cultures
For the quiz, you might ask what Deepavali means, with the answer a row of lamps, or which state does not have Deepavali as a public holiday, with the answer Sarawak. Keep questions light so everyone can join in. Our guide to Deepavali greetings in many languages is perfect for the greeting challenge.
Mix teams so that children, parents and grandparents play together. Older relatives often know the answers about traditions, while younger players are quick with the pictionary drawings.
Activities for Adults
Adults enjoy activities too, especially ones that spark conversation.
If an aunty or friend is skilled, they can demonstrate saree draping for interested guests. A recipe swap invites guests to share a favourite festive recipe from their own culture on cards. A photo corner with lights, flowers and fabric gives everyone a lovely keepsake of the day.
These activities also give guests of different backgrounds a natural way to start talking. A recipe swap, for example, often leads to stories about family traditions and favourite festive dishes.
Tips for Hosts
A little planning keeps games fun and safe.
- Keep games optional so guests can join or simply watch
- Choose small, inclusive prizes like stationery, halal-certified sweets or small toys
- Keep games away from lit lamps and kitchen areas
- Mind the noise for elderly guests and neighbours
- Keep games well away from the family prayer area
Tip: Put one older child or teenager in charge of the children's games. They usually enjoy the responsibility, and you are free to welcome guests and serve food.
Games With a Purpose
Games help shy guests break the ice, give children something to do and create shared memories between families of different backgrounds. Children who play together at an open house often become friends who visit each other's festivals in the years ahead.
Our guide to bringing kids to an open house has more tips for parents who want their children to enjoy the day.
Planning Your Game Corner
Choose a corner of the living room, porch or garden for games, away from the food table and the entrance. Lay down a mat or cushions, keep supplies in a basket and tidy up between groups of visitors so the space always looks inviting.
If space is limited, rotate games through the day rather than setting everything up at once. A quiz in the afternoon and a colouring station in the evening keep things fresh.
FAQ
What games work well at a Deepavali open house?
Kolam colouring, lamp hunts, bangle toss, festive quizzes and carrom are all popular.
Should games be compulsory?
No. Keep games optional so guests can join or simply watch.
What prizes are suitable for mixed groups?
Small stationery items, halal-certified sweets and small toys suit everyone.
A little laughter is the perfect partner to good food. Add a few games to your open house and watch your guests light up.