Holiday Paint and Sip Parties in NYC: A Guide for Friends, Families & Teams

A holiday get-together feels different when everyone has something to do together. Painting gives friends, families, and coworkers a shared activity, time to catch up, and a canvas to take home. You do not need painting experience to join in.

Whether you are planning a friends’ night before Thanksgiving, a December celebration, or a year-end team outing, start with your guest list and where you want to gather. Here is how the options work at Painting Hangout.

Choose the holiday party that fits your group

A few friends or a festive date: Open Class

Join a scheduled NYC paint and sip class for $39 per person. It is a simple option for solo guests, couples, or friends who want to paint alongside other visitors. Sessions last approximately two hours and include canvas, paints, brushes, and guided instruction. Check the class listing for painting details; an Open Class is not a private party or a guaranteed holiday-themed session.

Your own celebration: Private Studio

For 8–36 guests, private holiday painting parties cost $44 per person and give your group exclusive studio use during the session. The studio is at 403 East 58th Street in Midtown East. This works for a family gathering, a friends’ celebration, or a company outing where you want everyone in the same room.

An office or venue you already have: Mobile Event

Our mobile painting parties at your NYC venue start at 14 guests and $57 per person. We bring painting materials and guided instruction to your space. Share your address, venue type, guest count, and whether tables and chairs are available so the studio can coordinate the setup with you.

Give your painting a seasonal direction

Think snowy city skylines, warm winter colors, festive still lifes, or a design inspired by something your group enjoys together. These are ideas to discuss with the studio, not a fixed holiday collection. You can choose from the studio’s paintings or share a custom theme when booking a Private or Mobile event.

The AI painting idea tool can help you explore a concept. An AI-generated concept is for inspiration; your instructor will review and adapt the final painting for your group.

Plan an office party people can settle into

Keep the brief simple: a shared activity, time to talk, and room for everyone’s own interpretation. No artistic experience is needed, and drinking does not have to be part of the plan. For a mobile office event, confirm building entry instructions, furniture availability, and any setup constraints before the day.

If you are comparing formats, our NYC team-building guide can help you decide between a studio outing and an event at work.

Bring the food and drinks your group enjoys

The studio is BYOB-friendly, and food and drinks are permitted. Bring your preferred refreshments, including nonalcoholic options. Alcohol is for guests 21 and older. All ages are welcome, with a parent accompanying anyone under 18. Mobile events must also follow the venue’s food and drink rules.

Coordinate decorations, music, and any special requests with the studio in advance. Aim for a few personal touches that leave everyone enough room to paint.

A short holiday planning checklist

• Confirm your headcount. Choose shared class seats, a private studio session, or an event at your own venue.
• Check the calendar before inviting everyone. Open Classes require at least 24 hours’ notice; Private and Mobile events require at least 7 days. Availability, including holiday dates, is shown in the booking calendar.
• Share your painting preferences. Let the instructor review any custom holiday idea for your group.
• Leave enough time. Allow approximately two hours for painting. For studio events, recommend that guests arrive 10 minutes early.
• Review the booking terms. Read the payment and cancellation policy before checkout, especially when coordinating a group.

Holiday painting party FAQs

Is a holiday design included automatically?

No. Check the painting details for Open Classes. For Private and Mobile events, choose a studio painting or request a custom theme for instructor review.

Can we book a party for fewer than eight people?

Private Studio parties start at eight guests. A smaller group can book available seats in an Open Class.

Do we have to bring alcohol?

No. Bring a drink you enjoy, or simply come for the painting. Nonalcoholic refreshments are welcome.