The stage is set for the perfect holiday gathering. Lights are twinkling, music is playing, the air is fragrant with the aroma of delicious food—and then, an uninvited guest appears. It’s not your eccentric neighbor handing out fruitcake—it’s a raccoon, peering curiously at your perfectly laid snack table! While these furry scavengers may seem cute at a distance, their presence at your party can be disruptive and, frankly, less than festive.

If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, especially outdoors or in a raccoon-prone area, taking steps to deter these determined critters is a smart move. This guide will help you understand why raccoons are drawn to your festivities and provide actionable tips to make sure your party stays strictly human-only.

Why Do Raccoons Love Holiday Parties?

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores—meaning they’ll eat just about anything. Your holiday party is a buffet of tempting targets for their scavenging tendencies. Here’s why they are drawn to your celebration:

• Smells of Food: The mouthwatering scent of holiday dishes like roasted turkey, baked goods, and cheesy appetizers can travel far and wide, pulling raccoons toward your gathering like moths to a flame.
• Warm, Well-lit Spaces: Raccoons tend to explore well-lit areas that signal human activity, as this often correlates with easy access to food.
• Trash Bins and Leftovers: Even without direct access to your table, raccoons are adept dumpster divers. A trash bin filled with party remnants is a jackpot for these creatures.

Understanding what draws them in is the first step toward preventing their unexpected (and unwanted) attendance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Raccoon-Proofing Your Holiday Party

The great news is, with a few precautions, you can enjoy your holiday festivities without furry intruders.

1. Keep Food Covered and Inside (When Possible)

If your party is mainly indoors, your first line of defense is keeping the food indoors too. For outdoor parties, make sure food isn’t left out unattended. Here’s how to minimize temptation:

• Use sealed containers or food domes to keep aromas locked in.
• Set up buffet stations away from doors or entry points.
• Cover snacks or desserts with lids or wrap them in foil until they’re ready to be served.

2. Secure Trash Bins

Trash bins are raccoon magnets. Once raccoons smell leftovers in unsecured bins, they’ll stop at nothing to reach them. Here’s how to add an extra layer of security:

• Use bins with tightly locking lids.
• Place trash bins in a garage or shed if possible.
• Line your bin with a heavy-duty bag and tie it down securely before disposing of waste.

Consider double-bagging particularly aromatic scraps like meat bones or cheese rinds to further reduce their allure.

3. Keep Drinks and Table Scraps Out of Reach

Raccoons aren’t just about food—they’re interested in drinks, too. Sweet drinks like sodas, punch, or cider are particularly tempting. Avoid leaving half-empty cups or bottles sitting around. Designate a central drinks station where cups can be disposed of properly after use.

Additionally, encourage guests to clear their plates and dispose of leftovers rather than leaving them sitting on tabletops.

4. Eliminate Potential Entry Points

Raccoons are excellent climbers and surprisingly skilled problem-solvers. To keep them out:

• Close all doors and windows securely, even if you’re partying indoors.
• Block pet doors temporarily if your house has one.
• Look for potential entry points in outdoor spaces, like gaps in fence lines or holes in walls, and seal them up.

5. Use Lights and Sounds Strategically

Raccoons are nocturnal animals that typically avoid areas that feel too “busy” or unsafe. You can use this to your advantage:

• Install motion-activated lights outside. These sudden flashes often scare raccoons away before they get too close.
• Set up a Bluetooth speaker and play cheerful holiday tunes outdoors. The unexpected sounds of music can be an effective deterrent (skip the softer instrumental versions and go for something bolder).

6. Set Up Raccoon Deterrents

If raccoons are particularly tenacious in your area, consider investing in humane deterrents:

• Ultrasonic Repellents: Devices like these emit high-frequency sounds that raccoons dislike, but are imperceptible to humans.
• Scent-Based Repellents: Raccoons dislike certain smells, such as ammonia or vinegar. Spraying these in low-traffic areas around your yard can help keep them at bay—but be sure to avoid food-prep zones.
• Fencing Your Party Area: Temporary fences or screens can create a barrier to protect food and guests.

7. Clean Up Quickly After the Party

Once the party winds down, resist the urge to procrastinate on cleanup. Plates with crumbs or sticky spills will continue to entice raccoons long after your guests have gone home. To make cleanup easier:

• Enlist a couple of helpers to clear the area rapidly.
• Double-check for any scraps or drinks that may have been overlooked.
• Wipe down tables to remove any lingering scents or food remnants.

By removing these attractions, your party area will no longer hold appeal for curious raccoons.

What to Do If a Raccoon Shows Up?

Despite your best efforts, raccoons are persistent scavengers. If one crashes your party, here’s what to do (and what not to do):

• Stay Calm: Don’t panic or yell, which can make the raccoon stressed or aggressive.
• Give It Space: Raccoons are wild animals, and approaching them can be dangerous. Maintain a safe distance.
• Use Gentle Encouragement: Motion-activated sprinklers or softly shooing it away using a broom (without touching it) can guide it back to a safe distance.
• Call Local Wildlife Services: If the raccoon does not leave or becomes particularly aggressive, contact your local wildlife management services for help.

Avoid feeding or attempting to handle raccoons under any circumstances, as they can carry diseases like rabies.

Make Your Holiday Party a Raccoon-Free Success

With a bit of preparation, you can ensure your holiday party remains a festive celebration for you and your guests—not an open invitation for raccoons. Keep food covered, secure entry points, and clean up quickly after the fun wraps up to maintain a critter-free zone. If a raccoon does crash your gathering, don’t panic—follow humane steps to guide them away.