IFM PURDUE
In partnership with Riverside Church

For Purdue international students · 2026

ChristmasHospitality

Would you like to experience Christmas with an American family? Local families are inviting Purdue international students to join them in their homes during the Christmas holiday.

Student registration details

December 19, 20, 24 or 25 · West Lafayette area

About the invitation

Visit an American home this Christmas

Christmas is an important holiday for many American families. People celebrate in different ways, including sharing meals, spending time with family, decorating their homes and exchanging gifts.

Through Christmas Hospitality, you can visit a local family, see how they celebrate and spend some time getting to know each other. You don't need to celebrate Christmas yourself to take part.

When can I visit?

Choose a date that works for you

Families may host on any of the dates below. You will be able to share your availability when registration opens.

Dates are proposed and subject to final confirmation. Your assigned visit date will depend on host availability.

December
19Saturday
December
20Sunday
December
24Thursday · Christmas Eve
December
25Friday · Christmas Day

What to expect

How Christmas Hospitality works

01

Sign up

Register as an interested student and tell us which dates you are available.

02

Get matched with a family

IFM will coordinate with local host families. We'll share details if we're able to arrange a visit for you.

03

Visit your host

Spend time with the family, share a meal or join in their Christmas activities. Each family's celebration is a little different.

A look at our gatherings

International students and local families

We'll add photos from past IFM gatherings here.

At an American homeInsert a real ministry photo
Sharing a mealInsert a real ministry photo
Celebrating togetherInsert a real ministry photo

Student registration

Interested in visiting a family?

Christmas Hospitality is for Purdue international students who would like to experience Christmas in an American home. Host families are volunteering through Riverside Church in partnership with IFM Purdue.

Space will depend on how many families are available to host. Registration does not guarantee a placement.

Registration is coming soon

The student registration form is being prepared. Once it is ready, this section will link to the form.

Student sign-up link to be added

Please do not use the host-family registration form. This page is for students who wish to visit a family.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be Christian to join?

No. International students from any religious or cultural background are welcome to express interest.

What will we do at the family's home?

It depends on the family. You might share a meal, talk, see decorations or take part in their Christmas traditions. IFM will share details about your visit once a host is arranged.

Can I go with a friend?

You can tell us if you would like to attend with a friend when the registration form is available. We'll try to accommodate requests where possible, depending on host capacity.

Is transportation provided?

Transportation details have not been finalized. Please look for information in your host assignment and confirmation messages.

Will everyone who registers be assigned a family?

Host places are limited. IFM will contact students as arrangements are confirmed.