33 Best Family Christmas Party Games [Jingle & Jolly]

Family Christmas Party Games play a vital role in creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere during the holiday season. These games provide an opportunity for family members to bond, laugh, and engage in friendly competition, helping to strengthen connections and create lasting memories. As families come together to celebrate, games can break the ice, especially for relatives who may not see each other often, fostering a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit.

The purpose of this outline is to provide fun and engaging game ideas for family Christmas gatherings. Whether you’re looking for traditional favorites, interactive challenges, DIY crafts, or outdoor activities, this guide aims to inspire creativity and excitement during your holiday festivities. By incorporating these games into your celebrations, you can ensure a delightful experience for everyone, making your family Christmas party truly unforgettable.

Family Christmas Party Games

Family Christmas Party Games bring loved ones together to celebrate the joy of the season through laughter and fun. These engaging activities create cherished memories and foster connection among family members of all ages. From festive challenges to creative contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year!

Christmas Charades Challenge

Christmas Charades is a classic game that brings laughter and excitement to any holiday gathering. Players act out holiday-themed words or phrases without speaking while others guess what they are.

• Setup: Prepare a list of Christmas-related words or phrases (e.g., decorating the tree, building a snowman).
• Rules:
  • Divide players into teams.
  • Set a timer (1-2 minutes) for each round.
  • The acting player cannot speak or use props; only gestures are allowed.
• Tips:
  • Encourage creativity in actions.
  • Include a mix of easy and challenging phrases to keep it fun for everyone.

Christmas Pictionary Game

In Christmas Pictionary, players draw holiday-themed items or phrases for their teammates to guess. It’s a great way to unleash creativity and artistic skills!

• Setup: Create a list of Christmas-themed prompts and prepare drawing materials (whiteboard, paper, markers).
• Rules:
  • Players take turns drawing while their team guesses.
  • Set a time limit of 1-2 minutes for each drawing.
• Tips:
  • Use a mix of easy and difficult prompts.
  • Have fun with silly drawings to encourage laughter.

Holiday Trivia

Holiday Trivia is a fun way to test your family’s knowledge of Christmas traditions, movies, and songs. This game encourages friendly competition while learning more about holiday customs.

• Setup: Prepare a list of trivia questions related to Christmas.
• Rules:
  • Divide players into teams or play individually.
  • Ask a series of questions, awarding points for correct answers.
• Tips:
  • Include a range of question difficulties to engage everyone.
  • Consider using buzzers for added excitement.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game

A Christmas Scavenger Hunt is a lively and engaging game that gets everyone moving around. Participants search for hidden holiday-themed items around the house or yard.

• Setup: Create a list of items for participants to find (e.g., a candy cane, a red ornament).
• Rules:
  • Set a time limit for the hunt (e.g., 30 minutes).
  • Players can work alone or in teams.
• Tips:
  • Hide items creatively to make the hunt more challenging.
  • Consider adding riddles or clues for each item to enhance the fun.

Gift Wrap Relay Race

In the Gift Wrap Relay Race, teams compete to wrap presents as quickly and creatively as possible. This game is not only fun but also practical!

• Setup: Gather wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and presents of various sizes.
• Rules:
  • Teams race to wrap a designated number of gifts.
  • Each team member wraps one gift before passing to the next.
• Tips:
  • Encourage creativity in wrapping techniques.
  • Have a prize for the best-wrapped gift as well as the fastest team.

Christmas Bingo Challenge

Christmas Bingo is a festive twist on the classic bingo game, perfect for players of all ages. It can keep everyone entertained while waiting for other activities.

• Setup: Create bingo cards featuring Christmas-themed items (e.g., snowman, reindeer) and prepare markers.
• Rules:
  • Distribute bingo cards and markers to players.
  • Call out items randomly; players mark their cards.
• Tips:
  • Offer prizes for the first few players to get bingo.
  • Mix up the calling order to keep everyone engaged.

Ornament Decorating Contest

An Ornament Decorating Contest invites creativity and artistic flair. Family members can showcase their crafting skills while making beautiful decorations.

• Setup: Provide plain ornaments, paints, markers, and other decorating supplies.
• Rules:
  • Set a time limit for decorating (e.g., 30 minutes).
  • Have judges or a voting system to choose the best ornaments.
• Tips:
  • Encourage unique designs and themes.
  • Consider having different categories for prizes, such as “Most Creative” or “Funniest.”

Gingerbread House Competition

This game is perfect for those who enjoy baking and creativity. Participants create and decorate their gingerbread houses, competing for the title of the best house!

• Setup: Prepare gingerbread house kits or provide materials for building from scratch.
• Rules:
  • Set a time limit for building and decorating (e.g., 1-2 hours).
  • Judges can evaluate based on creativity, sturdiness, and overall appearance.
• Tips:
  • Provide various decorations like icing, candies, and sprinkles.
  • Display all houses for everyone to admire after judging.

Christmas Movie Bingo

Combine two festive favorites—Christmas movies and bingo! This game is perfect for movie lovers and can be played while watching holiday classics.

• Setup: Create bingo cards with common holiday movie scenes or phrases (e.g., “Santa arrives”).
• Rules:
  • Players mark off items on their cards as they watch the movie.
  • The first to complete a row yells “Bingo!”
• Tips:
  • Select a variety of holiday movies for different bingo cards.
  • Offer small prizes for winners to increase excitement.

Christmas Song Guessing Game

In this game, players must identify Christmas songs based on a few notes or lyrics. It’s a fun way to bring the holiday spirit to life through music!

• Setup: Create a playlist of popular Christmas songs or prepare lyric snippets.
• Rules:
  • Play a short clip of a song or read a line of lyrics.
  • Players guess the song title or artist.
• Tips:
  • Include a mix of classic and modern holiday songs.
  • Consider giving hints for difficult songs.

Secret Santa Gift Exchange

The Secret Santa Gift Exchange adds an element of surprise and fun to holiday gifting. Family members anonymously give gifts to one another, creating a joyful atmosphere.

• Setup: Assign each person a Secret Santa and set a budget for gifts.
• Rules:
  • Each participant buys a gift for their assigned person without revealing their identity.
  • Gifts can be exchanged at a designated time during the gathering.
• Tips:
  • Encourage participants to provide wish lists for easier gift selection.
  • Reveal Secret Santas at the end for an added twist!

Christmas Name That Tune

In this game, players must identify Christmas tunes based on short clips or played on instruments. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season through music.

• Setup: Prepare a list of popular Christmas songs and short clips.
• Rules:
  • Play a short snippet of each song, and players guess the title.
  • Award points for correct answers.
• Tips:
  • Include a variety of song genres for added fun.
  • Create teams to encourage collaboration.

Christmas 20 Questions

Christmas 20 Questions is a guessing game that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Players take turns answering questions to identify a Christmas-themed item.

• Setup: Choose a Christmas-themed object, person, or place.
• Rules:
  • One player thinks of something related to Christmas while others ask yes-or-no questions.
  • Players have 20 questions to guess the answer.
• Tips:
  • Keep the chosen item a secret until guessed.
  • Encourage players to think outside the box for items.

Christmas Would You Rather

This fun game prompts players to make choices between two holiday-themed scenarios. It’s a great conversation starter and can lead to hilarious discussions.

• Setup: Prepare a list of “Would You Rather” questions related to Christmas.
• Rules:
  • Players take turns reading a question and choosing their preference.
  • Encourage discussion about their choices.
• Tips:
  • Mix lighthearted and serious questions for variety.
  • Allow players to explain their answers for added fun.

Christmas Word Scramble

Christmas Word Scramble is a quick and engaging game that tests players’ knowledge of holiday vocabulary. It’s simple to set up and can be played in teams or individually.

• Setup: Create a list of Christmas-themed words, scramble the letters, and distribute the list.
• Rules:
  • Players have a set time (e.g., 5 minutes) to unscramble as many words as possible.
  • The player or team with the most correct answers wins.
• Tips:
  • Include a mix of easy and challenging words.
  • Offer prizes for winners to boost competition.

Christmas Memory Game

The Christmas Memory Game challenges players to remember a series of holiday-themed items. It’s perfect for all ages and helps improve memory skills.

• Setup: Place several Christmas-themed items on a tray, cover them, and let players observe for a minute.
• Rules:
  • After observing, players write down as many items as they remember.
  • The player with the most correct items wins.
• Tips:
  • Use a variety of items to increase difficulty.
  • Adjust the number of items based on players’ ages.

Holiday Freeze Dance

Holiday Freeze Dance combines music and movement in a fun and energetic game. Players dance to Christmas tunes and freeze when the music stops.

• Setup: Choose a playlist of upbeat Christmas songs.
• Rules:
  • Players dance freely until the music stops, then must freeze in place.
  • Anyone caught moving when the music stops is out.
• Tips:
  • Encourage silly dance moves to keep the energy high.
  • Play several rounds, with the last person standing declared the winner.

Christmas Card Exchange

A Christmas Card Exchange is a heartwarming activity where family members share thoughtful cards with each other, spreading holiday cheer.

• Setup: Have a variety of Christmas cards available for everyone.
• Rules:
  • Participants write personal messages in cards for each family member.
  • Cards are exchanged at the gathering.
• Tips:
  • Encourage creativity in messages and designs.
  • Consider adding small treats or gifts inside cards for extra surprises.

Christmas Riddles

Christmas Riddles challenge players’ problem-solving skills while getting everyone in the holiday spirit. It’s a great way to engage the family with festive fun.

• Setup: Prepare a list of holiday-themed riddles.
• Rules:
  • Players take turns reading riddles for others to solve.
  • Award points for each correct answer.
• Tips:
  • Include a mix of easy and tricky riddles for variety.
  • Encourage group discussions for hints on tough riddles.

Christmas Storytime

Christmas Storytime invites family members to share their favorite holiday tales or memories, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.

• Setup: Prepare a cozy space for storytelling, perhaps with holiday decorations.
• Rules:
  • Each participant takes turns sharing their story.
  • Encourage active listening and sharing thoughts after each story.
• Tips:
  • Suggest themes like “favorite Christmas memory” or “funniest holiday mishap.”
  • Capture the stories in a family journal to cherish later.

Christmas Photo Booth

A Christmas Photo Booth is a fun way to capture memories and encourage creativity during the celebration. It’s an easy setup that brings everyone together for a good time.

• Setup: Create a festive backdrop and gather props (hats, scarves, signs).
• Rules:
  • Family members take turns posing for photos with props.
  • Encourage silly poses and expressions for fun.
• Tips:
  • Use a camera or smartphone with a tripod for convenience.
  • Consider themed props for added enjoyment.

Holiday Baking Challenge

The Holiday Baking Challenge invites family members to showcase their baking skills. Participants can create festive treats, competing for the title of best baker.

• Setup: Choose a baking theme (cookies, cakes, etc.) and gather ingredients.
• Rules:
  • Set a time limit for baking and decorating.
  • Judges evaluate based on taste, creativity, and presentation.
• Tips:
  • Encourage collaboration for families with younger bakers.
  • Share recipes afterward to inspire future baking.

Christmas Fortune Cookies

Making Christmas Fortune Cookies adds a unique twist to a classic treat. Participants can write holiday-themed fortunes or messages to surprise one another.

• Setup: Prepare or purchase fortune cookies and fortune slips.
• Rules:
  • Family members write fun or heartwarming fortunes.
  • Exchange cookies during dessert time.
• Tips:
  • Encourage humorous or motivational messages.
  • Make it a tradition to read fortunes aloud.

Christmas Hat Game

The Christmas Hat Game is a hilarious way to engage family members in fun and silly challenges. Everyone wears a festive hat with a challenge or task hidden inside.

• Setup: Prepare hats with tasks or challenges (e.g., “sing a carol” or “do a dance move”).
• Rules:
  • Players take turns drawing tasks from their hats.
  • Complete the task for points or cheers from the family.
• Tips:
  • Include a variety of challenges to keep it lively.
  • Create categories for tasks (funny, artistic, etc.) for more excitement.

Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

In this game, family members decorate mini Christmas trees or designated areas. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved in holiday decorating!

• Setup: Provide small trees, ornaments, and decorations.
• Rules:
  • Set a time limit for decorating (e.g., 30-60 minutes).
  • Judges evaluate based on creativity and theme.
• Tips:
  • Encourage team collaboration for larger decorations.
  • Display all trees for admiration after the contest.

Christmas Escape Room

Create a Christmas-themed escape room challenge that engages players in solving puzzles and riddles. It’s a fun way to encourage teamwork and problem-solving.

• Setup: Prepare puzzles, riddles, and clues related to Christmas.
• Rules:
  • Divide players into teams and set a time limit for escaping.
  • Teams work together to solve clues and “escape” the room.
• Tips:
  • Tailor puzzles to different age groups for inclusivity.
  • Use holiday decorations to enhance the theme.

These 33 Family Christmas Party Games are perfect for creating memorable experiences and fostering connections during the holiday season. Enjoy the laughter, joy, and togetherness they bring!

Age-Appropriate Game Suggestions

When planning a family Christmas party, it’s essential to choose games that are age-appropriate and engaging for everyone involved. This ensures that all family members, from the youngest toddlers to the oldest adults, can participate and enjoy the festivities together. Below are some tailored game suggestions for different age groups, along with options that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Games Suitable for Toddlers and Young Children

Toddlers and young children thrive on simple, interactive, and sensory-based games. These games should be easy to understand and require minimal setup to keep their attention and excitement levels high.

1. Christmas Freeze Dance
   • How to Play: Play festive holiday music and let the kids dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze in place. Anyone caught moving is out!
   • Why It’s Great: This game encourages movement and helps kids burn off energy while having fun.
2. Pin the Nose on Rudolph
   • How to Play: Create a large poster of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and cut out a red nose. Blindfold each child and have them try to pin the nose on Rudolph while being spun around.
   • Why It’s Great: This classic twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is easy for young children to grasp and enjoy.
3. Christmas Sensory Bin
   • How to Play: Fill a bin with festive items (e.g., fake snow, ornaments, pine cones) for children to explore. Include small toys or hidden treasures for them to find.
   • Why It’s Great: Sensory play is engaging for young kids and can keep them occupied while also promoting exploration and discovery.

Games for Teens and Adults

As family members grow older, they may appreciate more strategic or competitive games. These games can include trivia, creativity, and a bit of silliness to keep everyone entertained.

1. Christmas Trivia Challenge
   • How to Play: Prepare a list of Christmas-themed trivia questions ranging from holiday traditions to popular songs. Split the group into teams and see who can answer the most questions correctly.
   • Why It’s Great: This game encourages teamwork and friendly competition while sparking conversations about holiday memories and traditions.
2. Holiday Movie Charades
   • How to Play: Players take turns acting out scenes from popular Christmas movies without speaking, while others guess the movie.
   • Why It’s Great: It’s a great way to tap into shared cultural experiences and often leads to laughter and nostalgia.
3. Christmas Escape Room
   • How to Play: Create an escape room experience at home with holiday-themed puzzles and challenges for participants to solve within a set time limit.
   • Why It’s Great: This game encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills, making it perfect for older teens and adults.

Suggestions for Games that the Whole Family Can Enjoy Together

Finding games that cater to a range of ages can create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can bond. Here are some suggestions:

1. Christmas Bingo
   • How to Play: Create bingo cards with Christmas-themed images or words. Use festive candies (like candy canes) as markers. Call out the items, and the first person to get a line wins.
   • Why It’s Great: This game is easy for all ages to participate in, and it can be made more fun with holiday-themed prizes.
2. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
   • How to Play: Assign each family member another person to buy a gift for, keeping it a secret until the gift is revealed during the party.
   • Why It’s Great: This tradition allows everyone to give and receive gifts while adding an element of surprise and excitement.
3. Christmas Family Feud
   • How to Play: Prepare a list of holiday-related survey questions and split the family into teams. Teams take turns guessing answers to score points.
   • Why It’s Great: This game combines competition with laughter and can accommodate a variety of family sizes and ages.

Choosing age-appropriate games for a family Christmas party helps create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels involved and has fun. By incorporating a mix of games for toddlers, teens, and adults, as well as options for the whole family, you can ensure that your Christmas gathering is filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. The key is to foster an environment where everyone can come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy each other’s company through the magic of play.

Tips for Organizing the Games

Organizing games for a family Christmas party can be a fun yet challenging task. With careful planning, you can create a festive and engaging environment that ensures everyone enjoys the festivities. Here are some valuable tips for setting up the game area, preparing necessary materials and supplies, and timing and scheduling the games throughout the party.

Setting Up the Game Area

Creating a designated game area can enhance the festive atmosphere and make it easier for participants to engage in activities.

1. Choose a Suitable Space
   • Select a large, open area in your home, such as the living room, basement, or backyard, where there is enough room for movement and seating.
   • Consider the flooring; if games involve active play, ensure the surface is safe and suitable.
2. Decorate the Space
   • Use Christmas decorations, lights, and themed tablecloths to set a festive tone. Consider incorporating holiday elements that align with the games being played.
   • Create clear signs indicating where different games will be held to keep the flow organized and help guests find activities easily.
3. Create Different Stations
   • Set up game stations for various activities, ensuring they are spaced out to reduce congestion. This allows multiple games to be played simultaneously, accommodating different age groups and interests.
   • Use tables or mats to define areas for board games, crafts, and food-related games, ensuring each area has enough room for participants.

Preparing Necessary Materials and Supplies

Having all the necessary materials ready in advance will help the games run smoothly and keep the festive spirit alive.

1. List Required Supplies
   • Make a list of all materials needed for each game (e.g., bingo cards, markers, game pieces, decorations).
   • Gather items like props, decorations, and any crafting supplies ahead of time to avoid last-minute scrambles.
2. Organize Materials
   • Use bins or boxes to keep game materials organized. Label each container with the game name for easy access.
   • Prepare any printed materials, such as trivia questions, bingo cards, or scavenger hunt clues, in advance. Consider having extras on hand in case of mistakes or additional participants.
3. Test the Games
   • Run through each game beforehand to ensure you understand the rules and mechanics. This will help you explain them clearly to participants.
   • Check that all materials work as intended (e.g., props for charades, markers for bingo) and are in good condition.

Timing and Scheduling Games Throughout the Party

A well-planned schedule will keep the party flowing smoothly and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in various activities.

1. Create a Game Schedule
   • Plan a timeline for when each game will take place. Consider factors like meal times, gift exchanges, and other party activities to determine the best times for games.
   • Keep the duration of each game in mind to avoid overextending activities, which can lead to boredom or fatigue.
2. Communicate the Schedule
   • Share the game schedule with participants at the beginning of the party. Use a whiteboard or printout to display the timeline, so everyone knows what to expect.
   • Allow for some flexibility in the schedule, as conversations and interactions may lead to changes. Be prepared to adapt based on the mood of the group.
3. Encourage Participation
   • Remind guests of upcoming games and encourage them to join in. Some people may be shy, so gently inviting them can help boost participation.
   • Offer incentives or small prizes for game winners to foster excitement and motivation for playing.

By carefully organizing the game area, preparing necessary materials, and creating a thoughtful schedule, you can host a memorable family Christmas party filled with joy and laughter. These tips will help create an engaging atmosphere where everyone can participate, regardless of age. The key is to foster an environment of fun and camaraderie, ensuring that your family creates lasting memories during this special time of year.

FAQ

What types of games are best for a family Christmas party?

Here are some great types of games for a family Christmas party:

1. Traditional Board Games: Classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Pictionary are fun for all ages and encourage friendly competition.
2. Christmas-Themed Trivia: Create trivia questions related to Christmas traditions, movies, or songs to challenge family knowledge.
3. Interactive Games: Games like Charades or Christmas Bingo keep everyone engaged and moving.
4. Craft Activities: Simple DIY projects, such as ornament making or cookie decorating, can be enjoyable for both kids and adults.
5. Outdoor Games: If the weather permits, consider games like a snowball toss, sack races, or a holiday scavenger hunt.

Mixing these types of games ensures that everyone, regardless of age, can participate and enjoy the festivities!

How can I accommodate different age groups?

Accommodating different age groups at a family Christmas party can ensure everyone has a great time. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Game Variety: Choose a mix of games suitable for all ages. Include simpler games for younger children (like Simon Says or holiday-themed coloring) and more complex games for older kids and adults (like trivia or charades).
2. Team-Based Activities: Organize games into teams that mix age groups. This allows older family members to guide younger ones, fostering collaboration and making it easier for everyone to participate.
3. Flexible Rules: Adjust the rules of certain games to accommodate various skill levels. For example, you could allow younger kids to play with simplified rules or provide hints to help them succeed.
4. Separate Stations: Set up different game stations tailored to specific age groups. Younger children can enjoy crafts or easy games, while teens and adults can engage in trivia or board games.
5. Encourage Participation: Create an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable joining in. Use fun incentives or small prizes to motivate participation, especially for shy or hesitant guests.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a festive environment where family members of all ages can connect and enjoy the holiday spirit together!

How can I keep everyone engaged during the games?