120+ Fun Christmas Party Games to Brighten Your Holiday Season (2024)

The holiday season is here, and what better way to amplify the joy and excitement than with Christmas parties filled with laughter, love, and, of course, games! Christmas is not just about the decorations, the carols, or the gifts; it’s also about creating memorable moments with friends and family. And what’s a festive gathering without some Christmas party games to break the ice and bring everyone closer together?

In this post, we’ll explore an extensive list of 100 Christmas party games that are perfect for adding that extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering, a fun-filled kids’ party, or an elegant adult soirée, we have something for everyone. From traditional classics to innovative new ideas, these games are designed to cater to all ages and group sizes, ensuring that your holiday festivities are nothing short of magical.

Prepare to dive into a world of festive fun with games that will have your guests laughing, competing, and cherishing the holiday spirit. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember with games that are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.

Games for Adults

When it comes to adult gatherings during the festive season, Christmas party games can turn any standard get-together into an unforgettable celebration. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or a larger holiday bash, these games are designed to break the ice, encourage laughter, and spread holiday cheer among your friends and family.

Icebreakers

Icebreakers are essential in getting everyone to relax, mix, and mingle. Here are some Christmas-themed icebreakers that are perfect for adults:

1. Christmas-themed Two Truths and a Lie: Each person shares three statements about their holiday experiences, but one’s a fib. Can your guests guess which one?
2. Secret Santa Guess Who: After your Secret Santa gift exchange, have each person guess who their Secret Santa was and share why they think so.
3. Holiday Would You Rather: Pose hilarious or thought-provoking ‘Would You Rather’ questions with a festive twist.
4. Christmas Movie Quote Game: Who can guess the Christmas movie from just one quote? A great way for movie buffs to shine.
5. Mistletoe Mingle: A networking game where guests must find others who meet certain holiday-themed criteria.
6. Festive Fact or Fiction: Players tell a holiday story about themselves, and others guess if it’s fact or fiction.
7. Christmas Carol Match-Up: Challenge guests to match Christmas carol snippets to their titles.
8. Jingle Bell Jam: Players shake a box of jingle bells to guess the exact number inside. Closest guess wins!
9. Christmas Emoji Pictionary: Guests decode Christmas phrases or songs from emojis.
10. Holiday Balderdash: Invent definitions for obscure holiday words and see if your friends can spot the real one.

Adults Party Games

Once everyone’s warmed up, dive into these lively party games that are sure to keep the festive spirit high:

1. White Elephant Gift Exchange: A classic holiday game where guests vie for the best (or most hilarious) gift.
2. Christmas Carol Karaoke: Belt out your favorite holiday tunes in a Christmas karaoke session.
3. Festive co*cktail Mix-off: Compete to create the best holiday co*cktail or mocktail.
4. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest: A competition for the ugliest, most outrageous Christmas sweater.
5. Holiday Murder Mystery: Host a Christmas-themed murder mystery night full of intrigue and suspense.
6. Christmas Bingo with a Twist: Traditional Bingo with a holiday spin, using Christmas phrases or actions.
7. Santa Hat TV Game: Watch a Christmas movie and wear Santa hats, but there’s a catch – every time a character on screen wears a hat, everyone switches hats!
8. Reindeer Games: Fun challenges and mini-games themed around Santa’s reindeer.
9. Christmas Pantomime: Act out holiday-related scenes without speaking, and others guess what it is.
10. Christmas Trivia Showdown: Test your knowledge of Christmas traditions, history, and pop culture in a spirited trivia competition.

These Christmas party games for adults are not only a way to celebrate the season but also a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories and traditions among friends and family. So, raise a glass of eggnog, don your festive attire, and get ready for a holiday party that will be talked about for years to come!

Games for Kids

Indoor Games

The twinkling lights and merry jingles set the perfect backdrop for Christmas party games, especially for the little ones eager to soak up the festive spirit. Let’s start indoors, where the warmth of the hearth meets the laughter of children with these engaging games:

1. Santa Says: A Christmas twist on the classic “Simon Says,” where instead of Simon, it’s Santa giving out the jolly orders. A great way to get the kids listening and moving!
2. Christmas Treasure Hunt: Hide festive-themed items around the house and give the kids clues to find them. It’s a delightful way to keep them engaged and exploring.
3. Pin the Nose on Rudolph: A seasonal spin on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Blindfolded participants try to pin a red nose on Rudolph’s face, a surefire way to ignite giggles.
4. Frosty’s Magic Freeze Dance: Play Christmas carols and have the kids dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze like snowmen. The last one moving is out!
5. Elf Workshop: Set up a station where kids can create simple crafts or ornaments. It’s not just a game but a creative outlet for their holiday excitement.
6. Christmas Bingo: Use Christmas-themed pictures instead of numbers for a festive version of Bingo. It’s a great game for kids to play together and can easily be adjusted for all ages.
7. Holiday Storytime Guess Who: Read a Christmas story and pause occasionally, letting the kids guess which character or object will appear next.
8. Reindeer Ring Toss: Create antler-shaped targets with cardboard and have the kids toss rings onto them. This game is as fun to make as it is to play!
9. Candy Cane Hunt: Hide candy canes throughout the house and let the kids go on a festive scavenger hunt. It’s simple, sweet, and always a hit.
10. Christmas Memory Game: Lay out cards with holiday-themed pictures and have the kids find matching pairs. This game tests their memory and gets them into the holiday spirit.

Outdoor Games

But why stay indoors when there’s a winter wonderland waiting outside? Bundle up and head out for some snowy fun with these outdoor Christmas party games:

1. Snowman Building Contest: Challenge the kids to create their best Frosty. Provide accessories like scarves, carrots, and buttons to spark their creativity.
2. Christmas Relay Races: Set up relay races with a holiday twist. Think Santa sack races or a snowball dash. It’s a perfect way to burn off that extra holiday energy!
3. Snowball Toss: Create targets with Christmas themes and have the kids aim and toss snowballs. It’s a safe and fun way to enjoy a classic winter activity.
4. Reindeer Hoops: Hang hula hoops or similar rings from tree branches and have the kids try to throw snowballs through them.
5. Find the North Star: A nighttime game where kids use a star map to find constellations. It’s educational and a unique way to enjoy the winter sky.
6. Snow Angel Contest: Who can make the most creative snow angel? Judge based on style, creativity, and fun factor!
7. Ice Block Treasure Hunt: Freeze small toys in blocks of ice and let the kids ‘excavate’ their frozen treasures.
8. Winter Wildlife Safari: Go for a walk and look for signs of wildlife. Whoever spots the most winter creatures or tracks wins a prize.
9. Frosty Tug-of-War: A snowy twist on the classic game, using a rope and dividing kids into teams.
10. Snow Fort Building: Divide into teams and build the best snow fort. This game promotes teamwork and creativity, plus it’s a blast!

Whether indoors or outdoors, these Christmas party games for kids are sure to bring joy and laughter to your holiday festivities. They’re not just games; they’re the building blocks of cherished holiday memories for the youngest celebrants.

Games for Families

The holiday season is a time for family, and what better way to bring everyone together than with a variety of Christmas party games that cater to all ages? Whether it’s a quiet evening by the fire or a bustling family gathering, these games are perfect for creating those unforgettable family moments.

Board and Card Games

Board and card games are a cornerstone of family gatherings, and these Christmas-themed versions add a festive twist to your favorites:

1. Christmas Monopoly: Traverse a board full of holiday properties, buying and selling with Christmas cheer. It’s Monopoly with a festive makeover!
2. Holiday-themed Uno: Play the classic card game with cards decorated in holiday motifs. The same fast-paced fun, but with a Christmas twist.
3. Christmas Charades: Act out holiday-themed prompts in this fun and active guessing game that gets the whole family involved.
4. Santa’s Workshop Board Game: Navigate through Santa’s workshop in this imaginative board game. It’s a race to see who can help Santa prepare for Christmas first!
5. The Nutcracker Game: Inspired by the famous ballet, this game is a journey through the magical world of the Nutcracker.
6. Holiday Sequence: A Christmas version of the popular strategy game, perfect for families who love a bit of competition.
7. Christmas Trivia Challenge: Test your family’s knowledge of Christmas traditions, songs, and movies with this engaging trivia game.
8. Festive Pictionary: A holiday version of Pictionary, where all the words to be drawn are Christmas related.
9. Mistletoe Mystery: A card game that involves solving a Christmas-themed mystery – perfect for the family who loves a good whodunit.
10. Yuletide Bingo: Bingo with a Christmas spin. Instead of numbers, use holiday symbols or phrases.

Interactive Games

For those who prefer more dynamic activities, these interactive games are sure to spark joy and laughter at your family gatherings:

1. Christmas Movie Trivia: Quiz your family on their knowledge of classic and modern Christmas movies. It’s a great way to reminisce about favorite holiday films.
2. Holiday Pictionary: Get creative with drawing and guessing Christmas-themed prompts in a race against time.
3. Gingerbread House Building Competition: Divide into teams and see who can construct the most imaginative gingerbread house. A sweet challenge for all!
4. Christmas Carol Lip Sync Battle: Show off your lip-syncing skills with favorite Christmas carols. A hilarious way to enjoy holiday music.
5. Elf on the Shelf Hide and Seek: Take turns hiding and finding the Elf on the Shelf. This can be a daily game leading up to Christmas.
6. Festive Family Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with Christmas props and costumes. It’s a game and a way to capture memories!
7. Snowflake Challenge: Compete to see who can cut out the most intricate paper snowflake. This game doubles as a craft activity.
8. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt: Take a walk or drive around the neighborhood and tick off different types of Christmas lights and decorations you see.
9. Holiday Storytelling Circle: Each family member tells a part of a Christmas story, building on what the previous person said.
10. Santa’s Helpers: A role-playing game where family members are Santa’s helpers preparing for Christmas. Great for imaginative play.

Incorporating these Christmas party games into your family gatherings not only promises loads of fun but also fosters a sense of togetherness, creating memories that will last long after the holiday season has passed. So, gather the family, pick a game, and let the festive fun begin!

Games for Large Groups

When it comes to hosting larger gatherings during the festive season, finding Christmas party games that engage everyone can be a challenge. However, the right mix of team and circle games can turn your large group into a lively, interactive crowd, full of holiday cheer and camaraderie.

Team Games

Team games are fantastic for building spirit and unity among larger groups. Here are some that are sure to be a hit:

1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Organize a hunt with holiday-themed items or clues. It’s an adventurous way for teams to bond and explore.
2. Holiday-themed Trivia Contest: Split into teams and test your knowledge on all things Christmas. Categories can range from Christmas movies to worldwide traditions.
3. Festive Costume Contest: Have teams create or showcase their best holiday outfits. This can be a fun way to see everyone’s creativity.
4. Snowball Relay Race: If there’s snow, have teams race while balancing a snowball on a spoon. Indoors, use cotton balls or white pompoms.
5. Gingerbread House Architect: Teams compete to build the most creative gingerbread structure. Provide various candies and icing for decoration.
6. Christmas Carol Battle: Teams compete in singing or performing a Christmas carol. Add a twist by stopping the music randomly and seeing if they can continue!
7. Festive Photo Challenge: Teams have a list of holiday-themed photos to capture during the event, like someone wearing a Santa hat or a beautifully decorated tree.
8. Santa’s Workshop: Teams race against the clock to ‘build toys’ (using craft materials) for Santa’s sleigh.
9. Wrap Battle: Teams compete to wrap odd-shaped items or do blindfolded wrapping.
10. Christmas Charade Relay: Each team has to act out and guess a series of holiday-themed charades.

Circle Games

Circle games are perfect for keeping everyone in the loop, literally and figuratively. Here are some that are great for large groups:

1. Pass the Present (musical chairs style): Pass around a wrapped gift while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the gift gets to unwrap a layer.
2. Christmas Storytelling Round: Start a Christmas story and have each person in the circle add a sentence.
3. Holiday Hot Potato: Pass a holiday-themed object around while music plays. Whoever’s holding it when the music stops is out, but with a fun holiday twist!
4. Secret Santa Circle: Everyone sits in a circle with the gift they brought. One by one, people choose a gift from the pile or steal an already opened one.
5. Twelve Days of Christmas Sing-Along: The group sings the song, but each person (or team) is responsible for one day.
6. Festive “Never Have I Ever”: A holiday version of the classic game, with prompts like “Never have I ever re-gifted a Christmas present.”
7. Candy Cane Spin: Place a candy cane in the mouth (hooked end out) and try to hook other candy canes placed on a table without using hands.
8. Christmas Carol Humdinger: Players take turns humming a Christmas carol while others guess.
9. Wreath Hoopla: Try to toss small hoops over a large hanging wreath.
10. The Great Christmas Debate: Initiate light-hearted debates on silly topics like “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?”

Implementing these Christmas party games for large groups can turn your holiday gathering into an engaging and memorable event for all. From competitive team games to inclusive circle games, there’s something here to light up everyone’s holiday spirit.

Virtual Christmas Games

In this digital age, celebrating the holidays with friends and family who are far away has become easier and more enjoyable, thanks to virtual Christmas party games. These games, played over online platforms or video calls, ensure that the festive fun is just a click away, no matter where you are. Let’s dive into some engaging online games that can light up your virtual holiday gatherings.

Online Game Platforms

1. Virtual Christmas Bingo: Play Bingo over a video call, using digital cards with holiday-themed images or phrases.
2. Online Holiday Quiz: Host a festive-themed quiz night through online platforms, testing knowledge on Christmas traditions and winter trivia.
3. Digital Secret Santa: Organize a Secret Santa where gifts are ordered online and shipped directly to the recipient. Reveal who sent which gift during a video call.
4. Christmas Word Scramble: Challenge friends and family to unscramble holiday words in a timed online game.
5. Festive Virtual Escape Room: Participate in a Christmas-themed virtual escape room, solving puzzles and riddles together.
6. Holiday-Themed Virtual Board Games: Play classic board games with a holiday twist on virtual game platforms.
7. Virtual Snowman Building Contest: Use an online drawing tool to create digital snowmen and then vote on the most creative design.
8. Online Christmas Carol Challenge: Identify or complete the lyrics of Christmas carols in this fun online game.
9. Festive Trivia Wheel: Spin a digital wheel to choose categories in a lively holiday trivia game.
10. Virtual Christmas Art Contest: Create holiday-themed art using digital drawing tools and share them with your group.

Video Call Games

Video call platforms like Zoom or Skype can also be used to host a range of interactive Christmas party games:

1. Virtual Holiday Background Challenge: Compete to see who can come up with the most festive or creative virtual background.
2. Online Christmas Charades: Act out Christmas-themed prompts over video call for others to guess.
3. Zoom Santa Hat Game: Randomly assign times for everyone to wear a Santa hat during the call. If someone is caught not wearing it when the timer goes off, they do a fun holiday dare.
4. Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest: Show off your ugliest Christmas sweaters and vote on the winner.
5. Christmas Pictionary via Screen Share: Use the whiteboard feature for a game of Pictionary with holiday-themed words and phrases.
6. Guess the Gift: Show a wrapped gift on camera and have others guess what’s inside.
7. Holiday Show and Tell: Share a meaningful holiday item or story with the group.
8. Virtual Gingerbread House Showcase: Build gingerbread houses beforehand and present them during the call.
9. Christmas Emoji Decoding Game: Send Christmas-themed emoji sentences in the chat for others to decode.
10. Holiday Playlist Guessing Game: Play snippets of Christmas songs and have participants guess the song or artist.

These virtual Christmas party games are perfect for bringing together friends and family from all corners of the globe. They prove that distance doesn’t have to dampen the holiday spirit. So, log on, connect, and let the virtual holiday festivities begin!

DIY and Craft-Based Games

Christmas is not only a time for celebration but also for creativity and learning. DIY and craft-based Christmas party games are a fantastic way to engage guests of all ages in activities that are not just fun, but also foster a sense of accomplishment and spark their creative spirits. Let’s explore some crafty and educational games that can add an extra layer of joy to your festive gatherings.

Creative Games

1. Make-Your-Own Ornament Contest: Provide materials and let your guests create their own Christmas ornaments. Judge the most creative, funniest, or most beautiful creations.
2. DIY Christmas Card Station: Set up a station with cardstock, markers, glitter, and more for guests to create their own holiday cards.
3. Gingerbread House Decorating Challenge: Provide gingerbread house kits and let the competition for the most imaginative gingerbread house begin.
4. Handprint Wreath Making: Especially great for kids, where they can use their handprints to create a festive wreath.
5. Christmas Cookie Decorating: Bake cookies in advance and have a decoration station with icing, sprinkles, and edible markers.
6. Festive Face Painting Booth: Set up a face painting station with holiday-themed designs like snowflakes, reindeers, or Santa hats.
7. Holiday Potpourri Making: Mix up a holiday-scented potpourri using dried fruits, spices, and essential oils.
8. Custom Stocking Decorating: Provide plain stockings and decorating supplies for guests to personalize their own.
9. Festive Fairy Light Jars: Create magical light jars using LED fairy lights and decorated mason jars.
10. Create Your Own Christmas Village: Use cardboard, paint, and other materials to construct a miniature Christmas village.

Educational Games

1. Christmas Around the World Quiz: Test your guests’ knowledge about how different cultures celebrate Christmas with a fun and informative quiz.
2. Santa’s Workshop (learning game for kids): A game where children learn about the mechanics of Santa’s workshop, including toy making and sleigh preparation.
3. Christmas Story Writing Competition: Encourage guests to write short Christmas stories; share them aloud and vote for the most heartwarming or creative.
4. Holiday Science Experiments: Conduct simple, safe experiments like making snow with baking soda or a vinegar and baking soda eruption with a holiday twist.
5. Christmas Carol History Lesson: Teach the origins of famous Christmas carols and then sing them together.
6. Eco-Friendly Christmas Challenge: Learn about eco-friendly practices and incorporate them into crafting, like making decorations from recycled materials.
7. Christmas Tree Botany: Educate about different types of Christmas trees and their characteristics through a fun, interactive game.
8. Geography Santa: An interactive game where kids learn about the different countries Santa visits on Christmas Eve.
9. Mathematical Ornament Puzzle: A game involving solving math problems to find the correct pieces to complete an ornament puzzle.
10. Christmas Literary Trivia: Focus on Christmas-themed literature and test your guests’ knowledge about famous holiday books and stories.

DIY and craft-based Christmas party games not only add a touch of uniqueness to your celebrations but also leave your guests with handmade keepsakes to remember the joyous occasion. These activities are a wonderful way to celebrate the season’s spirit of creativity and learning.

Additional Tips and Resources

As we wrap up our extensive list of Christmas party games, it’s important to consider some additional tips and resources that can help ensure your holiday festivities are not just fun, but also seamless and stress-free. From printable game templates to suggestions for game prizes and decorations, let’s delve into some useful resources and tips for organizing and hosting your holiday games.

Printable Game Templates

1. Bingo Cards: Find printable Christmas-themed bingo cards online, or use a bingo card generator to create your own.
2. Trivia Questions: Websites offer a variety of Christmas trivia questions and answers that you can print out for your quiz games.
3. Charades Prompts: Look for printable charade game cards with a festive twist, or create your own list of holiday-themed prompts.
4. Scavenger Hunt Clues: Download and print ready-made Christmas scavenger hunt clues or templates to design your own unique hunt.
5. Pictionary Words: Lists of Christmas-themed Pictionary words are available for printing to keep your drawing game festive and fun.

Game Prizes and Decorations

1. Prizes: Think small but festive – ornaments, holiday candles, Christmas mugs, homemade cookies, or gift cards.
2. Decorations: Set the mood with Christmas lights, garlands, and themed tableware. Consider creating a photo booth area with festive backdrops and props.
3. Music: A Christmas playlist can set the tone for your party. Include classic carols and modern holiday hits.
4. Dress Code: Encourage guests to wear festive attire, like ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, or reindeer antlers, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Organizing and Hosting Tips

1. Planning: Plan your games ahead of time. Consider the space you have and the number of guests attending.
2. Timing: Schedule games throughout the event to keep the energy high. Have a mix of active games and more relaxed ones.
3. Instructions: Be clear with instructions for each game. If possible, do a trial run to work out any kinks.
4. Flexibility: Be ready to adapt based on your guests’ energy and interests. Have a few backup games in case something doesn’t resonate as expected.
5. Inclusivity: Ensure that games are inclusive and accessible to all guests, considering different ages and abilities.
6. Safety: For physical games, make sure there is enough space and that the area is safe.
7. Engagement: Encourage everyone to participate, but don’t pressure guests who prefer to watch. Sometimes, cheering from the sidelines is just as fun!
8. Feedback: After the party, ask for feedback on what games guests enjoyed the most. This can help in planning future events.

Incorporating these tips and resources into your Christmas party games planning will not only help in creating a joyful and organized event but will also ensure that your guests have a memorable time. Remember, the key to a successful holiday party is not just in the games you choose, but in the warmth and cheer with which you host them.

100 Christmas Party Games to Brighten Your Holiday Season

As we come to the end of this festive journey through 100 Christmas party games, it’s clear that the possibilities for fun and excitement during the holiday season are almost endless. From the laughter-filled antics of interactive games for kids and adults to the creative joy of DIY and craft-based activities, these games are more than just pastimes—they are a gateway to creating lasting memories and new traditions.

I encourage you, dear readers, to not only try out some of these games but also to let them inspire you to invent your own. Every family, every group of friends, has its unique dynamic, and there’s always room for a new game that might just become the highlight of your holiday gatherings. Whether it’s adapting a classic game with a festive twist or coming up with something entirely original, the spirit of creativity can add an extra layer of personalization and enjoyment to your celebrations.

As we wrap up this guide to Christmas party games, let’s not forget that the heart of the holiday season is in the joy of being together. Whether you’re gathered around a living room, connected through a screen, or sharing a meal at a festively decorated table, it’s the shared experiences, laughter, and love that truly define the spirit of Christmas.

So, as you deck the halls and light up the tree, remember that the greatest gift of all might just be a simple game that brings everyone a little closer. Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and an abundance of fun Christmas party games. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your loved ones!