7 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family
Party games are a great way of entertaining the family at Christmas time. Whether it’s on Christmas Eve as the kids wait for Santa or on Boxing Day as you try and digest all that turkey, there’s always time for a game or two.
Choosing the right game for the group you’re with is essential. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of seven Christmas games for you to try this holiday season. They’re sure to put a smile on everyone’s face – even if you’ve got a Scrooge in the family!
Christmas Film Bingo
Everyone loves a Christmas film. From Home Alone to Elf and The Grinch, some fantastic movies are available for the festive period. And you can now add more excitement to watching these films by playing Christmas Film Bingo.
Each player gets a Bingo card which features a selection of things that could happen in a festive film. It could be anything, like an appearance from Santa or snow. Then, make your way through all the Christmas classics, ticking things off along the way. Whoever marks off their whole card first wins.
Grab the popcorn and get playing! If you need a few recommendations for Christmas movies, check out our list of 9 festive rom-coms (Hyper link to romm com article)
How many can play? At least two people.
Christmas Themed Scavenger Hunt
Set the whole family on a festive adventure while dinner is cooking with a Christmas themed Scavenger Hunt. Leave clues for your guests and see how quickly they can work them out. Each clue leads to another – it’s a race to see who can complete the hunt first.
The last clue in the hunt should lead guests to a prize. It could be anything you like, from a Christmas gift to a jar of cookies!
How many can play? Set up the scavenger hunt for one or more participants.
Christmas Articulate
A classic board game with a Christmas twist. Just like the original, you’ll be divided into two teams. In each turn, one player describes something (without saying what it is), while others in their team make guesses. But in this version, everything that’s described will have a festive theme. It could be a Christmas song, film, food or anything else related to the holiday season.
After each turn, you’ll add pieces to your Christmassy jigsaw. The number of pieces you can add depends on how many words your team correctly guessed. Whoever completes their jigsaw first wins.
How many can play? Two or more people.
Guess The Smell
A game that does what it says on the tin. It’s super simple to set up. All you’ll need is a variety of festive fragrances. We’re talking things like nutmeg, eggnog, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and Christmas pudding.
Once you’ve got your scents, throw them into containers and blindfold everyone who’s taking part. Each player gets the chance to have a whiff of each smell before locking in their guesses. Whoever correctly guesses the most smells wins!
How many can play? At least two people.
Cookie Decorating Contest
Combine Christmas with The Great British Bake Off with a good old fashioned Cookie Decorating Contest! Get all the family to put their designs on cookies – whoever does the best job wins. Include multiple categories like best use of toppings, most colourful or messiest design and see what crazy creations everyone comes up with.
Just make sure that all cookies are tasty enough to eat afterwards!
How many can play? Two or more people.
Christmas Charades
There’s one classic party game that always goes down well at any time of year and is perfect for your Christmas gatherings. Charades is easy to organise, gets the whole family involved and doesn’t cost anything to play!
The aim of the game is simple. One person either acts out or draws something – make this Christmas themed to get into the festive spirit – while the rest of the group guesses what it is. The winner is the player who makes the most correct guesses.
How many can play? Minimum of two people, but four or more will make for a more exciting game.
White Elephant
Make opening presents even more fun with a game of White Elephant. Everyone brings a wrapped gift and places it in the middle of the room. Each contribution should be something silly or impractical.
Next, everyone draws a number, which determines the order of unwrapping presents. Whoever pulled out number one chooses a present first and opens it. The second person then decides whether to open a new present or steal the gift previously opened.
The game continues in this fashion, with each player having the chance to open or steal. A present can only be stolen twice, though. Once everyone has a gift, the game is over – although whoever went first could throw a spanner in the works with a last-minute steal!
How many can play? At least four . But it’s recommended that there’s six or more.
