20 Holiday Games to Bring More Joy to Your Christmas Gatherings

Christmas Games for Kids

Children usually don’t need much encouragement to play—but giving them a few simple, festive games keeps the energy joyful and prevents boredom while adults are still finishing dessert or coffee.

1. Find the Hidden Ornament

Hide a small ornament somewhere on the tree or around the dining room. Give children a playful clue: “It’s hiding near something sparkling,” or “It’s close to the cookies.” The first one to find it chooses the next game or gets a tiny prize.

2. Reindeer Nose Challenge

Draw a large reindeer on paper, hang it on the wall and give each child a red sticker “nose.” Blindfold, spin gently, and let them try to place the nose. The slightly off attempts are the funniest part.

3. Holiday Bingo Walk

Create bingo cards with icons like snowman, star, candle, gingerbread, snowflake. Hide matching pictures or objects around the living and dining areas. When children spot them, they mark their cards. First with a line wins.

4. Candy Cane Count

Fill a clear jar with mini candy canes. Let each child guess how many are inside. The closest guess wins the jar—or chooses how to share it with everyone at the table.

5. Mittens Wrapping Race

Give each child a pair of mittens and a small box to wrap. Set a timer and see who can wrap it fastest or most creatively while wearing the mittens. Not perfect… but perfectly fun.

Christmas Games for Adults

Adults often arrive with long to-do lists still buzzing in their minds. A simple game can act like a soft reset—helping everyone shift from “rushing” to “being here.”

6. Secret Santa Stories

Combine a classic Secret Santa exchange with storytelling. After each gift is opened, the receiver tries to guess who gave it—using only three questions. The laughter often lasts longer than the guessing.

7. Holiday Baby Photo Guess

Ask guests beforehand for a childhood winter or Christmas photo. Display them with numbers on a sideboard covered in beautiful linens. Guests guess who is who; the big reveal becomes a lovely, nostalgic moment.

8. White Elephant with Themes

Choose a theme: “cozy,” “kitchen joy,” or “something green.” Guests bring on-theme gifts, then draw numbers and take turns opening and “stealing” gifts. Light-hearted chaos, guaranteed.

9. Christmas Movie Quote Game

Prepare quotes from classic holiday films. Read them aloud and let guests write down their answers. Bonus points if they can name the character or act out the line.

10. Around-the-Table Gratitude Game

Not every game has to be loud. Invite each guest to pick a small card from under their plate with a prompt like “Share a cozy winter memory” or “Name one thing you’re grateful for this year.” It’s quietly powerful.

Games for the Whole Family

When the entire group—from grandparents to toddlers—plays together, something magical happens. These games are simple enough for everyone, but still full of charm.

11. Pass the Bow

Everyone sits in a circle and passes a big festive bow while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the bow is out—or has to perform a funny holiday task like humming a carol.

12. Cookie Decorating Challenge

Set up a cookie station on a beautifully covered table. Teams of one adult and one child decorate cookies within a time limit. Create awards like “Most Magical,” “Most Minimal,” or “Most Unexpected.”

13. Holiday Charades

Write holiday-themed words or phrases on slips of paper: “building a snowman,” “wrapping a gift,” “sledding,” or “lighting candles.” Let each person act them out while their team guesses.

14. Name That Tune: Christmas Edition

Play just a few notes of a Christmas song. The first team to guess the title scores a point. For extra fun, award a bonus if someone sings the next line.

15. Story-By-Candlelight

Dim the lights, light a candle and start a shared story: “On the coldest night of December…” Each person adds one sentence. By the end, you’ve created your own family legend.

How to Choose the Right Holiday Game

Choosing the right game is less about perfection and more about knowing your guests.

• Consider energy levels: Start with simple or low-pressure games as people arrive; save louder games for after dinner.
• Mix ages: Pair children with adults so no one feels excluded.
• Read the room: If people are deep in conversation, choose games that invite sharing instead of competition.
• Keep it optional: Allow guests to watch if they prefer; spectators often become players once the laughter begins.

Tips for Hosting a Holiday Game Night

A few small touches can turn simple games into unforgettable traditions:

• Prepare all materials in advance (cards, pens, small prizes, jars, photos).
• Use a dedicated game corner or a sideboard dressed in beautiful linens to keep everything organized.
• Decide on 2–3 games instead of trying to fit in everything.
• End on a gentle note: a shared toast, a photo together, or a final round of gratitude.

Holiday games aren’t just entertainment. They’re invitations—tiny bridges between people who might not see one another often, and a way to say, “You belong here.”