30 Fun Christmas Games for Family

Christmas feels more special when everyone is laughing and joining in the funand that is exactly what the best family Christmas games bring to your holiday gatherings. Whether you are planning a cosy Christmas Evea relaxed night at homeor a lively family partyhaving a few Christmas games for family enjoyment keeps every age smiling.

You can warm up the room with favorites like Holiday PictionaryChristmas charadesName That Christmas Tuneor a playful candy cane hunt. Add in simple ideas such as reindeer antler ring tossa Christmas bingo roundor a quick set of festive Minute to Win It challenges to keep the energy light and joyful.

With the right mix of active moments and easy sit down Christmas activitiesthese Christmas games for families help you create a night filled with connectionlaughterand memories your loved ones will treasure long after the season ends.

1. Holiday Pictionary

Grab a dry-erase boardsome markersand a stack of holiday promptsand you’re ready to start Holiday Pictionary that’ll have everyone laughing and thinking fast.

You split into teamsset a timer for one minuteand watch as someone frantically draws mistletoesnowmenor Santa stuck in a chimney.

Keep prompts varied—easytrickyaction words—and write them on slips so kids and adults play evenly. Encourage simple shapesarrowsand quick erasing; remind drawers they can’t speak or gesture.

Score points for correct guessesand rotate drawers each round so everyone gets a turn. End with a bonus lightning round for extra excitement.

You’ll leave smilingsharing inside jokesand already planning next year’s list.

2. White Elephant Gift Swap Rules and Variations

If you’ve ever watched a room roar with surprised laughteryou know a White Elephant gift swap can turn a quiet family night into puresilly fun.

You’ll ask everyone to bring a wrappedinexpensive or funny giftthen draw numbers for turn order. On your turn you can pick a new gift or steal someone’s opened onewith a limit of two or three steals per gift so games don’t drag.

Offer simple variations: theme giftsgag-onlyor secret tokens that let you bypass a steal. Keep rules clear and briefremind players what’s fairand set a time limit for choosing.

You’ll see shy relatives loosen up and end the night with big smiles.

3. Christmas Charades

Christmas charades is a livelylaughter filled game that gets everyone acting silly and trying their best to guess festive prompts. It is easy to set up and works beautifully for mixed agesmaking it a fun way to bring shy relatives out of their shells and keep the room buzzing.

Split into teamschoose holiday themed promptsand act without speaking while your group tries to guess the word or phrase. Keep rounds short so excitement stays highand rotate actors often so everyone has a chance to join in.

1. Write prompts on slips: carolsSantasnowball fightdecorating tree.
2. Set a timer for 60–90 seconds to keep pace and suspense.
3. Award points for correct guessesnot dramatic talent.
4. Add a “silent winter animal” round for goofysimple miming fun.

4. Name That Christmas Tune

Whether you hum the first notes or belt the whole chorusName That Christmas Tune turns family music time into a playful showdown you’ll remember. You’ll split into teamslisten to short clips or hummed hintsand race to shout the title. Kids love guessingadults get nostalgicand you’ll all laugh when someone confidently names “Jingle Bells” after three seconds.

1. Pick rounds: instrumentalhummedor one-word clues.
2. Keep clips short: 5–10 seconds keeps energy high.
3. Score simply: correct = 1 pointbonus for full verse.
4. Use a timer: 15–20 seconds stops long debates.

Mix easy and tricky songscheer every guessand savor the sillywarm moments you create together.

5. Candy Cane Hunt

If you want to make a simple hunt feel magicalhide candy canes around the house or yard and let everyone search like tiny holiday detectiveslaughing at the sneakiest spots you thought of.

Start by deciding how many canes each person should findthen mark easymediumand tricky locations so younger kids still win sometimes.

Give each player a small bag and a flashlight for dim corners; you’ll love the excited squeals when a beam finds a shiny stripe.

Offer bonus canes for clever hiding spots to encourage creativityand set a time limit to keep energy high.

Afterwardtrade stories over hot cocoa and let everyone display a favorite find — it turns a hunt into a warm memory.

6. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss

Because a silly game makes holiday gatherings feel extra cozyset up a Reindeer Antler Ring Toss and watch everyone laugh as they try to land rings on those floppy antlers.

You’ll place a soft antler headband on a willing playerthen step back and toss rings from a marked line. Keep rounds short so kids and grown-ups stay excitedand swap players quickly to keep the laughter rolling.

Offer small prizes like candy or a silly hat to raise the cheer.

1. Choose soft antlers for safety and silly photos.
2. Mark a clear tossing line for fair play.
3. Use foam or rope rings that won’t hurt or break.
4. Limit turns to three throws so each person stays involved.

7. Musical Snowflake

When the music beginseveryone stands in a circle and gently passes a soft snowflake prop from one person to the next. As the song playsthe pace stays light and cheerfuland when the music suddenly stopsthe person holding the snowflake gets a small challenge or treat.

Choose a lightweight prop so kids can pass it easilyand put together a short playlist of upbeat holiday tunes to keep the energy lively. Explain the rules clearly so everyone knows to walk or dance in placeavoid pushingand take their prompt with good humor.

Prepare a small bowl of slips with simple tasks such as sing a line from a carolsay something kind to another playeract out a festive poseor collect a small prize like a sticker or candy cane. Younger kids love the surpriseand grown ups enjoy the laughter that builds as the snowflake moves around the circle.

Finish the game with a group photo to capture the happy moment.

8. Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

A gingerbread house decorating contest is a joyful way to spark creativity and bring everyone together around a festive table. Set out simple supplies such as premade housesicingcandiesand a timerthen explain friendly rules so kids and grown ups all feel welcome. Encourage teamwork or let each person design their own cottageand remind everyone that happy messes are part of the fun.

You can judge creations by categories such as funniestmost colorfulneatestor most imaginativekeeping the awards light and cheerful.

1. Start: give each team equal supplies and a clean workspace.
2. Timing: set 20–30 minutes so energy stays high.
3. Themes: offer ideas like winter forest or candy castle.
4. Cleanup: make it quick with trash bins ready.

9. Pin the Nose on Rudolph

A few simple supplies—papertapea red pom-pom noseand a blindfold—turn into a hilarious holiday moment that gets everyone laughing and cheering.

You’ll draw a large Rudolph on poster paperbold eyes and antlersand leave the nose spot clear. Tape the poster where players can reachthen let each person wear the blindfoldspin gently twiceand try to pin the pom-pom on Rudolph.

Keep turns fast so excitement buildsand cheer wildly for every close miss—those are the funniest. Offer small prizes for the best guesssilliest attemptor most dramatic spin.

Kids love guiding friendsand adults enjoy the playful mess. It’s simplewarmand creates memories you’ll smile about for years.

10. Christmas Bingo

If you liked the silly chaos of Pin the Nose on Rudolphyou’ll love how Bingo brings everyone together in a calmerbut just-as-fun way. You pick or print festive cards with pictures or wordshand out markersand call items from a shuffled pile.

Kids and grown-ups can play side-by-sidecheering each other on when someone shouts “Bingo!” You’ll feel warm watching families focus and laughand you can offer small prizes like candy canes or stickers.

1. Use themed cards (ornamentstreesstockings).
2. Vary difficulty for ages (pictures for little oneswords for older kids).
3. Call items slowlyadd brief holiday facts for fun.
4. Keep rounds short so energy stays high and smiles keep coming.

11. Snowball Toss (Indoor Cotton Ball Game)

Snowball Toss turns your living room into a cozy winter game zoneand you’ll be surprised how much fun everyone has with just a bag of cotton balls and a few simple rules.

Set up targets like cupsbowlsor a cardboard box at varying distancesand mark throw lines with tape. Give each player ten cotton “snowballs,” and take turns tossing; keep score by points for each target.

You can play solo rounds or team up for relay- turns without runningwhich keeps things safe indoors. Add a gentle rule like “no stepping past the line” to keep kids honest.

Celebrate silly throws and high scores with cheers or tiny prizesand make warm memories that feel like a mini snowfall of laughter.

12. Ornament Relay Race

Keep the fun rolling by switching from gentle indoor throws to a buzzing Ornament Relay Race that gets everyone moving and laughing.

You’ll set two bowls on opposite ends of the room and give each team a spoon and a lightweight ornament or plastic bulb. Balance matters more than speedso encourage steady hands and friendly cheers. Kids and grown-ups trade placessprintingbalancingand handing off like holiday ninjas—okaymaybe clumsy ninjaswhich makes it fun.

1. Choose safeunbreakable ornaments and clear a simple path.
2. Use spoons or small trays for balancing challenges.
3. Add silly penalties like hopping or singing a line.
4. Keep rounds short and switch teams to keep energy up.

You’ll finish with gigglesproud smilesand a warmshared moment.

13. Holiday Trivia Challenge

Want to see who knows the most about holiday songstraditionsand silly facts? Set up a cozy quiz circle with cards for categories like carolsholiday foodsglobal customsand funny trivia.

You’ll read questions aloud while everyone writes answers or rings a bell to buzz in. Keep questions short and varied: easy ones for kidstrickier ones for adults. Score on a whiteboardaward tiny prizes or candyand cheer the close calls.

I’ve seen shy cousins light up when they nail a tricky song lyricand laughter always follows a surprising fact. If you likeadd a lightning round for extra energy.

This game’s great for sharing storieslearning togetherand making warm memories.

14. Pass the Present (Trivia Style)

Sit everyone in a circle and place a small wrapped gift in the center of the group. The gift has several layers of wrapping paperand inside each layer is a simple Christmas trivia question or a cheerful prompt that anyone can enjoy.

Play holiday music while the present is passed from one person to the next. When the music stopsthe person holding the gift unwraps one layer and reads the card aloud. If they answer the trivia question correctlythey get a small treat or sticker. If the card has a promptit might say something gentle such as tell your favorite holiday memory or share something you are looking forward to this Christmas. Then the music starts again and the passing continues.

Keep the questions easy enough for kids but fun for adultsand choose a small final prize that everyone will smile about. The game stays livelysimpleand completely family friendlyand it brings out warm stories and lots of laughter as each layer reveals something new.

15. Wrap Race (Gift Wrapping Relay)

A Wrap Race is a fastfunny relay where teams compete to wrap a gift the quickest without turning it into a lumpy messand you’ll love the teamwork and laughter it sparks.

Split family into teamsgive each a boxpapertaperibbonand a timer. One player wrapsthen tags the nextand you keep going until every teammate wraps once.

Set simple rules: no cutting more than oncetape only at seamsand no peeking under paper. Cheer loudlyand don’t worry if corners look like origami gone rogue — that’s part of the fun.

Offer a silly prize for the neatest and another for the fastest messy masterpiece. It’s fastjoyfuland great for all ages.

16. Christmas Scavenger Hunt

When you hide tiny treasures around the house and hand everyone a list of clever cluesthe whole room buzzes with excitement as family members race to find the next surprise.

You’ll plan simple clues that match ageshide treats in safe spotsand set a friendly timer so the hunt feels lively. Keep prizes small and variedlike candystickersor a goofy coupon for dish duty—yesyou can laugh about that later.

Split into teams or play soloand encourage teammates to cheer each find. Afterwardshare hot cocoa and quick stories about the sneakiest hiding place.

Try these quick idea starters:

1. Clue types: rhymesriddlespicture hints.
2. Prize ideas: treatssmall toyscoupons.
3. Difficulty: easymediumhard.
4. Timers: 5–15 minutes depending on ages.

17. Secret Santa Reveal Game

Turn your gift exchange into a playful guessing moment by adding a reveal round that builds anticipation and warm laughter.

Sit in a circle and hand out numbered envelopes with simple clues about each gift giver. Open one envelope at a timeread the clue aloudand let everyone guess who it might be before unwrapping the present to see if they were right.

Encourage gentle teasing and short stories about why each gift was chosen so the moment feels personal and cheerful. If a guess misses the markoffer a small hint before the final reveal to keep the game fair and fun.

Finish by inviting each giver to share a short wish for the recipientcreating a sweet and memorable close to the game.

18. Christmas Movie Quote Match

How well do you know your favorite holiday movie lines? You’ll love Christmas Movie Quote Match because it gets everyone laughing and thinkingand you can play it sitting by the tree.

Pick well-known movieswrite short quotes on cardsand have players match each quote to its character or film. Keep teams small so everyone joins in and no one hides behind a sweater.

1. Prepare 20–30 quotesmix easy and tricky lines to suit ages.
2. Set a timer for 30–60 seconds per round to keep energy up.
3. Allow one team steal if the first team missesthat adds fun tension.
4. Offer small prizeslike candy canes or holiday stickersto reward quick memories.

19. Guess the Christmas Scent

Can you guess a Christmas memory just by smelling it? You’ll set out small jars or covered cups with scents like pine needlescinnamon sticksorange peelgingerbreadand peppermint.

Blindfold a playerhand them a cotton ball dabbed with a scentand let them breathe in slowly while everyone else watches their face light up or squint in thought. Keep score or play for laughs; either wayencourage storytelling when someone guesses correctly—ask what the smell reminds them of and why.

Rotate turns so parents and kids both get surprised. For a twistmix two scents and let players name both.

This game wakes sweet memoriessparks gigglesand warms your room without turning on the oven.

20. Holiday Mad Libs

If you want a sillyeasy game that gets everyone laughing and talkingHoliday Mad Libs is perfect for your family night.

You’ll hand out sheets with blanks and ask for nounsverbsand adjectives without revealing the storythen read the finished pages aloud for big belly laughs.

It’s quick to set upneeds only paper and pensand works for mixed ages because kids and adults both enjoy the surprise.

1. Pick a shortfestive story with simple words.
2. Ask for words one at a timekeep it fast and fun.
3. Read aloud with dramatic pauses and playful voices.
4. Save the best pages to share later and snap a photo.

You’ll make warm memories and lots of giggles together.

21. Santa Hat Stack

Grab a stack of fuzzy Santa hats and get ready for one of the simplestsilliest races your family will love. You’ll line up playersplace a hat pile a few feet awayand tell everyone they must stack hats on their head one by one until they wobble but don’t fall.

Time each roundor play sudden-death where the last steady stack wins. Younger kids might need shorter distances and softer hatswhile grown-ups can try balancing with silly poses.

Keep a towel nearby for quick rescue when a hat avalanche happens — and laugh together when it does. Offer small prizes like holiday stickers or the honor of choosing the next game to keep excitement bright.

22. Christmas Cookie Decorating Relay

When you split into teams and line up at a tablethe Christmas Cookie Decorating Relay turns baking time into a burst of laughter and friendly competition.

You’ll set out plain cookiesfrosting bowlsand small toppings jarsthen race to decorate one cookie at a time before tagging the next teammate.

Keep rules simple: no running with frostingand each cookie must have three different decorations.

You’ll cheergiggleand admire the silly designs as plates move down the line.

Try a judged round for the funniestmost colorfulor most creative cookie to keep things fair and fun.

Small kids can pair with adults so everyone helps.

You’ll end the game with treats to eat and warm memories to take home.

1. Prep supplies
2. Set clear rules
3. Pair kids with adults
4. Judge for fun

23. Elf on the Shelf Hide and Seek

How sneaky can your elf be today? You’ll hide the elf in clever spots around the house and challenge family members to find it before time runs out.

Give simple clues for younger kids and trickier hints for older onesso everyone stays excited. Take turns hiding and seekingand keep rounds short so energy stays high.

Use a small timer or set a song to end each roundthen award silly prizes like stickers or a warm cocoa treat. Laugh at funny elf poses and snap a quick photo to remember clever hiding spots.

This game sparks imaginationbrings gentle competitionand creates cozy memories you’ll talk about long after the holidays end.

24. Festive Minute to Win It Games

Try a handful of fastsilly challenges that get everyone laughing and moving—Minute to Win It games are perfect for family nights when you want big fun without a lot of fuss.

You’ll set a one-minute timerexplain the simple ruleand cheer each player on. Kids and adults love the quick paceand you can tweak rules so everyone wins a round.

Keep a small prize box or silly crown for winners to spark friendly rivalry.

1. Stack plastic cups into a pyramidthen unstack them.
2. Move cotton balls with a spoon held in your mouth.
3. Toss candy canes to hook onto a string.
4. Wrap a teammate in toilet paper to make a snowman.

25. Holiday Balloon Pop

If you loved the quick silliness of Minute to Win It gamesballoon pop gives you that same noisy excitement with a little extra chaos and a lot more shrieks of laughter.

You’ll blow up balloons in mixed colorstuck small prizes or silly dares inside someand scatter them around the room.

Give each player a balloon and a safe popping toolor have teams race to sit on balloons to pop them. Keep rounds shorttwo minutes works welland rotate players so everyone stays enthusiastic.

Add a rule where you must swap seats after a pop to keep movement high. You’ll see shy relatives loosen upkids bursting with gleeand everyone sharing goofy victory dances.

26. Christmas Carol Lip Sync Battle

When the family’s ready for a little theatrical sillinessa Christmas Carol Lip Sync Battle turns your living room into a tiny stage where everyone can shine and laugh together.

You pick favorite carolssplit into teams or go soloand set a short time for practice so everyone feels confident. Use simple props like scarves or a candy-cane microphone to boost flairand let younger kids do silly moves while adults ham it up.

Keep scoring playfulwith categories like enthusiasm or best costumeand offer small prizes like hot cocoa coupons.

1. Choose songs everyone knows.
2. Limit acts to one minute.
3. Assign lighthearted judges.
4. Celebrate every performance.

27. Build-a-Snowman (Indoor Clothing Relay)

Turn your living room into a playful winter scene with a Build a Snowman relay that gets everyone movinglaughingand layering up in the silliest way.

Split into teamsline upand set a pile of hatsscarvesmittenssocksand coats at one end of the room. On gothe first player races to the pileputs on the layerswaddles back like a little snowmanand tags the next teammate to do the same.

Use a timer or choose a judge to keep the pace livelyand offer small prizes for the funniest outfit or best teamwork. Encourage kids and adults to pair up so everyone can join safely.

The awkward waddlesmismatched sand cheerful teamwork create sweet moments you will enjoy long after the last snowman takes a bow.

28. Present Unwrapping With Oven Mitts

Grab a pair of oven mitts and get ready to laugh as everyone tries to rip open presents with giantfloppy hands — it’s a silly challenge that turns careful unwrapping into goofy teamwork.

You’ll pass gifts aroundwatch kids and adults fumbleand cheer when someone gets a corner loose. Set a timer for short rounds so the pace stays livelyand pick smalleasy-to-open packages to keep frustration low.

1. Choose soft mitts and small gifts for fair play.
2. Hold a quick demo so everyone knows the goal: unwrapnot destroy.
3. Pair players by age for balanced teams and shared giggles.
4. Keep a towel handy for spilled ribbon and glue mishaps.

29. Christmas Photo Booth Challenge

Since everyone loves a silly snapshotset up a Christmas photo booth in a cozy corner where people can strike goofy poses and make memories fast.

You’ll need a simple backdropa few props like Santa hatsreindeer antlersand signs with funny sayings. Hang string lights or a garland for warmthand place a stool for taller groupings.

Use a phone on a tripod or a camera with timer; test one shot so everyone knows the beat. Invite family members to take turns directing poses — mix serious faces with wild ones to keep it playful.

Print or share snaps right away so folks can laugh together. Keep the mood relaxedcheer loudand treasure those unexpectedpriceless expressions.

30. Holiday Two-Truths-and-a-Lie

If you want a quick game that gets everyone laughing and learning tiny secrets about each othertry Holiday Two-Truths-and-a-Lie; it’s easy to set up and works for all ages.

You’ll have each person say three holiday statements — two trueone false — and everyone guesses the lie.

Keep topics simple: favorite traditionssilly giftsor weird holiday mishaps. You can play in a circlein teamsor pass a Santa hat for turns.

Encourage short stories so clues feel realand give little prizes for good bluffs or spot-on guesses.

It’s cozysurprisingand makes shy relatives shine. Try it after dinner to keep energy high and smiles coming.

1. Pick topics
2. Limit to one minute
3. Use teams
4. Offer small prizes

Final Thoughts On Christmas Games for Family

Christmas feels even more meaningful when your home is filled with laughtermovementand friendly competition. These family Christmas games for adults and Christmas games for kids offer a wonderful way to bring every age togetherwhether you enjoy creative moments like a gingerbread decorating challengequick action in a snowball tossor thoughtful guessing during a Secret Santa reveal. Each activity adds its own sparkturning simple gatherings into warm memories you will look back on with a smile.

Choose a mix of energetic ideas such as an ornament relay race or a build a snowman clothing challengealong with calmer options like Christmas bingoa movie quote matchor a festive trivia round. With the right blend of funyou can create a holiday atmosphere that keeps kids excitedadults relaxedand the whole family connected.

As you plan your celebrationslet these Christmas games for families guide you toward a season filled with joytogethernessand moments that feel truly special.

More Holiday Fun to Explore

If you are looking for more cheerfulmemory making ideas to enjoy throughout the seasonthese family favorites are a wonderful place to continue the Christmas magic.

• Christmas traditions to do with kids – A collection of sweet and simple activities that help children enjoy the wonder of the season.
• Family Christmas Eve traditions – Cozy ways to make the night before Christmas feel calmmeaningfuland connected.
• Christmas morning traditions for kids – Heartwarming ideas that create a joyful start to Christmas Day and spark lasting family memories.