As the snowflakes fall and the chestnuts roast on an open fire, it's time to dust off those festive sweaters and gather 'round the tree to indulge in the age-old tradition of Christmas games! These games are more than just a merry pastime; they're a magical blend of joy, laughter, and a dash of healthy competition that brings families closer.
After all, nothing says "Christmas" quite like Grandpa's triumphant cheer at winning the annual charades or Cousin Sally's blushing face as she flubs the lyrics in "Christmas Carol Pictionary". So, buckle up for a reindeer ride through our list of 12 Christmas games that promise to sprinkle a pinch of extra cheer to your holiday festivities!
Why Play Christmas Games
Christmas isn't just about the twinkling lights or the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies, it's about the laughter that fills the room when families come together to celebrate. Games are an integral part of this joyous celebration, creating moments of excitement and cultivating shared memories.
But why are games so enjoyable? Simple. They provide an escape from routine, a chance for everyone to let loose and embrace their inner child. Now, let's dive into a list of games that can add a sprinkle of fun to your Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Games for Kids
- Candy Cane Hunt: Hide candy canes around the house and let the kids hunt for them. The child who finds the most candy canes wins!
- Christmas Charades: Make a list of holiday-themed prompts for the children to act out. Add humorous ones like a reindeer slip on ice to make it more fun.
- Snowman Building Contest: A classic outdoor activity if you're lucky enough to have a white Christmas! And if not, you can be creative and use things like toilet roll to wrap around your uncle, making them into a festive bundle.
- Pin the Nose on Rudolph: A holiday twist to the classic "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" game.
- Christmas Pictionary: Create a list of Christmas-related words or phrases for the kids to draw and guess.
- Decorate the Christmas Tree Relay Race: Divide the kids into teams, give them ornaments, and see who can decorate a mini tree the fastest!
Laura Robinson
Christmas Games for Adults
- Santa's sports day: In this game, the adults compete in Christmas-themed outdoor activities like snowball tossing or a reindeer relay races. Team games can be hilarious.
- Name that Carol: Divide into teams and play snippets of famous Christmas jingles and classic Christmas songs for the other team to guess. This is a great quick fire guessing game.`
- Murder Mystery Dinner Party: Host a themed dinner party where guests dress up as Christmas characters from a murder mystery story and try to solve the whodunnit together
- Christmas Movie Trivia: Test your friends and family's knowledge on classic Christmas movies. These are favorite simple to play games for all ages.
- Christmas Cocktail Mix-off: Showcase your mixology skills with a holiday-inspired drink competition. This is always a dinner party pleaser.
- Guess the Christmas Smell: Blindfolded participants guess what Christmas-themed item they're smelling. This is a great goofy party game.
Why was the snowman looking through the carrots?...... Because he was picking his nose!
Fiercely Festive Fun Ideas To Take Part In
Ugly Sweater Contest: A hilariously fun tradition that never gets old.
Holiday Karaoke: Sing your heart out to your favorite Christmas carols.
Secret Santa: Exchange a secret Santa gift anonymously and guess who your secret Santa was.
When to Play Christmas Games
Timing is everything when it comes to getting into the Christmas spirit! The best time to play Christmas games is, of course, during the holiday gatherings. These could be family reunions, festive dinners, Christmas Eve, or the joyous morning of Christmas itself.
Most families love to play before or after dinner, when everyone is together and before granny falls asleep. You could choose to do them before or after the kids go to bed, depending on your idea of a quiet Christmas night.
You can also incorporate games into your holiday-themed events, such as during the office holiday party or at a Christmas charity event. Whenever there's a gathering of merry folks ready to indulge in Christmas charm, it's the perfect time to break out the games and let the festivities begin!
Why don't snowmen get lonely?...... Because they're always chilling with their flake friends!
Prizes for Christmas Game Winners
Rewards and prizes for the winners add an exciting element to the 12 gmes of Christmas, encouraging friendly competition and participation. But this is not compulsory.
- Handmade Holiday Crafts: From DIY Christmas ornaments to handmade candles, these make for charming and personal gifts that winners will cherish.
- Christmas Cookies or Sweets: A box of Christmas cookies, candy canes, or homemade fudge will surely sweeten the victory!
- Holiday-themed Mugs: Festive mugs filled with hot cocoa mix or marshmallows can serve as a cozy prize.
- Christmas Books or Movies: Classic Christmas stories or films can keep the holiday spirit alive long after the games.
- Ornamental Keepsakes: These can include Christmas-themed keychains, fridge magnets, or Christmas tree decorations.
- Gift Cards: When in doubt, gift cards to popular stores or online platforms always make a great prize.
Laura Robinson
Elf on the shelf kits
Non-Material Prizes for Christmas Game Winners (#3 is my favorite)
While tangible gifts are always appreciated, there's something uniquely gratifying about non-material prizes that are filled with sentiment and memory-making opportunities. Here are some ideas for non-material prizes for your Christmas games winners:
- Winner's Choice: The winner gets to pick the next game, movie, or Christmas carol.
- Holiday Treat Duty Pass: The winner is exempt from their usual holiday chores such as washing the dishes after the holiday meal.
- Control of the Remote: Grant the winner control of the TV remote for an evening.
- Sleep In Pass: Allow the winner to sleep in late one morning with no obligations or chores.
- King or Queen for the Day: Treat the winner as a royal family member for a day with special privileges.
- Bragging Rights: Sometimes, the simple joy of winning and the right to brag about it can be reward enough. Create a special 'Winner's Trophy' with household items that gets passed to each game's winner.
12 Games of Christmas Summary
Remember, the holiday season's true magic lies in the shared laughter, the warmth of being together, and the joy of loving and being loved. So, let the Christmas games continue, and may the best player win with a fun family game!
Remember, the goal is to spread joy and laughter, and the prizes are just a fun bonus to heighten the thrill!
Let's wrap up with a little Christmas magic by embracing these games into your festive traditions. Games at Christmas are about more than just winning or losing, they're about uniting families, creating laughter, and making love-filled memories.
So, go ahead, indulge in a hearty laugh, pull out that ugly sweater, engage in a friendly competition, and most importantly – spread the joy of the season. Merry Christmas!
And if you have a road trip this holiday season, try these games to entertain thee family!
Laura Robinson
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Games
1. What are some easy-to-organize Christmas games for kids?
A few simple and fun Christmas games for kids include Christmas Charades, Candy Cane Hunt, and Pin the Nose on Rudolph. These games require minimal setup and are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.
2. What are some Christmas games for adults?
Christmas Movie Trivia, Ugly Sweater Contest, Holiday Karaoke, and Christmas Cocktail Mix-off are some fun and engaging games for adults to play during Christmas.
3. How can I make my Christmas party more entertaining?
Incorporating a variety of games into your Christmas party can make it more entertaining. Games like Secret Santa or the Ugly Sweater Contest not only engage your guests but also create a festive and fun atmosphere.
4. What are some outdoor Christmas games?
If you're lucky enough to have a white Christmas, a Snowman Building Contest can be a delightful outdoor game. You can also organize a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt around your neighborhood to enjoy the beautiful light displays.
5. Do I need any special equipment for these games?
Most of these games require items you likely already have at home. For instance, Christmas Charades and Christmas Pictionary only need paper and pens. However, games like the Decorate the Christmas Tree Relay Race will require a mini tree and some ornaments.
Remember, the aim of these games is not just to win but to create a warm, joyous atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the festive season together.
