Christmas Games and Festive Activities to Light Up the Holidays
Are you hosting a big Christmas gathering? Love playing festive games with friends and family? Whether you’re planning a lively holiday party or looking to create unforgettable family fun, this guide is packed with Christmas games and activities that are sure to spread cheer. Plus, we’ve included a few thoughtful ideas to brighten the season for your neighbors and friends. There are quite a few games that can be played when traveling, such as the trivia games. All you need is the game cards and pen or pencil.
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Minute to Win It: Holiday Edition
“Minute to Win It” games are perfect for quick, engaging fun with holiday twists. These games are designed for kids and adults alike, using common household holiday items such as ornaments, candy canes, or marshmallows. Each game is timed to one minute, and players can compete individually or in teams.
Here are some exciting variations:
- Snowball Toss: Use a spoon to toss marshmallows into a bucket or cup. The most marshmallows in a minute wins!
- Ornament Relay: Players transfer ornaments using a spoon held in their mouth. Use lightweight, plastic ornaments or jingle bells for safety.
- Candy Cane Hook: Pick up a candy cane with your mouth, then hook and move small objects like wrapped cookies or ribbons within a minute.
- Christmas Tree Stack: Stack Christmas tree-shaped cookies (or similar items) as high as possible without toppling them.
- Reindeer Antler Ring Toss: Toss rings onto inflatable reindeer antlers worn by a teammate. The player with the most successful tosses wins.
- Stocking Stuffer Challenge: Shake out lightweight items like ping-pong balls from stockings as fast as you can.
- Frosty the Snowman Race: Build a “snowman” on a teammate by adding accessories like scarves and hats while wearing mittens.
- Christmas Carol Pictionary: Draw or act out classic holiday songs for teammates to guess.
- Nutcracker Challenge: Crack and eat as many nuts as you can in a minute.
- Gift Stack: Stack wrapped boxes as high as you can within the time limit.
- Present Unwrapping Race: Unwrap a multi-layered gift while wearing gloves or oven mitts.
- Candy Cane Limbo: Limbo under a candy cane stick without knocking it over.
Christmas Gift Exchange Dice Game
This fun twist on the classic gift exchange starts with everyone bringing a wrapped gift. Players roll a die and follow instructions based on their roll, such as passing gifts left or right, swapping gifts, or unwrapping one. Once a gift is opened, the player keeps it. The game ends when all gifts are unwrapped. Make a simple instruction sheet to guide gameplay. Maybe even buy some cute dice in Christmas colors.
Holiday Trivia and Word Games
- Christmas Movie Trivia: Test your Christmas movie knowledge with a homemade quiz. Include multiple-choice questions and reward the player with the most correct answers.
- Christmas Word Scramble: Create a list of scrambled Christmas-related words for players to unscramble. Set a timer and reward the person with the most correct answers.
- Christmas Scattergories: List 10-15 holiday categories like songs, foods, or decorations, and challenge players to come up with unique answers within a time limit.
- The 5-Second Game: Players have 5 seconds to name three things in a Christmas category, like holiday treats or decorations. Quick thinking is key!
Scavenger Hunts and Bingo
- Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt: Create a checklist of holiday items (e.g., sleighs, reindeer, bells) to spot in neighborhood light displays. Add a festive touch with hot cocoa or treats for the stroll.
- Christmas Bingo: Customize Bingo cards with holiday-themed icons or stickers. Use marshmallows or candy as markers, and everyone can enjoy a snack after the game!
- Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Design a list of items for players to find around the house. Players race to check off items, either within a set time or until someone finds everything.
Charades and Classic Games
- Christmas Charades: Act out Christmas-related phrases or words for teammates to guess. Use homemade cards for added creativity.
- Christmas Scattergories: Write holiday-themed categories and have players list items within those categories for points.
A Sweet Touch: Magical Reindeer Food
Spread holiday magic by preparing reindeer food! Mix oats with red and green edible glitter or sprinkles. Package the mix in clear bags decorated with reindeer stickers. Share these as party favors or gifts. On Christmas Eve, sprinkle the food outdoors or leave it in a bowl for a charming tradition that delights both children and adults. Add nuts for an extra treat for wildlife.
Holiday Fun is the Best Gift
The joy of these games lies in bringing people together. Prizes don’t have to be elaborate—a candy bar, a family chore coupon, or a promise for a day out can all make the experience memorable. What matters most is the laughter and connection shared during your holiday festivities.
With these ideas, your holiday gathering will be a celebration to remember. There are many printable games online or you can make your own but either way Christmas games are always a fun way to celebrate the holidays. As I was looking around online, I found so many more game ideas so if you want even more games, I say look around and then get creative! We hope to inspire people to fun their adventures and enjoy every day! Have fun, and happy holidays!
