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The holidays are a time for family, friends, and creating cherished memories. However, keeping everyone entertained during gatherings can be a challenge. Whether you’re hosting a big family Christmas party or a small get-together, having some games to play with family at Christmas planned can prevent the dreaded lull where everyone ends up staring at their phones or napping on the couch. Games with family is also a fantastic way to keep the kids occupied and out of trouble.
25 Ideas for Games to Play with Family at Christmas
Below, we’ve thrown together a list of 25 fun and super fun games, ranging from classic board games to simple activities that require no extra setup. Most of these games are readily available online, making them perfect for last-minute plans, while others are easy to organize on the spot. There’s something here for everyone, ensuring your holiday gathering is full of laughter and good times.
1. Exploding Kittens
This quirky card game is easy to learn and full of laughs. Players draw cards while trying to avoid the “exploding kitten” unless they have a card to defuse it. With its hilarious illustrations and simple gameplay, it’s a hit for families with older kids and adults alike.
2. Ticket to Ride
A strategic board game where players compete to build train routes across a map. It’s engaging without being overly complicated, making it great for mixed-age groups. The beautifully designed game board adds a festive touch to the table.
3. Rotating Board Scrabble
A classic word game that never goes out of style. Perfect for family members who love a bit of intellectual challenge, Scrabble encourages creativity and friendly competition. It’s ideal for a relaxed holiday evening. Try this one with a rotating board making table play easy.
4. Santa’s Hat Game
This simple yet hilarious game involves everyone wearing a Santa hat while watching a Christmas movie. The first person to notice someone take theirs off wins a point. It’s a no-prep game that guarantees laughs and keeps everyone observant.
5. Codenames
A clever word association game where teams give clues to guess words on a grid. It’s perfect for larger gatherings and encourages teamwork and creativity. The game’s pace makes it a great choice for keeping everyone engaged.
6. Christmas Trivia Game
Test everyone’s holiday knowledge with trivia questions about Christmas traditions, songs, and movies. This game is easy to set up and sparks fun conversations. It’s a fantastic way to bring out some holiday spirit.
7. Catch Phrase: Holiday Edition
This fast-paced guessing game features holiday-themed phrases. Players try to get their team to guess the phrase before the timer runs out. It’s energetic and perfect for breaking the ice at family gatherings.
How to Play:
- Divide into two teams.
- Choose a player to give clues without saying the phrase.
- Set a timer for each round.
- Teams alternate turns guessing phrases.
- The team with the most correct guesses wins.
8. 7 Wonders
A strategy game where players build civilizations by collecting cards. The gameplay is immersive, but rounds are quick, making it suitable for gatherings with a mix of casual and experienced gamers. The ancient themes add a unique twist.
9. Pictionary: Christmas Edition
The classic drawing-and-guessing game gets a holiday twist with festive prompts. It’s a surefire way to get everyone laughing, even if drawing skills are questionable. All you need is paper, markers, and a creative spirit.
How to Play:
- Divide into two teams.
- Write holiday-themed prompts on slips of paper.
- One player draws a prompt while their team guesses.
- Set a timer for each round.
- The team with the most correct guesses wins.
10. Spades
This classic card game is perfect for adults who enjoy a bit of strategy. It’s best played in pairs, encouraging collaboration and lighthearted competition. Spades is ideal for smaller groups during quieter moments and all you need is a deck of cards.
How to Play:
- Split into two teams of two players each.
- Shuffle a standard deck of cards and deal 13 cards to each player.
- Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win during the round.
- The player with the highest bid leads the first trick.
- Follow suit if possible; if not, play any card. Spades are trump cards and win over other suits.
- Score points based on bids and tricks won. The first team to reach the agreed score (e.g., 500 points) wins.
11. Telestrations
A mix between Pictionary and telephone, this game combines drawing and guessing in a hilarious way. It’s perfect for family gatherings because it guarantees laughter no matter the age or artistic ability of the players.
12. Tsuro
A beautifully designed tile-laying game where players guide their tokens along a path. It’s simple enough for kids to grasp but strategic enough to keep adults entertained. The serene gameplay is a nice contrast to the holiday hustle.
13. Rummy
A timeless card game that’s easy to pick up and highly addictive. Great for casual play while chatting or sipping on holiday drinks. Rummy works well for both small and large gatherings.
14. Jenga
This block-stacking game is a crowd-pleaser that’s all about suspense and steady hands. It’s perfect for mixed ages, and its simple setup makes it a go-to for holiday fun.
15. Bananagrams
A fast-paced word game similar to Scrabble but without the board. Players race to create their own crossword grids, making it exciting and engaging. It’s compact and easy to play anywhere.
16. Uno
A family favorite, Uno is quick to play and easy to learn, making it great for kids and adults alike. The special cards add an element of surprise and keep the game dynamic and entertaining.
17. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This fast-paced card game is full of silliness and quick reflexes. Players slap cards when matches occur, leading to lots of laughs. It’s ideal for breaking the ice and getting everyone involved.
18. Scattergories
is the classic word game where players race to think of words that fit specific categories, but with a Christmas twist, it becomes even more festive. Use holiday-themed categories like “Things You Hang on a Tree” or “Christmas Songs” to bring the season’s spirit into the fun. This lively and fun game sparks creativity and competition, it’s also perfect for family gatherings of all ages.
19. Apples to Apples
This popular party game is all about matching nouns to adjectives for hilarious results. It’s perfect for families with a wide range of ages and ensures plenty of laughter.
20. Trivial Pursuit
A trivia game for those who love testing their knowledge across a variety of topics. The holiday edition adds a festive twist, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings.
21. Clue
A mystery-solving board game where players figure out who committed a crime, with what weapon, and where. It’s a fun and engaging choice for families who enjoy a bit of sleuthing.
22. Monopoly Elf
Monopoly Elf Edition is a festive twist on the classic game, inspired by the movie Elf. Players buy and trade locations from Buddy’s journey while using custom tokens like Santa’s sleigh and maple syrup. With renamed properties and holiday-themed cards, it\u2019s perfect for spreading Christmas cheer during family game nights.
23. Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
A family-friendly version of the popular game that keeps the humor appropriate for all ages. It’s a hilarious option for older kids and adults. Just make sure to grab the right edition!
24. Catan
A strategy game where players collect resources and build settlements. It’s immersive and great for small groups who enjoy competitive play. The game’s pace makes it a good choice for longer gatherings.
25. A Scavenger Hunt
Organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt around the house or even outside if the weather is nice. Hide small gifts or clues for people to find, have a grand prize at the end for the winner. It’s a flexible and engaging activity for all ages, and can be as simple or as complex as you, the organizer, chooses.
