39 Fun Christmas Games for Kids to Play at the Holiday Party
These games so fun that you'll want to join in!
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Christmas has arrived, and that means it’s the perfect moment to keep the kids entertained with a merry lineup of holiday games. These activities are so delightful that we’re pretty sure the adults will want to jump in, too (be sure to include them on your list of must-play family Christmas games). While the little ones stay busy with a snowy memory match or a round of “pin the nose on Rudolph,” you’ll have plenty of uninterrupted time for baking cookies or finishing up the gift wrapping.
One of the greatest things about these child-approved Christmas pastimes is how simple they are to assemble—and to enjoy. Add them to your Christmas craft list and you’ll still have time left to queue up a favorite Christmas movie. Whether you’re putting together a festive tic-tac-toe set from a burlap bag, giving your usual charades a cheerful holiday makeover, or wrapping tiny stocking-stuffer prizes in layers of Saran Wrap for a hilariously long unwrapping challenge, these ideas promise hours of fun (and a nice, quiet stretch for you!).
You’ll get such a kick out of these reindeer-inspired activities that once the kids drift off to sleep, you may find yourself reaching for the Christmas party games for adults to keep the cheer going well into the night. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, pop a big pot of popcorn, gather everyone around, and get ready to play. On your marks… get set… go ho ho ho!
Play Uno and Dominoes with Elf on the Shelf
Games, games, and more games will keep the kids entertained for hours. If they decide to have The Elf on the Shelf observe, make sure they keep in eye on her - she is loose with the score keeping!
Jinglebell Mug Toss
Listen to the sounds of laughter and jingle bells jingling when you set out this fun and very low effort game.
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
This twist on the classic birthday game enlists Rudolph and sticky Christmas bows. Be sure to hang it low enough so that the little ones can play, too!
To make: Paint an oversize reindeer on a large piece of painting canvas. Pin to the wall with pushpins. Set a bowl of red sticky-back gift bows nearby for playing.
Holiday Memory Game
Once the presents have been delivered, why not transform the cardboard boxes they were delivered in into a game!
To make: Cut nine 3-inch squares from a cardboard box. Attach gingham paper to one side of the cardboard squares with double-stick tape or spray adhesive. Attach stickers to the back of each piece of cardboard, making sure there are three sets of two matching stickers.
Play Holiday Scrabble with Elf of the Shelf
A game of Scrabble is always fun and a holiday version is even merrier. We fully support putting the Scrabble dictionary back on the shelf for this version! (Just remember, don't touch the Elf or he'll lose his magic!)
Christmas Movie Bingo
Pop some popcorn, bake up some brownies, and make some hot chocolate for a Christmas movie night! Print off some copies of our Christmas Movie Bingo game to get the whole family involved in the fun.
Holiday Tic-Tac-Toe
Set up a super-easy tic-tac-toe board just about anywhere with washi tape. Use mason jar lids, buttons, or any small object to mark the squares.
Guess Who Christmas Game
Have an adult write Christmas characters (think snowman, Rudolph, Santa, elf) on sticky notes. Each player chooses a sticky note without looking it and places it on their forehead. Then, the other players take turns trying to get them to guess who their character is.
Lump of Coal Saran Wrap Game
Kids will love unwrapping each layer of this giant ball to see what's held inside. The addition of "coal cards" with silly instructions are also sure to get them giggling.
Get the tutorial at Play Party Plan.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Littles will love searching the house for clues and treats with this printable, holiday-themed scavenger hunt.
Get the tutorial at Play Party Plan.
Minute to Win It Cup Stacking
It may seem impossible to succeed in this cup stacking game, but it actually is doable! It's all about speed, because you only have a minute.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do.
Snowman Bingo
Your kids will love using the mini marshmallows for markers in this snowman-themed bingo game.
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects.
Christmas Movie Trivia
Your kids can play this game together as they test each other to see who has the best holiday movie trivia knowledge. Feel free to add any questions based on your family's favorite Christmas movies.
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects.
Christmas Mad Libs
Mad Libs always promise endless laughter, and this Christmas version is no different. Your kids will love thinking of their own funny words and reading their stories out loud.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
Christmas Character Guess Who?
Each person gets a minute to ask rapid-fire "yes" or "no" questions to figure out which classic Christmas icon they are.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do.
Reindeer Antler Ring Toss
This game is both super fun and super simple. See who can hook the most inflatable rings on the antlers in a minute. Ready, set, go!
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
Snowman Slam Game
This classic carnival game is just as simple to make as it is fun to play! Your little ones will enjoy taking aim at this stack of cups that brings snowmen indoors.
Get the tutorial at Growing a Jeweled Rose.
Christmas Scent Game
Nothing says Christmas more than the smell of pine and peppermint, so we think little ones will adore this game that brings the iconic scents together.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do.
Hit the Grinch Game
Don't let the Grinch bring down your holiday spirit! In this game, you and your youngest guests take aim at the famous character who stole Christmas using Nerf guns and green balloons.
Get the tutorial at A Girl & A Glue Gun.
Christmas Tree Bowling Game
Looking for a fun way to recycle your soda bottles? You've found it in this holiday-themed bowling game. Just decorate them with a star and foam shapes to create mini Christmas trees.
Get the tutorial at Stir the Wonder.
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