The holiday season is all about gathering loved ones, sharing laughter, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And what better way to bring everyone together than with a few lively, family-friendly games to kick up the holiday spirit? When it comes to Christmas, there’s always the perfect mix of food, decorations, and a hint of nostalgia in the air. But to really make your holiday get-together unforgettable, adding a few games into the mix can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for engaging, easy-to-set-up games that will have everyone in stitches, look no further. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of Christmas party games for adults, designed to keep the fun rolling and spirits high. These games are perfect for those gatherings when you want to blend some friendly competition with laughter, all while keeping things festive.
Get ready to entertain your guests and spread joy with this selection of 25 fantastic Christmas party games. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or a bit of both, these games are sure to make your Christmas celebration extra special!
1. Christmas Charades
Charades is a classic game that never fails to get everyone laughing, and it’s so simple to add a holiday twist! Write down Christmas-themed clues like “decorating the tree,” “singing carols,” or “Santa stuck in the chimney,” and let the guessing begin.
With only a few minutes to act each prompt, players get to show off their best acting skills, adding to the fun. Make it even more festive by giving out tiny Christmas prizes to the best actor or team.
2. Holiday Pictionary
Grab a whiteboard or a pad of paper and split into teams. Just like charades, but for those who prefer drawing to acting, holiday Pictionary keeps everyone engaged. Write holiday-related words and phrases on slips of paper for teams to draw.
It’s a great way to get those creative juices flowing while keeping everyone entertained. The best part? Watching people guess completely different things from what’s actually being drawn.
3. Christmas Movie Trivia
Test everyone’s knowledge of classic Christmas movies by hosting a trivia night! Prepare questions about iconic holiday films like Home Alone, Elf, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Trivia games are perfect for adults who enjoy a good challenge. Not only does this game bring a fun sense of competition, but it also sparks nostalgic memories of favorite holiday films.
4. Secret Santa Gift Exchange Game
Make your traditional Secret Santa game a bit more lively with a fun twist. Add some quirky rules: each participant must give three hints about their gift before handing it over.
This game is not only about giving but also about guessing. It’s a fun way to add excitement to gift exchanges while keeping everyone involved.
5. Christmas Bingo
Bingo is a great icebreaker, and it’s so easy to make a Christmas version. Create Bingo cards with holiday items like “sleigh,” “ornament,” or “snowman,” and start calling out words.
The simplicity of Bingo makes it enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age. Plus, it’s a perfect game to play while snacking on holiday treats or sipping hot cocoa.
6. Guess the Christmas Song
Divide your guests into teams and play short clips of popular Christmas songs. The challenge? Guess the song title and artist as quickly as possible.
This game is perfect for music lovers and can easily turn into a sing-along party. It’s fun, fast-paced, and adds a joyful soundtrack to your party.
7. Ornament Relay Race
Add a bit of physical activity with an ornament relay race! Each player must balance an ornament on a spoon and race to the finish line.
It’s a fun way to get everyone moving, and it often results in hilarious moments when someone’s ornament inevitably tumbles off. Add prizes for the winners to up the stakes.
8. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Hide Christmas-themed items around your home or yard and create a list for teams to find. Include classic holiday items like candy canes, mini wreaths, or Santa hats.
This game adds a bit of adventure to your gathering. It’s a fantastic way to keep everyone entertained while they explore all the holiday decor.
9. Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest
Set up a table with plain cookies, icing, and decorations, and let the competition begin! Each person has a set time to decorate their cookie with a Christmas theme.
It’s a sweet way to spark creativity, and the best-decorated cookie gets a prize. Plus, everyone ends up with a delicious treat afterward!
10. Gift Wrapping Relay
Divide into teams, and provide each with an assortment of wrapping supplies. The goal? Wrap a “gift” as quickly and neatly as possible, but with one catch—only one hand can be used.
This twist adds a hilarious level of difficulty, and it’s a great way to see who’s the most skilled gift wrapper in the group.
11. Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Take this classic party game and give it a holiday spin! Blindfold players, spin them around, and let them try to pin a red nose on Rudolph.
This game is as fun for adults as it is for kids, and it’s surprisingly challenging. Not only will it bring plenty of laughs, but it’s also a game everyone can get involved in.
12. Snowball Toss
Fill a basket with “snowballs” (cotton balls or white ping-pong balls), and set a target distance. Each player takes turns tossing as many as possible into a container.
The snowball toss is great for anyone who loves a little friendly competition. It’s simple to set up, easy to play, and keeps everyone engaged.
13. Holiday Word Scramble
Scramble up holiday-themed words like “mistletoe,” “reindeer,” and “fireplace,” and give players a set time to unscramble them.
Word scramble is perfect for adding a bit of mental challenge to the party. Plus, it’s a fantastic game for smaller groups looking to keep things cozy.
14. Guess the Christmas Scent
Gather holiday-scented candles or essential oils and have players guess each scent with their eyes closed. Think peppermint, pine, or cinnamon for classic holiday scents.
This game engages the senses and makes for a memorable, aromatic experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and enjoy!
15. Ugly Sweater Contest
Encourage everyone to show up in their most outrageous holiday sweaters. Then, let everyone vote on the “Ugliest Sweater” of the night.
This game is great for photo opportunities and laughter. It’s a fun way to add some holiday spirit to the gathering and to showcase everyone’s creativity.
16. Christmas Scattergories
Write down holiday categories, such as “Christmas movies,” “winter activities,” or “holiday treats.” Set a timer and let each player write as many items as they can think of.
Scattergories is perfect for groups who love word games, and it’s an easy way to get everyone brainstorming and laughing.
17. Holiday Two Truths and a Lie
Each player takes turns sharing two truths and one lie about their holiday traditions or experiences. The rest of the group guesses the lie.
This game helps everyone learn something new about each other, and it’s perfect for making memories and sharing laughs.
18. Christmas Mad Libs
Create a festive Mad Libs by writing a holiday story with blanks for adjectives, nouns, and verbs. Let everyone fill in the blanks to create hilarious stories.
It’s lighthearted and can lead to some hilarious results. Plus, it’s a game everyone can join in on.
19. Reindeer Ring Toss
Set up cones or use people’s heads as “antlers” and toss rings or hoops. This twist on ring toss is easy to set up and brings out plenty of laughs.
It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor gatherings and makes for some hilarious memories.
20. Name that Christmas Tune
Play the first few seconds of holiday classics and let players guess the song. This game is a crowd-pleaser and sparks plenty of sing-alongs.
Ideal for a music-loving crowd, this game keeps the energy high and the mood merry.
21. Christmas Hot Potato
Use a small wrapped gift or ornament and pass it around while holiday music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding it is “out” or has to complete a funny task.
It’s easy to set up and keeps everyone on their toes. This game works well in larger groups too!
22. Gingerbread House Contest
Provide gingerbread kits and let everyone decorate their house within a time limit. Vote on the best house for a prize.
This hands-on game sparks creativity and provides a great holiday decoration to admire afterward.
23. Christmas Feud
Prepare holiday-themed Family Feud questions and let teams compete. This game is great for bigger gatherings and encourages teamwork.
Everyone gets involved, and it’s an entertaining way to bring a little friendly rivalry to the party.
24. Christmas Minute to Win It
Set up a series of holiday-themed challenges, each to be completed in a minute. Think stacking marshmallows or transferring ornaments using chopsticks.
Minute to Win It games are great for fast-paced fun and keep everyone’s adrenaline up.
25. Holiday Storytelling Round
End your party on a heartfelt note by having everyone share their favorite holiday memory or story. It’s a beautiful way to connect and end the evening on a meaningful note.
Everyone loves hearing cherished memories, and it’s a wonderful way to bring everyone closer.
Wrapping Up
These 25 Christmas party games are guaranteed to keep your holiday gathering filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of memories. From