Top 20+ Games to Play During Christmas with Family and Friends

Christmas is more than just a season of wonderful times to spend with loved ones. The shared moments of joy make the holiday season unique, even beyond the sparkling decorations, delectable meals, and warm presents. One of the sumptuous ways to get everyone involved—from children to adults, and make sure your Christmas get-together is lively and full of laughter, joy and memorable is to play Christmas games. 

There is something on this list for everyone, whether you’re searching for exciting outdoor trials or comfortable interior pursuits. Prepare yourself to create a memorable Christmas experience with these 20 plus thrilling and traditional Christmas games!

Fun Indoor Games to Play During Christmas Celebrations

If you are going to arrange a Christmas party this season and looking to have extra fun then these Christmas games ideas will definitely help you out.

1. Secret Santa

Secret Santa is an enjoyable method to share gifts and promote Christmas goodwill. It is one of the perfect Christmas games for kids and is a mainstay of holiday customs. Try themed gifts, such as red and green goods, humorous gag gifts, or handmade products, to offer a unique touch. To make it even more thrilling, let everyone keep guessing until the big reveal.

How to Play Secret Santa on Christmas:

• Write each participant’s name on a slip of paper and draw names secretly.
• Set a price limit or a gift theme, such as handmade items or holiday decorations.
• Distribute gifts anonymously and have everyone guess their Secret Santa.
• To add fun, include humorous or riddle-like gift tags for each present.

2. Musical Chairs

Are you going to organize a party on 25th december and looking for some christmas games for adults? Musical chairs is one of the great timeless strategy games while listening to Christmas tunes makes it much more enjoyable. Participants must rush to find a seat when the music stops after moving around a circle of chairs. The last person standing is eliminated. To make it even more entertaining, add festive accessories like Santa hats.

How to Play Musical Chairs:

• Arrange chairs in a circle, ensuring one fewer chair than participants.
• Play Christmas songs, and everyone scrambles to find a chair when the music stops.
• Remove one chair each round until only one person is left sitting.
• Add a festive twist by using Christmas-themed chairs or props like cushions.

3. 20 Questions

Give this guessing game a Christmas twist by concentrating on holiday-related themes. The others alternately ask yes-or-no questions to determine the word or phrase one person has thought of that has to do with Christmas. This game is ideal for encouraging imaginative play and healthy competition.

How to Play 20 Questions:

• One person thinks of a Christmas-related word, character, or object.
• Other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions (e.g., “Is it a decoration?”).
• Players have a maximum of 20 questions to guess correctly.
• For added fun, use a timer to keep the game fast-paced.

4. Jenga

Put a festive spin on your standard Jenga game by writing trivia questions, dares, or challenges with a Christmas theme on each block. A text block might say, “Name three reindeer” or “Sing the chorus of ‘Deck the Halls’.” Every pull turns into a delightful surprise!

How to Play Jenga:

• Stack wooden blocks into a tower.
• Players take turns carefully removing and placing a block on top without toppling the tower.
• Write Christmas dares (e.g., “Sing a carol”) or trivia on the blocks for a holiday spin.
• The game ends when the tower collapses; the player causes it to lose.

5. Never Have I Ever: Christmas Edition

Adapting this well-liked party game for Christmas makes it even better. Holiday-themed claims, like “Never have I ever decorated a tree all by myself” or “Never have I ever eaten an entire advent calendar in one day,” are made by the players in turn. It’s enjoyable to discover more about one another’s seasonal peculiarities.

How to Play Never Have I Ever: Christmas Edition:

• Sit in a circle, and each player takes turns making Christmas-themed statements (e.g., “Never have I ever hung Christmas lights by myself”).
• If a statement applies to someone, they drink, drop a token, or raise their hand.
• Continue until everyone has had a turn.
• Add a scoring system for a competitive edge.

6. Christmas Snowman Building Contest

Bring the pleasure of the snow indoors by playing some fun Christmas games! Make tiny snowmen using cotton balls, marshmallows, or craft materials like paper and markers. Set a timer and divide into teams. The winning team is the one with the most inventive snowman. This can easily be made into an outdoor activity if snow is outside.

How to Play Christmas Snowman Building Contest:

• Provide materials such as cotton balls, paper, marshmallows, or snow (if outdoors).
• Split into teams and set a timer (e.g., 10 minutes) for building the best snowman.
• Use props like hats, scarves, or buttons for added creativity.
• Judge entries based on categories like most creative, funniest, or most realistic.

7. Dumb Charades

If you are looking for any team building games then you must include Dumb Charades in your list. Everyone will chuckle if you play out Christmas movies, melodies, or characters without saying a word. Form groups and compete to guess titles such as Elf, The Polar Express, or Home Alone. Extra credit for innovative activities!

How to Play Dumb Charades:

• Divide into teams and prepare a list of Christmas movies, songs, or activities.
• A player from one team acts out the word or phrase while their team guesses.
• Set a time limit (e.g., 1 minute) for each round.
• Keep score to determine the winning team.

8. Reindeer Ring Toss

Both adults and children will love this game. You can construct your own with pipe cleaners and headbands or use inflatable reindeer antlers. See who can score the most points by throwing plastic or rope rings. The more ridiculous the arrangement, the better!

How to Play Reindeer Ring Toss:

• Use inflatable or handmade antlers as the target.
• Players stand at a set distance and toss rings, aiming to land them on the antlers.
• Assign different points for rings landing on different parts of the antlers.
• Take turns and tally scores; the highest score wins.

9. Santa Sack Relay Race

This lively game will get everyone moving. Stuff lightweight goods, such as small toys or packaged boxes, inside a pillowcase or sack. Carrying the sack, players must hop or run across the room and back. You can burn off all those Christmas treats with this entertaining activity!

How to Play Santa Sack Relay Race:

• Fill a sack or pillowcase with lightweight “gifts” like wrapped boxes or toys.
• Players must hop across the room or a marked course while carrying the sack.
• Add challenges like balancing the sack on their head or walking backwards.
• The fastest team or player wins.

10. Trump Cards

Trump Cards is one of the free Christmas games that combines competitiveness, strategy, and knowledge to create an exhilarating experience. Comparing features on cards with themes like Bollywood or cricket is the main objective of this strategy game. Players alternately select the category with the highest value to outscore their rivals from each card’s distinct data. Casual and experienced players will enjoy this game’s quick tempo and ease of learning. You can play Trump Cards Mania on Zupee, which allows real-time multiplayer competition and the opportunity to win cash prizes.

How to Play Trump Cards:

• Choose a category like “Cricket Trump Cards” or “Bollywood Trump Cards” on the Zupee app.
• Each card has values for different attributes (e.g., runs scored, number of hits, etc.).
• Players compare values from their chosen attribute; the one with the highest value wins the round.
• The goal is to win as many cards as possible by strategically selecting the best attribute for each round.

Online Games for Fun Virtual Christmas Parties

There is no doubt that online games connect friends and family no matter how far they are ensuring that all the members are engaged in the party and stay-connected. You can play any of these best free online games for fun parties this christmas:

11. Ludo

Ludo is a classic board brain game that unites fabulous and is ideal for Christmas get-togethers. Name each piece after a Christmas character, such as Santa, Rudolph, or elves, to add a festive touch. Whether played Christmas games online digitally through online apps or conventionally on a board, Ludo guarantees hours of enjoyment for players of all ages. You can play Ludo online on Christmas eve on Zupee and win exciting cash prizes. 

How to Play Ludo:

• Roll dice to move your pieces around the board, aiming to get all your pieces to the finish.
• Strategize to block opponents’ pieces while advancing your own.
• The goal is to get all your tokens safely to the home area before your opponents do in this one of the best Christmas board games.

So, Download Ludo on popular online earning apps and make your Christmas extra fun!

12. Gingerbread Games

Engage in Christmas party games for adults with a gingerbread theme to channel your Christmas enthusiasm! Organize a gingerbread home-building competition where participants vie to create the most inventive or durable structure. Alternatively, decorate gingerbread cookies for a fun, competitive game.

How to Play Gingerbread Games:

• Provide gingerbread cookies, houses, or templates for building.
• Use icing, candies, and sprinkles for decorating.
• Set a timer and let participants compete for categories like “most creative” or “most festive.”
• Offer prizes or display the creations as part of your Christmas decor.

13. Among Us: Christmas Edition

Turn this well-known multiplayer game into a holiday experience! Assign the characters holiday-themed attire, such as Santa hats or elf suits, and assign them duties like “Decorate the Christmas tree” or “Prepare Santa’s sleigh.” For a tech-savvy Christmas experience, you can engage in virtual Christmas party games with loved ones.

How to Play Among Us: Christmas Edition:

• Assign roles like “Santa” (the crewmates) and “Grinch” (the imposter).
• Players complete holiday-themed tasks like “decorating the tree” or “delivering presents.”
• The Grinch tries to sabotage tasks without being discovered.
• Use holiday skins or outfits if playing online.

14. Snakes & Ladders

Snakes and Ladders give the timeless classic a contemporary spin. With ladders that aid in climbing and snakes that send you falling back, the game maintains its classic charm while adding fun elements like real-time gaming and chances to win cash prizes. Snakes and Ladders on Zupee is one of the family Christmas games with prizes for adults to play online since it lets players compete against other players in quick rounds. For festive parties or family get-togethers, its straightforward rules and nostalgic appeal make it a popular choice. So, download this UPI game online from Zupee and win real money. 

How to Play Snakes & Ladders:

• Roll virtual dice to move your token across the board.
• Land on ladders to climb up and advance quickly, but avoid snakes that send you backwards.
• The player who reaches the finish line first wins.
• On Zupee, this is one of the Christmas board games that includes real-time competition with other players and a chance to win cash rewards.

15. UNO

A popular card game in families, Uno is one of the best Christmas games for adults that is simple to learn and incredibly enjoyable. Use holiday-themed Uno cards or develop house rules like “Draw four and name four Christmas carols” to add a festive touch. After a filling Christmas dinner, this game is ideal.

How to Play UNO:

• Match cards by colour or number to play, with special cards like “Reverse” or “Draw Two” for extra strategy.
• Add festive rules like saying “Merry Christmas” when playing a “Wild” card.
• The first player to discard all their cards wins.

16. Christmas Riddles

Use riddles with a Christmas theme to test everyone’s cunning. Make a puzzling list, such as “I’m made of snow, but I don’t melt indoors.” Who am I? (Answer: A snowman) or “What comes down chimneys, wears a red suit, and has a beard?” (Reply: Santa). It’s an engaging method to maintain everyone’s interest.

How to Play Christmas Riddles:

• Prepare a list of riddles with answers (e.g., “What do you call an old snowman? Water!”).
• Players take turns answering riddles; correct answers earn points.
• Add a timer to increase the challenge.
• The player with the most points wins a small holiday prize.

17. Christmas Crossword

Arrange a sizable Christmas crossword puzzle with hints about well-known Christmas films, songs, or customs. For a friendly competition, divide into teams or work as a group. For all ages, it’s entertaining and instructive.

How to Play Christmas Crossword:

• Create or print a crossword puzzle with holiday-themed clues (e.g., “Santa’s sleigh pullers”).
• Players solve individually or in teams.
• Use a timer for competitive rounds, or let it be a relaxed activity.

18. Virtual Christmas Escape Rooms

Experience the thrill of a virtual Christmas escape room online by playing this one of these kind of virtual Christmas games. Decipher hints, solve riddles and do tasks to “save Christmas” or assist Santa in finding his misplaced gifts. Families who enjoy virtual celebrations or those who prefer interactive challenges from the comfort of their own homes will love these games.

How to Play Virtual Christmas Escape Rooms:

• Participants log into a virtual escape room with a festive storyline.
• Solve puzzles, find clues, and complete missions to “save Christmas” or rescue Santa.
• Collaborate as a team and race against the clock to escape.

Best Family-Friendly Board Games for Christmas Eve

Playing games on Christmas encourages bonding and creates a shared experience in a fun and exciting way. Here is the list of best family board games you can play this christmas:

19. Monopoly

A great way to get the whole family together for hours of strategic fun is by playing Christmas board games online like Monopoly. It would be much better if you had a festive edition! Trade assets like “Candy Cane Lane” or “Santa’s Workshop” and relish the excitement of creating your own Christmas empire. Use Christmas decorations as playing pieces to add even more festive elements to the game.

How to Play Monopoly:

• Move around the board buying properties and collecting rent.
• Add Christmas-specific rules like “Collect extra rent in December” or “Build Santa’s workshop instead of hotels.”
• Use themed pieces, like ornaments or mini Santas, for added fun.

20. Connect 4

Connect 4 is one of the timeless board games for adults for two-player that becomes much more enjoyable. To keep with the Christmas spirit, use red and green pieces. Alternatively, if they link four in a row, challenge each other to shout out a Christmas fact. For younger family members, this short but entertaining game is ideal.

How to Play Connect 4:

• Players alternate dropping coloured discs into a vertical grid to align four in a row.
• Use red and green discs to match the Christmas theme.
• Add time limits to increase the pace of the game.

21. Checkers

Checkers is one of the perfect family Christmas games online for family get-togethers because it’s straightforward but competitive. Use red and green tokens or design a themed board with seasonal decorations to make it feel like Christmas. It is a strategic and soothing game suitable for players of all ages.

How to Play Checkers:

• Players move pieces diagonally across the board to capture their opponent’s pieces.
• Customize with red and green tokens or use holiday-themed boards.
• Incorporate festive penalties for captured pieces, like singing a carol.

22. Scrabble

Limit the vocabulary to words associated with the holidays to give Scrabble a festive feel. Get bonus points for terms like “Rudolph,” “Mistletoe,” and “Stocking.” This game is ideal for testing everyone’s Christmas vocabulary and encouraging creativity. You may even give awards for the longest or most inventive Christmas term.

How to Play Scrabble:

• Form words on the board using letter tiles; score points based on tile value and bonus spaces.
• Restrict words to Christmas-related terms (e.g., “Mistletoe,” “Elf”).
• Add a rule where each player must share a holiday memory when forming a word.

10 Reasons to Play Christmas Games

Playing indoor games on Christmas is a great way to bring friends & family together while creating a memorable holiday. Here are some of the top reasons you should play games on Christmas:

1. Enhances Family Bond

• Playing games together promotes cooperation, humour, and shared experiences.
• They foster unity, enabling family members to interact outside of regular activities.

2. Makes Memories That Will Last

• During games, happy moments and friendly competition turn into treasured memories.
• Christmas is made even more memorable by games, whether it’s kids laughing over a victory or seniors remembering bygone eras.

3. Promotes Inclusivity

• Everyone can play the games because they are appropriate for all age groups, from young children to elderly people.
• Everyone may participate easily, thanks to clear guidelines and exciting forms.

4. Makes the Festivities More Fun

• Games add excitement to the festivities by striking a balance between active activities and the serenity of customs.
• For get-togethers with friends or extended family, they are ideal icebreakers.

5. Reduces Holiday Stress

• Playing games helps lessen the stress of Christmas preparations by offering a pleasurable diversion.
• Laughing and healthy competition improve mood and calm the mind.

6. Promotes the Development of Skills and Creativity

• Numerous Christmas games for adults, such as Pictionary or activities centred around trivia, encourage critical thinking and creativity.
• Ludo and Trump Cards are two strategic games that aid in developing planning and decision-making abilities.

7. Celebrate Holiday Themes

• Games with a Christmas theme heighten the joyous ambience and enhance the celebration’s charm.
• Everyone stays festive with activities like Christmas riddles and Secret Santa.

8. Ideal for All Size Group

• Games can be made to fit any size group, whether you’re throwing a large party or just your family.
• Family members who live far away can also have fun with virtual games like Snakes and Ladders on Zupee.

9. Breaks the Silence

• Games are a revitalizing exercise to maintain vitality after feasting or gift-giving.
• They keep the festivities from becoming overly standardized.

10. Possibility of Amicable Competition

• Games promote friendly competition and maintain a joyous atmosphere.
• Playing together becomes more important than winning or losing. 

FAQs – Christmas Games for Celebration