When the wrapping paper settles and the cookies have been tasted, there’s often a sleepy lull before dinner. That’s your cue to pull out a few Christmas games. Simple, low-prep activities can turn a nice holiday get-together into a genuinely memorable one.
Three Lively Games for Mixed Ages
These games work with a group of six or more, and they’re easy to explain in under a minute.
- Holiday Charades
Write down Christmas-themed words and phrases on slips of paper: “decorating the tree,” “Santa stuck in a chimney,” “spilling eggnog.” Divide into two teams. Each actor has 60 seconds to act out the phrase without speaking. To keep things fair, mix in easy prompts like “snowman” along with silly ones. - Two Truths and a Lie (Holiday Edition)
Each person shares three statements about their year—two true, one false. The catch: at least one statement should relate to a gift, a family tradition, or a holiday mishap. Everyone votes on the lie. The person who stumps the most players wins a small prize, like choosing the first slice of pie. - The Unwrapping Game
Stack a small gift with many layers of wrapping paper, and place it on a table with oven mitts and a pair of dice. Players take turns rolling; when someone rolls doubles, they put on the mitts and try to unwrap the gift before the next person rolls doubles. It creates delightful chaos for all ages.
Calmer Table Games for Kids and Quiet Moments
Not everyone wants a high-energy game. These options suit younger children or folks who prefer to stay seated.
Count the Ornaments. Before the party, pick a decorated tree in your home. Have each child guess how many ornaments are on it. Write down guesses, then count together later. The closest guess gets to hang a special ornament on the tree.
Christmas Bingo. Make simple bingo cards with holiday icons—stars, bells, candy canes, reindeer. Use buttons or dried beans as markers. Call out the items, and give a small chocolate as a prize. You can print cards at home or draw them by hand; it’s a great activity for a wide age range.
🎁 Note: For older relatives or guests with limited mobility, lean toward seated, chatty games like “Holiday This or That” (candy cane vs. gingerbread, lights on the roof vs. lawn inflatables). It keeps everyone included without pressure.
Making the Games Feel Effortless
You don’t need an elaborate plan. Pick two games ahead of time: one lively, one calm. Have supplies ready in a basket, and be ready to let the schedule go loose. If a game flops, that’s okay—the laughter over a failed prompt often becomes the best memory anyway.
The real gift of Christmas games is time spent together. So as the afternoon winds down, shuffle the prompts, pass the cookies, and let the fun begin naturally.
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