12 Holiday-Themed Games for Festive Family Evenings

The holiday season is a time for family to come together and create joyful memories. One of the best ways to bond and have fun during this time is by playing games. Whether you’re gathered around a cozy fire or sitting at the dining table, holiday-themed games are a perfect addition to your festive family evenings. In this article, we’ll explore 12 exciting games that will bring laughter, competition, and holiday cheer to your gatherings.

1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt

A Christmas scavenger hunt is a fantastic game that can be played indoors or outdoors. Prepare a list of Christmas-themed items or clues for your family to find. You can hide small presents or even create clues leading to a bigger surprise at the end. This game is not only fun but also encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills.

2. Holiday Charades

Charades is a classic game that can be easily adapted to fit any occasion. Create a list of holiday-related words or phrases and divide your family into teams. Each team takes turns acting out the word or phrase without speaking, while the others try to guess. This game will have everyone laughing and getting into the holiday spirit.

3. Ornament Guessing Game

Show off your tree decorations by playing the ornament guessing game. Hang a variety of ornaments on your Christmas tree and ask your family to guess the story or meaning behind each one. This game not only gets everyone involved but also allows you to share special memories and traditions with each other.

4. Snowman Building Contest

If you live in an area with snow during the holidays, have a snowman building contest. Divide your family into teams and see who can build the best snowman. Get creative with accessories and decorations. This game is a great way to enjoy the winter weather and create lasting memories.

5. Holiday Trivia

Test your family’s knowledge of holiday facts with a holiday trivia game. Prepare a list of questions about Christmas traditions, famous movies, and historical events. Take turns asking the questions and award points for correct answers. This game is not only entertaining but also educational.

6. Christmas Pictionary

Put a holiday twist on the classic game of Pictionary. Create a list of holiday-related words or phrases and divide your family into teams. Each team takes turns drawing the word or phrase while the others try to guess within a time limit. This game encourages creativity and will have everyone laughing.

7. Gingerbread House Decorating

Gingerbread house decorating is a festive activity that doubles as a game. Purchase gingerbread house kits or bake your own gingerbread. Give each family member their own house and provide a variety of icing, candies, and decorations. Set a time limit and see who can create the most impressive gingerbread house.

8. Christmas Bingo

Play a holiday version of Bingo with your family. Create Bingo cards with holiday-themed images or words. Use holiday-themed markers such as candy canes or small ornaments. The first person to get a line or a full Bingo wins. This game is simple, fun, and suitable for all ages.

9. Holiday Would You Rather?

Get to know your family’s preferences and spark interesting conversations with a holiday-themed “Would You Rather?” game. Prepare a list of holiday-related scenarios with two options, and each family member takes turns choosing their preference. This game is a great way to learn more about each other and have fun in the process.

10. Ugly Sweater Contest

Embrace the holiday spirit by hosting an ugly sweater contest. Encourage your family members to wear their funniest, tackiest, or most creative holiday sweaters. Take turns showcasing each sweater and vote for the ugliest one. This game will have everyone laughing and is sure to create lasting memories.

11. Hot Chocolate Taste Test

Warm up with a hot chocolate taste test. Prepare different flavors of hot chocolate and provide toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Blindfolded, each family member tastes the different hot chocolates and tries to guess the flavor. This game is a delicious way to enjoy the holidays and a fun sensory experience for everyone.

12. Holiday Karaoke

End the evening with a festive karaoke session. Create a playlist of holiday songs and gather around the Christmas tree or a cozy fireplace. Take turns singing your favorite holiday tunes and encourage everyone to join in. This game will bring out the joy and laughter in everyone and is a perfect way to wrap up a festive family evening.