Planning a Christmas party for your crew? Here’s the secret to hosting an unforgettable holiday bash: come armed with games that’ll have everyone laughing so hard they’ll forget about the eggnog.
Whether you’re gathering before the feast or after everyone’s delightfully stuffed, we’ve got you covered with 40+ Christmas party games that are guaranteed to turn your get-together into the talk of the season. We’ve organized everything into three epic categories so you can find exactly what your party needs:
- Classic Christmas Games (the tried-and-true hits)
- Drinking Christmas Games (because it’s the holidays, after all)
- Funny Christmas Games (prepare for belly laughs)
Ready to transform your party from “nice” to “absolutely legendary”? Let’s dive in!
Pro Tip: Want to really amp up the competition? Throw in some festive prizes – think quirky ornaments, holiday socks, or a coveted “Best Party Guest” trophy. Nothing gets people more invested than bragging rights!
Classic Christmas Party Games for Adults
Let’s kick things off with the classics. These games have stood the test of time for a reason – they work with any crowd, whether you’re hosting family, friends, or that mix of both that makes the holidays so interesting.
1. Christmas Charades
Get ready for some of the most ridiculous holiday acting you’ve ever witnessed. Charades is already a party favorite, but add a Christmas twist and you’ve got comedy gold.
Best for: Large groups, mixed ages, breaking the ice
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Slips of paper
- A pen
- A bowl or hat
- Your best theatrical skills
How to Play:
1. Write down holiday-themed phrases, songs, movies, or activities on individual slips of paper and toss them in a bowl.
2. Divide everyone into two teams.
3. Players take turns drawing a slip and acting out what’s written without speaking or making sounds.
4. Their team has 60 seconds to guess correctly.
5. Each correct guess earns a point. The team with the most points after everyone’s had a turn wins!
Pro Tip: Mix in some ridiculous options like “Santa stuck in a chimney” or “an elf having a caffeine crash” to keep things hilarious. The more specific and absurd, the better!
Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
25 ready-made clues = zero stress for you – Just print, hide, and watch kids stay engaged for hours while you actually enjoy your coffee
Instant download, works today – Get it in minutes, print on regular paper, create Christmas magic in under 15 minutes of setup
Saves Christmas on bad weather days – Perfect indoor activity when kids are bouncing off walls and you need them happily occupied
One purchase, use it every year – Blank templates let you customize for different ages or create new versions as kids grow
Outdoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
Gets kids outside and active – Burns energy while solving 25 riddles and challenges around the yard (lifesaver when they’re hyped on holiday sugar)
Instant download, 15-minute setup – Print, hide clues, done. Perfect last-minute activity that looks like you planned for weeks
Works with your yard decorations – Turns your Christmas lights and lawn decor into part of the adventure kids will beg to do again
Reusable every year – Blank templates let you customize for different ages or add new challenges as kids grow
Difficult Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Adults – Twelve Days of Christmas
Actually challenging puzzles for adults – 30 clever clues including ciphers, logic puzzles, and cryptic riddles that will genuinely stump your smartest friends
Print and play in minutes – Download, print, hide. Setup takes less time than wrapping gifts, but creates hours of laughter and memories
Flexible for any group – Pick 12 clues for a quick adventure or all 30 for an epic night. Customize with blank cards for personal inside jokes
2. Christmas Pictionary
If you thought drawing under pressure was hard, wait until you’re trying to illustrate “Rudolph’s red nose” while your competitive friend is yelling increasingly wild guesses at you.
Best for: Creative types, competitive groups, team play
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Large drawing pad or whiteboard
- Markers
- Timer
- Holiday-themed word list
How to Play:
1. Split into two teams.
2. One player from the team draws a Christmas-themed word or phrase within 60 seconds.
3. Their team shouts out guesses while the drawer frantically sketches.
4. If the team guesses correctly before time runs out, they score a point.
5. Teams alternate, and the highest score wins!
Fun Variation: Make it harder by requiring players to draw with their non-dominant hand or while wearing oven mitts. Trust us, “Frosty the Snowman” becomes a masterpiece of abstract art.
3. Christmas Movie Trivia
Think you’re a holiday movie buff? Time to prove it. This game separates the casual “Love Actually” watchers from the true “I’ve seen Elf 47 times” superfans.
Best for: Movie lovers, quiz night enthusiasts, bragging rights seekers
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Prepared trivia questions
- Paper and pens for answers
- Your comprehensive knowledge of holiday cinema
How to Play:
1. Prepare 15-20 Christmas movie trivia questions before the party.
2. Read each question aloud and give players time to write their answers.
3. After all questions are answered, reveal the correct answers.
4. The player with the most correct answers claims victory (and eternal glory).
Pro Tip: Include a mix of easy (“What’s the Grinch’s dog’s name?”) and challenging questions (“In what year was the original Miracle on 34th Street released?”) to keep everyone engaged. Bonus points for obscure references that’ll make the true fans feel like champions!
4. Secret Santa
No Christmas party is complete without a gift exchange! Secret Santa is the OG of holiday gift games, and there’s a reason it’s been a tradition for decades.
Best for: Close-knit groups, fostering holiday spirit, gift lovers
Time to Play: 5-10 minutes for the exchange
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Slips of paper with each person’s name
- A hat or bowl
- Wrapped gifts (set a price limit beforehand)
How to Play:
1. Before the party, have everyone draw a name from the hat – this is their Secret Santa assignment.
2. Each person buys a gift for their assigned person within the agreed budget.
3. At the party, take turns opening gifts and trying to guess who your Secret Santa is!
Pro Tip: Set a theme for your Secret Santa (like “cozy winter essentials” or “hilariously bad gifts”) to make the exchange even more fun and memorable.
5. White Elephant
Want chaos? Want laughter? Want to watch your best friend shamelessly steal the gift you’ve been eyeing? White Elephant is calling your name.
Best for: Groups who love a little drama, competitive friends, unpredictable fun
Time to Play: 30-45 minutes
Players: 6+
What You’ll Need:
- Wrapped gifts (everyone brings one)
- Numbers in a hat for turn order
How to Play:
1. Everyone brings a wrapped gift within the agreed price range.
2. Draw numbers to determine the order of play.
3. Player 1 opens any gift from the pile.
4. Player 2 can either steal Player 1’s gift or choose a new wrapped gift.
5. If your gift gets stolen, you can steal someone else’s or unwrap a new one.
6. A gift can only be stolen twice before it’s “frozen” and safe.
7. Continue until all gifts are opened!
Fun Variation: Add a rule that gifts must be something regifted or hilariously useless – the weirder, the better. Last year’s fruitcake, anyone?
6. Christmas Who Am I?
Nothing brings holiday cheer quite like watching your friends struggle to figure out they’re “Buddy the Elf” while everyone else is dying of laughter.
Best for: Icebreakers, mingling groups, all ages
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 6+
What You’ll Need:
- Post-it notes
- Pens
How to Play:
1. Give each person a Post-it note and have them secretly write down a famous Christmas character or icon.
2. Pass the notes around so everyone receives someone else’s note.
3. Without looking, stick the note on your forehead.
4. Mingle and ask other guests yes-or-no questions to figure out who you are.
5. First person to correctly guess wins!
Pro Tip: Include a mix of obvious characters (Santa, Rudolph) and challenging ones (Krampus, the Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story) to keep the difficulty balanced and the laughs coming.
7. Guess the Christmas Scent
Your nose knows… or does it? This sensory game is perfect for getting everyone’s competitive spirit fired up while making your party smell absolutely amazing.
Best for: Sensory fun, conversation starter, all skill levels
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Small containers or jars (numbered)
- Holiday scents (cinnamon, nutmeg, pine, gingerbread, peppermint, cloves, etc.)
- Blindfolds
- Paper and pens for guessing
How to Play:
1. Place different Christmas scents in numbered containers before guests arrive.
2. Blindfold each player and have them smell each container.
3. Players write down their guesses for each number.
4. Remove the blindfold and reveal the correct answers.
5. Most correct guesses wins!
Pro Tip: Include one curveball scent that’s not obviously Christmas-related (like vanilla or orange) to really test their noses. The debates that follow are comedy gold!
8. Reindeer Ring Toss
Take the classic carnival game and give it a festive makeover. Perfect for when you need to get people moving and laughing!
Best for: Active play, outdoor gatherings, all skill levels
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Inflatable reindeer antlers (or make your own)
- Rings (pool rings, hula hoops, or craft store rings)
- Space to play
How to Play:
1. Set up your reindeer antler targets at varying distances.
2. Players take turns tossing rings to land on the antlers.
3. Assign point values based on distance (closer targets = fewer points).
4. Each player gets 5-10 tosses.
5. Highest score wins!
Fun Variation: Turn this into a minute-to-win-it challenge where players have 60 seconds to land as many rings as possible. The frantic energy is absolutely hilarious!
9. Guess the Christmas Carol
You’ll be shocked how difficult it is to identify “Jingle Bells” when someone reads the lyrics like they’re reciting a grocery list. This game is pure comedic genius.
Best for: Music lovers, trivia fans, guaranteed laughs
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Printed lyrics from popular Christmas songs
- Paper and pens for answers
- Your best monotone voice
How to Play:
1. Print out lyrics from well-known Christmas songs.
2. Read the lyrics in the most monotone, emotionless voice possible.
3. Players write down their guesses after each reading.
4. After all songs are read, reveal the answers.
5. Most correct guesses wins!
Pro Tip: Throw in one or two obscure verses that even superfans won’t recognize. Watching people squirm over “Good King Wenceslas” is entertainment at its finest!
10. Christmas Taboo
If you’ve ever played Taboo, you know the delicious frustration of trying to describe something without using the most obvious words. Add Christmas themes and you’ve got yourself a party.
Best for: Quick thinkers, word game lovers, team play
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4+ (even teams)
What You’ll Need:
- Cards with Christmas words and banned words
- Timer (60 seconds per turn)
- A bell or buzzer
How to Play:
1. Divide into two teams.
2. One player draws a card and tries to get their team to say the main word without using any of the taboo words listed.
3. If they use a taboo word, the other team buzzes and they lose that card.
4. Team gets as many words as possible in 60 seconds.
5. Teams alternate, and highest score wins!
Pro Tip: Make it extra challenging by adding physical taboo rules – like “no hand gestures” or “must sit on your hands”. The creative workarounds are hilarious!
11. Christmas Cookie Competition
Turn your baking friends into fierce competitors with this delicious showdown. Warning: You’ll want to have milk ready.
Best for: Food lovers, bakers, sweet tooths everywhere
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes (for tasting and voting)
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Homemade Christmas cookies from each participant
- Voting cards
- Napkins and plates
- Stretchy pants (trust us)
How to Play:
1. Ask each guest to bring a plate of their best homemade Christmas cookies.
2. Label each entry with a number to keep things anonymous.
3. Everyone samples all the cookies (the hardest job ever, right?).
4. Guests vote for their favorite by writing down the number.
5. Tally votes and crown the Cookie Champion!
Fun Variation: Add categories like “Most Creative”, “Best Decorated”, and “Would Definitely Steal the Recipe For” to give more people a chance to win.
12. How Many Ornaments?
This is the easiest game to set up in the history of Christmas parties. If your tree is already decorated, you’re basically done!
Best for: Quick filler game, all ages, no prep
Time to Play: 5 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Your decorated Christmas tree (or box of ornaments)
- Paper and pens
- The actual count (which you’ll need to do beforehand)
How to Play:
1. Before the party, count the exact number of ornaments on your tree.
2. Have each guest write down their guess.
3. Reveal the actual number.
4. Closest guess without going over wins! (Price Is Right style)
Pro Tip: For an extra challenge, have people guess specific categories like “How many red ornaments?” or “How many ornaments with Santa on them?” The more specific, the trickier!
13. Christmas Bingo
Bingo gets a festive makeover, and it’s just as addictive as the classic version. Maybe even more so when there are candy canes on the line!
Best for: All ages, large groups, low-key fun
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Christmas-themed bingo cards (printable online or homemade)
- Markers or chips
- Small prizes for winners
How to Play:
1. Give each player a unique Christmas bingo card.
2. Call out items one by one.
3. Players mark matching squares on their cards.
4. First person to get five in a row yells “BINGO!” and wins!
5. Keep playing for different patterns (four corners, full card, etc.).
Pro Tip: Instead of traditional bingo prizes, use Christmas treats like mini candy canes or holiday chocolates. It keeps the energy high for multiple rounds!
Drinking Christmas Party Games for Adults
Now we’re talking! These games are perfect for adult-only gatherings where the eggnog is flowing and inhibitions are… well, negotiable. Remember to drink responsibly and have fun!
14. Eggnog Pong
Beer pong got a holiday makeover, and honestly, it’s never looked better. Fair warning: This creamy cocktail version might be significantly more filling than the original!
Best for: Competitive groups, nostalgic college grads, eggnog lovers
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4 (two teams of two)
What You’ll Need:
- Ping pong table or long table
- 20 red cups
- Eggnog (lots of it)
- Ping pong balls
- Paper towels (trust us on this one)
How to Play:
1. Set up 10 cups in a pyramid formation on each end of the table and fill with eggnog.
2. Teams take turns throwing ping pong balls, trying to land them in the opponent’s cups.
3. When a ball lands in a cup, the other team drinks that cup and removes it.
4. First team to eliminate all of the opponent’s cups wins!
Pro Tip: Have a water cup nearby for rinsing balls between tosses – nobody wants floor-flavored eggnog. Also, consider using a lighter eggnog-to-rum ratio unless you want the game to end very quickly!
15. Christmas Movie Drinking Game
Combine two of life’s greatest pleasures: holiday movies and festive cocktails. Your evening just got significantly more entertaining!
Best for: Movie lovers, cozy gatherings, guaranteed giggles
Time to Play: Length of the movie
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Your favorite Christmas movie
- Drinks for everyone
- A prepared list of drinking rules
- Snacks (you’ll need them)
How to Play:
1. Before the movie, establish clear drinking rules based on recurring themes or phrases.
2. Every time a rule is triggered, everyone drinks!
3. Watch the chaos unfold.
Example Rules for “Elf”:
- Drink when Buddy says “Santa”
- Drink when Buddy eats candy or syrup
- Drink when someone mentions “Christmas spirit”
- Drink when Buddy’s dad looks annoyed
- Finish your drink when Buddy sings in public
Pro Tip: Adjust the rules based on your group’s tolerance. Movies like “Love Actually” can get intense if you drink every time someone falls in love!
16. Never Have I Ever: Christmas Edition
The classic party game gets a festive twist. Prepare to learn some surprising things about your friends’ holiday histories!
Best for: Learning secrets, icebreaker, intimate groups
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Drinks for everyone
- No shame whatsoever
- Possibly a lawyer (kidding… mostly)
How to Play:
1. Everyone sits in a circle with their drink.
2. Players take turns saying “Never have I ever…” followed by a Christmas-related activity.
3. Anyone who HAS done it puts a finger down and takes a drink.
4. First person to put down all fingers loses (or wins, depending on how you look at it).
Example Statements:
- Never have I ever kissed under the mistletoe
- Never have I ever regifted a Christmas present
- Never have I ever been in a snowball fight
- Never have I ever sung Christmas carols in public
- Never have I ever eaten an entire gingerbread house by myself
Pro Tip: Start with tame questions and gradually get more revealing. The later in the game, the juicier the secrets!
17. Christmas Charades Drinking Game
Take our classic Christmas Charades and add alcohol. Suddenly, everyone’s acting skills get either dramatically better or hilariously worse. There’s no in-between.
Best for: Competitive drinkers, theatrical types, laughter-seekers
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 6+
What You’ll Need:
- Christmas-themed charades cards
- Timer
- Drinks for everyone
How to Play:
1. Follow the regular Christmas Charades rules.
2. Every wrong guess = that person drinks.
3. If the team doesn’t guess correctly within the time limit, the entire team drinks.
4. If the actor accidentally speaks or makes noise, they drink double!
Fun Variation: The winning team from each round gets to create a new drinking rule that lasts for the rest of the game. Chaos ensues beautifully!
18. 12 Days of Shots
This is not for the faint of heart. You’re essentially creating your own holiday shot flight, and yes, it’s exactly as festive (and boozy) as it sounds.
Best for: Adventurous drinkers, groups who like a challenge, New Year’s Eve countdown alternative
Time to Play: 30-60 minutes (pace yourselves!)
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- 12 different shot glasses
- Various liquors and mixers
- Creative Christmas-themed names for each shot
- Good judgment (for pacing)
How to Play:
1. As a group, create 12 different shots with festive names.
2. Line them up in order.
3. Take each shot together, toasting to each “day of Christmas”.
4. Pace appropriately – this isn’t a race!
Example Shot Names:
- “Santa’s Slam” (peppermint schnapps)
- “Reindeer Fuel” (Jägermeister)
- “Elf Tears” (vodka with lemon)
- “Frosty’s Revenge” (coconut rum with blue curaçao)
Pro Tip: Space these out over the entire party, not all at once. We want fun, not a medical emergency!
19. Christmas Cocktail Competition
Unleash everyone’s inner mixologist with this spirited showdown. The best part? You get to taste-test everyone’s creations!
Best for: Creative types, cocktail enthusiasts, groups who love to experiment
Time to Play: 30-40 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Various liquors and mixers
- Garnishes (rosemary, cranberries, candy canes, etc.)
- Ice
- Cocktail shakers and glasses
- Voting cards
How to Play:
1. Each person (or team) creates an original Christmas cocktail.
2. Give your creation a festive name.
3. Everyone samples all the cocktails (responsibly).
4. Vote for your favorite based on taste, presentation, and name creativity.
5. The winning mixologist earns eternal glory!
Pro Tip: Provide a theme like “Winter Wonderland” or “Santa’s Secret Stash” to inspire creativity. Bonus points for cocktails that look as festive as they taste!
20. Christmas Truth or Drink
Truth or Dare meets holiday cheer meets liquid courage. What could possibly go wrong? (Everything. Hilariously.)
Best for: Close friends, secret-spillers, brave souls
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Prepared truth questions and dares
- Drinks for everyone
- Mutual trust (or willingness to lose it)
How to Play:
1. Players take turns being asked a truth question or given a dare.
2. Answer truthfully, complete the dare, or drink if you refuse.
3. Try to make questions and dares Christmas-related for maximum holiday spirit!
Example Christmas Truths:
- “What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?”
- “Have you ever lied about liking a Christmas present?”
- “What’s your most embarrassing holiday party moment?”
Example Christmas Dares:
- “Sing ‘Jingle Bells’ in an opera voice”
- “Do your best Santa impression”
- “Eat a spoonful of cranberry sauce”
Pro Tip: You can grab a structured Truth or Drink card game online if you want more organized chaos. It keeps the game flowing smoothly!
21. Christmas Lights Drinking Game
Take the party outside for a festive neighborhood stroll. It’s basically pub crawling, but make it Christmas!
Best for: Post-dinner activities, groups who need fresh air, neighborhood show-offs
Time to Play: 30-60 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- To-go cups (follow local laws!)
- Warm clothes
- A festive neighborhood with lights
- Your walking shoes
How to Play:
1. Take a stroll through a neighborhood with Christmas decorations.
2. Drink whenever you spot one of the pre-determined items:
- Giant inflatable Santa = 1 sip
- Reindeer display = 1 sip
- Nativity scene = 2 sips
- House with synchronized lights = 3 sips
- Inflatable snowman = 1 sip
Fun Variation: Create a scavenger hunt list and the first person to spot all items wins a prize. It adds competition to your Christmas lights tour!
22. Christmas Would You Rather
The classic decision-making game gets a holiday upgrade and a drinking twist. Prepare for hilarious debates and surprising revelations!
Best for: Icebreakers, conversation starters, groups who love debates
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Prepared “Would You Rather” questions
- Drinks for everyone
- Willingness to defend ridiculous choices
How to Play:
1. One person reads a “Would You Rather” question with two options.
2. Everyone votes by moving to different sides of the room or raising hands.
3. People in the minority must drink!
4. Brief debate about the choices (this is where it gets fun).
5. Next person asks a question.
Example Questions:
- Would you rather wear an ugly Christmas sweater every day in December or a Santa hat to every event for a year?
- Would you rather only eat fruitcake or candy canes for all of December?
- Would you rather spend Christmas with your celebrity crush or all your best friends?
- Would you rather listen only to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or “Jingle Bells” on repeat during the holidays?
Pro Tip: The weirder and more specific the scenario, the better the debates. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
23. Stocking Shots
The perfect way to kick off your party with a bang! This is like a boozy grab bag, and everyone loves a surprise.
Best for: Party starters, groups who like surprises, adventurous drinkers
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- A large Christmas stocking
- Mini bottles of various liquors
- Shot glasses
- Courage
How to Play:
1. Fill a large stocking with mini liquor bottles before guests arrive.
2. Pass the stocking around in a circle.
3. Each player reaches in (without looking) and grabs a bottle.
4. Whatever you pick, you drink!
5. Continue until everyone’s had at least one turn.
Pro Tip: Include a few “wild cards” like pickle juice or hot sauce mini bottles for extra laughs. The look on someone’s face when they draw the hot sauce is priceless!
Funny Christmas Party Games for Adults
Ready for some serious belly laughs? These games are designed for maximum hilarity and minimal dignity. Your abs will hurt from laughing – we guarantee it!
24. Christmas Mad Libs
Few things are funnier than Christmas stories filled with completely random words. This nostalgic game never gets old!
Best for: Word lovers, creative groups, guaranteed giggles
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Pre-prepared Christmas story with blanks
- Paper and pens
- Your best straight face for reading
How to Play:
1. Choose one person to be the reader who has the story.
2. The reader asks the group for random words (adjectives, nouns, verbs, numbers) WITHOUT revealing the story.
3. Write down each response in the blanks.
4. Once all blanks are filled, read the completed story aloud to the group.
5. Try not to cry from laughing!
Pro Tip: The more specific your word requests (“a gross adjective” or “an animal you’d find in a zoo”), the funnier the results. Record the reading – you’ll want to remember these masterpieces!
25. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
If you’re going to wear something ridiculous, you might as well turn it into a competition! This is the one night a year when tackier is actually better.
Best for: Fashion risk-takers, thrift store shoppers, Instagram moments
Time to Play: 10 minutes (for judging)
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Ugly Christmas sweaters (one per participant)
- Voting method (apps, paper ballots, or applause-o-meter)
- Prize for the winner
- A camera (these photos are gold)
How to Play:
1. Request that all guests wear their ugliest Christmas sweater to the party.
2. Set up a “runway” area for modeling.
3. Each person struts their stuff and explains their sweater.
4. Everyone votes for the ugliest/most creative/most over-the-top sweater.
5. Crown the Ugly Sweater Champion!
Fun Variation: Add categories like “Most Likely to Cause Eye Strain”, “Best DIY Creation”, or “Most Lights/Decorations Attached”. More winners = more fun!
26. Saran Wrap Ball Game
This chaotic unwrapping game is like the world’s most frustrating (and hilarious) present. Add mittens for adults and watch the mayhem multiply!
Best for: Competitive groups, gift lovers, chaos enthusiasts
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Multiple rolls of plastic wrap
- Small prizes, candy, gift cards, cash (to wrap inside)
- Mittens or oven mitts (for adults)
- Dice
How to Play:
1. Before the party, create a ball by wrapping prizes in layers of plastic wrap (put prizes between layers).
2. Sit in a circle and give one person the ball and the person next to them a pair of dice.
3. The person with the ball wears mittens and unwraps frantically, keeping any prizes that fall out.
4. The person with dice rolls repeatedly until they get doubles.
5. When doubles are rolled, pass the dice AND the ball to the next person.
6. Continue until the ball is completely unwrapped!
Pro Tip: Add some “punishment” prizes like IOUs or silly dares written on paper to keep things interesting. And really make that ball TIGHT – the harder it is to unwrap, the funnier it gets!
27. Blind Gingerbread House Decorating
Think decorating a gingerbread house is easy? Try doing it blindfolded while your partner shouts increasingly frantic instructions. Architectural masterpiece? Think again.
Best for: Couples, teams, people who love controlled chaos
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: Teams of 2
What You’ll Need:
- Pre-assembled gingerbread houses (one per team)
- Frosting, candy, and decorations
- Blindfolds
- Camera (for the glorious results)
How to Play:
1. Divide into pairs.
2. One person in each pair puts on a blindfold.
3. The sighted partner gives verbal instructions only (no touching!).
4. The blindfolded partner decorates the gingerbread house based on instructions.
5. Set a time limit (10-15 minutes).
6. Remove blindfolds and judge the results (prepare for tears from laughing)!
Fun Variation: Switch roles halfway through! The chaos doubles when a half-decorated house gets a new blind decorator. It’s beautiful disaster art!
28. Christmas Meme Caption Contest
Everyone thinks they’re hilarious online – now’s their chance to prove it! Channel your inner comedian and create some viral-worthy Christmas content.
Best for: Social media lovers, witty friends, comedy writers
Time to Play: 20-25 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Printed Christmas-themed meme photos (no captions)
- Paper and pens
- Voting method
How to Play:
1. Show everyone a holiday meme image without the caption.
2. Give players 3-5 minutes to write their funniest caption.
3. Collect all captions and read them aloud anonymously.
4. Vote for the funniest caption.
5. The winner keeps the meme as a prize (and bragging rights)!
Pro Tip: Include a mix of wholesome and slightly chaotic Christmas images. A stressed Santa, a judgy cat in a sweater, or an overdecorated tree all work perfectly!
29. Candy Cane Relay
Nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like passing candy canes mouth-to-mouth with your friends. If you’re a germaphobe, maybe sit this one out!
Best for: Uninhibited groups, team challenges, germ-sharers
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: 8+ (even teams)
What You’ll Need:
- Candy canes (one per team)
- Two teams
- Zero concerns about personal space
How to Play:
1. Divide into two equal teams and line up.
2. The first player hooks a candy cane in their mouth (curved end in mouth, straight end out).
3. Without using hands, pass the candy cane to the next teammate’s mouth.
4. If the candy cane drops, start over from the beginning!
5. First team to successfully pass the candy cane to the last person wins!
Pro Tip: Use mini candy canes for an extra challenge – they’re much harder to transfer! Also, maybe make this the LAST game of the night after everyone’s already comfortable with each other.
30. Snowman Building Contest (Indoor Edition)
Forget real snow – we’re building snowmen with toilet paper and household items! This is craft time meets competition, and it’s gloriously ridiculous.
Best for: Creative teams, DIY lovers, Instagram-worthy moments
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Teams of 3-4
What You’ll Need:
- Toilet paper rolls (lots of them)
- Household accessories (scarves, buttons, hats, carrots, etc.)
- Timer
- Judging criteria list
How to Play:
1. Divide into small teams.
2. Each team must build a human “snowman” using only toilet paper and provided accessories.
3. One team member volunteers to BE the snowman (they stand still while others wrap).
4. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
5. Teams race to create the most impressive toilet paper snowman!
6. Judge based on creativity, stability, and overall festive appearance.
Fun Variation: Add a “melting snowman” round where the human snowman has to walk across the room without their toilet paper falling off. The team that keeps the most paper intact wins bonus points!
31. Holiday Commercial Parody
Time to channel your inner marketing genius and create the most absurdly hilarious Christmas commercial ever. Think “ShamWow” meets “Santa’s Workshop”.
Best for: Creative performers, improv lovers, viral video makers
Time to Play: 30-40 minutes (including prep and performances)
Players: Teams of 3-5
What You’ll Need:
- Random household items to “advertise”
- Space for performances
- Phone/camera for recording (optional but highly recommended)
- Your best sales pitch energy
How to Play:
1. Divide into small teams.
2. Each team picks (or is assigned) a ridiculous product to advertise with a holiday theme.
3. Teams get 15 minutes to create a 60-90 second commercial.
4. Perform or film each commercial for the group.
5. Vote for the best commercial based on humor, creativity, and salesmanship!
Example Products:
- “Santa’s Emergency Chimney Lube”
- “Reindeer Repellent for Your Roof”
- “Elf-Proof Cookie Locks”
- “Instant Fake Snow for Warm Climates”
Pro Tip: Encourage over-the-top infomercial acting – dramatic before/after scenarios, testimonials from “satisfied customers”, and ridiculous claims. The cheesier, the better!
32. Christmas Lip Sync Battle
Unleash your inner pop star (or at least pretend you have one) with this hilariously entertaining showdown. No actual singing talent required – just confidence and commitment!
Best for: Performers, hams, anyone who’s ever sung into a hairbrush
Time to Play: 30-45 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Christmas music playlist
- “Microphone” (hairbrush, wooden spoon, or actual mic)
- Performance space
- Props and costumes (optional but encouraged!)
- Judging panel or voting method
How to Play:
1. Before the party, have each participant secretly choose a Christmas song.
2. Players take turns performing their lip sync routine.
3. Encourage full commitment – dance moves, props, costume changes, the works!
4. After all performances, vote for the winner.
5. Crown the Christmas Lip Sync Champion!
Pro Tip: Create categories like “Best Choreography”, “Most Dramatic Performance”, and “Best Use of Props” so more people can win. And seriously, the more over-the-top and elf-like the enthusiasm, the better. Channel your inner Buddy!
33. Christmas Roast
Before or after your Christmas roast dinner, it’s time for a different kind of roasting! This is your chance to lovingly mock holiday traditions and your friends’ quirky Christmas habits.
Best for: Close friend groups, comedy lovers, thick-skinned crews
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4+
What You’ll Need:
- Prepared roast material (have everyone prep beforehand)
- A sense of humor
- Clear boundaries (keep it fun, not mean)
- Optional: a “roast master” to keep things moving
How to Play:
1. Ask everyone to prepare a 2-3 minute roast before the party.
2. Topics can include: holiday traditions, friends’ Christmas habits, family quirks, holiday movie opinions, etc.
3. Take turns delivering roasts.
4. Keep it lighthearted – we’re roasting WITH love, not hate!
5. Toast after each roast to keep things friendly.
Example Roast Topics:
- “Let’s talk about Karen’s ‘minimalist’ Christmas decoration style… she put up one wreath. One.”
- “Mike’s cookie-baking skills are so bad, even the gingerbread men try to run away.”
- “Sarah starts playing Christmas music in October. Yes, you read that right. OCTOBER.”
Pro Tip: Set a rule that everyone must end their roast with a genuine compliment. It keeps the mood fun and loving while still allowing for hilarious jabs!
34. The Christmas Emoji Game
Think you can summarize an entire holiday movie with just a few tiny pictures? Time to put your emoji literacy to the test!
Best for: Phone addicts, visual thinkers, movie buffs
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Paper and pens (or phones for texting)
- Pre-prepared emoji movie puzzles
- Holiday movie knowledge
How to Play:
1. One person creates a Christmas movie title using only emojis.
2. Everyone else tries to guess the movie.
3. First person to guess correctly gets a point.
4. Take turns creating emoji puzzles.
5. Most points at the end wins!
Example Emoji Movies:
Pro Tip: Start with easier movies to get everyone warmed up, then throw in obscure holiday films to really test the superfans. Bonus points for anyone who can nail “Jingle All the Way” or “The Santa Clause 2”!
35. Christmas Tree Relay
It’s like a regular relay race, but with significantly more tinsel and substantially less dignity. Your competitive side is about to get very festive!
Best for: Active groups, competitive friends, team challenges
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 8+ (two teams)
What You’ll Need:
- Two mini Christmas trees (tabletop size)
- Ornaments and decorations (equal amounts for each team)
- A table for each team
- Timer
How to Play:
1. Divide into two teams and line up across the room from your team’s tree.
2. Place all ornaments and decorations in a pile near each team.
3. When the timer starts, the first player runs to the pile, grabs ONE decoration, runs to the tree, decorates it, then runs back.
4. Tag the next teammate, who repeats the process.
5. First team to finish decorating their entire tree wins!
6. Bonus points can be awarded for the best-decorated tree.
Fun Variation: Add obstacles between the starting line and the tree (crawl under tables, spin around three times, etc.) to make it even more chaotic and hilarious!
36. Christmas Carol Pictionary
You thought regular Pictionary was hard? Try drawing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 30 seconds while your team screams increasingly unhinged guesses at you!
Best for: Music lovers, artists (or definitely non-artists), fast thinkers
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4+ (even teams)
What You’ll Need:
- Whiteboard or large paper pad
- Markers
- Timer (30-45 seconds per turn)
- List of Christmas carol titles
How to Play:
1. Divide into teams.
2. One player draws clues to represent a Christmas song title.
3. Their team has 30-45 seconds to guess the song.
4. No letters, numbers, or speaking allowed while drawing!
5. Correct guesses earn points.
6. Team with the most points wins!
Pro Tip: Include both classic carols and modern Christmas pop songs. Watching someone try to draw “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is entertainment gold!
37. Ornament Decorating Competition
Channel your inner Martha Stewart (or at least try to) in this creative showdown. Spoiler alert: Most results will be more “Pinterest fail” than “Pinterest perfect”, and that’s what makes it amazing!
Best for: Crafty groups, creative souls, Instagram content creators
Time to Play: 30-40 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Plain ornaments (clear or white)
- Decorating supplies (paint, glitter, ribbons, markers, stickers, etc.)
- Newspaper or drop cloths (glitter gets EVERYWHERE)
- Timer
How to Play:
1. Give each player a blank ornament and access to decorating supplies.
2. Set a time limit (20-30 minutes).
3. Everyone creates their most beautiful, hilarious, or creative ornament.
4. Display all ornaments for judging.
5. Vote on categories like “Most Creative”, “Most Festive”, “Most Likely to Scare Small Children”.
Fun Variation: Do a “mystery box” style where you assign random themes like “Zombie Christmas”, “Tropical Holiday”, or “If Cats Celebrated Christmas”. The weirder interpretations are always the best!
38. Christmas Freeze Dance
Remember freeze dance from elementary school? It’s even better with adults, Christmas music, and probably some eggnog in their system!
Best for: High-energy groups, dancers, people who peaked at elementary school parties
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- Christmas music playlist
- Space to dance
- Someone to control the music
- Zero shame
How to Play:
1. Everyone starts dancing when the Christmas music plays.
2. When the music stops, everyone must FREEZE immediately.
3. Anyone who moves, wobbles, or laughs is out!
4. Last person dancing wins!
Fun Variation: Add silly dance requirements between rounds like “dance like a penguin” or “move only your elbows” or “pretend you’re Santa stuck in a chimney”. The more ridiculous, the harder it is to freeze without laughing!
39. Gift Wrap Relay Race
Think you’re good at wrapping presents? Let’s add time pressure, competition, and wearing oven mitts to really test those skills!
Best for: Competitive groups, people with questionable wrapping skills, chaos lovers
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: Teams of 3-4
What You’ll Need:
- Boxes to wrap (one per team, same size)
- Wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, bows
- Oven mitts
- Timer
How to Play:
1. Divide into teams.
2. Each team must fully wrap their box while wearing oven mitts.
3. Teams can tag-team (one person wears mitts while others help guide).
4. Set a time limit or race to finish first.
5. Judge based on speed AND presentation quality.
Pro Tip: Use boxes with weird shapes (cylinders, spheres, or irregular shapes) to make it extra challenging. Watching someone try to wrap a basketball with oven mitts on is comedy perfection!
40. The Christmas Story Telephone Game
Remember the telephone game where messages get hilariously distorted? Now imagine that with Christmas stories. Prepare for plot lines that make absolutely no sense!
Best for: Large groups, storytellers, people who love watching things spiral out of control
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 8+
What You’ll Need:
- A prepared Christmas story (2-3 sentences)
- Just your voices
- Patience for chaos
How to Play:
1. Everyone sits in a circle or line.
2. The first person reads a short Christmas story silently.
3. They whisper the story to the next person (one time only, no repeats!).
4. Each person whispers what they heard to the next person.
5. The last person says the story out loud.
6. Compare it to the original story and laugh at the transformation!
Example Original Story:
“Santa’s elves made 1,000 toys in one night, but Santa accidentally left the list at the North Pole, so he delivered everything to the wrong houses, and kids woke up very confused on Christmas morning.”
What It Becomes:
“Santa’s elephant ate 100 boys in one bite, then Santa left his pants at the South Pole, so he delivered underwear to the wrong mooses, and kids woke up very concerned about Christmas mourning.”
Pro Tip: The longer and more detailed the original story, the funnier the final result. Also, playing with people who whisper unclearly makes it exponentially more hilarious!
Make Your Christmas Party Legendary!
There you have it – 40 absolutely hilarious Christmas party games that’ll transform your gathering from “nice dinner” to “the party everyone’s still talking about in March!”
The secret to an unforgettable Christmas party isn’t just the food or the decorations (though those help) – it’s creating moments of pure, unfiltered fun with the people you care about. Whether you’re going classic with Christmas Charades, getting competitive with Eggnog Pong, or creating absolute chaos with the Saran Wrap Ball Game, these games are your ticket to hosting legendary status.
Your Game Plan for Success:
- Mix it up: Choose games from different categories to keep the energy flowing and appeal to different personalities
- Read the room: Start with icebreakers for new groups, save the wild stuff for when everyone’s comfortable
- Keep it simple: Have all supplies ready before guests arrive so you can jump into games without awkward prep pauses
- Stay flexible: If a game’s a hit, extend it. If it’s flopping, pivot quickly – no shame in that!
- Capture the memories: Designate someone to snap photos or videos. You’ll want proof of these hilarious moments!
Remember, the best parties are the ones where everyone’s laughing so hard they can barely breathe, where ugly sweaters are worn with pride, and where your friends leave saying, “When’s the next party?”
With these 40 games in your hosting arsenal, you’re not just planning a Christmas party – you’re creating memories that’ll last way longer than that fruitcake nobody ate.
Now get out there and make some holiday magic happen!
More Christmas Party Ideas to Keep the Fun Rolling:
Christmas Fish Bowl Game: The Ultimate Holiday Party Hit (Plus Free Word List!)
