Christmas games for kids bring laughter, excitement, and family time to life. In this post, I’ll share some fun and engaging Christmas games that will keep kids entertained and smiling all season long.
You’ll find ideas for every setting, if you’re planning a cozy night at home, a classroom party, or a big family gathering.
Christmas is about togetherness, and games make that joy even brighter. They give kids a chance to laugh, move, and share special moments with family and friends.
Some games will get everyone up and active, while others are calm and creative. I’ve included a mix of quick activities, team games, and easy setups so you can pick what works best for your day.
With a little play and a lot of cheer, these Christmas games will make your holidays unforgettable.
Why Kids Love Christmas Games?
I’ve always noticed that Christmas games bring out the best in kids. There’s something about this season that makes playtime feel extra special.
When you gather around for a game, you’re not just filling time; you’re building memories.
Kids love these games because they bring togetherness, excitement, and a spark of creativity. During winter break, they have more free time and energy to burn.
Games give them a fun way to stay active, laugh, and connect with family and friends.
I also think these games teach kids important things without them even realizing it. They learn teamwork, sharing, and how to handle both winning and losing. And the best part? Every round feels fresh and full of joy.
So when you play a Christmas game with your kids, you’re not just keeping them busy, you’re creating moments they’ll remember.
Best Christmas Board Games for Kids
Board games bring families together with laughter and friendly competition, keeping kids happily entertained during the holidays. These Christmas-themed games make family nights cozy and memorable for all ages.
1. Christmas Monopoly
Christmas Monopoly adds a festive twist to the timeless classic. Instead of traditional properties, players buy, sell, and decorate Christmas-themed spots like Santa’s Workshop, Reindeer Road, and Candy Cane Lane.
The game includes colorful holiday pieces such as snowmen, presents, and stockings.
Ideal for ages 8 and up, 2–6 players can join in. It’s a great way to teach kids about strategy, planning, and money management while keeping the energy lighthearted.
Every turn feels like a trip through the North Pole marketplace.
How to Play:
- Players roll the dice and move around the Christmas-themed board.
- Buy, trade, or decorate properties to collect rent and bonuses.
- The last player with money remaining becomes the holiday champion.
2. The Grinch Board Game
The Grinch Board Game brings the mischievous spirit of Dr. Seuss’s classic story to life.
Players race through Whoville, collecting gifts and spreading cheer while trying to avoid the Grinch’s sneaky traps. You’ll need the official Grinch board game or printable cards.
Best for ages 6 and up, with 2–4 players, it’s a mix of luck and strategy that encourages friendly rivalry and laughter.
The game also teaches kids the joy of giving as they “rescue” presents and share them around the board.
How to Play:
- Roll the dice and move through the Whoville board.
- Collect as many presents as you can while dodging the Grinch’s tricks.
- The player with the most saved gifts at the end wins.
3. Christmas Clue Junior
Christmas Clue Junior turns detective work into festive fun.
Players work together to solve a cheerful Christmas mystery, like finding out who ate Santa’s cookies, where it happened, and what was used.
The board features holiday icons and friendly characters. It’s best for ages 5 and up, with 2–6 players.
The game builds memory, logic, and teamwork while keeping everyone involved. It’s a fun introduction to problem-solving and deduction for kids who love puzzles and surprises.
How to Play:
- Move your token around the board and collect clue cards.
- Use logic to eliminate options and identify the correct answers.
- The first player to solve the Christmas mystery wins the round.
4. Christmas Trivia for Kids
Christmas Trivia for Kids is an exciting game full of fun facts about the season.
It’s packed with questions about carols, traditions, and holiday movies, making it both entertaining and educational.
The game can be played using a trivia board or printable question cards. Perfect for ages 6 and up, 2–8 players can compete individually or in teams.
It helps improve general knowledge, memory, and listening skills while sparking curiosity about holiday traditions from around the world.
How to Play:
- Players take turns answering Christmas-themed trivia questions.
- Award points for each correct answer to keep score.
- The player or team with the highest total wins the Christmas Trivia crown.
5. Elf on the Shelf Board Game
The Elf on the Shelf Board Game turns the beloved holiday character into an interactive adventure. Players become Santa’s scout elves, racing to deliver gifts while avoiding obstacles and completing festive tasks.
The board is bright, colorful, and full of surprises that keep kids engaged. It’s best for ages 5 and up, with 2–4 players.
The game teaches planning, patience, and good sportsmanship while creating a joyful story everyone can share. Perfect for adding a magical touch to family game night.
How to Play:
- Each player takes turns rolling the dice and moving their elf along the path.
- Complete fun tasks or challenges shown on the cards.
- The first player to deliver all their gifts to Santa wins the game.
6. Rudolph’s Race to Christmas
Rudolph’s Race to Christmas is a fun and festive board game where players help Rudolph and his friends deliver presents before Christmas morning.
The board is filled with snowy paths, candy canes, and reindeer-themed challenges that make every turn exciting.
It’s perfect for ages 5 and up, with 2–4 players competing to reach Santa’s sleigh first. The game encourages teamwork, counting, and quick thinking, while keeping the Christmas spirit alive.
With its colorful design and simple rules, it’s an ideal choice for family game night.
How to Play:
- Roll the dice and move along Rudolph’s delivery route.
- Complete mini challenges when landing on special spaces.
- The first player to reach Santa’s sleigh wins the race.
7. Santa’s Workshop Board Game
Santa’s Workshop Board Game invites kids to become Santa’s helpers, racing to make and pack toys before Christmas Eve. The game board is bright and detailed, featuring workstations, gift piles, and cheerful elves.
It’s perfect for ages 6 and up, with 2–5 players working against the clock.
This game helps develop time management, cooperation, and problem-solving while letting players experience what it’s like inside the North Pole.
Every round feels like a busy, joyful day preparing for Santa’s big night.
How to Play:
- Each player plays as an elf, completing toy-making or gift-packing tasks.
- Collect resources and work quickly before time runs out.
- The player who finishes the most gifts wins the game.
8. Christmas Snakes and Ladders
Christmas Snakes and Ladders gives the timeless board game a snowy holiday makeover.
Instead of snakes, players slide down candy canes, and ladders are replaced with shimmering snowflakes. It’s a fun, fast-paced game for ages 4 and up, with 2–6 players.
Kids can practice counting, turn-taking, and patience as they race to the top of the board.
The cheerful Christmas graphics, simple setup, and easy-to-follow rules make it perfect for younger children and family playtime during cozy winter evenings.
How to Play:
- Players roll dice to move along the Christmas-themed board.
- Climb ladders when landing on snowy spaces, but slide down candy canes.
- The first player to reach the top wins the game.
9. Reindeer Games Challenge
Reindeer Games Challenge is an action-filled board game inspired by Santa’s reindeer.
Players race through snowy trails, complete fun mini-challenges, and test their luck on festive spaces filled with surprises.
The game is best for ages 6 and up, with 2–6 players, and mixes both strategy and movement-based fun.
It helps kids improve coordination, teamwork, and focus while encouraging laughter and friendly competition. It’s perfect for families who love combining physical play with creative storytelling.
How to Play:
- Roll the dice to move across the reindeer trail on the board.
- Complete challenges or tasks listed on the cards you land on.
- The first reindeer to cross the finish line wins the game.
10. Christmas Candy Land
Christmas Candy Land turns the classic board game into a magical winter journey. Players travel through candy cane forests, chocolate hills, and gingerbread bridges on their way to Santa’s cottage.
The vibrant board and festive characters make every turn exciting for kids. Ideal for ages 4 and up, 2–4 players can join in.
The game teaches color recognition, counting, and patience while keeping everyone smiling. It’s simple, charming, and perfect for adding a little sweetness to family game nights.
How to Play:
- Draw a color card and move your piece to the matching space.
- Follow the trail through candy-themed paths and holiday surprises.
- The first player to reach Santa’s cottage wins the round.
Outdoor Games for Snowy Play
These outdoor Christmas games bring energy and excitement to winter days. They’re perfect for kids who love playing in the snow while enjoying friendly competition and holiday cheer.
11. Reindeer Relay Race
The Reindeer Relay Race is a fun and energetic outdoor game that gets everyone moving in the snow.
Kids work in teams to complete silly Christmas-themed challenges like carrying “presents” or wearing reindeer antlers while racing to the finish.
You’ll need simple props such as Santa hats, small gift boxes, and cones for marking the course.
Best for ages 6 and up, with 4 or more players, this game builds teamwork, coordination, and quick thinking while keeping kids active and cheerful outdoors.
How to Play:
- Divide kids into equal teams and line them up.
- Each player runs, completes a short task, and returns.
- The first team to finish all rounds wins.
Watch this quick demo of kids playing Reindeer Relay, full of laughter, teamwork, and holiday spirit!
12. Snowball Toss Challenge
The Snowball Toss Challenge is a simple, high-energy game that keeps kids active outdoors. Players toss snowballs at targets like buckets, snowmen cutouts, or decorated boxes.
It’s easy to set up and fun for ages 5 and up, with 2–6 players competing individually or in teams.
You’ll need clean snow, a few buckets or cones, and markers for scoring.
This game encourages focus, coordination, and friendly competition, making it a great winter choice for family gatherings or neighborhood playtime.
How to Play:
- Place targets at different distances.
- Players take turns tossing snowballs at the targets.
- The player or team with the most hits wins.
See how easy it is to set up the Snowball Toss Challenge, a simple game that brings endless giggles and friendly competition!
13. Build a Snowman Contest
The Build a Snowman Contest is a favorite among kids who love being creative in the snow. Players or teams race to build the best snowman within a set time.
You’ll need snow, scarves, hats, sticks, buttons, and a carrot for decoration.
It’s perfect for ages 4 and up, with 2–5 players or small groups.
The game promotes teamwork, imagination, and hands-on creativity while keeping everyone active and smiling on chilly winter afternoons.
How to Play:
- Divide into teams and set a 10–15 minute timer.
- Each group builds and decorates a snowman.
- A judge picks the most creative or well-built snowman.
Watch this creative snowman showdown in action, from rolling snowballs to adding scarves and carrot noses!
Santa Hat Ring Toss adds a playful holiday twist to a classic carnival game. Kids toss rings made from rope or plastic onto Santa hats set up on the ground.
It’s easy to make and great for snowy days. You’ll need Santa hats, rings, and a little open space.
Ideal for ages 5 and up, with 2–6 players, it helps improve accuracy, focus, and coordination while keeping the festive spirit alive outdoors.
How to Play:
- Arrange Santa hats in a line or circle.
- Players take turns tossing rings at the hats.
- Each successful toss earns points toward victory.
Check out this cheerful Santa Hat Ring Toss, a fun outdoor twist that keeps everyone smiling and aiming for the win!
15. Snowflake Tag
Snowflake Tag is a fun winter twist on the classic tag game. One player becomes the “Snowflake Catcher,” chasing others through the snow.
When tagged, players must freeze like snowflakes until another player “melts” them by tagging again.
No supplies are needed, just warm clothes and space to run.
Perfect for ages 5 and up, with 4 or more players, this game promotes movement, agility, and teamwork while filling the yard with laughter and excitement.
How to Play:
- Choose one player to be the catcher.
- Tagged players freeze until freed by another.
- Keep playing until everyone is tagged or switch roles.
Watch a round of Snowflake Tag unfold as they laugh, chase, and freeze like real snowflakes in the snow!
DIY Christmas Games You Can Make at Home
These DIY Christmas games are easy to create with simple materials you already have. They encourage creativity, teamwork, and laughter, perfect for indoor family fun during the holidays.
16. Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Pin the Nose on Rudolph is a cheerful holiday game that kids can easily create at home. It’s a Christmas version of the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” and always gets laughs.
You’ll need a large paper drawing of Rudolph, red paper circles for noses, tape, and a blindfold.
Ideal for ages 4 and up, with 3 or more players, it’s a great activity for hand-eye coordination and focus while keeping the festive spirit alive during indoor family gatherings.
How to Play:
- Hang Rudolph’s face on a wall or door.
- Blindfold one player and gently spin them.
- The player tries to pin the nose closest to the right spot.
See how to make and play Pin the Nose on Rudolph, a hilarious holiday twist on the classic party favorite!
17. Christmas Cup Stack Challenge
The Christmas Cup Stack Challenge is an exciting indoor game that tests balance and speed.
Players use a thread to stack and unstack red and green cups into a pyramid, racing against time for a quick, competitive, and laughter-filled challenge.
You’ll need 10–15 cups per player, and it’s best for ages 6 and up, with 2–6 participants.
The game helps kids build hand-eye coordination, timing, and focus, making it a great way to burn energy indoors on a snowy afternoon.
How to Play:
- Give each player their set of cups to stack.
- Players race to build and take down their stacks.
- The first to finish without dropping wins the round.
Watch this fast-paced Cup Stack Challenge, kids racing to stack and unstack in record time with tons of laughter!
18. Homemade Christmas Bingo Cards
Homemade Christmas Bingo Cards are a fun and creative twist on the original game.
Kids can design their own cards using paper, markers, and Christmas stickers or drawings of gifts, trees, and snowmen.
You’ll need paper, crayons, stickers, and small markers like buttons or candy pieces.
It’s ideal for ages 5 and up, with 3–8 players. This game encourages creativity, focus, and attention to detail while giving kids a hands-on way to make something special for holiday game night.
How to Play:
- Have everyone draw or design their bingo cards.
- Call out Christmas-themed items one by one.
- The first player to complete a row or column wins.
Check out this cozy craft-and-play idea, kids designing their own Christmas Bingo cards and calling out festive fun!
19. Paper Snowball Toss
Paper Snowball Toss brings snowy fun indoors without the chill.
Kids make “snowballs” by crumpling white paper and tossing them into baskets or buckets. It’s mess-free, easy to set up, and keeps everyone moving.
You’ll need white paper and 2–3 containers placed at varying distances.
Suitable for ages 4 and up, with 2–6 players, this game boosts coordination, aim, and focus while keeping the excitement of a snowball fight alive in a safe and cozy way.
How to Play:
- Crumple paper into soft “snowballs.”
- Set up containers at different distances.
- Players toss snowballs, earning points for each hit.
See how kids turn ordinary paper into “snowballs” for a toss game that brings winter magic indoors, no mess required!
Christmas Party Games for Family Gatherings
These Christmas party games bring families together for laughter, friendly competition, and shared joy. They’re simple to play and perfect for adding festive fun to any holiday gathering.
20. Pass the Present
Pass the Present is a Christmas favorite that builds excitement and suspense at every turn.
The game involves passing a wrapped gift around while music plays, unwrapping one layer each time the music stops.
You’ll need a small prize wrapped in several layers of colorful paper. Best for ages 5 and up, with 4 or more players, it keeps everyone smiling and eager for their turn.
It’s a perfect mix of fun, patience, and anticipation for any family celebration.
How to Play:
- Sit in a circle and start playing Christmas music.
- Pass the wrapped gift around until the music stops.
- The person holding it unwraps a layer; repeat until the prize is revealed.
See this classic Pass the Present game in action, full of excitement, anticipation, and festive fun for all ages!
21. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs – Holiday Edition brings classic fun with a festive twist.
Players walk around a circle of chairs as cheerful Christmas music plays, racing to sit down when it stops.
You’ll need sturdy chairs (one fewer than the number of players) and a good playlist of holiday songs. Ideal for ages 4 and up, with 5–10 players, this game builds coordination, focus, and laughter.
It’s fast-paced, easy to play, and a great way to keep the party energy high.
How to Play:
- Arrange chairs in a circle, facing outward.
- Start the holiday music as players walk around.
- Stop the music randomly; players grab seats while one chair is removed each round.
Tips for Hosting a Christmas Game Night
Hosting a Christmas game night is one of the easiest ways to bring everyone together. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just fun, relaxed, and full of laughter. These are some simple tips to make it special:
- Set up a cozy play space: Clear some room so everyone can move freely. Add soft lights, a bit of music, and maybe some holiday snacks.
- Choose age-appropriate games: Pick activities that fit your group. Simple guessing or matching games work well for younger kids, while older ones enjoy team challenges.
- Prepare small prizes: Stickers, candy canes, or little toys make great rewards. They keep the mood light and motivate everyone to join in.
- Keep safety in mind: Avoid games with sharp objects or running indoors. Make sure the play area is safe and comfortable.
- Include everyone: Choose games that let all ages and abilities take part. The goal is laughter, not competition.
Conclusion
I hope this list of fun and engaging Christmas games for kids gives you plenty of ideas to bring more laughter to your home this holiday season.
These games aren’t just about winning or losing; they’re about time spent together, sharing smiles, and enjoying simple moments that matter most. When you play, you’ll notice how easily the room fills with joy.
Kids forget about screens, adults loosen up, and everyone ends up laughing together.
That’s the real magic of Christmas. So grab a few of your favorite games, gather your family, and make this holiday one to remember.
Because in the end, it’s not the gifts or decorations that make Christmas special, it’s the memories you create together.