Every family has its own brand of Christmas chaos — the good kind that smells like cookies, echoes with laughter, and ends with someone wearing a bow on their head. In our house, the holidays aren’t complete until someone yells “Rematch!” halfway through a game that no one is really sure of the rules for.
That’s the beauty of family Christmas games — they pull everyone off their screens and remind us what this season is really about: togetherness, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
These games are simple enough to set up in minutes, fun enough to play for hours, and guaranteed to bring that spark of holiday magic into your living room. So grab your cocoa, crank up the carols, and let the games begin!
🎅 Game 1: Santa’s Beard Relay
What You Need:
- Cotton balls or marshmallows
- Petroleum jelly or non-toxic face cream
- Spoons and a timer
How to Play:
- Divide the family into two teams.
- Smear a small dab of petroleum jelly on each player’s chin (this will be their “glue”).
- When the timer starts, the first player dips their face into a bowl of cotton balls — no hands allowed!
- Run back to the line and tag the next teammate.
- The team with the most “beard fluff” stuck after one minute wins.
Monika’s Tip:
This one is pure chaos — and that’s why it’s hilarious. Keep a roll of paper towels close! If you want to make cleanup easier, grab a pack of disposable cotton balls and a few inexpensive plastic serving bowls so everyone can have their own “snow stash.”
🦌 Game 2: Reindeer Antler Toss
What You Need:
- A set of inflatable antlers or a DIY version made from balloons and pantyhose
- Small rings or bean bags for tossing
How to Play:
- One person wears the antlers while the rest take turns tossing rings to hook them on.
- Each successful hook earns a point.
- Switch roles so everyone gets a chance to be the reindeer (or the thrower).
Monika’s Tip:
This is a hit with kids and grandparents alike! If you want an easy ready-to-go set, these reindeer antler toss games inflate in seconds and pack flat for next year. For extra fun, play to Christmas music and award the “silliest reindeer” prize.
🎁 Game 3: The Gift Wrap Race
What You Need:
- Boxes of different sizes
- Wrapping paper scraps
- Tape, scissors, bows
- A timer
How to Play:
- Each team gets a box and a set of supplies.
- Set the timer for 90 seconds and see who can wrap the most presentable “gift.”
- Bonus points for style and creativity (judge by a non-participant or draw names).
Monika’s Tip:
Perfect for all ages! Use old newspaper or craft paper to make it eco-friendly. If you’re short on supplies, stock up on this affordable Christmas wrapping paper bundle and festive bows set.
❄️ Game 4: Snowball Scoop Challenge
What You Need:
- Cotton balls or marshmallows for “snowballs”
- A large bowl and a small one for each player
- A spoon and a blindfold
How to Play:
- Blindfold each player and hand them a spoon.
- Set a bowl of snowballs in front of them and a small empty bowl next to it.
- Using only the spoon, they must transfer as many snowballs as possible in 30 seconds.
Monika’s Tip:
This is a giggle factory for kids! Little ones love the blindfold element. Keep a few soft cotton snowballs on hand — they’re reusable and look adorable in photos too.
🎉 Game 5: Christmas Charades
What You Need:
- Paper and pens
- A bowl or jar
- A timer
How to Play:
- Write Christmas-themed clues on slips of paper — things like building a snowman, wrapping presents, singing carols, or untangling lights.
- Fold them and toss into the jar.
- Divide into two teams. One player acts out the clue while their team guesses before the timer runs out.
Monika’s Tip:
If your family loves a little drama, this one will have everyone in stitches. To save time, grab a ready-made Christmas charades game set with cards and prompts — it’s perfect for both kids and grown-ups.
🕐 Game 6: Holiday “Minute to Win It” Challenges
What You Need:
- Plastic cups, candy canes, marshmallows, and a timer
How to Play:
Pick fast-paced mini challenges like stacking cups into a Christmas tree pyramid, hooking candy canes without hands, or tossing marshmallows into a bowl. Each round lasts exactly one minute. Whoever scores the most wins!
Monika’s Tip:
Keep your digital timer handy and film a few rounds — they’re priceless for next year’s holiday blooper reel.
🍭 Game 7: The Candy Cane Hunt
What You Need:
- A box of candy canes
- Sticky notes or ribbons to mark clues
How to Play:
Hide candy canes all around the house — under cushions, in stockings, behind picture frames. Give everyone a basket or bag and let the hunt begin!
Add a twist: color-code them by points (red = 1, green = 3, gold = 5).
Monika’s Tip:
Use individually wrapped mini candy canes to keep things clean and safe. End with a “trade-in” station for little prizes like stickers or hot-cocoa packets.
🎩 Game 8: Elf Hat Stack
What You Need:
- Paper party hats or elf hats
- A table or floor space
How to Play:
Two players race to stack elf hats as high as possible without them toppling over. The taller the tower, the funnier the wobble!
You can make it tougher by requiring players to use only one hand.
Monika’s Tip:
Lightweight felt elf hats work best — they balance just enough to make it tricky. For toddlers, turn it into a sorting game instead (green vs. red hats).
🔔 Game 9: Jingle Bell Shake
What You Need:
- Empty tissue boxes
- Ribbon or belt
- Small jingle bells
How to Play:
Tape or tie the tissue box to each player’s waist, fill it with bells, and start the timer. Players must dance and shake until every bell has fallen out — no hands allowed!
Monika’s Tip:
Hysterical for all ages and great cardio too. Stock up on craft jingle bells so you can reuse them for ornaments later.
🧦 Game 10: Stocking Stuff Race
What You Need:
- Two large Christmas stockings
- A mix of small household items or toys
How to Play:
Fill both stockings with identical objects. At “Go!”, each player reaches in, feels around, and tries to guess every item without peeking. The person with the most correct guesses wins!
Monika’s Tip:
Great for toddlers’ sensory play too. Keep an extra set of cute knit stockings on hand — they double as décor when game night’s over.
🎄 Final Thoughts: The Magic in the Mess
At the end of the night, when the floor’s covered in cotton balls and laughter is still echoing through the house, you’ll realize something beautiful — the best Christmas moments aren’t planned; they just happen.
You don’t need fancy games or expensive props to make memories. A few simple supplies, a warm living room, and the people you love most are more than enough. Whether your family plays Jingle Bell Shake until bedtime or ends up having a Snowball Scoop rematch in the kitchen, the goal is the same — to laugh until your cheeks hurt and remind each other why this season feels so special.
So gather your crew, turn up Jingle Bell Rock, and let the games begin. The magic of Christmas doesn’t live under the tree — it’s right there in every giggle, every flour-dusted smile, and every “just one more round!” you’ll remember for years to come.