Christmas is one of the most magical times of year to spend with the kids. And what’s a Christmas celebration without some festive fun? Try these 10 entertaining Christmas games for kids that will turn your holiday gathering into a winter wonderland of laughter and joy.
Whether you’re looking for indoor games to keep the little elves occupied or outdoor fun to embrace the frosty charm of the season, these games are designed to sprinkle a dash of holiday magic into every moment.
Indoor Christmas games for kids
Some of the best Christmas activities include entertaining indoor games with the whole family involved. So, gather everyone around the Christmas tree for some holiday family fun.
1. Pin the nose on Rudolph
One of the Christmas classics, this game never gets old. The magic of it is that it’s suitable for adults and kids of any age, even if there is a big age gap among them. It’s perfect for quality family bonding time.
How to play:
- Hang up a large picture of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer on the wall. Blindfold the first participant and spin them around.
- Hand them a red pom-pom nose with double-sided tape.
- Watch the giggles ensue as they try to pin Rudolph’s nose in the right spot.
- Move to the next participant.
- Whoever gets closer to the nose wins.
2. Christmas charades
Looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for your kids? This Christmas charades game will get them playing right away, fostering creativity and the ability to showcase their acting skills.
How to play:
- If you don’t have the game, you can still play by writing down Christmas-related words or phrases on pieces of paper.
- Put the cards or folded pieces of paper in a bowl or Santa’s hat.
- Players take turns drawing a word or phrase and act it out without speaking.
- The rest of the group guesses what it is.
- For larger groups, play in teams. Hilarity is guaranteed.
3. Santa says
This is a kid-favorite Simon Says game with a festive twist. The rules are simple: Santa commands, and you must obey. But watch out for tricky Santa.
How to play:
- One player acts as Santa and gives commands like “Santa says shiver from cold.”
- Players must follow the command only if it starts with “Santa says.”
- If Santa gives a command without saying “Santa says” first, and you follow, you’re out.
- The last elf standing becomes the new Santa.
4. Christmas karaoke
Let the kids become little carolers with a Christmas karaoke session. Of course, adults can join in the fun too.
How to play:
- Set up a karaoke machine or a smartphone with a karaoke app.
- Have the kids take turns picking their favorite Christmas song to sing.
- Encourage them to put on a mini-concert for the family. Complete with holiday-themed costumes if they’re feeling extra festive.
5. Snowball toss
No snow outside? No problem. Snowball toss brings winter inside with a soft and safe twist.
How to play:
- Crumple up white tissue paper into snowballs.
- Create a target area using tape or a laundry basket.
- Players take turns tossing snowballs into the target.
- Assign point values and keep score for added competition.
6. “Clue: How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Do you love family board games and all things Dr. Seuss? Then, this holiday edition of the classic “Clue” mystery game is for you.
How to play:
- Set up the board game with the clue cards and let your kids become Santa’s little detectives.
- The objective is to solve the mystery of who, what and where — who caught the Grinch, what Christmas item the Grinch stole and where the item was stolen from.
- Make sure to watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with the kids before the game to set the right mood and for a better understanding of the game.
‘‘Christmas in our family is a time when our shared love for dice and board games brings generations together, and at the center of it all is Tenzi. From the tiniest tots to our beloved grandma, it’s a game that effortlessly spans the ages, welcoming everyone into the festivities.”
— Cindy Gordon, Visit Ohio Today
7. Christmas trivia
Test your kids’ and your own Christmas knowledge with this fun Christmas trivia game — suitable for ages 8 or older.
How to play:
- If you don’t have the game, create a list of your own Christmas-related trivia questions.
- Divide the group into teams or play individually.
- Ask questions and keep score.
- Award the winners with small prizes.
Outdoor Christmas games for kids
Now, are you ready to take things outside and enjoy crisp winter air — all while having lots of fun with the kids? Choose one of these outdoor Christmas games for kids and dive right in.
8. Reindeer relay race
Turn the kids into Santa’s reindeers with a spirited relay race.
How to play:
- Divide the participants into teams.
- Mark a start and finish line in your outdoor space.
- Each player must put on a pair of antlers — you can make these out of cardboard or use an antlers headband.
- Players take turns racing from the start to the finish line, prancing and dashing like Santa’s reindeer.
- The team that finishes first, wins.
9. Christmas scavenger hunt
Go outside for a fun treasure hunt adventure in your yard or around your neighborhood.
How to play:
- Create a list of holiday-themed items for the kids to find — pinecones, Christmas lights on houses, a wreath, etc.
- Provide each child with a list and a pencil to mark the items.
- Set a time limit and let the hunt begin.
- The child who finds the most items on the list wins a special Christmas prize.
10. Snowman-building contest
If you’re lucky enough to have a snowy Christmas, make the most of it with a snowman-building contest.
How to play:
- Divide the kids into teams or let them build individually.
- Provide a variety of accessories like scarves, hats and carrots for noses.
- Set a timer and let the creativity flow.
- Once time is up, have a judging panel or have the entire group vote on the best snowman.
One last thing
Whether your family gathers around the Christmas tree in your cozy living room or heads outside for some outdoor play, these delightful Christmas games for kids promise to infuse your holiday season with laughter, warmth and endless moments of cherished togetherness. Happy holidays and festive family fun to all.
Tamara is a blogger at Thriving In Parenting, where she shares simple tips for busy parents – easy and healthy recipes, home decor ideas, self-care for moms and all things parenting.