Family Games to Play This Christmas
When the decorations are up and the holiday snacks are ready, nothing brings the family together faster than a good game. Whether you have little ones, older kids or a mix of ages, the right Christmas game can fill the house with laughter, excitement and festive chaos in the best way. Here are family-friendly games real games you can buy that are perfect for Christmas Day and the days around it.
Classic & Modern Board Games That Kids Love
Board games are an easy win over Christmas, especially when you want something structured that everyone can enjoy after dinner or between festive films.
Dobble / Spot It!
Fast, competitive and ideal for all ages, Dobble is a matching game where players race to spot symbols on their cards. It’s small, quick to learn and brilliant for mixed ages.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey
A simplified version of the popular Ticket to Ride, this kid-friendly edition is perfect for younger players. It teaches strategy without overwhelming them.
Labyrinth (Ravensburger)
A family classic where players shift tiles to create paths through a magical maze. Kids love the movement aspect and adults enjoy the strategy.
Uno or Uno Junior
Uno needs no introduction: colourful, energetic and competitive in a friendly way. Uno Junior is designed for younger children with simpler icons.
Catan Junior
For families with older children, Catan Junior adds fun adventure and resource-gathering without the complexity of the adult version.
Festive Game Editions Made for Christmas
Every year, new Christmas editions of family games pop up perfect for households that want something seasonal and easy to play.
Monopoly: Christmas Edition
It has all the familiar Monopoly mechanics but themed around festive landmarks, decorations and Christmas characters. Great for a long afternoon.
Cluedo: Christmas Edition
A fun twist on the classic mystery game, with cosy festive artwork. Still the same whodunit format, just more cheerful and seasonal.
Christmas Charades Box Sets
Several brands release Christmas-themed charades kits every year — usually including festive prompts, props and family-friendly actions.
Christmas Bingo
Many publishers create holiday bingo sets featuring reindeer, snowflakes, stockings and Santa characters. Ideal for younger kids and grandparents alike.
Active Games for Kids Who Need to Burn Off Energy
Sometimes Christmas excitement becomes too much to sit still — so active games are perfect for getting children moving and laughing.
Reindeer Antler Ring Toss
A silly, chaotic favourite. One person wears inflatable antlers and the others throw rings. Simple, entertaining and perfect for young children.
Santa Limbo (Festive Limbo Game)
A Christmas take on the classic party game. Kids love taking turns ducking under the candy-cane-striped bar, especially when Christmas music is playing.
Snowball Toss (Indoor Version)
Many toy brands sell soft “snowballs” or snowball toss sets. Set up a target or buckets and let the kids throw snowballs safely indoors.
Christmas Obstacle Course Kits
Lightweight, child-friendly sets themed around elves, candy canes or snowmen. Great for indoor play if the weather outside is cold or icy.
Creative & Calm Games When You Want a Cosier Moment
When the house needs a little quiet time — but you still want a festive activity — these gentle games work beautifully.
Ravensburger Christmas Puzzle (100–300 pieces)
Ravensburger releases Christmas puzzles every year, with child-friendly scenes and manageable piece counts.
Christmas Mad Libs
A funny fill-in-the-blanks storytelling game. Kids get creative, adults get silly, and everyone ends up laughing at the bizarre stories.
Bananagrams
Not strictly festive, but excellent for calm play. Kids can practise spelling while older family members can join in with more complex word building.
Story Cubes: Christmas Edition
A storytelling dice game that encourages imagination. Roll the dice and make up festive tales — gentle, creative and perfect for younger children.
Why Family Games Make Christmas Magical
Games do more than fill time. They create the moments that stick: the messy laughter, the unexpected victories, the shared jokes that become family stories for years to come. Whether you choose a big board game or a silly active one, Christmas games help everyone connect — from toddlers to teens to adults who just want to feel like kids again.
It doesn’t need to be competitive or complicated. The best games are simply the ones that bring everyone into the same room, at the same time, having fun together.
