Looking for the perfect game to spice up your Christmas party? Check out these fun and festive board and card games that’ll have everyone laughing and competing all night.
Every year, we host a Christmas party early in the season, similar to a Friendsgiving. There’s always an interactive game with one winner and a solid prize. The challenge is that we’ve been doing this for quite some time, so we’ve gone through a lot of ideas. That’s why I’ve been thinking about the best Christmas party games for this year. Want to hear some?
If you’re ready to bring something new to your Christmas party, you’re in the right place! Whether you want something competitive, creative, or just plain fun, I’ve gathered some of the best games to make your holiday gathering unforgettable. These games will keep everyone involved and add a little extra cheer to the season. Trust me, no one will want to leave once the games begin!
Christmas board games
I used to be all about Minecraft, especially playing it with friends from home. But let’s be real—something gets lost when you’re gaming online instead of sitting in the same room with your buddies. Sure, it’s convenient, but it doesn’t quite hit the same. Lately, I’ve switched to board games, and it’s been a game-changer. Now that we’re in our late 20s and early 30s, with careers and families starting up, life has slowed down a bit. It’s refreshing to unplug and gather around a table for some quality time. And with the Holidays right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to find games that both kids and adults can dive into.
Board games have always been a classic part of Christmas traditions, bringing people together when the conversation starts to fade. But which ones are guaranteed hits? What Christmas party games will steal the spotlight this year?
1. Strategy game: CATAN
Catan is a super fun strategy game where you gather and trade resources to build and expand on a randomly generated board made of hexagonal tiles. Winning takes some clever planning, a bit of dice luck, and being flexible with your strategy.
Think of it like Monopoly—well, sort of. While Catan is far more dynamic and interactive, it shares some similarities, like being easy to pick up and fun for players of all ages. I like that it’s easy to learn, blends strategy and luck, and gets everyone involved with trading, negotiating, and even moving the robber to shake things up. It’s perfect for kids 8 and up, and right now you can grab it for just $25 with a 55% discount!
2. Word association game: Czech Games Edition Codenames
Codenames is a fun party board game from 2015, created by Vlaada Chvátil and published by Czech Games Edition. You play in teams, trying to figure out where your operatives are on the board. The catch? You give clues that only your team will understand. It’s fast, funny, and perfect for Christmas, with lots of inside jokes and shared memories.
This game has been a huge hit in my gaming groups. Whether players are casual or hardcore, everyone loves it. It gets even better the more the players know each other. One of the best parts is the second-guessing that happens during the guessing phase. It can stress out the spymaster. And, of course, the teasing from the opposite team is always a good time. Get Codenames for $19.94, down from $24.99.
3. Fast-paced party game: CMYK The Quacks of Quedlinburg
In The Quacks of Quedlinburg by CMYK, each player acts as a quirky doctor, brewing potions using ingredients from their personal collection. The better the potion, the more money you earn to purchase fancier, more powerful ingredients for your stash.
What makes this game exciting is it’s not turn-based. Everything happens at once, creating a fast-paced frenzy where players must decide whether taking risks will pay off or lead to a disaster.
The Quacks of Quedlinburg mixes the thrill of taking chances with a cool shopping system, letting players control the odds a bit more. Want in? It’s now available for $39.99 with a $20 discount.
Christmas card games
I’ve always loved card games, from Russian Durak to Belote. With how easy it is to get sucked into social media or binge-watch Netflix, it might seem like card games are outdated. But for our family, Christmas means no TV and tons of laughs playing card games together. I’ve checked out all kinds of games to find the most entertaining, surprising, and replayable ones that suit different tastes.
4. Family reunion game: Relatable Not So Secret Santa
In Relatable’s Not So Secret Santa, players take turns picking challenge cards and assigning them to other players. Each round, someone draws a challenge and competes with the player whose name is on it. Afterward, everyone votes on the winner, who earns a token. The first player to collect 5 tokens wins the game.
People who’ve tried the Not So Secret Santa say it’s a great choice for family game day, even though it’s Christmas-themed. Everyone gets involved, and it’s just $9.99!
5. Holiday Snap game: Dolphin Hat Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman
Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman ($9.99) is Dolphin Hat’s holiday version of the popular hand-slapping game Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. Players follow a simple pattern (“Santa, cookie, elf, candy, snowman”) and flip cards, slapping the pile when a match happens. Special cards add some extra fun, and the game ends when someone runs out of cards.
6. Christmas party game for all ages: Weird Little Elf
Weird Little Elf is a quick and quirky social deduction game. It’s super easy to learn, making it fun for everyone—kids, adults, non-gamers, you name it. Here’s the premise: it’s Christmas Eve and a sneaky Imp is causing chaos in Santa’s workshop. Everyone has to figure out who’s behind the mischief. The catch? Even the elves can’t be trusted!
The game’s compact, gift-wrapped box makes it perfect for stocking stuffers or White Elephant exchanges. Bonus points: flip the Santa cards to swap out the holiday vibes and play year-round! It costs $19.62 on Amazon.
Wrapping up the fun
So, there you have it! With these fun Christmas party games, you’re all set to make this year’s holiday gathering a hit. Whether you’re aiming for laughter, friendly competition, or some creative fun, these activities will keep the energy high.