Nothing brings a holiday party to life quite like a collection of fun, laughter-filled Christmas games. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, coworkers, or children, the right mix of activities instantly transforms an ordinary gathering into a joyful memory everyone will cherish. From creative challenges to silly competitions, Christmas games spark connection, encourage teamwork, and remind us why this season feels so magical.
Some games are perfect for staying warm and cozy indoors, letting guests relax while enjoying festive creativity and friendly competition. Others invite everyone outside into the crisp winter air, turning snow-covered yards and twinkling lights into playful holiday playgrounds. No matter which style you choose, each game adds its own touch of wonder to your celebration.
If you’re looking to make this year’s party unforgettable, explore these engaging indoor and outdoor Christmas games that promise excitement, creativity, and plenty of holiday cheer. Get ready to laugh, play, and create memories that will last long after the season ends.
Outdoor Christmas Games
Christmas parties become even more magical when you take the fun outside and make the most of the crisp winter air. Outdoor holiday games encourage everyone to move, laugh, and enjoy the season’s natural beauty – whether that means playing in fresh snow or creating festive challenges in your backyard. With a mix of friendly competition and creative activities, these games bring out the childlike excitement that makes Christmas unforgettable. Bundle up, step outside, and get ready to make memories your guests will talk about for years.
Snowman Building Competition
When it comes to Christmas, snowmen are just as iconic as Santa himself. If your area gets a good amount of snowfall, hosting a snowman-building competition is one of the best outdoor activities you can plan. Guests can stick to the classic coal eyes, carrot nose, and scarf look – or have fun experimenting with unique designs.
A fun twist is assigning specific characters for each team to build. Maybe someone creates a snow Santa, another shapes a snow reindeer, and someone else tries a snow version of their favorite movie character. This not only sparks creativity but also keeps everyone laughing as they attempt to turn snow into recognizable figures.
To give participants plenty to work with, provide accessories like hats, old clothing, sticks, buttons, ribbons, and even fruit or vegetables. Once all the snowmen are complete, have a judging round where creativity, craftsmanship, and originality earn points. You can pin ribbons on the snowmen’s chests and end the activity with a group photoshoot to preserve the moment forever.
Reindeer Antler Ring Toss
Most people have played traditional ring toss games, but reindeer antler ring toss takes the familiar concept and turns it into something festive. You’ll need at least one inflatable or wearable reindeer antler headband and a handful of lightweight rings for throwing.
Set up a throwing line on the grass or snow so everyone knows where to stand. Ten feet is a good starting point, but you can increase the distance if you want to make the challenge tougher. Split players into pairs – one person wears the antlers while the other throws rings – and give each team a timed round to land as many rings as possible.
The real fun comes from the teamwork required. The person wearing the antlers can lean forward or tilt their head to help catch the rings, but if they overdo it, they might make things harder. It’s always entertaining to watch pairs try to get into a rhythm. A festive prize like a Christmas mug, baked treats, or even the antler headband itself makes the victory extra sweet.
Sled Bowling
Sled bowling is an exciting twist on both sledding and bowling that kids and adults can enjoy. All you need is a sled, a snowy slope, and bowling “pins” – usually plastic bottles or cones decorated with holiday flair. Players sit on the sled and aim straight for the pins at the bottom of the hill.
Each person gets a few tries to knock down as many pins as possible. The sense of speed and unpredictability makes this game hilarious to watch and unforgettable to play. Even slow glides can take surprising turns, adding to the chaos.
You can add extra fun by giving the pins different point values or creating themed lanes like “Candy Cane Alley” or “Santa’s Speedway.” Just be sure the slope is safe, smooth, and free of obstacles. It’s a simple game, but it quickly becomes the star of any outdoor Christmas gathering.
Snowball Tag
Snowball tag is the perfect game for groups who love high-energy activities. Instead of tagging someone with your hand, the person who is “it” must hit another player with a soft snowball to pass the role along. The snowy setting transforms a familiar game into something more lively and seasonal.
Choose a spacious outdoor area where everyone has room to run, hide, or duck behind trees or snowbanks. Make sure the snowballs are soft and powdery to keep things safe and fun. The pace of the game can shift quickly as players zigzag and strategize to avoid getting hit.
You can play short timed rounds or keep it continuous until everyone is worn out from the excitement. It’s one of those games that gets everyone laughing and warms you up despite the cold weather – the perfect recipe for a memorable Christmas party.
Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
A Christmas light scavenger hunt is a magical way to enjoy the beauty of festive decorations around your neighborhood or backyard. Create a checklist of items like a glowing snowflake, a red-nosed reindeer, a giant Santa, or a blue-and-white light display. Then send teams off with flashlights or phones to find everything.
Players can compete by photo-proofing each item on the list or simply marking it off as they go. This game gets everyone walking, talking, and appreciating the creativity of the season. It’s especially enchanting when played after sunset, when the lights shine their brightest.
To make it even more fun, offer a holiday-themed prize to the fastest team or the group that documents the most unique displays. It’s a peaceful yet engaging outdoor activity that brings out the wonder of Christmas.
Reindeer Relay Race
The reindeer relay race is a playful way to get guests moving while staying fully immersed in holiday cheer. Split everyone into teams and give participants headbands, bells, or even simple costumes to wear while completing a series of quick challenges.
Each relay station can include tasks like prancing like a reindeer, weaving through candy cane poles, carrying gifts without dropping them, or hopping through “snow hoops.” The sillier the challenges, the more people laugh.
The relay ends when every teammate has completed their part and dashed back to the starting line. This game is perfect for big groups who love a bit of friendly competition, and it sets the tone for an energetic, joy-filled holiday party.
Snowball Toss
Snowball toss is one of those games that looks simple at first but quickly becomes competitive and hilarious. Set up different-sized buckets, baskets, or hoops at varying distances and assign each one a point value. Players must toss soft snowballs into the targets, trying to rack up as many points as possible before time runs out.
The fun really starts when the difficulty increases – longer distances, smaller targets, or moving baskets held by volunteers add unexpected challenges. This game works for both kids and adults, and it keeps everyone warm through constant movement. You can even form teams and create mini tournaments to crown the ultimate Snowball Toss Champion.
Christmas Obstacle Course
A Christmas obstacle course turns your backyard or snowy field into a lively winter adventure. You can set up stations such as weaving through candy cane poles, hopping between “snow stepping stones,” sliding through tinsel tunnels, or balancing ornaments on spoons as players race to the finish. Each obstacle adds a fun twist that encourages creativity and laughter.
Participants can compete individually or in teams, depending on the size of your gathering. The sillier the tasks, the more memorable the game becomes – think waddling like a penguin or prancing like a reindeer. This activity is perfect for high-energy crowds and guarantees plenty of smiles and funny photo moments.
Santa Hat Relay Race
The Santa Hat Relay Race adds a playful holiday twist to traditional relay races. Divide players into teams and give each group a single Santa hat. The first person wears the hat and completes a short task, such as running around a tree or singing a line from a Christmas carol, before handing the hat off to the next teammate.
The challenge comes from switching the hat quickly and keeping it on while completing the tasks. You can make it harder by adding balance obstacles or requiring participants to carry small wrapped gifts as they run. The contagious laughter and spirited cheering make this an excellent way to bring everyone together.
Outdoor Christmas Karaoke
Outdoor Christmas karaoke brings a lively, musical energy to your holiday celebration. Set up a small sound system, create a playlist of classic and modern Christmas songs, and let guests take turns performing. Singing outside under twinkling lights or falling snow makes the moment feel magical and cinematic.
Some guests may feel shy at first, but once the first song begins, everyone gets into the spirit. You can even turn it into a mini talent show with humorous awards like “Most Dramatic Performance” or “Best Santa Impression.” It’s a wonderful way to spread cheer and create memorable, heartwarming moments.
Christmas Sack Race
The Christmas sack race is a festive twist on the classic potato sack game. Give participants oversized gift bags or decorated holiday sacks and mark a start and finish line in your yard or driveway. Once the race begins, players hop their way forward, laughing and wobbling as they try to stay upright.
This game is especially fun for kids, but adults often enjoy joining in for the nostalgia and silliness. You can host multiple heats and even encourage holiday costumes – elves hopping beside reindeer always make for great photos. Award small prizes or candy canes to winners for an extra dose of fun.
Candy Cane Hunt (Outdoor Edition)
A candy cane hunt brings the excitement of an Easter egg hunt to the Christmas season. Hide candy canes throughout your yard, garden, or porch area, placing some in obvious spots and others in more challenging, sneaky hiding places. Give each guest a small bag and let them search high and low.
You can make it competitive by awarding points for different types or sizes of candy canes. Kids love the thrill of discovering hidden treats, while adults often join in for the friendly rivalry. This game works beautifully toward the end of your gathering as a relaxing cool-down activity that still keeps the festive spirit alive.
Indoor Christmas Games
Indoor Christmas games are perfect for creating warm, laughter-filled memories without ever stepping into the cold. These cozy activities encourage creativity, teamwork, and plenty of lighthearted competition – all while keeping the festive spirit alive. Whether you’re gathered in a living room, basement, or party hall, indoor Christmas games bring everyone together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. With the right mix of imagination and holiday cheer, these games can turn any indoor space into a joyful celebration.
Christmas Charades
Christmas Charades is a lively, engaging game that gets everyone laughing within minutes. Players take turns acting out festive prompts like “building a snowman,” “hanging stockings,” or “Santa stuck in a chimney,” while their team tries to guess before the timer runs out. The silliness of the actions always creates funny moments that make the game a highlight of any indoor holiday gathering.
To make things even more exciting, you can use themed difficulty levels or holiday categories such as movies, songs, or activities. Adding props like Santa hats, tinsel, or scarves also enhances the fun and makes the acting even more exaggerated. Christmas Charades is perfect for mixed-age groups because it’s fast-paced, accessible, and endlessly entertaining.
Christmas Movie Trivia
Christmas Movie Trivia is ideal for guests who love holiday classics and enjoy showing off their movie knowledge. Create a list of questions based on popular Christmas movies that are a must watch like Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch and watch as players passionately debate answers. You can include quotes, plot twists, character names, or soundtrack clues to keep the game interesting.
Divide guests into teams or play individually for more intense competition. A scoreboard and small prizes – like candy canes or Christmas ornaments – add an extra layer of excitement. This game is especially fun after dinner, when everyone is relaxed and ready for a cozy, friendly challenge.
Ornament Guessing Game
The Ornament Guessing Game is simple to set up but surprisingly engaging for guests of all ages. Fill a clear jar with mini ornaments and ask everyone to write down how many they think are inside. The moment you reveal the number always brings gasps, laughter, or playful frustration.
You can make the game even more festive by using themed ornaments in different shapes or colors. Offering a small prize for the closest guess encourages participation and adds anticipation. This game works perfectly as a warm-up activity because it’s quick, fun, and sets a cheerful tone for the rest of the party.
Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt
An indoor scavenger hunt brings adventure to your living space without needing the outdoors. Hide holiday-themed objects – candy canes, ribbons, ornaments, bows – around the house and give players a list of items to find. As guests search under couches, behind curtains, or inside stockings, the excitement builds naturally.
To make the hunt even more engaging, include riddles or clues that guide players toward the next item. You can host a timed race for competitive groups or allow everyone to search at their own pace. The joy of discovery, combined with the cozy indoor setting, makes this game especially memorable for holiday gatherings.
Blindfolded Snowman Drawing Contest
This game is the perfect blend of creativity and comedy. Participants wear a blindfold and attempt to draw a snowman on a sheet of paper – without peeking. The result is almost always a hilariously distorted masterpiece, and the big reveal never fails to spark laughter.
You can add more fun by including bonus challenges like drawing accessories or holiday backgrounds. Display all the drawings on a wall and let guests vote on categories like “Most Accurate,” “Funniest,” or “Most Artistic Attempt.” Kids and adults both love this game because it’s silly, simple, and full of surprises.
Christmas Bingo
Christmas Bingo is a festive twist on the classic game, using holiday icons instead of numbers. Cards featuring snowflakes, gingerbread men, stockings, and reindeer make each round cheerful and engaging. As players listen closely for their symbols, the room quickly fills with excitement and anticipation.
You can play traditional bingo or switch things up with themed rounds like “Blackout Bingo” or “Four-Corner Christmas.” Offering small prizes or stocking stuffers keeps the energy high and encourages everyone to participate. It’s a wonderful indoor game for groups who want something easy, relaxing, and joyful.
Gift Wrap Relay
The Gift Wrap Relay is a hilarious indoor game that tests both teamwork and creativity. Players are divided into groups and must wrap a present as quickly – and neatly – as possible while following funny rule variations. Some rounds may require wrapping with only one hand, others may require switching wrappers halfway, and some may even call for wrapping while wearing oven mitts.
The real entertainment comes from watching each team attempt to coordinate under pressure. Wrinkled paper, dropped tape, and laughing fits are practically guaranteed. Once the time is up, everyone compares their wrapped gifts, and judges can award points for speed, neatness, or originality. It’s a chaotic, joyful activity that gets everyone involved.
Holiday Pictionary
Holiday Pictionary brings out the artist – or lack thereof – in every guest. Players draw holiday-themed prompts like “ugly sweater,” “mistletoe,” or “Santa’s workshop” while their team tries to guess before the timer ends. The frantic scribbling and excited shouting always lead to unforgettable moments.
To ramp up the fun, you can add more challenging phrases or allow players to steal guesses if the team fails. Using a big whiteboard or large paper sheets makes the drawings more dramatic and keeps the audience engaged. Whether the art turns out beautifully or laughably abstract, this game adds a lively spark to any holiday gathering.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest
A Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest transforms your party into a festive baking show. Set out plain cookies along with icing, sprinkles, candy, and edible glitter so that each guest can create their own masterpiece. Participants can stick to traditional themes or craft imaginative designs that showcase their personality.
Once everyone is finished, display the cookies and hold a friendly vote for categories such as “Most Creative,” “Most Festive,” or “Best Use of Sprinkles.” Kids love the hands-on creativity, while adults enjoy the relaxing and nostalgic nature of the activity. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy their sweet creations afterward – a delicious win for all.
Pass the Present
Pass the Present adds suspense and excitement to your indoor celebration. Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of wrapping paper, placing a fun note or tiny prize within some of the layers. Guests sit in a circle and pass the present around while music plays; when the music stops, the person holding it gets to unwrap one layer.
The anticipation builds with each round as players hope they’re the lucky ones to uncover a surprise. You can make the game even more entertaining by adding simple challenges written between layers, such as “sing a Christmas lyric” or “do a jolly dance.” The unpredictability makes this game a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ugly Sweater Decorating Contest
This festive activity lets everyone’s creativity go wild. Provide plain sweaters or T-shirts along with ribbons, pompoms, bells, fabric paint, googly eyes, and holiday appliqués. Guests can design sweaters that are funny, outrageous, adorable, or intentionally terrible – the more ridiculous, the better.
Once the creations are complete, hold a fashion show where participants walk the “runway” to Christmas music. Judges or guests can vote on categories like “Ugliest Sweater,” “Most Festive,” or “Funniest Design.” This game guarantees laughter and gives everyone a wearable keepsake from the party.
Gingerbread House Baking & Decorating
Gingerbread House Baking and Decorating is a cozy, hands-on activity that brings out the holiday spirit. Whether you bake gingerbread from scratch or use pre-made kits, decorating houses with icing, candy, and sprinkles becomes a fun and creative adventure. Families, couples, and friends all work together, turning simple cookies into elaborate winter masterpieces.
The best part is comparing everyone’s unique designs – some will be charming, others will be chaotic, and a few may collapse in the most amusing way. You can host friendly judging for categories like “Most Detailed,” “Best Teamwork,” or “Most Whimsical.” It’s a heartwarming way to spend time indoors while letting your imagination run free.
Who Am I? (Christmas Edition)
Who Am I? is an entertaining guessing game that instantly energizes a room. Each guest wears a card on their forehead featuring a Christmas-related character – Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, Mrs. Claus, or even holiday villains like the Grinch. Players ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who they are.
The real fun comes from the amusing guesses and unexpected clues that players give each other. Some people realize their identity quickly, while others go in hilarious circles trying to uncover the truth. It’s a great icebreaker that encourages conversation and brings out everyone’s playful side.
Christmas gatherings become truly unforgettable when they blend joy, laughter, and shared experiences – and these indoor and outdoor games offer exactly that. Whether your guests are building snowmen in the yard, decorating cookies by the fire, or racing through festive challenges, each activity adds a layer of connection to the celebration. With a little creativity and holiday spirit, these games can turn any party into a cherished memory. So gather your loved ones, pick your favorites, and let the magic of Christmas fun bring everyone closer together.
