As summer winds down and we start remembering Christmas was a thing, there’s no better way to bring everyone together than with some good old-fashioned fun.
At Winter Glow, we’re all about making Christmas magical, and what’s more magical than laughter filling the room as everyone gets in on the action?
We’ve handpicked five of the best family games that are guaranteed to create memorable moments this Christmas. These games are easy to set up, a blast to play, and perfect for players of all ages.
1. Santa’s Sumo Swing
Let’s kick things off with a game that’s equal parts hilarious and challenging. This Sumo game will have everyone in stitches as they rock, roll, and try to get that elusive ball into the cup. Imagine your family members striking sumo wrestler poses as they swing a ball between their legs—trust us, it’s as funny as it sounds.
Materials:
- Plastic cup
- String
- Small ball (e.g., ping pong ball)
Setup:
- Tie a cup around each player’s waist with string.
- Attach another string to the cup and tie a ball at the end, so it hangs between the player’s legs, just below the knees.
How to play:
Players stand with a wide stance and rock back and forth to swing the ball, aiming to get it into the cup. The first person to successfully land the ball in the cup wins! It’s a race against time and balance, and the results are always unpredictable.
Tip: Play some upbeat Christmas music in the background to set the tone and make the game even more festive!
2. Flip Cup Tic-Tac-Toe
Next up is a modern twist on a classic game that’s sure to bring out the competitive spirit in your family. Flip Cup Tic-Tac-Toe combines strategic thinking and dexterity.
Materials:
- Plastic cups
- Tic-tac-toe board (can be drawn on a large surface)
- Table for flipping cups
Setup:
- Draw or set up a large tic-tac-toe board.
- Split players into two teams.
- Each team member gets a turn to flip a cup at the edge of a table.
How to play:
Players take turns flipping cups. If the cup lands upright, that team places their marker (X or O) on the tic-tac-toe board. The first team to get three in a row wins. It’s simple, fast-paced, and perfect for a Christmas family showdown.
Tip: For an extra challenge, increase the distance between the table and the tic-tac-toe board, making it a race to place the marker after successfully flipping the cup.
3. Holiday Blind Scoop Challenge
Ready for a game that tests your senses and your patience? The Holiday Blind Scoop Challenge Game is all about skillful scooping—while blindfolded, of course! This game is ideal for mixing up the fun and adding an element of surprise to your family’s Christmas celebrations.
Materials:
- Christmas decorations (non-glass, lightweight)
- Large pan
- Ladle
- Box or container for decorations
- Blindfolds
Setup:
- Place the decorations in a box.
- Set a large pan on the table a few feet away.
- Blindfold the player and hand them a ladle.
How to play:
Players have one minute to use the ladle to move as many decorations as possible from the box to the pan. The twist? They’re doing it blindfolded! After each round, other players rate the performance based on accuracy and quantity and pizzazz. The player with the highest rating wins.
Tip: Choose lightweight, festive decorations that won’t make too much noise when scooped, adding to the challenge of navigating by feel alone.
4. Candy Cane Capture
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without candy canes, and this game takes them to a whole new level. The Candy Cane Capture game is a delightful mix of dexterity, balance, and a little bit of luck.
Materials:
- Christmas candy canes
- Soft surface (like a cake) to stick the canes in
- String
- Large pan
Setup:
- Stick several candy canes upright into a cake, which is placed on the floor.
- Tie a string around each player’s chest with a candy cane at the end, creating a hook.
How to play:
Players squat down and use their hanging candy cane to hook and lift other canes from the cake. They have one minute to transfer as many canes as possible into a pan next to the cake. The player with the most successful hooks wins—and maybe even the cake too!
Tip: If you want to up the stakes, use a taller cake, making it harder to hook the candy canes. Just be careful not to topple the whole cake over!
Extra Games and a Showstopper you can’t miss!
These are just a few of the games that can turn your Christmas gathering into an unforgettable event. The best part? They’re easy to set up, and all you need is a little bit of creativity and a lot of holiday spirit. So gather your family, put on some festive tunes, and let the games begin!
But if you’re still hungry for more fun, we’ve got some bonus games that are sure to keep the energy high. And speaking of fun, don’t forget to check out our brand new UV Golf this Christmas season – it brings a whole new level of excitement to the holidays!
If you’re looking for even more ways to keep the Christmas cheer alive, we’ve got three additional games that are perfect for extending the fun with your family. These games are quick to set up and play, making them ideal for filling any downtime during your holiday celebrations.
Christmas Pictionary
Nothing brings out the creativity (and the laughs) quite like a game of Christmas Pictionary. All you need is some paper, markers, and a box filled with Christmas-themed words. Divide into teams, and take turns drawing holiday words like “Santa” or “stocking” while your team guesses what it is. The first team to reach 20 points wins!
Tip: For an extra challenge, try drawing with your non-dominant hand!*
Christmas Charades
Charades is a classic party game, and it gets even better with a festive twist! Prepare a set of cards with Christmas-themed words or phrases, split into teams, and get ready to mime. With no words allowed, it’s all about body language and creativity. The first team to guess their way to 20 points takes the win.
Tip: Include some tricky phrases to really test everyone’s charade skills!*
20 Questions to Santa
This one’s a bit different but just as fun! One person plays the role of Santa and thinks of a Christmas-related object. Everyone else takes turns asking yes/no questions to figure out what it is. You’ve got only 20 questions to solve the mystery, so think carefully! The player who guesses correctly becomes the next Santa.
Tip: Think of obscure Christmas objects to keep everyone guessing!*