The holidays are all about fun, laughter, and togetherness, and there’s no better way to bring people together than with some Christmas games for adults. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a lively party, these games will keep everyone entertained. I’ve organized the best holiday games into categories, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your celebration. Let’s jump into it!
Icebreaker Christmas Games for Adults
Starting the party with an icebreaker is a great way to help guests relax and get into the holiday spirit. These games are easy to play, require little setup, and spark fun conversations!
Christmas Trivia Game
Split the players into teams to make the game more competitive and fun. Each team will take turns answering Christmas-themed trivia questions covering holiday movies, music, traditions, and history. Questions can range from classic Christmas carols to festive movie moments and cultural traditions worldwide. Teams must work together to come up with the best answers before time runs out. The team that answers the most questions correctly wins the game and earns ultimate holiday bragging rights!
Why It Works:
This game is engaging, easy to play, and sparks holiday nostalgia. Plus, it’s a great way to test everyone’s Christmas knowledge!
Pro Tip:
Use a timer to keep the game fast-paced and exciting. Reward winners with small prizes to boost engagement and fun!
Holiday “Who Am I?” Game
Write the names of famous Christmas characters, like Santa, Frosty, and The Grinch, on individual cards. Each player picks a card and sticks it to their forehead without looking at the name. Taking turns, players ask yes-or-no questions to gather clues about their character. They can ask things like, “Am I in a Christmas movie?” or “Do I wear a red suit?” to narrow it down. The game continues until everyone guesses their character, making for a hilarious and festive challenge!
Why It Works:
This lively game sparks laughter as players interact and try to guess their character. It’s a fun and engaging way to break the ice!
Pro Tip:
Incorporate Christmas objects and songs to make the game more festive and challenging. It adds a seasonal twist that keeps players engaged!
Holiday Would You Rather
Players take turns answering hilarious and sometimes tricky Christmas-themed “Would You Rather” questions. Examples include, “Would you rather wrap 100 presents in one night or untangle 1,000 Christmas lights?” or “Would you rather have a snowball fight with elves or go sledding with Santa?” Everyone shares their answers, and the group can debate or react to the choices for extra laughs!
Why It Works:
This game is easy, requires no setup, and sparks funny conversations that get everyone into the holiday spirit. It’s perfect for all ages and works well in both small and large groups!
Pro Tip:
Make it even more interactive by having players act out or defend their choice. You can also add a “wild card” round where players must come up with their own silly holiday dilemmas!
Competitive Christmas Games for Adults
For those who love a little friendly competition, these Christmas party games will bring out everyone’s competitive side!
Christmas Charades
Players take turns drawing a card with a Christmas-themed word or phrase, like “building a snowman” or “Santa coming down the chimney.” Without speaking, they must act it out using gestures, facial expressions, and creative movements. Their team members try to guess the word or phrase as quickly as possible. Each correct guess earns a point, and the game continues until all cards are used. The team with the most correct guesses wins, making for a fun and laughter-filled holiday activity!
Why It Works:
This game is quick, full of laughs, and ideal for large groups. It keeps everyone entertained and engaged!
Pro Tip:
Set a timer to keep the game exciting, and include a Christmas song guessing round for extra festive fun!
Snowball Toss
Players take turns tossing “snowballs” (marshmallows, cotton balls, or soft white pom-poms) into festive buckets or cups placed at different distances. Each bucket has a point value—the farther or smaller the target, the more points it’s worth. The player with the highest score after all rounds wins!
Why It Works:
This game is simple, mess-free, and fun for all ages! It adds a competitive yet lighthearted challenge to holiday gatherings and can be played indoors without worry.
Pro Tip:
Use different-sized buckets or label them with fun Christmas challenges (like “Do a Santa dance” if you miss). For added excitement, try a blindfolded round or a time limit challenge!
Santa’s Bag Toss Game
Give cornhole a festive twist by tossing small bean bags into Santa’s “gift sack.” Set up a decorated board or bucket designed to look like Santa’s bag, with different point values for various landing spots. Players take turns tossing their bean bags, aiming to score as many points as possible. The game can be played in rounds, adding up points after each turn. In the end, the player with the highest score wins, making this a fun and competitive holiday game for all!
Why It Works:
This game is easy to learn and fun for all skill levels. It adds a festive touch, making it perfect for holiday gatherings!
Pro Tip:
Organize the game in a tournament-style with brackets for added competition. It builds excitement as players advance to the final round!
Drinking Christmas Games for Adults
For a spirited holiday celebration, try these Christmas drinking games!
Christmas Drinking Game Cards
Create a deck of cards with funny Christmas-themed challenges or dares, like “Sing a Christmas carol in a funny voice” or “Wear a Santa hat for the rest of the game.” Each player takes turns drawing a card and completing the challenge. If they refuse or fail, they must take a sip or a shot based on the card’s instructions. The game continues until all cards are used or players decide to stop. It’s a hilarious and festive way to add some holiday cheer to your gathering!
Why It Works:
This game is hilarious, simple to play, and perfect for energizing any party. It guarantees laughter and nonstop fun!
Pro Tip:
Have water on hand to stay hydrated throughout the game. It keeps everyone refreshed and ready for more fun!
Reindeer Ring Toss Drinking Game
One player wears a fun antler headband, becoming the target for the game. The other players take turns tossing rings, trying to land them on the antlers. Each successful toss earns a point, while missed throws come with a festive penalty—a sip of their drink! The game continues with players rotating as the “reindeer” to keep things fair. At the end, the player with the most successful tosses wins, making this a hilarious and entertaining holiday party game!
Why It Works:
This game blends skill and luck, making it perfect for a relaxed drinking game. It keeps things lighthearted and entertaining!
Pro Tip:
Try glow-in-the-dark rings for an added challenge and a fun twist. It makes the game even more exciting, especially in low light!
Mystery and Escape Christmas Games for Adults
For those who love a challenge, these mystery-themed Christmas games will add excitement to your holiday party.
Christmas Escape Room Game
Turn your holiday gathering into an exciting adventure with a Christmas-themed escape room challenge! Players must work together to solve festive riddles, decipher clues, and complete puzzles to escape the “North Pole Workshop” before time runs out. Each solved clue brings them one step closer to unlocking the final challenge and making their grand escape. The game can include tasks like finding Santa’s missing list, cracking a holiday code, or piecing together a Christmas mystery. It’s a thrilling, brain-teasing way to bring some teamwork and holiday spirit to your party!
Why It Works:
This game is fun and interactive, ensuring everyone stays engaged. It’s a great way to bring people together and keep the energy high!
Pro Tip:
Lower the lights and play Christmas music to create a festive atmosphere. It makes the game feel even more magical and immersive!
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Set up a festive holiday scavenger hunt by creating a list of Christmas-themed items for players to find, such as a candy cane, Santa hat, mistletoe, an ornament, or a wrapped gift. Hide the items around the party space or use decorations that are already in place. Players race against the clock, searching high and low to collect as many items as possible before time runs out. The person or team that finds the most items wins a holiday-themed prize. It’s a fun and interactive way to get everyone moving and embracing the Christmas spirit!
Why It Works:
This game promotes movement, teamwork, and creativity. It keeps everyone active while making the experience more engaging and fun!
Pro Tip:
Hide a special Christmas gift for an extra surprise. It adds excitement and gives players an extra reason to stay engaged!
Find the Missing Santa
In this festive mystery game, players work together to solve clues and track down Santa—or the stolen Christmas gifts! The host hides small presents or a Santa figurine somewhere in the house, leaving behind a series of riddles, puzzles, or scavenger hunt-style clues. Players must solve each clue to uncover the next location until they finally “rescue” Santa and save Christmas!
Why It Works:
This game combines problem-solving, teamwork, and holiday excitement. It’s perfect for families, kids, and even adults who love a good Christmas mystery!
Pro Tip:
Make it even more exciting by assigning roles—one player can be the mischievous “Grinch” who stole the gifts, while others play as Santa’s helpers. You can also add time limits or fun mini-challenges to unlock clues!
Gift Exchange Christmas Games for Adults
No Christmas party is complete without a fun way to exchange gifts! These games add an exciting twist to the tradition.
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Host a classic White Elephant gift exchange where each player brings a wrapped present within a set price range. Players take turns selecting a gift from the pile or stealing one from someone who has already picked. If a gift is stolen, the original owner chooses a new one from the pile. To keep things fair, each gift can only be stolen a certain number of times before it’s locked in with its final owner. The game continues until all gifts are claimed, making for a fun, unpredictable, and laughter-filled holiday tradition!
Why It Works:
This game delivers laughter, strategy, and unexpected twists as players compete for the best gifts. It’s a fun and festive challenge for everyone!
Pro Tip:
Choose a gift theme like funny, useful, or homemade to make the game more exciting. It adds variety and keeps everyone entertained!
Christmas Dice Gift Exchange Game
Add a festive twist to gift-giving with a Christmas dice exchange game! Each player brings a wrapped gift and places it in the center. Players take turns rolling a special Christmas-themed die with instructions like “Swap with another player,” “Unwrap a gift,” or “Pass left.” The game continues with players rolling, swapping, and unwrapping until all gifts are opened. In the end, everyone goes home with a surprise present, making for a fun and interactive holiday tradition filled with excitement and laughter!
Why It Works:
This game puts a unique spin on gift exchanges, keeping things unpredictable and exciting. It’s a great way to add extra fun to the tradition!
Pro Tip:
Set a timer to keep the game moving at a fun pace. It prevents delays and keeps everyone engaged!
Virtual Christmas Games for Adults
Not celebrating in person? No worries! These virtual Christmas games for adults keep the holiday spirit alive, no matter where your loved ones are.
Zoom Christmas Trivia
Host a virtual Christmas trivia game using Kahoot!, Google Forms, or a simple slideshow with multiple-choice or open-ended questions. Players join from their devices and answer festive questions about Christmas history, movies, songs, traditions, and fun facts. The person or team with the most correct answers wins!
Why It Works:
This game is perfect for virtual celebrations, keeping everyone engaged and connected even if they’re far apart. Plus, it’s easy to customize and works for all ages!
Pro Tip:
Mix in different question types—picture rounds, “Guess the Christmas movie from the emoji,” and even audio clips of holiday songs to keep things exciting. Offer fun prizes like digital gift cards or festive shout-outs for the winners!
5 second game
Play the 5 Second Rule Game by grabbing a timer and a stack of category cards (or make your own). Each player takes turns drawing a card and has just five seconds to name three things that fit the topic, like “Name 3 ice cream flavors” or “Name 3 things you do at a wedding.” If they succeed, they earn a point. If not, the next player gets a chance with a new card. Keep going until someone hits the winning score!
Why It Works:
This game is fast, funny, and full of unexpected answers—perfect for breaking the ice or livening up a party. The time pressure makes even simple prompts tricky, and the laughs come naturally as people scramble to shout out answers under the clock.
Pro Tip:
Make it extra fun by tailoring the categories to your group—add themed cards like “Name 3 Christmas cookies” at holiday parties or “Name 3 inside jokes” for friend groups. Use a phone timer with a funny sound for added chaos!
Jibber Jabber game
Play the Jibber Jabber game by having one person read a silly, nonsense phrase out loud—like “Wheel Yum Ink Have Hen Shoe” (which sounds like “Will you make heaven true”). Other players try to guess the real phrase based on how it sounds. You can use a set of printed cards, a party game deck, or find a list online. The person who guesses correctly first wins the round!
Why It Works:
This game is all about laughing at how ridiculous words can sound when they’re jumbled together. It’s easy to learn, hilarious to play, and doesn’t require any setup—perfect for all ages and any group size.
Pro Tip:
Play in teams and add a timer to increase the pressure and the fun. You can even create your own custom “jibber jabber” cards using phrases specific to your group for a personal and side-splitting twist!
Battle Emoji
Players draw a Christmas-themed emoji from a deck of cards (like a Santa face, a snowman, or a Christmas tree). The goal is to act out or describe the emoji using only gestures, facial expressions, or one-word clues (no speaking the emoji directly!). Team members must guess the emoji as quickly as possible. Each correct guess earns a point. The team with the most points after several rounds wins the battle!
Why It Works:
This game is full of laughter and fun, encouraging creativity and teamwork. It’s perfect for all ages and adds a holiday twist to the popular emoji guessing trend!
Pro Tip:
Set a timer for each round to keep the game fast-paced and exciting, and try using emojis related to Christmas movies or songs for extra festive flair!
Christmas 5-Second Game
Players take turns drawing a card with a Christmas-related question or challenge, like “Name three Christmas carols” or “List three reindeer names.” They have just 5 seconds to answer or complete the challenge. If they succeed, their team earns a point; if they fail, no points are awarded. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!
Why It Works:
This fast-paced game keeps everyone on their toes and is perfect for quick-thinking, laughter-filled moments. It’s a simple game that’s great for groups and adds lots of holiday cheer!
Pro Tip:
Use a festive timer like a mini snowman or a jingle bell to keep the countdown even more fun and visually engaging! You can also create themed cards for Christmas movies, food, or traditions.
Wheel of Fortune Christmas game
Play a Christmas-themed Wheel of Fortune game by creating a holiday puzzle board (using a whiteboard, chalkboard, slideshow, or printable template) and writing out phrases like “Frosty the Snowman” or “Deck the Halls,” with letters hidden just like the classic game show. Spin a DIY wheel (use a spinner app, a printable wheel, or even a bowl of point cards), take turns guessing letters, and solve the puzzle to win!
Why It Works:
It’s a fun, familiar game that gets everyone thinking and laughing—and it’s easy to customize with festive phrases, holiday movie titles, or even inside jokes. Great for families, office parties, or holiday classrooms.
Pro Tip:
Add a holiday twist by letting players “earn” spins through Christmas trivia or party challenges. Offer small prizes like candy canes or ornaments for each correct puzzle to keep the festive cheer going!
Christmas-Themed Casino Night Games
Who says Christmas can’t be a little high stakes and full of excitement? If your party guests love a bit of gambling fun, a Christmas Casino Night is a unique and engaging way to celebrate the holidays!
Christmas Poker Night
Give poker night a festive makeover with a Christmas-themed Texas Hold’em or Five-Card Draw! Instead of traditional chips, players use holiday-themed tokens like mini candy canes, wrapped chocolates, or small ornaments to place their bets. The game plays just like classic poker, but with a cheerful holiday twist that keeps things light and fun. At the end of the game, the player with the biggest stash of tokens wins a special holiday prize, like a gift card, a festive cocktail, or even the title of “Christmas Poker Champion”!
Why It Works:
This classic strategy game is easy to customize with a Christmas theme. It creates a fun and competitive atmosphere for a festive game night!
Pro Tip:
Turn it into a “charity poker night” where the winner donates half their winnings to a holiday cause. It adds a festive spirit while keeping the competition fun!
Christmas Roulette
Bring some holiday casino fun to your party with a Christmas-themed roulette game! Set up a roulette wheel with festive betting options like “Santa Wins,” “Elf Bonus,” or “Reindeer Double.” Instead of regular chips, players place bets using chocolate coins or Christmas-themed poker chips. Once all bets are placed, spin the wheel and let the excitement build as players cheer for their lucky spot. The winners collect more tokens, and the player with the biggest haul at the end can claim a special holiday prize. It’s a fun and interactive way to add a little festive gambling to your celebration!
Why It Works:
This fast-paced game brings nonstop excitement and keeps the party alive. It’s perfect for high-energy fun all night long!
Pro Tip:
Reward the top winner with a festive prize to make the game even more exciting. It adds a fun incentive and a holiday touch!
Party Action Christmas Games for Adults
Ready to bring the energy? These Christmas Party Action Games are perfect for getting guests on their feet and into the festive spirit with friendly competition, laughter, and a little holiday hustle!
Christmas Can Toss Game
Players take turns tossing small bean bags or soft balls at a pyramid of Christmas-themed cans. Each can may feature festive designs like Santa, snowflakes, or reindeer. The goal is to knock down as many cans as possible in a set number of throws. Each fallen can earn a point, and the player or team with the most points at the end wins! It’s a simple yet exciting game that’s great for all ages.
Why It Works:
This game is easy to set up, fun for both kids and adults, and adds a touch of friendly competition to any holiday gathering!
Pro Tip:
Use numbered cans with different point values to create an extra challenge, or add a time limit for fast-paced fun!
Christmas Prize Punch Game
Players take turns punching through a festive board filled with tissue-covered holes, each hiding a surprise inside! The board can be decorated with Christmas colors, snowflakes, or even shaped like a Christmas tree. Inside each hole, small prizes, candy, or special holiday-themed challenges await. Players get one punch per turn and keep whatever prize they reveal. It’s a fun and interactive game that builds excitement for all ages!
Why It Works:
This game adds an element of mystery and surprise, making it perfect for Christmas parties. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different prizes for all age groups!
Pro Tip:
Include a mix of small treats and special “golden ticket” prizes for extra excitement. You can also add challenge slips like “Sing a Christmas carol” to make the game even more fun!
Christmas Limbo Game
Players take turns leaning backward and attempting to pass under a festive limbo stick—decorated like a candy cane or wrapped in twinkling lights! With each round, the stick gets lower, making it harder to pass without touching the ground or falling. The last player standing who successfully limbos under the lowest height wins! Play some upbeat Christmas music to keep the energy high and the holiday spirit alive.
Why It Works:
This game is a hilarious and active way to bring everyone together, from kids to adults. It’s simple, requires minimal setup, and guarantees lots of laughs!
Pro Tip:
Use holiday music like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to set the mood, and add a rule where players have to wear a Santa hat while limboing for an extra challenge!
Bucket Ball Toss Game
Players take turns tossing small balls (or bean bags) into a row of festive buckets, each decorated with Christmas designs like Santa, snowmen, or reindeer. The buckets can be placed at different distances, with further ones earning more points. Each player gets a set number of tosses, and the one with the highest score at the end wins!
Why It Works:
This game is easy to set up, fun for all ages, and brings friendly competition to holiday gatherings. It’s a great way to keep everyone entertained while spreading Christmas cheer!
Pro Tip:
Label the buckets with different point values or fun holiday challenges (like “Sing Jingle Bells” if you miss) to make the game even more exciting!
Candy Cane Spoon and Ball Relay
Players race to carry a small ball (or a jingle bell) on a spoon—but with a festive twist! Instead of a regular spoon, they must balance the ball on a candy cane. The goal is to walk (or run for extra challenge) to the finish line without dropping the ball. If they drop it, they must start over. The team that finishes first or the player who completes the course the fastest wins!
Why It Works:
This game is a fun, holiday-themed take on the classic spoon relay. It’s easy to set up, hilarious to watch, and great for all ages!
Pro Tip:
Make it even trickier by adding obstacles or requiring players to walk backward. You can also use different-sized candy canes for extra challenges!
Christmas Bowling
Players take turns rolling a small ball toward a set of festive “bowling pins” made from decorated plastic bottles, cans, or even mini Christmas trees! The goal is to knock down as many pins as possible in one roll. Each knocked-down pin earns a point, and after a set number of rounds, the player with the highest score wins!
Why It Works:
This game is easy to set up, fun for all ages, and brings a playful, competitive twist to holiday gatherings. Plus, the Christmas-themed pins add an extra touch of festive cheer!
Pro Tip:
Use lightweight decorations like empty wrapping paper tubes or plastic ornaments as obstacles for an added challenge. You can also add glow sticks inside the pins for a magical Christmas glow-in-the-dark bowling experience!
Brain-Boosting Christmas Games for Adults
Love a good challenge? These Christmas Brain Games are perfect for testing memory, trivia skills, and quick thinking—all with a festive twist! Great for groups who enjoy a little competition mixed with holiday cheer.
Christmas Memorize game
Players get a limited time (e.g., 30 seconds) to study a tray or table filled with Christmas-themed items like ornaments, candy canes, a Santa hat, and holiday cookies. After time is up, the items are covered or removed, and players must write down or recall as many as they can. The player who remembers the most correctly wins!
Why It Works:
This game is simple to set up, fun for all ages, and challenges memory skills while keeping the holiday spirit alive. It’s a great mix of observation and competition!
Pro Tip:
For added difficulty, subtly remove one item after each round and challenge players to spot what’s missing. You can also use holiday-themed flashcards for a quick and easy variation!
Christmas Name That Tune
Players take turns listening to a short clip of a Christmas song (or having someone hum/play a few notes of it). The first person or team to correctly guess the song title earns a point. You can make it more challenging by requiring players to also name the artist or sing the next line! The team with the most points at the end wins.
Why It Works:
This game is perfect for bringing out holiday nostalgia and getting everyone into the Christmas spirit. It’s fun, competitive, and works for all ages!
Pro Tip:
Use a mix of classic carols and modern holiday hits to keep everyone on their toes. For an extra twist, play the song in reverse or speed it up for a hilarious challenge!
True and False Game
Play the True or False Game by preparing a list of fun, surprising, or themed statements—like “Reindeer are real animals” or “Santa Claus was invented by Coca-Cola.” Players take turns guessing whether each statement is true or false. Keep score for each correct answer, or play just for laughs and learning!
Why It Works:
This game is quick to play, easy for all ages, and sparks fun conversations along the way. You can tailor the questions to fit your group—make it silly, educational, seasonal, or even personal with “true or false” facts about your friends and family.
Pro Tip:
Turn it into a party challenge by adding movement—players step to one side of the room for “true” and the other for “false.” Or assign teams and let them discuss before locking in an answer. Bonus: throw in some ridiculous (but true!) facts to keep everyone on their toes!
Final Thoughts
Christmas parties are all about bringing people together, and these games will make sure your guests leave with plenty of laughs and memories. Whether you go for silly competitions, brain-teasing trivia, or a friendly gift exchange, the key is to have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit. So grab some hot cocoa, crank up the Christmas music, and let the games begin!
What are the best Christmas games for adults?
Some of the best Christmas games for adults include White Elephant Gift Exchange, Christmas Trivia, Drinking Games, and Christmas Charades.
What is a fun Christmas drinking game?
A fun Christmas drinking game is the Reindeer Ring Toss Drinking Game, where players try to toss rings onto reindeer antlers—if they miss, they take a drink!
What Christmas games can you play at work?
Great Christmas games for work include White Elephant, Office Christmas Trivia, and Holiday Bingo—they’re fun but still professional.