20 Christmas Games for Kids

If you are searching for Christmas Games for kids that keep little ones happily entertained while you prepare for the holiday fun, you are in the right place. This collection of family Christmas games and festive activities is perfect for busy December days, family gatherings, school events, and Christmas parties where children need something engaging and easy to enjoy. From simple indoor games to creative holiday challenges inspired by Santa, elves, reindeer, and classic Christmas traditions, this list offers plenty of playful ideas for kids of all ages.

Whether you need quiet games for downtime, active games to release energy, or quick Christmas party games for kids that use items you already have at home, you will find options that spark imagination and keep children focused for long stretches. Each idea brings a little extra joy to the season and helps make your holiday celebrations feel warm, organized, and memorable.

1. Ornament Relay Race

An Ornament Relay Race is a lively way to get kids moving while keeping the holiday spirit bright. Divide children into teams, set a clear start line, and place a small tree or branch at the finish. Put ornaments at the starting point, then have each player carry one ornament to the tree using a spoon or while wrapped in a scarf, trying not to drop it. Once the ornament is safely placed, they tag the next teammate to continue the race.

Use a timer for each round or give points for both speed and careful decorating. Encourage gentle handling, steady concentration, and lots of cheering from the sidelines. Keep a few extra ornaments ready in case one falls or needs replacing.

This simple activity brings out teamwork, excitement, and proud smiles as the final ornaments are added. It is festive, easy to set up, and always a hit with kids.

2. Candy Cane Hunt

A Candy Cane Hunt is a cheerful and easy way to keep kids entertained during the holidays. Hide candy canes around the room or yard, choosing simple spots for younger children and slightly harder places for older ones. Give each child a small bag and let them search freely, or offer picture clues and short riddles for an added challenge. You can also include a few candy canes wrapped with special ribbons that are worth extra points or a small prize.

Encourage kids to look high and low, move safely, and enjoy the excitement of each discovery. If you want to play in teams, remind children to share finds and work together. End the activity with warm drinks or a small treat to celebrate their efforts. This sweet scavenger style game is easy to set up and brings plenty of smiles.

3. Pin the Nose on Rudolph

Pin the Nose on Rudolph is a playful version of a classic party challenge and always brings laughter to a holiday gathering. Tape a large Rudolph picture to the wall, blindfold each child, spin them gently, and let them try to place a red nose as close as possible to the right spot. It is simple, friendly, and a great way to help quieter kids join in the fun.

Use a soft felt nose with double sided tape so it sticks easily and is comfortable for small hands. Mark a clear starting point so everyone begins from the same place and the game feels fair. Invite teammates to cheer and offer encouraging comments as each child takes a turn.

Small prizes or stickers work well for the closest placement or for creative attempts. This game is quick to set up, easy to understand, and full of cheerful holiday energy.

4. Snowball Toss Cotton Ball Toss

Snowball Toss is a fun and easy activity that gives kids a chance to practice aiming while cheering for their friends. Set a bucket or bowl at different distances and give each child five cotton balls to toss. They score one point for every cotton ball that lands inside. Younger children can stand closer, while older kids start farther back so the challenge feels fair for everyone.

Use tape or paper plates to mark each throwing spot, and change the challenge by asking kids to toss with their non dominant hand or try a gentle balance while they throw. Keep each round short and lively so the excitement stays strong, and celebrate every attempt, whether it is a big success or a funny bounce.

This simple indoor game is easy to prepare, safe for all ages, and always brings warm smiles during the holiday season.

5. Musical Stockings

Musical Stockings is a lively twist on musical chairs that gets kids moving and laughing. Hang or place stockings in a circle, play holiday music, and have children walk around until the music stops. When the music pauses, everyone races to grab a stocking, with one fewer stocking than players.

Explain the rules clearly so the game feels fair: no pushing, gentle movement, and everyone takes a turn leading the music. Add small prizes or stickers to a few stockings so kids enjoy little surprises that reward quick thinking and good sportsmanship.

Adjust the pace for younger children and let older ones slip silly tasks or tiny notes into a few stockings for extra fun. Keep each round short and repeatable to maintain excitement and help kids enjoy the friendly competition.

• Start slow then speed up
• Use soft music
• Mark one fun stocking
• Praise effort and sharing

6. Wrap the Present Relay

Wrap the Present Relay is a cheerful team race where kids wrap a gift one step at a time and everyone gets to laugh and join the fun. Divide children into teams, give each group a box, paper, tape, ribbon, and a timer, then line them up for turns. The first child wraps one side, then tags the next teammate who adds tape, followed by the next who folds the edges, and so on until the final person ties the ribbon.

Keep each round to one or two minutes so the pace stays lively and no one loses interest. Score by fastest neat wrap or strongest teamwork, and rotate roles each round so everyone practices folding, smoothing, and tying. It is busy, warm, and perfect for giggles.

7. Snowman Craft Station

When you set up a Snowman Craft Station, you’re giving kids a cozy corner to make something cheerful and totally their own, and they’ll love seeing how each snowman turns out different.

You gather white paper plates, cotton balls, glue, markers, tiny scarves, and buttons, and you arrange them so everything’s easy to reach. Encourage kids to mix materials and try silly faces; you’ll be surprised how creative they get.

Keep wet wipes and a small trash bin handy to cut down on mess without killing the fun.

1. Lay out stations with plates, glue, and cotton balls.
2. Offer markers, buttons, and felt for details.
3. Add ribbon or tiny scarves for personality.
4. Give gentle prompts and celebrate every snowman.

8. Christmas Bingo

Christmas Bingo is a simple, cheerful game that brings instant excitement to any holiday gathering. Kids play using cards filled with festive icons such as trees, stockings, candy canes, and reindeer. Call out each picture or hold up tiles so players can follow along, and let children mark their matches with crayons, buttons, or cereal pieces. Small rewards like stickers or a candy cane make winning feel extra special.

This game is easy to adapt for different ages by adjusting the number of icons or simplifying the card layout for younger children. Many kids feel proud the moment they call out their win and hear the group celebrate their success. Christmas Bingo fills the room with lighthearted fun and friendly competition, all without any complicated setup.

You’ll love how it fills time with laughter and easy competition.

9. Jingle Bell Freeze Dance

Shake out your sillies and grab some jingle bells — Jingle Bell Freeze Dance gets kids moving, laughing, and practicing quick listening all at once. You’ll play music and everyone shakes their bells, then stops the moment the music pauses. Kids love the surprise of a sudden freeze, and you’ll watch them concentrate while giggling.

Keep rounds short so energy stays high, and offer small prizes for brave dancers. Use upbeat holiday songs and vary the speed to challenge kids’ reflexes.

1. Explain rules clearly, show a demo freeze, and let a few practice rounds.
2. Space players so bells don’t clank into faces.
3. Rotate leaders so everyone feels included.
4. Celebrate effort, not perfection, with cheers and smiles.

10. Gingerbread Cookie Decorating

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating is a hands on holiday activity that brings out creativity and lots of smiles. Set out a tray of cookies along with bowls of colored icing and small candies such as sprinkles, mini chocolates, and sugar pearls. Give each child a spatula or squeeze bottle and show a few simple techniques like outlining, filling, and adding small dots for detail.

Encourage children to mix colors, design silly faces, or create neat patterns, and praise their effort rather than aiming for perfect results. Keep wet wipes nearby in case things get messy and enjoy the fun that comes with it. If you want a friendly challenge, offer small awards for the most creative or silliest cookie.

Lining the table with wax paper or a disposable cover makes cleanup fast and stress free. This activity is easy to set up, festive, and always a favorite with kids.

11. Reindeer Ring Toss

Reindeer Ring Toss is an instant holiday favorite that gets kids laughing, aiming, and moving with excitement. It is simple to set up indoors or outside. Attach antlers to a hat or headband, place the targets at different distances, and let children take turns tossing soft rings toward the antlers.

You can keep score for friendly competition or simply cheer for creative throws and close attempts. The game works well for mixed ages, encourages gentle movement, and keeps everyone involved from start to finish. It is easy to organize, full of holiday cheer, and always brings out proud smiles when a ring lands just right.

1. Set up: place antlers on a chair, hat, or stuffed reindeer.
2. Rules: three throws per turn, closer targets earn fewer points.
3. Safety: use soft rings, clear the floor of tripping hazards.
4. Variation: blindfold one thrower for extra giggles and challenge.

12. Holiday Pictionary

Holiday Pictionary is a quick and cheerful way to get kids laughing and thinking together, and it works just as well at the kitchen table as it does on the living room floor. Gather paper, pencils, a timer, and a bowl filled with simple holiday prompts such as snowman, sleigh, or candy cane. Split into pairs or small teams so children can share clues quietly without giving answers away.

One player draws while teammates guess, and keeping each round to about forty five seconds helps maintain lively energy. Rotate drawers and teammates often so everyone gets a chance to participate. Celebrate every sketch, whether it is detailed or delightfully messy, and offer small rewards for correct guesses or creative artwork.

This lighthearted game brings out imagination, teamwork, and plenty of laughter, turning even the simplest drawings into fun holiday memories.

13. Santa Says (Simon Says)

Pictionary’s laughs are still echoing when you can switch gears to Santa Says, a festive twist on Simon Says that gets everyone moving and paying close attention.

You’ll play as Santa or pick a leader, and everyone follows only commands that start with “Santa says.” Keep commands simple, like “Santa says hop on one foot,” then mix in a tricky command without “Santa says” to catch players who aren’t listening. Use holiday actions to boost fun—pretend to trim a tree or wrap a gift.

1. Start easy to warm everyone up.
2. Add silly moves for laughs, then speed up.
3. Eliminate players who follow wrong commands.
4. Crown the last listener as Santa’s helper.

14. Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt

A Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt turns any decorated tree into a cheerful adventure that keeps kids busy, focused, and full of excitement. Create a simple list of items such as red ball, candy cane, angel, striped ribbon, or tiny present, and give a copy to each child or pair. Set a short time limit, like five or seven minutes, to keep the pace lively and the laughter steady.

Encourage children to search with care so ornaments stay safe, and remind them to point rather than grab if something looks delicate. Offer small prizes for completed lists along with playful awards such as loudest giggle or best quiet searcher.

Children love the thrill of finding each item, and the tree feels even more magical by the time they finish.

15. Gift Stack Challenge

Grab a small pile of wrapped boxes and get ready for the Gift Stack Challenge, a silly, hands-on game that’s perfect for giggles and gentle competition.

You’ll set a timer, stack boxes one at a time, and try not to let your tower tumble; it’s simple, fast, and the kids love the suspense. You can make rules like using one hand, or stepping back after each gift, to boost the challenge.

Keep boxes soft or light for safety, and cheer each attempt — you’ll see big smiles and proud high-fives.

1. Choose 6–10 small boxes, wrapped in colorful paper.
2. Set a 60–90 second timer for each turn.
3. Require one-hand stacking or a silly pose.
4. Award points for height and creativity.

16. Pass the Parcel

Pass the Parcel is a classic party favorite that gets everyone laughing as a wrapped bundle moves around the circle while music plays; when it stops, the person holding the package unwraps a layer and claims the tiny prize inside.

You’ll set up layered wraps with small treats or notes between each layer, and you can vary prizes from stickers to silly tasks.

Ask kids to sit in a circle, start music, and encourage gentle passing so no one gets elbowed — safety first, fun second.

Change the music rhythm to build excitement, and include a special prize in the final layer to keep attention high.

You’ll find this game sparks cheering, quick smiles, and warm memories that stick long after the last ribbon is untied.

17. Holiday Charades

Charades is a lively way to get everyone giggling and moving, and holiday-themed rounds give your players cheerful ideas like Santa, sledding, or a snowman doing a silly dance.

You’ll split into teams, whisper clues, and act without talking, which keeps kids excited and involved. Set a short timer, pick easy prompts, and cheer every attempt, even the goofy ones. You’ll notice shy players warm up fast when the group claps.

1. Prepare cards with simple holiday words or actions kids know.
2. Show gestures for big movements—jumping, shivering, pretending to wrap a gift.
3. Use rounds by age so little ones aren’t left out.
4. Offer small, silly prizes to boost friendly competition and smiles.

18. Candy Cane Fishing Game

Candy Cane Fishing is a cheerful activity that works for all ages and takes only a few minutes to set up. Fill a shallow tub with water, place several candy canes inside, and attach small toy prizes or numbered tags to each one. Give children a simple fishing line made from string and a bent paperclip or magnet and let them try to catch a candy cane from the water.

Explain how turns work and set a short timer so everyone stays focused and excited. Celebrate each catch with applause or a small treat to keep the mood warm and encouraging. This friendly game invites gentle concentration, shared laughter, and plenty of sweet holiday moments that children will remember long after the tub is emptied.

19. North Pole Dash Relay

North Pole Dash Relay is a fast, cheerful game that keeps kids moving without any tricky setups or safety worries. Divide children into teams and place a small pile of holiday items at the far end of the room — things like mittens, a scarf, a Santa hat, or a soft gift box. When you say go, the first player from each team dashes down, picks up one item, brings it back, and tags the next runner.

Each teammate collects one item until their group has the full set. For a fun twist, you can require kids to put on the wearable items before running back, which adds plenty of laughs as they hurry with oversized scarves or floppy hats. Keep rounds short and upbeat so the excitement stays high.

This simple relay teaches teamwork, boosts energy, and fills the room with lively holiday cheer. Kids love the quick pace, the silly accessories, and the proud moment when their team completes the full collection.

20. Elf Hat Derby

Elf Hat Derby is a cheerful race that brings out creativity and plenty of laughter. Set up a short running course and gather lightweight craft hats such as paper cones, felt bands, pom poms, and a few elastic straps to help keep them steady. Give children two minutes to decorate their hats before lining up in teams or as solo racers.

When you call go, kids run a lap while trying to keep their hats balanced. If a hat slips, they pause, adjust it, and continue the race. Encourage loud cheering, use a timer for each round, and offer small prizes for fastest finish, silliest hat, or most creative design.

This energetic activity keeps excitement high and gives children a fun way to express themselves while sharing plenty of holiday smiles.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Games for Kids

Christmas games for kids bring joy, imagination, and steady entertainment to even the busiest holiday moments. Simple activities, creative challenges, and easy to set up games help children stay engaged while giving families a chance to enjoy a calm and cheerful atmosphere. Whether you choose fast races, quiet puzzles, or hands on decorating fun, each game adds a little extra magic to the season.

These playful ideas encourage teamwork, confidence, and plenty of giggles, and they work beautifully for family gatherings, school events, or quiet afternoons at home. Choose the games that fit your group, mix active moments with calmer ones, and let the fun unfold naturally.

With the right mix of excitement and creativity, you will find that these Christmas games create warm memories that last long after the decorations are packed away.

More Holiday Fun

If you would like to keep the seasonal joy going, these related posts offer simple, meaningful ideas that families love during the holidays.

• Fun Christmas traditions for kids – Sweet and simple activities that help little ones enjoy the wonder of the season.
• Holiday bucket list ideas for families – Joyful December moments and meaningful traditions families love to share year after year.
• Heartwarming Christmas quotes for family and friends – Warm messages and seasonal sayings perfect for cards, celebrations, and quiet reflections.