Magical Christmas Party Games for Kids

Christmas Party Games for Kids bring pure joy and laughter to holiday gatherings. Whether it’s a school celebration, a neighborhood get-together, or a family event, these games create unforgettable memories for children. From silly snowball tosses to festive scavenger hunts, kids light up with excitement as they play and bond with friends.

Christmas Party Games for Kids

Christmas Party Games for Kids add excitement and laughter to any holiday celebration. These fun, interactive activities are perfect for children aged 3 to 12 and can be easily adapted for all kinds of festive gatherings.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph

This festive twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” gets kids giggling as they try to place Rudolph’s red nose in the right spot while blindfolded. It’s easy to set up and perfect for both younger and older children. Use a large Rudolph poster and red paper circles for noses.

• Hang a poster of Rudolph on the wall at kid height

• Use double-sided tape or Velcro for attaching noses

• Blindfold each child and spin them gently before they try

• Write each child’s name on their “nose” to track the closest guess

• Give a prize to the most accurate and funniest placement

Christmas Bingo

A colorful and fun way to keep kids entertained indoors, Christmas Bingo uses holiday-themed pictures instead of numbers. It encourages focus and excitement as kids try to fill their boards. Great for all ages and group sizes.

• Use printable Christmas bingo cards with images like candy canes, snowmen, and ornaments

• Give each child a handful of holiday candies to use as markers

• Call out pictures and describe them for younger kids

• Play several rounds with small prizes or stickers

• Laminate cards for reuse at future parties

Snowball Toss

This game brings winter indoors with a fun and safe snowball tossing activity. Kids aim to toss soft “snowballs” into holiday buckets or baskets. It’s great for burning energy in a contained space.

• Use cotton balls, white pom-poms, or soft white socks as snowballs

• Place buckets at different distances for varying difficulty

• Give each player a set number of throws

• Award points based on which bucket they land in

• Decorate buckets with holiday themes for extra fun

Reindeer Ring Toss

Turn antlers into a game with Reindeer Ring Toss! Kids toss rings onto inflatable antlers worn on someone’s head—or even on a reindeer decoration. It’s silly, energetic, and perfect for laughter.

• Use inflatable antler hats or craft your own antlers from pipe cleaners

• Use glow rings or foam rings for tossing

• Let kids take turns wearing the antlers

• Set a timer for each player’s turn to keep the game moving

• Give candy or small toys as prizes for most rings landed

Candy Cane Hunt

This is like an Easter egg hunt—but with candy canes! Kids search around the room or yard to find as many hidden candy canes as they can before time runs out.

• Hide candy canes in easy and tricky spots

• Use plastic or mini candy canes for younger kids

• Give each child a small bag or stocking to collect in

• Set a time limit of 2–5 minutes

• Give bonus points for finding special color or glitter canes

Santa Says

Santa Says is a holiday version of Simon Says, where kids follow commands that “Santa” gives. It’s ideal for younger children who love movement and silly directions.

• One adult or child acts as “Santa” and gives commands

• Only follow the command if they say “Santa says…”

• Mix in funny actions like “wiggle like a snowman”

• Gradually speed up the instructions to challenge kids

• Eliminate players who follow wrong commands, or just play for fun

Wrap the Present Relay

In this high-energy game, kids race in teams to wrap a box as fast (and neatly) as possible. It’s chaotic and hilarious, and great for promoting teamwork.

• Use empty boxes, wrapping paper, tape, and bows

• Split kids into teams and assign a wrapping station

• Each team member adds one step before tagging the next

• Judge the fastest or neatest wrapped present

• Offer bonus points for using ribbon or creativity

Christmas Charades

This classic guessing game gets a festive twist with Christmas-themed prompts. It’s perfect for older kids who enjoy acting and guessing with friends.

• Prepare slips of paper with holiday actions like “building a snowman” or “opening a present”

• Split the group into two teams

• One player acts without speaking while the team guesses

• Set a 1-minute timer for each turn

• Award points for correct guesses and best performances

Build a Snowman Contest

Kids team up to build snowmen using unconventional materials like toilet paper, balloons, or paper cutouts. It’s a fun and creative game that works indoors too.

• Provide materials like toilet paper, tape, hats, scarves, and buttons

• Pair kids into small groups and assign a “snowman” to decorate

• Set a time limit of 5–10 minutes

• Let adults judge based on creativity, style, or theme

• Take pictures of each creation for keepsakes

Christmas Pictionary

Draw and guess your way through Christmas with this artsy group game. It’s excellent for encouraging imagination and team play.

• Use a whiteboard or large paper pad for drawing

• Write down holiday-themed words like “mistletoe,” “sled,” or “elf”

• One child draws while others guess within 1 minute

• Rotate artists and award points for correct guesses

• Offer drawing clues for younger participants

Guess What’s in the Stocking

Kids reach into a mystery stocking and try to guess what’s inside just by touch. It’s simple, fun, and can be played with a variety of objects.

• Use an opaque stocking or bag

• Fill it with items like pinecones, mini ornaments, candy, or toys

• Let each child feel one item without peeking

• Have them write or say their guess

• Reveal all items at the end and award small prizes

North Pole Freeze Dance

Kids dance to Christmas music and freeze when it stops! This energetic game is great for all ages and helps get the wiggles out.

• Play upbeat holiday songs

• Pause music randomly and call “Freeze!”

• Anyone who moves is “frozen” until the next round

• Add challenges like dancing like reindeer or elves

• Give a prize to the best dancer or most creative freeze

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Send kids on a holiday adventure with clues or a checklist of Christmas-themed items to find around the house or yard.

• Make a list of 10–15 festive objects (candy cane, ornament, stocking)

• Hand each child a clipboard or printed list

• Let them find items alone or in teams

• Add riddles or clues for an extra challenge

• Offer treats or stickers for completed hunts

Decorate a Cookie Station

This sweet activity turns into a fun game when kids decorate cookies under a time limit or in a themed challenge.

• Provide plain sugar cookies, frosting, and toppings

• Assign themes like “Santa Face” or “Winter Wonderland”

• Set a timer for decorating (5–10 minutes)

• Let kids present their cookies to a judge or vote for favorites

• Wrap cookies to take home as party favors

Elf Training Camp

Set up a mini obstacle course with holiday-themed challenges to test kids’ elf skills. It’s active, imaginative, and a hit with kids who love movement.

• Include stations like “gift stacking,” “chimney crawl,” and “sleigh pulling”

• Use cones, boxes, and simple props to create each area

• Give each child a badge or sticker after completion

• Have an adult guide the camp and cheer kids on

• End with a fun “You’re an Official Elf!” certificate

Safety and Inclusion Tips

Creating a safe and welcoming environment is just as important as the fun when planning Christmas party games for kids. Children have different comfort levels, abilities, and needs, so including everyone and preventing accidents will ensure the party is enjoyable for all. These simple tips will help you host games that are safe, inclusive, and full of joy.

• Ensure non-allergenic materials (for food games): Check for common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten if you’re using edible items in any game. Always ask parents beforehand about any dietary restrictions.

• Allow opt-outs for shy or younger kids: Some children may feel overwhelmed or shy in group games. Offer quiet alternatives like coloring or watching others without pressure to participate.

• Use soft materials for indoor play: Choose cotton balls, foam items, or plush toys for tossing or movement games to prevent injuries and keep play areas safe.

• Keep teams balanced by age and ability: When dividing children into groups, mix ages and skill levels evenly. This helps prevent frustration and encourages teamwork among all kids.

• Supervise games at all times: Have adults or older helpers monitor each activity to ensure rules are followed and everyone stays safe.

These small but thoughtful actions will help all kids feel included, respected, and excited to be part of the holiday fun!

FAQ

What age group are these Christmas party games suitable for?

Most of the games are perfect for children aged 3 to 12 years. Some can be simplified for toddlers or made more challenging for older kids.

Do I need special supplies for these games?

Not necessarily! Many games use common household items like cotton balls, wrapping paper, plastic cups, or printable cards. A few may need holiday-themed props, but DIY versions work great too.

How many games should I plan for a party?

For a 1–2 hour party, plan 4 to 6 games, mixing active, quiet, and creative activities to keep the energy balanced and kids engaged.

What are some good prizes or rewards?

Simple and festive prizes like candy canes, stickers, mini toys, coloring books, or Christmas ornaments are always a hit and budget-friendly.