Christmas party games for kids are the heart of any joyful holiday celebration, bringing energy, laughter, and togetherness to classrooms, homes, and family gatherings. From silly movement games to creative challenges, the right activities help children stay engaged while celebrating the magic of the season. Whether you’re planning a school party or a cozy family event, these festive games are easy to set up and guaranteed to create lasting holiday memories.
20+ Christmas party games for kids
Get ready for a fun-filled holiday celebration with this handpicked list of Christmas party games designed especially for kids. These activities are easy to set up, full of festive cheer, and perfect for keeping children entertained throughout the season.
1. Pin the nose on Rudolph
This festive version of the classic party game always brings laughter and excitement. Kids love the challenge of trying to place Ruldoph’s bright red nose in the right spot while blindfolded, and it works well for all ages. It’s a simple, low-prep game that fits perfectly into any Christmas party.
Materials: Rudolph poster, red paper noses, tape, blindfold
How to do it:
- Hang the Rudolph poster on a wall
- Blindfold one child at a time
- Gently spin them around
- Let them place the nose as best they can.
2. Santa Hat Musical Chairs
Santa Hat Musical Chairs combines music, movement, and holiday fun into one energetic game. Kids walk, dance, and laugh as Christmas songs play, eagerly waiting for the music to stop. Adding Santa hats gives the classic game a festive and memorable twist.
Materials: Chairs, Santa hats, Christmas music
How to do it:
- Arrange chairs in a circle
- Place a Santa hat on each chair
- Play music while the kids walk around
- Stop the music and have the kids sit quickly
3. Candy cane hunt
The candy cane hunt turns kids into little holiday explorers as they search for hidden treats. This game builds excitement and keeps children moving while rewarding them with sweet surprises. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor Christmas parties.
Materials: Candy canes or paper candy canes
How to do it:
- Hide candy canes around the room
- Set a time limit
- Let kids search and collect
- Count how many each child finds
4. Jingle bell toss
Jingle bell toss is a fun way to challenge kids’ hand-eye coordination while keeping the holiday spirit alive. The sound of jingling bells adds extra excitement as kids aim for their targets. You can easily adjust distances to suit different age groups.
Materials: Jingle bells, buckets or bowls
How to do it:
- Place buckets at different distances
- Give each child several bells
- Toss bells toward the buckets
- Count successful tosses
5. Christmas charades
Christmas charades encourage creativity, imagination, and teamwork as kids act out holiday words and scenes. It’s a great way to involve quieter children while keeping everyone entertained. This game works well in classrooms or family gatherings.
Materials: Christmas-themed word cards
How to do it:
- One child picks a card
- Act out the word without speaking
- Others guess before time runs out
6. Snowman freeze dance
Snowman freeze dance lets kids move freely while enjoying festive music, then freeze like a snowman when the music stops. The sudden pauses often lead to giggles and silly poses. It’s an excellent game for burning off extra holiday energy.
Name-image-6: snowman-freeze-dance
Materials: Christmas music
How to do it:
- Play music and let kids dance
- Stop the music randomly
- Kids freeze immediately
- Anyone who moves sits out briefly
7. Ornament memory game
This calm yet engaging game helps kids practice memory and focus during the busy holiday season. By briefly viewing and recalling ornaments, children sharpen their observational skills. It’s ideal as a quieter activity between more active games.
Materials: Small ornaments, a tray or a table, cloth
How to do it:
- Display ornaments for a short time
- Cover them with a cloth
- Ask kids to make or list what they saw.
8. Christmas gift relay
The Christmas gift relay brings teamwork and excitement together in a fast-paced challenge. Kids race to pass gifts along their team line, cheering each other on. It’s especially fun for larger groups.
Materials: Wrapped empty boxes
How to do it:
- Divide kids into teams
- Pass the gift down the line
- The first team to finish wins
9. Santa says
Santa says is a holiday twist on “Simon says” that helps kids practice listening skills. The playful Christmas commands keep everyone engaged and laughing. It’s simple to run and requires no setup at all.
How to do it:
- One child or adult is Santa
- Give commands starting with “Santa says”
- Kids follow only correct commands
10. Christmas bingo
Christmas bingo is a classic party favorite that works well for mixed-age groups. Kids enjoy recognizing festive images while waiting excitedly to call out “Bingo!” It’s a great option for calmer moments during the party.
Materials: Christmas bingo cards, markers or candies
How to do it:
- Call out holiday images or words
- Kids mark their cards
- The first bingo wins
11. Holiday scavenger hunt
A holiday scavenger hunt keeps kids active and curious as they search for Christmas-themed items. It adds an element of adventure and works well in both small and large spaces. You can make it easier or harder depending on age.
Materials: List of holiday items
How to do it:
- Give each child a checklist
- Set boundaries and a time limit
- Collect items on the list
12. Cookie decorating contest
This creative game lets kids express themselves while enjoying a delicious treat. Decorating cookies is relaxing, festive, and perfect for slowing things down after energetic games. Kids love showing off their edible artwork.
Materials: Plain cookies, frosting, sprinkles
How to do it:
- Give each child a cookie
- Decorate freely
- Vote on fun categories
13. Snowball toss
Snowball toss is a safe indoor game that mimics throwing snowballs without the mess. Kids enjoy aiming and competing while staying active. It’s quick to set up and easy to repeat.
Materials: Cotton balls, buckets
How to do it:
- Place buckets on the floor
- Toss cotton balls from a line
- Count how many land inside
14. Gift wrapping race
This fast-paced challenge adds excitement and laughter as kids race against the clock. It’s especially fun during holiday parties where wrapping gifts is part of the season. Speed matters more than perfection here.
Materials: Small boxes, wrapping paper, tape
How to do it:
- Give each child materials
- Start the timer
- First wrapped gift wins
15. Guess the ornament count
This simple guessing game encourages kids to think carefully and make predictions. It’s calm, fun, and works well as a transition activity. Everyone can participate regardless of age.
Materials: Clear jar, ornaments
How to do it:
- Fill the jar with ornaments
- Kids write their guess
- The closest guess wins
16. Reindeer nose dive
Reindeer nose dive is a silly, laughter-filled challenge kids won’t forget. Using only their nose makes the game both tricky and hilarious. It’s perfect for short bursts of fun.
Materials: Red pom-poms, petroleum jelly, plates
How to do it:
- Apply jelly to the nose
- Pick up pom-poms without hands
- Move them to a plate
17. Christmas trivia
Christmas trivia mixes learning with fun by testing kids’ holiday challenge. Questions can be adjusted for age and difficulty, making it flexible for any group. It’s great for winding down after active games.
How to do it:
- Ask Christmas-themed questions
- Kids answer individually or in teams
18. Christmas tic-tac-toe
This festive take on tic-tac-toe adds a holiday theme to a familiar game. It’s quick, simple, and ideal for younger children. Using candy pieces makes it even more exciting.
Materials: Paper grid, candy or markers
How to do it:
- Set up the grid
- Take turns placing pieces
- The first to get three in a row wins
19. Snowman stack challenge
The snowman stack challenge tests focus, balance, and patience. Kids race to build a snowman shape using cups or balls. It’s a fun way to introduce friendly competition.
Materials: White cups or balls
How to do it:
- Stack items into a snowman shape
- The fastest successful stack wins
20. Reindeer ring toss
Reindeer ring toss brings carnival-style fun to your Christmas party. Kids aim carefully as they toss rings toward antlers, cheering each other on. It’s simple, fun, and endlessly replayable.
Materials: Antlers target or headband, rings
How to do it:
- Set up the target
- Toss rings from a distance
- Count successful tosses
21. Holiday dance-off
A holiday dance-off lets kids express themselves and show off their best moves. There are no wrong steps – just music, movement, and confidence. It’s a joyful way to end the party on a high note.
Material: Christmas music
How to do it:
- Play festive music
- Let kids dance freely
- Choose winners or celebrate everyone
22. Pass the Present
Pass the Present is a suspense-filled game that keeps kids excited as they wait to see who ends up with the gift. With music playing and layers of wrapping to unwrap, every round feels special. It’s a wonderful way to slow things down while still keeping everyone engaged.
Materials: A small wrapped gift, Christmas music
How to do it:
- Have kids sit in a circle
- Play music while passing the gift
- Stop the music randomly
- The child holding the gift unwraps one layer
23. Christmas word scramble
This game challenges kids to think quickly while reinforcing holiday vocabulary. It’s a great option for classroom parties or quiet moments during the celebration. You can easily adjust the difficulty by choosing simpler or more complex Christmas words.
Materials: Printed Christmas word scramble sheets, pencils
How to do it:
- Hand out the word scramble sheets
- Set a time limit
- Kids unscramble the Christmas words
- Check answers together
24. Build-a-snowman craft game
Build-a-snowman combines crafting and friendly competition in a creative holiday activity. Kids enjoy designing their own snowmen using simple materials, and no two creations ever look the same. This game is perfect for encouraging imagination and fine motor skills.
Materials: Paper or foam circles, glue, markers, buttons or stickers
How to do it:
- Give each child snowman pieces
- Let kids assemble and decorate the snowman
- Display finished creations
- Celebrate all designs
Wrap up
When it comes to Christmas party games for kids, the true magic lies in shared laughter, friendly competition, and joyful play. These activities bring out creativity and holiday cheer in every child – and often the adults too! With games ranging from classic relays and scavenger hunts to creative challenges like cookie decorating, you’re set for a festive celebration full of smiles. Feel free to mix and match ideas to suit your group’s age and space – and don’t forget to capture the memories!
