Christmas isn’t only about presents under the tree and festive food on the table. It’s also the perfect time to play together as a family.
From medieval parlour games to modern laugh-out-loud favourites, childrens xmas games have always been a way of bringing people together.
This guide explores the very best festive games — traditional, modern, and international — with easy rules so everyone can join in.
Classic Christmas-Only Games and Traditions
Hunt the Slipper
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Hunt the Slipper has long been tied to festive gatherings. Everyone sits in a circle while one player, known as the “Slipper Soul,” stands in the centre with eyes closed. The rest secretly pass a shoe behind their backs.
Rules:
– Slipper Soul closes their eyes while players pass the shoe.
– When they open their eyes, they must guess who has it.
– A correct guess swaps the roles.
Modern Favourites — Instant Christmas Traditions
After Eight Mint Challenge
Now a staple at British Christmas parties, this silly challenge guarantees laughter. Players place a mint on their forehead and try to manoeuvre it into their mouth without using hands.
Rules:
– Place an After Eight mint on your forehead.
– Wiggle it down using only facial muscles.
– First one to eat it wins.
Christmas Limbo
A game for all ages, Christmas Limbo is energetic and festive.
Rules:
– Use a stick decorated with tinsel as the limbo bar.
– Play carols while players try to bend underneath.
– Lower the bar each round until one winner remains.
Santa Says
A holiday version of Simon Says, this game is perfect for younger children.
Rules:
– One player is “Santa.”
– Santa gives commands like “Santa says clap your hands.”
– Only instructions beginning with “Santa says” should be followed.
– Anyone who slips up is out.
Candy Cane Hunt
An easy activity that feels magical.
Rules:
– Hide candy canes around the house or garden.
– Children search for them just like an Easter egg hunt.
– Whoever finds the most is the winner.
Secret Santa & White Elephant
Both are gift-exchange games popular at Christmas parties and family gatherings.
Rules:
– Everyone brings a wrapped present.
– Players draw numbers to decide turn order.
– Each person either unwraps a new gift or “steals” one already opened.
Human Christmas Tree
This hands-on group game works for all ages.
Rules:
– Divide into teams and select one member as the “tree.”
– Use decorations like tinsel, baubles, and paper stars.
– After 10 minutes, the best-decorated “tree” wins.
Classic Family Parlour and Board Games
Christmas Pictionary
A seasonal twist on the drawing game.
Rules:
– Write festive words or phrases on slips of paper.
– Teams take turns drawing them while others guess.
– Correct answers score points.
Pass the Parcel
A British tradition that fits perfectly into Christmas Day.
Rules:
– Wrap a prize in many layers of paper, with sweets hidden between layers.
– Music plays while the parcel is passed around.
– When the music stops, the player unwraps one layer.
– The game continues until the gift is revealed.
Christmas Charades
Another party classic that’s even better with a festive theme.
Rules:
– Players act out Christmas films, songs, or phrases without speaking.
– Others guess the answer.
– Points are awarded for correct guesses.
Musical Chairs with Carols
High-energy fun that needs only chairs and music.
Rules:
– Arrange chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players.
– Play Christmas music while children move around.
– When it stops, everyone scrambles for a chair.
– The last player standing is eliminated.
Christmas Bingo
Bingo is simple, fast, and easy to adapt for the season.
Rules:
– Make cards with festive icons like Santa, snowmen, and stockings.
– The caller draws matching images.
– First to complete a row shouts “Bingo!”
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
A fun twist on Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
Rules:
– Blindfold each player and give them a paper nose with tape.
– Spin them gently and point to a Rudolph poster.
– Closest nose wins.
International Childrens Xmas Games
Koekhappen (Netherlands)
A funny Dutch party game, often played at Christmas fairs.
Rules:
– Suspend gingerbread or cake on string.
– Players are blindfolded with hands behind their back.
– Whoever eats the most, the fastest, is the winner.
Schokoladenessen (Germany)
Known as the German Chocolate Eating Game, this is both hilarious and frustrating.
Rules:
– Place a bar of chocolate in the middle of the table.
– Players take turns rolling dice.
– Whoever rolls a six puts on a hat, scarf, and gloves before trying to cut and eat the chocolate with a knife and fork.
– The others keep rolling until someone else rolls a six and takes over.
St. Nicholas Shoe Game (Germany)
A beloved German tradition on December 5th.
Rules:
– Children place their shoes outside overnight.
– In the morning, they discover sweets and small gifts left inside.
– It’s less competitive but adds to the magic of the season.
Why These Games Matter
From medieval circles of children hiding slippers to modern mint-sliding contests, these childrens xmas games show how festive play evolves while keeping its heart the same. They bring together laughter, challenge, and surprise — whether you’re balancing under a tinsel limbo bar or trying to stick a nose on Rudolph.
International traditions like Koekhappen and Schokoladenessen remind us that festive games are a universal way to celebrate. Each one offers simple joy, encourages family connection, and helps create the memories that make Christmas so special.
So this year, dust off a classic, try a new party hit, or borrow an idea from abroad. The only rule is to enjoy the fun.
