You know that sinking feeling when you’ve planned a Christmas party and the kids finish your “activities” in 7 minutes flat, then start asking “what’s next?” while eyeing your unattended cookie platter?
I’ve been there. Standing in the middle of controlled chaos, realizing my Pinterest-perfect party plan just imploded.
Here’s what I learned after hosting 12 Christmas parties (yes, twelve): the games matter more than the decorations. Kids don’t remember your color-coordinated napkins. They remember the time they laughed so hard that hot chocolate came out of their nose during Reindeer Ring Toss.
These 25 Christmas party games for kids are the ones that actually worked—no complicated setups, no expensive supplies, no kids standing around bored. Each one is tested in real living rooms with real kids who have zero patience for activities that “sound fun” but aren’t.
The Ultimate Christmas Party Games for Kids Collection
Listen, not all games are created equal. Some require 45 minutes of prep for 3 minutes of fun (hard pass). Others need equipment you don’t own and will never use again (also no).
I’ve organized these by energy level and setup time because I know you’re juggling 47 things right now.
Quick-Start Games (Under 5-Minute Setup)
1. Snowball Toss Showdown
Give each kid 5 white ping pong balls (your “snowballs”) and a large red plastic cup 6 feet away. First to land all 5 wins. The beauty? Kids can play this while others are still arriving—no awkward waiting around.
Age Range: 4-12
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: Zero
Why Kids Love It: Instant gratification. You either make the shot, or you don’t—no complicated rules to explain while kids are bouncing off walls.
Pro Tip: Use masking tape to mark different distance lines for different ages. The 4-year-olds get a fighting chance, and the 10-year-olds get a real challenge.
2. Jingle Bell Shake
Fill empty tissue boxes with 10 jingle bells. Attach boxes to kids’ waists with ribbon. They have 60 seconds to shake ALL the bells out—no hands allowed. It’s absolutely ridiculous to watch, and kids go wild.
Age Range: 5-12
Energy Level: HIGH
Mess Factor: Low (bells are easy to collect)
What You Need: Empty tissue boxes (one per kid), jingle bells, ribbon
Why This Works: Kids can SEE and HEAR their progress. When that last bell finally falls out, the victory is LOUD.
3. Christmas Memory Match
Print two sets of 12 Christmas images (Santa, reindeer, ornament, candy cane, etc.). Lay them face down. Classic memory game, but the Christmas theme makes it party-appropriate instead of “random Tuesday activity.”
Age Range: 3-8
Energy Level: Low (perfect for post-sugar crash)
Mess Factor: Zero
Smart Parent Move: This is your secret weapon for the last 20 minutes of the party when energy is crashing, but parents aren’t here yet.
4. Candy Cane Hunt
Hide 50+ candy canes around your party space. Each kid gets a small bag. Hunt for 5 minutes. Simple. Effective. Works every single time.
Age Range: 3-12
Energy Level: Medium-High
Mess Factor: Zero (they’re wrapped)
The Twist That Makes It Better: Use different colored candy canes. “Find 3 red, 2 green, 1 peppermint twist” creates a strategy instead of just grabbing the obvious ones.
Why Parents Thank You: It burns energy, AND each kid leaves with a treat. Two birds, one game.
5. Reindeer Ring Toss
Get inflatable reindeer antlers (or make antlers from brown paper). Kids stand 5 feet back and toss glow stick necklaces onto the antlers. Each ringer gets a point.
Age Range: 5-12
Energy Level: Low-Medium
Mess Factor: Zero
Budget Hack: Skip the inflatable antlers. Use a large stuffed reindeer from your Christmas decor. Works just as well.
Minute-to-Win-It Style (Perfect for Competitive Kids)
6. Marshmallow Snowman Stack
60 seconds. Stack as many marshmallows as possible without the tower falling. That’s it. That’s the game.
Age Range: 6-12
Energy Level: Low
Mess Factor: Low (marshmallows are easy to clean up)
Why This One’s Brilliant: Kids who aren’t athletic still have a shot at winning. Fine motor skills matter here, not speed.
Parent Win: You can buy a giant bag of marshmallows for $3 and have enough for 30 kids.
7. Ornament Chopstick Challenge
Use chopsticks to move 10 small plastic ornaments from one bowl to another. 60 seconds. No hands. Chaos ensues.
Age Range: 7-12
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: Low
The Secret: This is MUCH harder than it sounds. Even the kids who think they’ve got it figured out struggle—which makes it hilarious to watch.
8. Christmas Cookie Face
Place a mini Christmas cookie (like a trefoil) on each kid’s forehead. They have to get it to their mouth using only facial expressions—no hands. It’s as ridiculous as it sounds, and kids LOVE it.
Age Range: 6-12
Energy Level: Low
Mess Factor: None (edible prizes!)
Pro Tip: Have an adult demonstrate first. Watching someone wiggle their face like a maniac gives kids permission to be equally silly.
9. Wrap the Present Relay
Teams of 3. One person is the “present” (they hold a small box). The other two have 90 seconds to wrap them in wrapping paper (just torso/box, not the whole kid—safety first).
Age Range: 8-12
Energy Level: HIGH
Mess Factor: Medium (paper everywhere, but kids love cleanup if you make it a race)
Why This Works: Teamwork + silly + photo-worthy = triple win. Parents will actually want pics of this one.
10. Cup Stacking Christmas Tree
Give kids 15 red solo cups. 60 seconds to stack them into a pyramid “Christmas tree” shape. First to 5 levels wins.
Age Range: 6-12
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: Low
The Addictive Factor: Kids WILL ask to go again. Build this expectation in—run it as “best 2 out of 3” rounds.
Active Games (Burn That Energy!)
11. Santa’s Sleigh Relay
Split into teams. One kid sits on a beach towel, teammate pulls them across the room and back. Switch roles. First team with all members to complete the “sleigh ride” wins.
Age Range: 5-12
Energy Level: VERY HIGH
Mess Factor: None
Space Needed: At least 15 feet of clear floor. Worth clearing furniture for this one.
Safety Note: Hardwood/tile floors work best. Carpet creates too much friction (and tired pullers).
12. Blow the Cotton Ball Snowstorm
Kids crawl on hands and knees, blow cotton balls across the room using only their breath. First to cross the finish line with their “snowball” wins.
Age Range: 4-10
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: Low
Hidden Benefit: This game is EXHAUSTING. Kids will be winded afterward, which means they’ll actually sit still for the next quiet activity.
13. Penguin Waddle Race
Kids put a balloon between their knees and waddle across the room without dropping it. If it falls, return to start.
Age Range: 4-12
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: None
The Visual: This is PEAK adorable. Kids waddling like penguins, trying desperately not to laugh because laughing = dropped balloon.
Pro Tip: Use black and white balloons for the penguin theme. Small detail, big impact on photos.
14. Musical Christmas Presents
Classic musical chairs, but with wrapped empty boxes. When music stops, grab a box and freeze. The last kid without a box is out.
Age Range: 3-10
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: None
Why This Version Is Better: No chairs to move around. Just pile wrapped boxes in the center. Cleanup = chuck boxes in recycling.
Music Matters: Use upbeat Christmas songs, not slow carols. “Jingle Bell Rock” pace keeps energy high.
15. Santa Says (Like Simon Says)
Classic Simon Says, but use Christmas actions: “Santa says touch your nose like Rudolph,” “Santa says fly like a reindeer.” The one twist: if you don’t say “Santa says,” kids freeze.
Age Range: 3-8
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: Zero
Why This Never Gets Old: You can adjust the difficulty based on the kids’ ages. Make it simple for littles, lightning-fast for older kids.
Quieter Games (Post-Sugar Crash Saviors)
16. Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Classic pin-the-tail concept, but with Rudolph’s red nose. Print a large Rudolph head, blindfold kids, spin them 3 times, and let them try to stick the red nose circle in the right spot.
Age Range: 3-10
Energy Level: Low
Mess Factor: Zero
DIY vs. Buy: Print a free template online or buy a $7 version on Amazon. Your call is based on the time vs. money equation.
17. Christmas Bingo
Print free bingo cards with Christmas images instead of numbers. Call out items randomly. First to get 5 in a row wins a candy cane.
Age Range: 4-12
Energy Level: Very Low
Mess Factor: Zero
Time Management: This game can run as long as YOU want it to. Need 20 minutes filled? Play blackout bingo. Need 5 minutes? First to one line wins.
Free Resource Saver: Search “free printable Christmas bingo” and you’ll find dozens of options. Don’t pay for this.
18. Christmas Would You Rather
Prepare 15 Christmas-themed “would you rather” questions. (“Would you rather have reindeer powers or elf powers?”) Kids vote by moving to different sides of the room.
Age Range: 5-12
Energy Level: Low-Medium
Mess Factor: Zero
Why This Is Sneaky Brilliant: Kids think they’re just playing, but they’re actually moving their bodies AND processing decisions. Engagement without effort on your part.
Sample Questions List:
- Would you rather meet Santa or Rudolph?
- Have Christmas every day or never again?
- Eat only candy canes or only gingerbread for a week?
- Be an elf or a reindeer?
- Open all presents now or get double presents tomorrow?
19. Ornament Decorating Station
Clear plastic or foam balls, markers, stickers, and glitter glue. Kids decorate their own ornament to take home.
Age Range: 4-12
Energy Level: Very Low
Mess Factor: Medium (glitter alert!)
The Parenting Wisdom: Set this up at a separate table. Kids can rotate in when they need a break from high-energy games.
Budget Reality: Dollar store supplies work PERFECTLY for this. You don’t need craft store prices.
20. Christmas Story Circle
Start a story: “On Christmas Eve, Santa realized he forgot…” Each kid adds one sentence. The story gets progressively more ridiculous. Write it down and read the final version—guaranteed laughs.
Age Range: 6-12
Energy Level: Very Low
Mess Factor: Zero
When to Deploy This: Last 15 minutes. Kids are tired, parents are arriving, and you need everyone in one spot.
Recording Trick: Use your phone to voice record it. Kids LOVE hearing their silly story played back.
Printable Games (Prep Once, Use Forever)
21. Christmas Scavenger Hunt List
Create a printable list of 15 Christmas items to find around your house (ornament, candy cane, Santa hat, etc.). First to find all items wins.
Age Range: 5-12
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: None
Reusability Factor: Laminate this once, use it every year. Store with your Christmas decorations.
22. Christmas Word Search
Print age-appropriate word searches with Christmas vocabulary. Set a timer. Most words found win.
Age Range: 6-12
Energy Level: Very Low
Mess Factor: Zero
The Parent Relief: This one requires ZERO supervision. Hand it out with a pencil, set the timer, walk away.
23. I Spy Christmas
Create a printable page PACKED with tiny Christmas images. List 20 items to find and circle. “I spy 3 candy canes, 5 ornaments, 2 Santa hats…”
Age Range: 4-10
Energy Level: Very Low
Mess Factor: Zero
Why Kids Don’t Get Bored: The visual complexity keeps them engaged. It’s like Where’s Waldo but Christmas-themed.
24. Christmas Charades Cards
Printable cards with Christmas actions/characters to act out: “wrapping presents,” “being Rudolph,” “decorating a tree,” “eating gingerbread.”
Age Range: 5-12
Energy Level: Medium
Mess Factor: Zero
Game Longevity: Print on cardstock, cut apart, store in a ziplock. This becomes your “emergency party game” for YEARS.
25. Christmas Coloring Contest
Print detailed Christmas coloring pages (Santa, reindeer, gingerbread houses). Give kids crayons. Set a 10-minute timer. Parents vote on winners in categories: “Most Colorful,” “Most Creative,” “Best Use of Glitter.”
Age Range: 3-12
Energy Level: Very Low
Mess Factor: Low
The Brilliant Parent Categories: Everyone wins SOMETHING. “Most festive,” “Best color choices,” “Most detailed”—make up categories so every kid gets recognized.
Making It All Work: Real Talk
Here’s what the Pinterest-perfect party posts don’t tell you: you don’t need all 25 games.
Pick 6-8 max. Here’s the formula that actually works:
Party Game Formula:
- 2 quick-start games (while kids arrive)
- 2 high-energy games (burn off sugar)
- 2-minute-to-win-it games (competitive kids love these)
- 1-2 quiet activities (for the inevitable energy crash)
- 1 take-home craft (parents love this)
Time Reality Check:
- 2-hour party = 6 games
- 90-minute party = 4-5 games
- 60-minute party = 3-4 games
Between games, kids eat. They talk. They run around being kids. Don’t overschedule.
Supply List (The Actual Budget)
You can run 8 of these games for under $30 if you’re smart:
Dollar Store Wins:
- Plastic cups (snowball toss)
- Ping pong balls
- Tissue boxes (jingle bell shake)
- Jingle bells
- Balloons (penguin waddle)
- Wrapped empty boxes (musical presents)
- Candy canes (scavenger hunt prizes)
You Probably Already Own:
- Beach towels (Santa’s sleigh)
- Cotton balls (snowstorm race)
- Marshmallows
- Chopsticks
- Small ornaments
- Christmas music
- Printer (for bingo/printables)
Worth Buying Once:
- Inflatable reindeer antlers ($8, reuse every year)
- Laminator ($25, use for all printable games forever)
Age-Group Strategy Guide
Preschool (3-5 years): Focus on: Candy Cane Hunt, Musical Presents, Pin the Nose on Rudolph, Santa Says, Christmas Bingo, Coloring Contest
Early Elementary (6-8 years): Add: Minute-to-win-it games, Christmas Charades, Snowball Toss, Penguin Waddle, Ornament Decorating
Older Kids (9-12 years): Include: Competitive relay races, Wrap the Present, Ornament Chopstick Challenge, Christmas Story Circle, Scavenger Hunt
Mixed Ages (3-12 in one party): Rotate between active and quiet games. Let older kids help younger ones in team activities.
The Setup Schedule Nobody Talks About
1 Day Before:
- Print all printables
- Gather supplies
- Test playlist
- Prep prize station
2 Hours Before Party:
- Set up a quiet activity station
- Hide candy canes
- Arrange game supplies by order
- Charge phone (photos!)
During Party:
- Keep prizes visible (motivation!)
- Transition between games with 2-minute dance breaks
- Have backup activities ready (kids finish faster than you think)
What Nobody Tells You (But I Will)
Truth Bomb #1: Kids care about winning more than you think. Have enough small prizes so everyone gets SOMETHING.
Truth Bomb #2: The best game photos happen when you’re NOT posing kids. Candid mid-game shots are Pinterest gold.
Truth Bomb #3: Parents will ask for your game list. Make it easy—send them to bondedbyfamily.com, where they can find all the printables in one place.
Truth Bomb #4: Sugar timing matters. Run high-energy games AFTER snack time, not before.
Truth Bomb #5: Your “emergency backup game” will 100% become the kids’ favorite. I have no explanation for this phenomenon.
The Real Win
These games aren’t just about filling time. They’re about creating the chaos that turns into memories—the kind where years later, your kid says, “Remember when Mason’s snowball landed in the hot chocolate?”
The mess-ups become the stories. The kid who couldn’t stop laughing during Christmas Cookie Face. The epic wrap-the-present relay that ended with paper everywhere and zero regrets.
That’s what makes a legendary Christmas party. Not perfect execution—just pure, ridiculous fun.
Now go make some memories. The slightly chaotic, absolutely perfect kind.
Ready to host the Christmas party kids won’t stop talking about? Save this guide and make it happen without the stress.
Your kids’ friends are going to ask if they can come to YOUR house next year. Just warning you.
