This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
The Ultimate Christmas Party Games That’ll Have Your Kids Laughing Until Their Bellies Shake
Contents
Christmas party games for kids can make or break your holiday gathering, and I’ve learned this the hard way.
Picture this: twenty sugar-fueled children staring at you expectantly while you frantically google “easy Christmas games” on your phone. Sound familiar?
I’ve been there, sweating in my ugly Christmas sweater, wondering why I thought hosting a kids’ party was a brilliant idea.
But here’s the thing – after years of trial and error (and one memorable incident involving glitter that I’m still finding in March), I’ve cracked the code on Christmas games that actually work.
Why These Games Will Save Your Sanity
Let me be brutally honest with you. Most Christmas party games are either too complicated, require supplies you don’t have, or end up being a complete disaster.
I once tried a “make your own ornament” activity that turned into what can only be described as a craft supply apocalypse.
The games I’m sharing today are different. They’re:
- Simple to set up (we’re talking 5 minutes max)
- Cheap as chips (most use stuff you already have)
- Guaranteed crowd-pleasers (tested on the toughest critics – kids)
- Flexible for different ages (because mixed-age parties happen)
The Cotton Ball Chaos That Started It All
Blow the Snow Down – My Personal Game-Changer
This game saved my reputation at my daughter’s class party last year.
What you need:
- 12 plastic cups per player
- Cotton balls
- Plastic straws
- A timer
Setup:
- Place one cotton ball on top of each cup
- Line up the cups in rows
- Give each kid a straw
The challenge: Kids blow through their straws to knock cotton balls off all 12 cups. First one to clear all cups wins.
Why it works: It’s competitive without being mean. Everyone’s too busy huffing and puffing to fight. Plus, watching kids turn red-faced trying to blow cotton balls is genuinely hilarious.
Pro tip: Have extra cotton balls ready – they’ll want to play again immediately.
The Blindfolded Madness Games
Pin the Halo on the Angel – The Classic with a Twist
Forget pin the tail on the donkey. This Christmas version had kids at my nephew’s party in stitches.
What you need:
- Large poster of an angel (or print one yourself)
- Paper halos cut from gold construction paper
- Double-sided tape
- Blindfold
Game variations that work:
- Pin the nose on Rudolph
- Pin the star on the Christmas tree
- Pin the carrot nose on the snowman
The beauty is in the chaos. Kids stumbling around blindfolded while their friends shriek directions never gets old.
Bow-lievable Challenge – Pure Holiday Hilarity
This one came to me in a moment of desperation when I had leftover Christmas bows everywhere.
Setup:
- Scatter Christmas gift bows on the floor
- Give each blindfolded kid a spatula and paper plate
- Set timer for one minute
The goal: Collect as many bows as possible using only the spatula.
Watching kids frantically scraping the floor with spatulas while wearing blindfolds? Comedy gold.
Dance Your Jingle Bells Off
Christmas Carol Freeze Dance – Energy Burner Supreme
When kids are bouncing off the walls from too much sugar, this is your secret weapon.
How it works:
- Play upbeat Christmas songs
- Kids dance like maniacs
- Stop the music randomly
- Anyone still moving sits out that round
My playlist favorites:
- Jingle Bell Rock
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The key is mixing slow and fast songs to keep them guessing.
Genius modification: Instead of eliminating kids, have them freeze in specific poses:
- Like a Christmas tree
- Like Santa’s reindeer
- Like they’re unwrapping presents
This way nobody feels left out, but you still get the competitive element.
The Messier, The Better Games
Toilet Paper Snowman – Embrace the Chaos
This game looks like a disaster waiting to happen. It absolutely is. It’s also absolutely brilliant.
Team setup:
- Divide into groups of 3-4 kids
- One kid is the “snowman”
- Others are the “builders”
- Give each team several rolls of toilet paper
The process: Teams wrap their snowman from head to toe. Add construction paper details like buttons, carrot nose, hat. Best snowman wins.
Warning: You’ll find toilet paper in weird places for weeks. Worth it for the laughter.
Oven Mitt Present Unwrapping – Frustration Fun
Nothing’s funnier than watching kids struggle with simple tasks.
Setup:
