The Secret to a Memorable Christmas: Fun Games for Adults That Will Make You Forget About the Turkey
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And no, I’m not just talking about the twinkling lights, the cinnamon-scented candles, or Mariah Carey’s annual musical takeover. I’m talking about the Christmas party season, when friends and family come together to celebrate the holidays, eat way too many cookies, and… yes, fight over the last slice of pie. But what really takes a Christmas gathering from “meh” to legendary?
Games.
That’s right, games. Now, I know what you’re thinking—”Christmas games are for kids, not for me.” But trust me on this one. There’s something about an adult-friendly Christmas game that can bring out the best (and sometimes the most competitive) sides of people. After all, Christmas is about fun, laughter, and making memories, not just sitting around awkwardly waiting for the food coma to kick in. So, whether you’re hosting an office party, a family gathering, or just a cozy get-together with friends, let’s dive into the holiday magic of Christmas games for adults that will have everyone talking well into the New Year.
Why Adults Need Christmas Games
We’ve all been there. We walk into a holiday gathering, we see familiar faces, and there’s that awkward moment where we’re not quite sure what to do with ourselves. Should we talk about the weather? Compliment someone’s sweater? Pretend we didn’t see that aunt who loves to overshare?
This is where Christmas games come to the rescue. They take the pressure off small talk and allow people to connect and laugh in ways they might not have otherwise. Plus, they give people an excuse to be silly—something we all need more of as adults. Because let’s be real, life is stressful enough. Who doesn’t want an excuse to act like a child for a few hours?
Fun Christmas Games for Adults That Won’t Make You Cringe
You know the ones I’m talking about—the games where you pretend to enjoy a round of charades, or that awkward “pass the gift” game where no one knows what’s going on. We’re going to skip those (unless you really want to embrace the chaos) and focus on the games that will leave everyone begging for more.
1. Christmas Song Lyrics Challenge
We all know the classics—”Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” “Last Christmas” (I gave you my heart). But how well do you actually know the lyrics to these songs? Get a list of Christmas songs and cut out a few key lyrics, then challenge your guests to fill in the blanks. For example, “Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to ride in a _________.” (Answer: “One-horse open sleigh.”) Bonus points if you have them sing their answers with as much gusto as they can muster. Trust me, nothing gets people into the holiday spirit faster than a badly-sung rendition of “Feliz Navidad.”
2. Christmas Charades with a Twist
Charades is a classic, but let’s be honest, it can get pretty predictable. Spice it up by creating a holiday-themed charades game. Write down Christmas movies, Christmas songs, and even famous holiday figures on slips of paper. Then, when it’s your turn, you pull one and act it out. But here’s the twist: you have to do it in a ridiculous way. Want to act out “The Grinch”? Do it while hopping on one foot. Playing out “Home Alone”? Pretend you’re being attacked by a gang of burglars. The more ridiculous, the better. Bonus points if you somehow manage to get a perfect guess while looking like a total hot mess.
3. Christmas Movie Bingo
If your group is the type to binge-watch Christmas movies (and who isn’t?), then this game is for you. Make Bingo cards with classic Christmas movie tropes. For example, “Someone says ‘Merry Christmas!’” or “A snowball fight breaks out” or “The dog knocks over the Christmas tree.” As you watch your favorite Christmas movie—whether it’s Elf, Home Alone, or The Polar Express—mark off your Bingo card. First one to get Bingo wins a prize. The catch? You’re watching the movie with your friends so you have to be sneaky about it. It’s a whole new way to experience the Christmas classics.
4. Christmas Trivia: With a Side of Eggnog
If your group is into the Christmas spirit and a little bit of trivia, this game is perfect. Set up a trivia contest with questions about holiday history, famous Christmas movies, or even fun facts about Christmas traditions around the world. Who knows? Maybe your Aunt Jean will finally stop trying to convince everyone that Christmas started in her hometown in Kentucky (sorry, Aunt Jean, but no). Keep things lighthearted, and throw in some fun, unexpected categories like “Best Christmas Gift Ever” or “Which Reindeer Has the Best Backstory?” Trivia is a great way to get everyone involved and thinking about things that make Christmas unique.
5. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
This one works particularly well for larger parties or family get-togethers. Create a list of holiday-themed items and hide them around your home or yard. Things like “A pair of red mittens,” “A Christmas ornament from 1980,” or “A Santa hat with a fake beard attached.” Make sure to get creative with your clues, and offer some funny hints like, “This item has been known to cause holiday joy and extreme embarrassment for uncles who refuse to take it off for the family photo.” Set a time limit, and the team with the most items at the end wins. It’s an engaging way to get people moving, laughing, and bonding over silly holiday finds.
6. Pass the Present
Think of this one as the gift-wrapping version of “Hot Potato.” Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of wrapping paper—about 5-10 layers. Players sit in a circle, and each time the music plays, they pass the gift around. When the music stops, the person holding the gift gets to rip off a layer of wrapping. The first person to unwrap the last layer gets the gift. This game is perfect for those who like a little bit of suspense and love a gift that keeps on giving (literally). Plus, the game’s chaotic pace means no one can sit there bored, staring at their phone.
7. Guess the Christmas Scent
Get a bunch of holiday-scented items—cinnamon sticks, pine needles, gingerbread cookies, peppermint candies—and have your guests close their eyes while you waft them through the air. The twist? They have to guess what the scent is. The more unusual the scent, the better! This game is perfect for those who like to play with their senses and enjoy the nostalgic smells of Christmas. Plus, it’s pretty hilarious when someone guesses “pumpkin spice” instead of “gingerbread.”
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos and Let the Fun Begin
So, there you have it. These Christmas games for adults are designed to get you out of your comfort zone, make you laugh till your cheeks hurt, and bring back that childlike joy that Christmas so often evokes. After all, the holidays aren’t just about fancy dinners and picture-perfect moments—they’re about connecting with those around you, whether it’s through laughter, games, or the occasional well-timed Christmas pun.
No matter what game you choose, just remember this: the best part of the holiday season isn’t the gifts, the food, or the decorations. It’s the moments of togetherness and joy that we create. So, the next time you find yourself at a holiday gathering, don’t just sit there—grab that Christmas trivia card, kick off that charades game, and let the festivities begin.
Because Christmas games for adults? They’re not just a tradition—they’re a reminder that no matter how old we get, we can still find joy in the simplest of things.
