The Ultimate Christmas Games That’ll Make Your Holiday Legendary
Ah, Christmas. The twinkling lights, the sweet smell of cinnamon and pine, the sound of festive carols drifting through the air, and—let’s be honest—frantic gift wrapping at 2 a.m. But amid all the holiday chaos, one thing remains clear: nothing brings people together like a good old-fashioned game.
Whether you’re gathered around a roaring fire with your family, on Zoom with long-distance relatives, or just trying to get your kids to settle down after a sugar rush, printable Christmas games are your new best friend. They are easy to set up, hilarious to play, and the perfect way to keep everyone entertained when the Christmas spirit starts to fade (which, let’s be real, happens around the 17th time you’ve heard “Last Christmas” in one day).
So, if you’re looking to create a Christmas so fun that it’s borderline illegal, I’ve got the ultimate collection of printable Christmas games that will make your holiday legendary. And yes, they’re free. You’re welcome.
The Classic “Christmas Charades” (But with a Twist)
Let’s kick things off with the evergreen (pun intended) classic: Charades. But this isn’t just any charades. Oh no, we’re doing a Christmas version that’ll leave your guests rolling on the floor, clutching their stomachs, and laughing harder than you did at your cousin’s “interpretation” of a snowman.
How do you play? Well, you act out a Christmas-related phrase without using words—just gestures. But instead of the usual, you’re using printable cards filled with quirky Christmas references. Imagine acting out “Santa stuck in a chimney” or “The Grinch realizing he needs therapy.” It’s going to get weird, it’s going to get wacky, and it’s going to be unforgettable.
Pro tip: The more dramatic you are, the more points you get. So throw yourself into it. That’s what Christmas is all about—overdoing it.
Printable Charades Cards: You can find tons of free, printable Christmas charades cards online. And the best part? You can personalize them for your group. Want to throw in a “Frozen” reference for the younger crowd? Go for it. Have a Christmas movie buff? Add a “Home Alone” one. It’s your game, and your rules. Just like how you handle the remote control when “Elf” is on for the 10th time.
Christmas Bingo: All the Fun, None of the Stress
Ah, Bingo. The game that’s been the saving grace of family gatherings since…well, since forever. But let’s jazz it up with a Christmas twist. Christmas Bingo is the perfect game for all ages. The little ones will love shouting “Bingo!” as they mark off their holiday-themed squares, while the adults can compete for the most random prizes (I’m talking about that ugly sweater no one wants to wear, but somehow, it’s perfect for someone’s white elephant gift exchange).
How does it work? Simple. You print out Bingo cards that feature Christmas-related words instead of numbers. Think “Christmas Tree,” “Santa’s Sleigh,” “Gingerbread Cookies,” and “Mistletoe” (the key to awkward family interactions). Then, someone (preferably not you, so you can keep pretending to look for presents in the basement) calls out random holiday-themed items, and players mark them off on their cards.
Free Printable Bingo Cards: There are a ton of free Bingo printables available online that you can download and use. Get creative—add your own personalized holiday terms like “Grandpa’s Snoring” or “That One Cousin Who Drinks Too Much Eggnog.” No one will care about the lack of gifts when they’re too busy trying to fill out their Bingo cards.
“Name That Christmas Song”—The Silent Killer
For the music lovers in the room (or, let’s be honest, the people who are just trying to sing louder than their aunt), “Name That Christmas Song” is an easy, printable game that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
How does it work? Simple. You play a tiny snippet of a Christmas song—only the first few seconds—and the first person to shout out the correct title gets a point. Easy, right? Well, it’s not as easy as it sounds when everyone’s trying to remember if that song is from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “The Grinch.”
For bonus points, create a playlist of Christmas songs that span generations. Throw in some Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, and maybe a little “Jingle Bell Rock” from your favorite Christmas movie. It’s all fun and games until someone shouts “Jingle Bells” for the 15th time.
Printable Cards for Song Titles: Create a set of printable cards that list the song title with a little clip of lyrics. You can even add a “lyrics sheet” with lines from the song, but the fun part is having everyone guess by ear.
Christmas Trivia: Because We’re All Experts, Right?
If you’ve ever found yourself in a heated argument about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not (it is, by the way), then Christmas Trivia is for you. This printable game will test everyone’s knowledge of all things Christmas—from history and traditions to movies and songs. Get ready to find out who’s been really paying attention during those holiday dinners.
Sample Questions:
- Which country is credited with starting the tradition of the Christmas tree? (Answer: Germany)
- In “Home Alone,” what is the name of the sticky bandit? (Answer: Marv)
- What are the two main ingredients in Eggnog? (Answer: Eggs and Milk. Don’t complicate it.)
Free Printable Trivia Sheets: You can find free printable Christmas trivia cards online or easily make your own. The goal is to make it fun and light-hearted, so feel free to throw in questions like “Which reindeer has the red nose?” (Answer: Rudolph, for the uninitiated). And remember, the person with the most right answers doesn’t actually get a prize—just the pride of knowing you’re the smartest Christmas elf in the room.
Printable Christmas Pictionary: Draw ‘Til You Drop
Ever found yourself laughing so hard you can barely breathe while trying to draw the word “Christmas Tree” on a tiny piece of paper? No? Well, you will now. Pictionary is a classic, but let’s take it up a notch by turning it into a Christmas masterpiece. From “Santa’s Sleigh” to “Christmas Lights,” you’ll have everyone guessing and second-guessing what exactly you’ve drawn (especially if you’re anything like me and can’t tell the difference between a snowman and a stick figure in a winter coat).
How to Play: You simply print out Christmas Pictionary cards that feature holiday-related things to draw. One person draws, and the rest of the group tries to guess. The quicker they guess, the more points you get. The hilarious part is when no one can figure out what on earth you’re drawing. (“Is that… a Christmas elf or a llama?”)
Printable Christmas Pictionary Cards: These cards can easily be found online. But if you’re feeling crafty, create your own list of funny Christmas-themed drawings. Think “Elf on the Shelf,” “Gingerbread House,” or “Caroling in the Snow.” And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—after all, the worse your drawing, the better the game!
In Conclusion: It’s About the Memories (And the Laughter)
Look, at the end of the day, the best Christmas games are the ones that bring people together. Whether you’re laughing over a disastrous charades attempt, bickering over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, or fighting over who can name all of Santa’s reindeer first, these printable Christmas games will make your holiday one for the ages.
Plus, they’re free. That’s right—printable Christmas games with zero cost. So grab your favorite hot chocolate, cozy up by the fire, and let the holiday hilarity begin. Because after all, the best gift isn’t under the tree—it’s the laughter and memories you make with the people you love.
Now go on, print those cards, start the games, and let the festive chaos commence!
