20 Christmas Games for Adults to Make Your Party Unforgettable

The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect, unwind, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. And what better way to bring everyone together than with fun, interactive Christmas games for adults? Whether you're into classic board games, funny party challenges, or competitive role-playing games, this list has something for every kind of gathering. We've even included some drinking games, strategic showdowns, and balance challenges to take your party to the next level!

Let's dive into 20 festive Christmas games that will keep your guests entertained and your holiday spirits high!

Classic Christmas Party Games for Everyone

1. Christmas Charades

Charades are a timeless party favorite, and a holiday twist makes them even more fun! Create a list of Christmas-themed words or phrases like "Building a Snowman," "Christmas Shopping," or "Elf on a Shelf." Split your guests into teams and let the guessing begin! Players act out the words while their teammates guess, all while racing against the clock.

Tip: Use a free charades app to generate ideas on the spot and set a timer to keep the game exciting.

2. Santa's Treasure Hunt

Organize a festive scavenger hunt where participants search for hidden holiday treasures like ornaments, candy canes, or small gifts. Provide clues, riddles, or even rhymes to make the hunt more challenging and fun. Set up different "stations" where players can complete quick tasks or challenges to get the next clue.

Pro Tip: Use themed wrapping paper or ribbons to make the treasures feel extra special, and consider giving a small prize to the winner.

3. GoBalance Challenge

Meet GoBalance Play, a smart wobble balance board that combines skill-testing fun with interactive technology. Players stack and balance objects on its stable, slip-resistant surface while the built-in motion sensor tracks every wobble in real-time. Connect seamlessly to the GoBalance app (available on iOS and Android) for engaging games and dynamic challenges that boost balance, coordination, and focus.

Whether guests are competing to hold their stack the longest, mastering the app’s balance games, or wobbling through a few too many eggnogs, GoBalance Play promises hours of laughter and friendly competition for all ages.

Pro Tip: Create a “Holiday Balance Showdown” with prizes for “Longest Steady Stack” or “Best Wobble Recovery”—perfect for getting everyone off the couch and into the action!

4. Holiday Bingo

Put a festive spin on the classic Bingo game by using Christmas-themed cards. Instead of numbers, create cards with holiday symbols like candy canes, Santa hats, gingerbread cookies, and snowflakes. You can either buy pre-made sets or create your own using free templates online.

Tip: Hand out small prizes like chocolate or mini ornaments for each Bingo winner to keep the excitement going.

5. Pin the Nose on Rudolph

This game is a fun holiday take on "Pin the Tail on the Donkey." Hang a large poster of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on the wall. Blindfold the participants, give them a red paper "nose," spin them around, and let them try to pin the nose in the right spot.

Variation: Add a drinking element where those who miss by a wide margin take a sip of their drink.

Drinking Christmas Games for Adults

6. Holiday Drink Pong

Take the classic beer pong and give it a cheerful Christmas twist! Swap out the usual setup for festive red and green cups, and fill them with holiday-themed drinks like spiked eggnog, mulled wine, or cranberry cocktails. Create a festive atmosphere by decorating the table with garlands, lights, or even a mini Christmas tree in the center.

Arrange the cups in a triangular formation on each side of the table. Players take turns tossing a ping pong ball into the opposing team’s cups. When a ball lands in a cup, the opponent drinks its contents. The first team to clear the other side’s cups wins! For added holiday flair, use Christmas-themed challenges for redemption rounds, like singing a carol or naming a reindeer.

Tip: If some guests prefer non-alcoholic options, prepare a "mocktail" version with sparkling cider or festive punch.

7. Never Have I Ever: Holiday Edition

Put a festive spin on the classic "Never Have I Ever" game by focusing on holiday-related scenarios. It’s a fantastic way to uncover funny and surprising holiday memories while enjoying a drink or two.

Each player takes turns saying something they’ve never done, but the statements must be Christmas-themed. For example:

• “Never have I ever forgotten to buy someone a Christmas gift.”
• “Never have I ever dressed up as Santa.”
• “Never have I ever eaten all the Christmas cookies before anyone else could.”

Anyone who has done the stated action takes a sip of their drink. The game continues until everyone’s feeling merry or the secrets run dry!

Tip: Prepare a list of festive prompts in advance to keep the game flowing smoothly.

8. Santa’s Shots Roulette

Add some suspense and excitement with this Christmas-themed version of shots roulette. It’s perfect for guests who enjoy a bit of risk and reward!

Set up a circular tray or a spinning roulette board with shot glasses filled with different drinks. Some shots can be festive cocktails like peppermint schnapps or gingerbread martinis, while others can be less pleasant surprises, like a shot of pickle juice or hot sauce (for the daring!). Label the shots with festive tags like "Naughty" or "Nice" to add an extra element of surprise.

Players take turns spinning the board or choosing a shot at random. The suspense of not knowing whether they’ll get a delightful sip or a shocking surprise keeps everyone on their toes.

Tip: Keep a pitcher of water nearby for the brave souls who get a "naughty" shot!

9. Reindeer Relay Race

Combine physical challenges, drinking, and holiday fun with a Reindeer Relay Race. It’s an excellent way to get everyone moving while maintaining a festive, lighthearted vibe.

Divide your guests into teams. Each team member completes a silly challenge before passing the "reindeer antlers" (a spoon or hat) to the next player. Challenges can include:

• Drinking a shot or a holiday cocktail before starting.
• Hopping across the room while wearing the antlers.
• Balancing a candy cane on their nose while walking.
• Wrapping themselves in a roll of holiday ribbon.

The first team to have all their players complete the course wins! To keep things exciting, add penalties for failed tasks, like taking an extra sip or singing a snippet of Jingle Bells.

Pro Tip: Make sure to clear some space for this game to avoid any accidental spills or tumbles!

Fun Party Christmas Games for Adults

10. GoDice Board Game Night

Bring out your competitive side and ignite some nostalgia with a board game marathon featuring GoDice. These innovative smart dice pair seamlessly with your phone or tablet, transforming classic games like Yahtzee, Farkle, and Liar’s Dice into immersive digital experiences. 

Despite the fact that it can be paired to your tablet or smartphone, the GoDice app enhances the gaming experience by providing access to a diverse library of games. Currently, there are over 20 games available, including popular titles such as:

• Yahtzy
• Farkle
• Ludo
• Backgammon
• PIG
• Unlucky Seven
• Shut the Pool
• Bomb Squad

GoDice automatically tracks scores, suggests game variations, and even offers interactive tutorials, eliminating confusion over rules and scoring. The sleek, compact design makes them easy to carry and set up anywhere, making your game night a seamless blend of tradition and modern tech.

Perfect for: A dynamic game night that combines the joy of classic board games with the convenience and innovation of smart technology.

Pro Tip: Host a mini-tournament with a prize for the ultimate board game champion!

11. Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest

Transform your holiday gathering into a sweet showdown by hosting a festive cookie decorating contest! Prepare a table filled with pre-baked cookies in classic shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes. Supply an assortment of colorful icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, and other decorations. Each guest designs their own edible masterpiece, and you can create categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Holiday Theme,” “Funniest Cookie,” or even “Most Likely to Fall Apart.”

For added fun, set a time limit to encourage a fast-paced decorating frenzy! Once everyone is finished, gather around to vote or have a designated "judge" pick the winners. Everyone gets to enjoy (and eat!) the festive creations.

Perfect for: Creative partygoers who enjoy some hands-on, light-hearted competition with a sweet reward at the end.

Virtual Christmas Games 

12. Holiday Trivia Zoom Game

Just because you can’t gather in person doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some competitive holiday fun! Host a virtual holiday trivia night over Zoom or any video conferencing platform. Create a list of Christmas-themed questions covering a wide range of topics, such as:

• Christmas Movies: Which 1980s film features a boy who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas?
• Holiday Songs: What holiday classic is known for the line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”?
• Festive Traditions: In which country did the tradition of the Christmas tree originate?

How to Play:

• Use free trivia tools like Kahoot! or Quizizz to create and manage the questions.
• Divide players into teams or let them compete individually.
• Use a scoring app to keep track of points, or have participants track their own scores.
• Offer fun digital prizes to winners, such as e-gift cards, customized Zoom backgrounds, or funny virtual certificates.

For extra holiday spirit, encourage everyone to dress up in festive attire or change their Zoom backgrounds to something Christmassy.

Tip: Include a lightning round with rapid-fire questions to keep the energy high!

13. Online Pictionary: Holiday Edition

Bring the fun of Pictionary to your virtual gathering with a festive twist! Platforms like Skribbl.io and Drawize allow you to play online Pictionary for free. These websites let you create custom word lists, making it easy to set a holiday theme.

How to Play:

• Create a private room on your chosen platform and share the invite link with your guests.
• Prepare a list of Christmas-themed prompts in advance, such as “Santa’s Sleigh,” “Mistletoe Kiss,” “Wrapping Presents,” or “Ugly Christmas Sweater.”
• Players take turns drawing while others guess what they’re sketching within a time limit.
• The platform will automatically keep score, and the person with the highest points at the end wins!

To add more fun, introduce a rule where the worst or funniest drawing gets a bonus point!

Variation: Add a festive penalty where the person with the lowest score has to perform a Christmas-themed dare, like singing a carol or sharing an embarrassing holiday story.

14. Virtual Holiday Escape Room

If you want a more immersive experience, try a virtual escape room with a festive theme! Many online platforms offer holiday escape rooms where you and your friends can solve puzzles, uncover clues, and "escape" within a set time limit.

How to Play:

• Platforms like Enchambered and Puzzle Break offer pre-made virtual escape rooms.
• Choose a holiday-themed scenario, like escaping Santa’s workshop or solving a mystery at the North Pole.
• Teams work together over Zoom to solve riddles, unlock virtual "doors," and complete the mission.

Tip: Assign roles to each team member (e.g., "Puzzle Master" or "Clue Finder") to make the experience more organized and fun.

Why It’s Great: Virtual escape rooms encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving—all while maintaining a festive spirit!

15. Christmas Karaoke Night

Bring out the hidden rock stars in your friend group with a virtual Christmas karaoke party! This is a fun, interactive way to celebrate the holidays, especially for those who love to belt out classic Christmas tunes.

How to Play:

• Use platforms like KaraFun, Smule, or even YouTube for free karaoke tracks with lyrics.
• Create a list of popular holiday songs such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Last Christmas.”
• Each participant takes a turn performing their chosen song via Zoom while others cheer, sing along, or chat in the comments.
• To spice it up, add categories like “Best Performance,” “Funniest Rendition,” or “Best Duet.”

Offer fun virtual prizes or create a poll for everyone to vote on their favorite performances.

Bonus Idea: Make it a themed event by asking participants to wear holiday costumes, like Santa hats or reindeer antlers!

Strategic Christmas Games for Adults

16. RPG Dice Adventure

For the adventurous and imaginative crowd, organize a mini role-playing game (RPG) session that brings epic quests and exciting stories to your holiday party! Use the GoDice RPG Bundle to enhance gameplay with smart dice that track rolls and stats digitally. Whether you're delving into a medieval fantasy world or a futuristic sci-fi saga, these smart dice make the experience smoother by automating calculations and tracking progress.

Create a short, festive-themed adventure with quests like saving a kidnapped Santa, recovering stolen Christmas gifts, or solving a holiday mystery. The GoDice app can help guide newer players, making it accessible even for RPG beginners. This game is an excellent way to blend storytelling, strategy, and teamwork for a memorable holiday experience.

Perfect for: Fantasy lovers and storytelling enthusiasts who enjoy cooperative gameplay with a tech-savvy twist.

Pro Tip: Provide props or festive costumes to make the adventure even more immersive!

17. Secret Santa Strategy

Give your classic Secret Santa exchange a twist by introducing an element of strategy and suspense! Instead of a straightforward gift exchange, let guests draw numbers to determine the order of picking gifts. When it’s someone’s turn, they can either choose a wrapped gift from the pile or steal a gift someone else has already opened. To keep things fair (and chaotic), limit each gift to two steals before it becomes "locked in" with its final owner.

This strategic spin makes for a hilarious and engaging experience as guests weigh their options, make sneaky swaps, and plot their way to the best gift. The anticipation and playful competitiveness will keep everyone on their toes until the very last gift is claimed!

Perfect for: Groups who love suspense, strategy, and a little bit of friendly rivalry.

Pro Tip: Include a few intentionally wacky or joke gifts to add to the fun!

Hilarious Christmas Games for Adults

18. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss

Bring some goofy fun to your holiday party with an inflatable reindeer antler ring toss game! One lucky guest wears the inflatable antler headpiece, while others take turns tossing rings to land on the antlers. Increase the challenge by assigning different point values for different antler sections or having the "reindeer" move around to make landing the rings trickier.

This game is easy to set up, guarantees laughs, and provides endless photo opportunities. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker for guests who might not know each other well. You can even introduce a prize for the player with the highest score or the most creative tossing technique.

Perfect for: Guests who love silly challenges and hilarious group activities.

Pro Tip: Play a festive playlist and make the "reindeer" dance to the music while others try to toss rings!

19. Human Christmas Tree

Unleash your guests' creativity and sense of humor with the Human Christmas Tree game! Split everyone into teams and give each team a roll of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, tinsel, and ornaments. One team member volunteers to become the “tree,” while the others decorate them within a set time limit. The results are often hilarious, with people wrapped in sparkling paper, draped in tinsel, and topped with a giant bow!

Once the decorating frenzy is over, have a mini "fashion show" where each tree parades around for everyone to see. Vote on categories like “Best Decorated,” “Funniest Tree,” or “Most Likely to Topple Over.”

Perfect for: Creative partygoers who enjoy teamwork, humor, and a bit of festive chaos.

Pro Tip: Capture the fun with a group photo of all the “trees” and share the memories!

20. Santa’s Belly Balloon Relay

If you’re looking for a game that will have your guests doubled over in laughter, the Santa’s Belly Balloon Relay is an absolute must! Start by dividing your guests into teams and giving each team a pile of balloons. The goal? One player at a time has to stuff a balloon under their shirt to create a “Santa belly,” then waddle, wobble, or shuffle to a designated point and back—without dropping the balloon or popping it. Once they return, they pass the “belly” (a fresh balloon) to the next teammate, and the hilarity continues. The first team to get all their players through the relay without any balloon casualties wins!

To make it even funnier, add a twist: create an obstacle course where players have to weave between chairs, crawl under tables, or even perform a few Santa-like “ho-ho-hos” before they turn back. Watching your friends and family struggle to keep their balloon bellies intact while doing their best Santa impression will be a highlight of the night.

This game is great for all ages and works perfectly as a way to get everyone moving, giggling, and bonding. Plus, it’s one of those moments you’ll definitely want to capture on camera—those balloon bellies wobbling down the “track” are comedy gold.

Perfect for: Energetic groups who enjoy silly physical games and aren’t afraid to look a little ridiculous.
Pro Tip: Use red or green balloons to stick with the Christmas theme, and give out prizes for categories like “Best Santa Waddle” or “Most Determined Belly!” Don’t forget to blast a festive playlist to set the mood—bonus points if “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is playing while everyone’s racing!

Tips for Hosting a Successful Christmas Game Night

Set a Theme: Whether it’s “Ugly Sweater Night,” “Red and Green Glam,” or even a “Winter Wonderland” theme, having a cohesive concept ties the entire evening together. Themes encourage guests to dress up and immerse themselves in the festive spirit, which makes the party more memorable and creates great photo opportunities. Don't forget to incorporate your theme into decorations, music, and even the games themselves!

Prepare Ahead: To keep the night flowing smoothly, set up designated game stations or activity zones before guests arrive. For example, you can have a drinking game station, a board game corner, and a crafting area for activities like cookie decorating. Clearly label each station and provide easy-to-follow instructions, so guests can jump right into the fun without needing constant guidance.

Include Prizes: Small prizes add an element of friendly competition and keep everyone engaged. Consider festive rewards like mini stockings filled with candy, personalized ornaments, or gift cards. For extra laughs, you can offer gag gifts for categories like “Most Competitive Player” or “Worst Game Night Luck.”

Balance the Drinks: Keep all your guests happy by offering a variety of beverages. In addition to spiked options like mulled wine, eggnog, or holiday punch, provide delicious non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, hot chocolate, and sparkling cider. Having both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options ensures everyone can join in the toasts, regardless of preference.

Plan Some Downtime: Game nights can get high-energy, so include a few low-key moments for snacks, mingling, or playing background holiday music. This gives guests a chance to recharge and catch up with each other before diving back into the games.

Conclusion

With these 20 fun and festive Christmas games for adults, your holiday party is bound to be a hit. From classic favorites to tech-enhanced games like GoBalance and GoDice, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to laugh, compete, and make this holiday season one to remember!

Happy Holidays and Merry Gaming!