25 Fun Christmas Party Games for Kids

The secret to a kid Christmas party that feels magical (and not chaotic) is having a few games ready to go before the first jingle bell even rings.

I like to set out a little “game kit” with small party prizes, a roll of masking tape, and a pack of Christmas stickers so I can reward good sportsmanship all party long.

1. Santa Says

This is a holiday twist on the classic listening game, and it works for mixed ages without extra setup. It’s especially great at the start of the party when kids need an easy warm-up.

Supplies

• 1 Santa hat (for the leader)
• 1 jingle bell bracelet (optional leader signal)
• 24 Christmas stickers (optional rewards)
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Choose one child (or an adult) to be Santa and put on the Santa hat.
2. Explain the rule: kids only do the action if the leader says “Santa says…” first.
3. Start with easy actions like “Santa says touch your toes” and “Santa says hop like a reindeer.”
4. Mix in trick commands without “Santa says” to test listening (keep it friendly for littles).
5. Play for 3–5 minutes using a timer, then swap leaders.
6. If you want, hand out a sticker for great listening or funny “Santa” ideas.

2. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss

This one is hilarious because kids love being the reindeer and trying not to giggle while rings fly at their “antlers.” It’s easy to set up indoors and works in quick turns.

Supplies

• 1 reindeer antlers headband
• 12 plastic ring toss rings
• 1 masking tape roll (for the throw line)
• 1 score pad notebook

Directions

1. Use masking tape to mark a throw line about 5–8 feet from the “reindeer.”
2. One player wears the antlers headband and stands still (hands behind back makes it extra funny).
3. Give each thrower 3–5 rings and let them toss, aiming for the antlers.
4. Count 1 point per ring that stays on, and record scores in a notebook.
5. Rotate who wears antlers after each round so everyone gets a turn being the reindeer.

3. Snowball Pom-Pom Scoop Relay

This is a fast, energy-burning relay that feels like a snowy rescue mission. It’s perfect when kids need to run off excitement in a controlled way.

Supplies

• 40 white pom-poms (snowballs)
• 4 plastic bowls
• 4 large plastic spoons
• 1 masking tape roll (start/finish lines)
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Place a bowl full of pom-poms at the start line and an empty bowl at the finish line for each team.
2. Mark start/finish lines with masking tape.
3. Players take turns scooping one “snowball” with a spoon, walking fast (no running if indoors), and dropping it into the team’s finish bowl.
4. If a pom-pom falls, the player must stop, pick it up, and continue from where it fell.
5. Time each team with a timer, or race head-to-head and the first team to move all snowballs wins.
6. Make it harder for older kids by having them hold the spoon in their non-dominant hand.

4. Ornament Hunt (Christmas Scavenger Hunt)

This is a calmer game that still feels exciting because kids love searching and collecting. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your space.

Supplies

• 24 mini plastic ornaments
• 12 small gift bags (for collecting)
• 12 Christmas scavenger hunt clue cards
• 12 mini flashlights (optional)

Directions

1. Before guests arrive, hide mini ornaments around the party area at kid-friendly heights.
2. Give each child a gift bag to collect their finds.
3. Hand out simple clue cards (or just say: “Find 3 red ornaments, 2 green ornaments, 1 shiny ornament”).
4. Set a 5–8 minute timer, and let kids search (optional: give each a mini flashlight for extra fun).
5. When time is up, gather everyone and count ornaments together; trade in ornaments for a small prize or sticker.

5. Pin the Nose on Rudolph

This is a classic party game that’s always a hit, especially with younger kids. It’s quick, silly, and makes a cute photo moment.

Supplies

• 1 Pin the Nose on Rudolph game set
• 1 kids blindfold
• 1 masking tape roll (extra sticking power)
• 1 marker set (for names)

Directions

1. Hang the Rudolph poster at kid eye level using masking tape.
2. Write each child’s name on their “nose” sticker using a marker.
3. Put the blindfold on the player, spin them gently once or twice, then point them toward the poster.
4. They place the nose, then remove the blindfold and everyone cheers.
5. Closest to the correct spot wins (or give prizes for “closest,” “funniest,” and “best effort”).

6. Jingle Bell Toss into Cups

This is an easy tabletop-style game that keeps kids busy without running everywhere. It’s also great for tight spaces or indoor parties.

Supplies

• 24 jingle bells
• 12 plastic cups (red/green)
• 1 folding table
• 1 masking tape roll (mark throw line)
• 1 score pad notebook

Directions

1. Set up cups in a triangle on a table.
2. Use tape to mark a throw line on the floor.
3. Give each player 5 jingle bells to toss, one at a time, aiming for cups.
4. Score 1 point per bell in a cup, and record totals in a notebook.
5. Play 2 rounds and declare a winner, or let kids try to beat their own score.

7. Christmas Bingo (Kid Edition)

This is a perfect “sit and focus” game for after snacks or before presents. It’s also easy for shy kids to join without feeling singled out.

Supplies

• 24 Christmas bingo cards
• 1 set bingo markers
• 1 small prize assortment
• 1 small box for prizes

Directions

1. Give each child a bingo card and a few markers.
2. Explain how to win (one line, four corners, or a full card—choose based on attention span).
3. Call out pictures slowly and show the card/icon if your set includes caller cards.
4. When someone wins, double-check their card, then let them pick from the prize box.
5. Play multiple short rounds so more kids get a chance to win something small.

8. Wrap the “Mummy” (Snowman Edition)

This is a giggly team game where kids wrap one player like a snowman and add simple decorations. It’s best for slightly older kids who can work quickly in teams.

Supplies

• 6 rolls white crepe streamers
• 2 packs black circle stickers (buttons/eyes)
• 1 set orange paper triangle cutouts (carrot nose)
• 2 kids scarves
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Split kids into two teams and choose one “snowman” per team.
2. Give each team 2–3 white streamer rolls.
3. Set a timer for 60–90 seconds and have teams wrap their snowman (avoid face/neck, keep it comfortable).
4. When time is up, teams add “details” with black stickers and an orange triangle nose.
5. Finish with a scarf, then vote for “snowiest,” “funniest,” or “most creative.”
6. Unwrap carefully and save streamers for another round if they’re still usable.

9. Stocking Stuff Relay

This relay feels like Santa’s workshop went into turbo mode, and kids love racing with “gifts.” It’s fast, simple, and can be played indoors with a clear path.

Supplies

• 2 large Christmas stockings
• 30 small plastic balls (stuffers)
• 2 laundry baskets
• 1 masking tape roll (relay markers)

Directions

1. Place one basket of stuffers at the start line and an empty basket at the finish line for each team.
2. Mark start/finish with tape.
3. First player puts on the stocking like a giant mitten or sack and grabs one stuffer.
4. They race (or fast-walk) to the finish basket, drop it in, and race back to pass the stocking to the next player.
5. Continue until all stuffers are moved; first team to empty their start basket wins.

10. Snowman Bowling

This is a super satisfying game because kids get an instant “crash!” moment with each roll. It’s also easy to reset, which keeps the line moving.

Supplies

• 10 white plastic bowling pins
• 1 kids bowling ball
• 1 pack black circle stickers (faces/buttons)
• 1 pack orange triangle stickers (noses)
• 1 masking tape roll (lane line)

Directions

1. Turn pins into snowmen by adding black stickers for eyes/buttons and orange triangles for noses.
2. Use masking tape to mark a simple lane and a roll line.
3. Set up the pins in a triangle and let each child roll the ball twice per turn.
4. Count how many snowmen fall; highest score after two frames wins, or just play for laughs.

11. North Pole Freeze Dance

This game is pure party energy and works for almost any age. Kids love trying to freeze in silly poses when the music stops.

Supplies

• 1 bluetooth speaker
• 1 set Christmas music playlist cards (optional)
• 20 Christmas stickers (optional prizes)

Directions

1. Clear a safe dance space and set the speaker nearby.
2. Explain: dance when the music plays, freeze instantly when it stops.
3. Play short bursts of music and stop randomly; walk around and praise the funniest frozen poses.
4. Instead of eliminating kids, give “freeze star” stickers using stickers and keep everyone playing.
5. For extra fun, call out themes like “freeze like a snowman” or “freeze like a reindeer.”

12. Elf on the Shelf Hide-and-Seek

This game feels like a mini adventure because kids search for a mischievous elf hiding around the room. It’s simple, but it makes kids feel like detectives.

Supplies

• 1 elf doll plush
• 12 small gift bags (optional prizes)
• 24 mini party prizes

Directions

1. Show kids the elf and explain the goal: find the elf without moving anything breakable.
2. Have kids close their eyes (or step into another room) while an adult hides the elf in a visible-but-tricky spot.
3. Release kids to search; when someone spots it, they should raise a hand and whisper the location to the adult (so everyone can still look).
4. Once several kids have found it, reveal the elf and choose the next hider (or re-hide it yourself).
5. If you want, let each finder pick a tiny prize from mini prizes placed in gift bags.

13. Candy Cane Limbo

This is a goofy, crowd-pleasing game that makes great photos. It works best when you keep it light and let kids cheer each other on.

Supplies

• 1 inflatable candy cane stick (limbo bar)
• 1 bluetooth speaker
• 1 masking tape roll (stand spots)

Directions

1. Use tape to mark where the two helpers stand while holding the candy cane bar.
2. Play music on a speaker while kids line up.
3. Each child leans back and goes under the bar without touching it; if they bump it, they can try again (no hard eliminations needed).
4. Lower the bar a little after every few turns until you have a “limbo champ.”

14. Christmas Light Tag (Glow Necklace Tag)

This is a fun, controlled “tag” game that works best in a cleared living room or basement. The glow necklaces make everyone feel like a walking Christmas light strand.

Supplies

• 20 glow necklaces
• 10 glow bracelets
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Give each child a glow necklace and explain safe tag rules (gentle touch, stay in the play zone).
2. Pick one or two taggers; give taggers an extra glow bracelet so everyone knows who is “it.”
3. Set a 2-minute round with a timer and let them play.
4. When tagged, kids do a quick “North Pole pose” (like a snowman stance) for 5 seconds, then rejoin the game.
5. Swap taggers each round so everyone gets a chance.

15. Present Stack Challenge

This game is perfect for kids who love building and competing, and it feels like a holiday engineering test. It’s surprisingly entertaining to watch, too.

Supplies

• 12 small gift boxes (empty or lightweight)
• 1 stopwatch timer
• 1 masking tape roll (build zones)
• 1 measuring tape

Directions

1. Use masking tape to mark a small build square for each player or team.
2. Give each player 6–10 gift boxes and explain the goal: build the tallest free-standing present tower.
3. Set a 60-second time limit using a timer.
4. When time is up, towers must stand for 5 seconds without hands.
5. Measure the winning tower with a measuring tape and celebrate the champion builder.

16. Snowflake Sticker Sprint

This is a quick, low-mess game that’s perfect for younger kids and small spaces. It also doubles as a cute “decorate your mittens” activity.

Supplies

• 2 packs snowflake stickers
• 12 white paper plates
• 1 stopwatch timer
• 1 marker set

Directions

1. Write each child’s name on a paper plate using a marker and set it on the floor or table as their “snow field.”
2. Put a pile of snowflake stickers in the center of the room.
3. Set a timer for 30–45 seconds.
4. Kids race to grab one sticker at a time and place it on their plate, repeating until the timer ends.
5. Most snowflakes wins, or give prizes for “neatest,” “sparkliest,” and “biggest blizzard.”

17. Holiday Charades (Kid-Friendly Cards)

This game gets kids laughing because the prompts are silly and simple (think: “decorate the tree” or “open a present”). It’s also great for winding down after active games.

Supplies

• 1 set Christmas charades cards (kids)
• 1 one-minute sand timer
• 1 small prize assortment

Directions

1. Split kids into two teams and keep a pile of charades cards facedown.
2. One player draws a card and acts it out without speaking while the sand timer runs.
3. If their team guesses correctly before time runs out, they earn a point.
4. Rotate actors so everyone gets a turn, and keep rounds short to match attention spans.
5. Hand out tiny rewards from a prize assortment at the end, or award one prize to the winning team.

18. Snowman Hat Stack

This is a simple balancing game that feels like a holiday challenge show. It works well as a station game while other activities happen.

Supplies

• 12 mini top hats
• 12 white plastic bowls
• 1 stopwatch timer
• 1 measuring tape (tie-breaker)

Directions

1. Set up a “snowman base” by turning a white bowl upside down for each player.
2. Kids stack mini hats on top, one at a time, trying to build the tallest stable stack.
3. Use a timer for a 60-second round.
4. Stacks must stand for 5 seconds after the timer ends to count.
5. If there’s a tie, measure height with a measuring tape.

19. Santa’s Sack Obstacle Course

This is an energetic game that turns your hallway or backyard into Santa’s delivery route. Kids love the silly “sack” element and the quick challenges.

Supplies

• 6 sack race bags
• 10 small traffic cones
• 1 masking tape roll (start/finish)
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Design a simple course: weave around cones, hop to a finish line, and do one silly “ho-ho-ho” pose.
2. Mark start and finish with masking tape.
3. Kids step into sack bags and go one at a time to avoid collisions.
4. Time each run with a timer or just cheer and race in two lanes if you have space.
5. Let kids try to beat their own time instead of focusing only on “fastest.”

20. Ornament Spoon Carry

This is a low-setup challenge that kids take surprisingly seriously. It’s great for building patience and focus—plus it’s fun to watch.

Supplies

• 24 small plastic ornaments
• 12 large plastic spoons
• 2 plastic bowls
• 1 masking tape roll (lane markers)

Directions

1. Place ornaments in one bowl and an empty bowl at the other end of the room.
2. Create a lane using masking tape if you want kids to stay in bounds.
3. Kids balance one ornament on a spoon and walk it carefully to the finish bowl.
4. If it drops, they pick it up and continue from where it fell.
5. Play as a relay, or see who can transfer the most ornaments in 60 seconds.

21. Christmas Pictionary (Whiteboard Edition)

This is a great game for creative kids who love to draw and guess. It works best with small groups rotating quickly so no one gets bored.

Supplies

• 2 dry erase whiteboards
• 1 pack dry erase markers
• 1 whiteboard eraser
• 30 Christmas pictionary word cards
• 1 one-minute sand timer

Directions

1. Split into two teams and set up a whiteboard for each team with markers and an eraser.
2. One player draws a prompt from word cards and starts drawing immediately.
3. Flip the sand timer for a one-minute round.
4. If the team guesses correctly in time, they earn a point; if not, the other team gets one guess as a “steal.”
5. Rotate drawers each round to keep it fair and fast.

22. Build-a-Reindeer (Magnet Face Race)

This is a cute station game where kids build silly reindeer faces as fast as they can. It’s low-mess and keeps hands busy while they wait for other activities.

Supplies

• 2 magnetic dry erase boards
• 1 pack magnetic shapes (circles/triangles)
• 1 pack magnetic googly eyes
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Set up two magnetic boards and scatter magnet shapes and magnetic eyes in a pile below each board.
2. Show kids what a “reindeer face” needs: two eyes, a nose, and antlers (they can improvise with shapes).
3. Start the timer and let two kids race to build the silliest or fastest reindeer face.
4. After each round, take a quick photo, clear the board, and let the next pair play.
5. Award points for “fastest,” “funniest,” or “most creative antlers.”

23. Hot Cocoa “Marshmallow Drop” Challenge

This is a quick party game that feels festive without being messy if you keep it dry. Kids love the suspense of dropping marshmallows into cups from above.

Supplies

• 50 mini marshmallows
• 12 holiday paper cups
• 1 measuring tape (drop height)
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Line up paper cups on a table, one per player.
2. Measure a drop height (like 12–18 inches above the cup) using a measuring tape.
3. Players hold a marshmallow above the cup and drop it—no leaning in or lowering hands below the measured line.
4. Give each player 10 seconds with a timer to make as many successful drops as possible.
5. Count marshmallows inside the cup and declare a winner, then reset for another round.

24. The Grinch Steals the Gifts

This is a playful chase game where one “Grinch” tries to collect as many small gifts as possible. It’s energetic, silly, and works best with a clearly defined play zone.

Supplies

• 1 green Grinch mask
• 30 mini gift boxes (empty)
• 2 laundry baskets (gift stash + Grinch bag)
• 1 masking tape roll (boundaries)
• 1 stopwatch timer

Directions

1. Mark the play boundary with masking tape and place a “gift stash” basket of mini gift boxes in the center.
2. Choose one child to be the Grinch and wear the Grinch mask.
3. Set a timer for 60 seconds; kids try to carry one gift at a time from the stash to their “home base” corners.
4. The Grinch tries to steal gifts by tagging a player; if tagged, the player must put their gift back in the center basket before continuing.
5. When time is up, count gifts in each base; rotate who is Grinch and play another round.

25. Christmas Minute-to-Win-It Challenge Cards

This is the best “one game becomes many games” option and keeps older kids engaged. You can run it as stations or a quick tournament.

Supplies

• 1 set Christmas minute-to-win-it game cards
• 12 plastic cups
• 20 ping pong balls
• 40 mini candy canes
• 1 one-minute sand timer
• 1 small prize assortment

Directions

1. Pick 3–5 challenges from the challenge cards and set up stations using cups, ping pong balls, and mini candy canes.
2. Explain each station in one sentence and do a quick demo (kids learn faster when they see it).
3. Use a one-minute timer for each attempt.
4. Let kids rotate every minute or every two minutes, depending on your group.
5. Track wins with simple tally marks and hand out prizes from a prize assortment at the end.

FAQ

How many games should I plan for a 1–2 hour kids Christmas party?

Aim for 4–6 games total, with a mix of high-energy and calm options so the party doesn’t feel like constant running. A quick setup toolkit like masking tape and a timer makes it easier to transition and keep the pace moving.

What are the best games for younger kids (ages 3–6)?

Choose games with simple rules and short turns like Santa Says, Snowman Bowling, and Sticker Sprint. Using easy rewards like Christmas stickers helps little ones stay motivated without needing “winners” every time.

How do I keep games from getting too competitive?

Skip eliminations and use “challenge yourself” scoring where kids try to beat their own best score. Small prizes like mini party prizes can be given for teamwork, kindness, and funniest moments instead of only “first place.”

What supplies are worth buying once and reusing every year?

Reusable basics like a speaker, ring toss rings, and bowling pins can power multiple party themes, not just Christmas.

How can I run games if I’m hosting alone and need them to be easy to manage?

Station games are your best friend because kids rotate while you stand in one spot to explain and cheer. Try Bingo, Pictionary, or a Minute-to-Win-It station set using a one-minute timer so everything runs on autopilot.

Conclusion

A handful of simple games can turn a kid Christmas party into a memory-maker—without you feeling like an exhausted elf by the end of it. Keeping a small “host kit” on hand with masking tape and little prizes makes it so much easier to pivot when you need a quick activity.

Mix one listening game, one relay, one calmer table game, and one silly group game and you’ll have a balanced party flow. A reliable timer helps keep everything moving in short rounds so kids stay engaged instead of drifting off.

Most importantly, keep the rules friendly and celebrate creativity—those are the moments kids remember most. And if you want easy “everyone wins” vibes, finish with stickers or tiny treats like Christmas stickers so every child leaves feeling proud and included.