25 Minute-to-Win-It Christmas Games

If you're looking to add energy and laughter to your holiday party, these 25 Minute-to-Win-It Christmas games offer the perfect solution.

You'll find quick, one-minute challenges that test your dexterity, teamwork, and creativity. These are all ideal for groups of any age.

Picture balancing ornaments, racing with sleigh bells, or stacking cookies under pressure.

Ready to see how these festive games can transform your next gathering into an unforgettable celebration?

Ornament Relay

An Ornament Relay brings festive excitement and friendly competition to your holiday gathering.

You’ll race to transport delicate ornaments from one side of the room to the other, mastering balance techniques like carrying ornaments on a spoon or atop your head.

Try relay variations, add obstacles, require hopping, or use different ornament shapes to increase the challenge.

It’s a fast-paced, laughter-filled game everyone will remember!

Jingle Bell Shake

Shake up your holiday party with the Jingle Bell Shake, a high-energy game that gets everyone moving and laughing.

Attach a box filled with jingle bells to your waist, then use creative Bell Techniques, try twisting, bouncing, and hopping. This is a fun way to shake out as many bells as possible in one minute.

Snowball Toss

Ready for some frosty fun?

The snowball toss brings winter tradition indoors with a competitive twist.

Test your aim while learning a bit about snowball history and keeping outdoor safety in mind!

Here’s how you play:

1. Set up buckets or targets at varying distances.
2. Toss “snowballs” (cotton balls or soft items) into them.
3. Score points for each successful toss!

Let the snowy showdown begin!

Christmas Cookie Face

A cookie and a dash of laughter turn Christmas Cookie Face into a must-try holiday challenge.

You'll place a cookie on your forehead, then without using your hands use clever facial techniques to guide it into your mouth.

This game not only sparks joy but also celebrates cookie history, as everyone roots for their favorite treat.

Precision, patience, and a steady face make this game unforgettable!

Candy Cane Hook

With a pile of candy canes and a dash of friendly competition, candy cane hook brings festive fun to your holiday gathering.

You’ll race to hook and transfer as many canes as possible—no hands allowed!

Remember these essentials:

1. Learn a bit about Cane Origins for trivia fun.
2. Prioritize Hook Safety to avoid sharp candy edges.
3. Keep score for extra excitement!

Stack the Gifts

Gather a stack of empty gift boxes, three, five, or even ten. Challenge your friends to build the tallest tower in just sixty seconds.

You’ll need sharp balance strategies to prevent your tower from toppling, especially as the clock ticks down.

Try using different gift variations: lightweight, square, or oddly shaped boxes add a twist and test everyone’s stacking skills.

Ready, set, stack those gifts!

Reindeer Antler Ring Toss

Once you’ve conquered the gift-stacking challenge, it’s time for some festive fun with the reindeer antler ring toss.

This game’s roots lie in classic carnival tossing, but holiday mix ups add a merry twist.

Here’s how you play:

1. Choose your favorite antler hat design.
2. Stand at a set distance.
3. Toss rings onto the antlers—score points for every successful toss!

Holiday Cup Tower

A stack of colorful holiday cups transforms into your next exciting challenge with Holiday Cup Tower.

You’ll race to build the tallest, most stable tower in sixty seconds, so use smart stability techniques such as alternate cup direction and press gently for balance.

Christmas Ball Drop

With just one ornament and a bit of holiday spirit, Christmas Ball Drop challenges you to land small Christmas balls into narrow-necked jars in under a minute.

Inspired by classic ball drop origins, this game’s quick pace keeps everyone engaged.

Remember these essentials:

1. Use shatterproof ornaments.
2. Place jars on a stable surface.
3. Review safety precautions before you begin.

Let the fun begin!

Marshmallow Snowman Build

Stack marshmallows, chocolate chips, and pretzel sticks to craft an adorable snowman before the timer runs out.

Get creative with your snowman designs, maybe a three-tiered tower or a marshmallow hat!

Try different Marshmallows like mini or jumbo sizes, to challenge your stacking skills.

Precision matters, so balance each piece carefully.

See who builds the tallest, sturdiest snowman in just sixty seconds!

Christmas Wrapping Race

Once the supplies hit the table, everyone’s competitive spirit kicks into high gear...welcome to the Christmas wrapping race!

You’ll need quick hands and clever wrapping tips to win.

Focus on these essentials:

1. Select the right material choices like paper, ribbon, and tape.
2. Measure and cut with precision for speed and neatness.
3. Use double-sided tape for a flawless finish.

Ready, set, wrap!

Santa Beard Challenge

Get ready to release your inner Santa in the hilarious Santa Beard Challenge!

Channel the Beard Origins of St. Nick as you race to create the fluffiest Santa beard. Try using shaving cream and cotton balls before the timer’s up.

Get creative with costume ideas: add a red hat, glasses, or even a DIY suit.

Snap photos, judge the best beard, and let the laughter begin!

North Pole Pong

After showing off your best Santa impressions, it’s time to test your aim with North Pole Pong!

This festive game puts a frosty twist on the challenge.

Stick to the arctic rules:

1. Bounce “snowball” ping pong balls into cups.
2. Each cup represents a North Pole goal.
3. Score the most in sixty seconds to win!

Get ready for friendly competition!

Nutcracker Squeeze

A classic holiday character takes center stage in Nutcracker Squeeze, a game that puts your dexterity to the test.

Grab a nutcracker, channel the Nutcracker History, and see how many nuts you can crack in sixty seconds.

It’s a fast, festive challenge that’ll keep everyone engaged and laughing!

Stocking Stuffer Scramble

Stocking-stuffer chaos turns into pure holiday excitement with stocking stuffer scramble, a game where you’ll race to fill empty stockings with a mix of small gifts and quirky objects.

Try these fun twists:

1. Scramble Variations: Add blindfolds or set up obstacle courses.
2. Stuffer Ideas: Use candy canes, mini toys, or puzzle pieces.
3. Speed Challenge: Set a strict 60-second timer!

Gingerbread Man Hunt

Excitement fills the room as you launch into the Gingerbread Man Hunt, a fast-paced search that turns your home into a holiday adventure zone.

Hide gingerbread men throughout your space, challenging players to find them within a minute.

Try clues, riddles, or color-coded gingerbread men to keep everyone engaged and excited for the next round.

Peppermint Pickup

Gather your group for peppermint pickup, a lively test of dexterity and speed that transforms simple candies into a whirlwind holiday challenge.

Here’s how to play:

1. Use chopsticks to grab peppermints.
2. Race against the clock.
3. Compare your peppermint haul!

Present Unwrap Relay

Kick off the Present Unwrap Relay by fueling the room with anticipation and a stack of gift-wrapped surprises.

Divide everyone into teams.

Each player races to unwrap a present—remember, Unwrap Safety comes first!

Once unwrapped, guess the prize inside before tagging the next teammate.

The energy’s contagious, and everyone’s excited to see what’s hidden.

Tinsel Toss

A handful of sparkling tinsel and a dash of friendly competition turn “Tinsel Toss” into a holiday highlight.

Here’s how to play:

1. Set up hoops or bowls as targets.
2. Toss tinsel from a distance.
3. Score points for accuracy!

Holiday Hat Stack

Stacking holiday hats might sound simple, but this festive challenge quickly turns into a giggle-filled race against the clock.

You’ll need to stack as many hats as possible on your head within sixty seconds.

Choose sturdy hat designs—Santa, elf, or snowman hats work great.

Use creative balance strategies: tilt your head, steady your hands, and carefully align each hat to maximize your stack!

Snowflake Blow

Test your lung power and steady hands with Snowflake Blow, a fast-paced game that turns ordinary cotton balls into fluttering snowflakes. Jump into the fun by learning about:

1. Snowflake origins—transforming cotton balls into playful snowflakes.
2. Blowing techniques—try short puffs versus steady streams to move your “snowflakes.”
3. The ultimate challenge—race to blow each snowflake across the table without using your hands!

Jingle Bell Transfer

After mastering the art of snowflake blowing, get ready to put your coordination to the test with Jingle Bell Transfer.

Race to move as many jingle bells as you can from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Remember, no hands allowed!

Christmas Card Tower

Ready for a challenge that demands nimble fingers and a steady hand?

The Christmas card tower game tests your stacking skills with festive flair.

Here’s how to make it unforgettable:

1. Choose your material: glossy, matte, or recycled cards—material choices matter.
2. Experiment with design ideas: classic pyramid, circular base, or creative shapes.
3. Race the clock—build the tallest, sturdiest tower in under a minute!

Sleigh Bell Spoon Race

Jingle bells and laughter fill the room as you plunge into the Sleigh Bell Spoon Race, a fast-paced game that challenges your balance and focus.

Grip a spoon, balance a jingle bell on top, and race across the room without dropping it!

It’s festive, competitive, and guaranteed fun!

Christmas Carol Charades

Christmas Carol Charades brings everyone together for a hilarious, musical twist on the classic guessing game.

You'll act out holiday favorites while teammates guess the tune.

For a memorable round, try:

1. Hum only—no acting!
2. Act out the song’s origin story.
3. Use props for extra flair.

Let the festive guessing begin!

Final Thoughts

With these 25 minute-to-win-it Christmas games, you’ve got everything you need to fill your holiday gathering with energy, laughter, and friendly competition.

Just grab your supplies, gather your friends and family, and jump into the festive fun.

Whether you’re stacking cards, shaking jingle bells, or racing with ornaments, you’ll create memories that last long after the holidays.

Start the games and watch everyone’s holiday spirit soar! Let the Christmas cheer begin!