Looking for some good Christmas games for kids? You’ve come to the right place. This list of games and activities to entertain kids at a holiday party is perfection. With ideas for all kid ages, these games are sure to make your Christmas party fun for kids.
How do you entertain kids at a holiday party?
It might seem easy: it’s a party! Kids love parties.
But it’s not quite that cut and dry.
Parties can be overwhelming, awkward, a sensory overload, and confusing for kids, especially for kids who don’t live at the “host-house.” Instead of hoping kids just “figure it out” at a party: be proactive.
Try setting up some Christmas games for kids.
RELATED: Are you a crafty person? This list of homemade Christmas ornaments by kids is also a great holiday party option.
Why set up Christmas games for kids?
Let’s be really clear about my thesis: these ideas are meant to help kids acclimate, find play, and be comfortable at a holiday party.
These are not: to make you stressed out, worried about being Pinterest perfect, or spend hours in party prep.
I chose activities that my family loves and/or that I know are quick prep times (with high kid fun pay off). The goal (again) being is to help kids enjoy a holiday party. Nothing pulls down the holiday joy more than bored kids hanging off of parents.
RELATED: Looking for some general Christmas activities to set up at your house? Try this list of great ones!
Tip on Christmas parties with kids
Remember that Christmas parties are overwhelming for adults. Imagine how that feels for a child.
Having some games or activity stations can bring a sense of comfort and channel energy. This list of Christmas games for kids features a mix of games and stations (stations being simple set-ups that kids can bounce back and forth to).
And when all else fails, toss on a Christmas movie. Yes, you read that right.
RELATED: Having a great collection of Christmas books for kids is another great way to help kids through a holiday party. Check out my list!
Jump to – Best Christmas Games for Kids
Snowman Slam
A simple game day set up: cups decorated like snowmen and “snow balls” to knock them down. This easy bowling-esque game is perfect for multi-age holiday parties.
Christmas Ornament Hunt
Fantastic idea and step by step instructions on how to create a personalized Christmas ornament hunt. Take photos on your phone, toss them into an easy-to-use template, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt.
10′ Coloring Banner
10/10. Roll out this larger than life art project for an engaging set-up that hooks everyone from toddlers to big kids to aunts and uncles. Created by Friends Art Lab, a coloring banner is perfect for every holiday party. Small business alert: will need a few days to ship.
Jingle Bell Toss
One of the most iconic holiday party games: this is surprisingly easy to set-up (but not surprisingly, super fun for kids and adults). This is a fantastic Christmas game for kids that only take a few supplies to create.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
There is nothing my kids love more than a scavenger hunt. This is a FREE set of 12 cards in case you’re like me and need a little help creating a hunt!
Sticky Note Hide n’ Seek
This is simple to make before the holiday party: draw some Christmas themed icons on paper. Draw those again on sticky notes (I made 4 sticky notes for each icon). Hide these around the house. The best part: this works for toddlers to big kids, and the kids will hide them for each other.
Snowman Station
Stations are a great option during parties – and a fun way for kids to play and have something to do without stopping the party to explain directions. This build a snowman station is the perfect example of a holiday craft that’s great for holiday parties.
Christmas Minute to Win it
Remember this show? Well these “kind” of games are perfection for Christmas parties. Fun for all ages, this free printable will help you organize a memorable party with everyone able to participate and make memories.
Christmas Tic Tac Toe
Oh this is so good! Tic Tac Toe – the great equalizer of kid games. The “tokens” for this set-up are painted rocks. How simple is that? Imagine how fun this would be to leave out at your holiday party. It would get so much use!
Play Dough Christmas Tree Stations
Another great “station” for your Christmas party: green play dough, tree cookie cutters, and decorations. No need to stop the party vibe to have people play a game when you have fun stations for kids to bounce back and forth too.
Christmas I-Spy Printable
Set this on the kid’s table while dinner is being served, and to entertain kids while they wait. This free printable will give kids a quick activity and some fun during one of the longer parts of the festivities.
Roll and Build A Snowman
Part station, part game: kids will have a ball creating their snowmen using this fun activity sheet. This is a great Christmas game for kids – especially young kids.
Christmas BINGO
A free printable: this game is designed for up to 10 players with 10 unique game boards in the free pack. What a perfect addition to a Christmas party (and consider having a big kid lead this for a great of little ones).
Frequently Asked Questions
My best advice: have a few games or stations set up ahead of the party start time. Let kids move freely from space to space to find what they want to play with. These games and activity stations can help focus kid energy. During “down times” like meals, toss some activity printables onto the kid’s table to help keep kids busy.
Of course not! This is a list of suggestions. If your house is kid-friendly and ready for kid-play at Christmas, no worries! If you have limited toys and a large age group of kids, games and activities may be a good fit.
If you’re looking for some inexpensive ideas as “prizes” or small gifts for kids (but that aren’t junk or candy), check out my list of stocking stuffers. This list doubles as a great list cheap but awesome toys kids will actually use.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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