Cozy Indoor Christmas Party Games

Hi, I’m Emma, and I absolutely love bringing people together through fun and laughter—especially during the holidays! That’s why I’m so excited to share my favorite Indoor Christmas Party Games with you. Whether the weather outside is frightful or you’re just looking for cozy ways to entertain indoors, these games are a perfect way to spark joy, laughter, and meaningful connections

Indoor Christmas Party Games

Indoor Christmas Party Games are a fun way to bring holiday cheer, laughter, and connection to your festive gatherings. Perfect for kids, adults, or mixed-age groups, these games keep the celebration lively and warm indoors.

Christmas Charades

 

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Honestly, this is one of those games I never get tired of, even after playing it for years. I remember hosting a cozy indoor party with just a few close friends and family last Christmas, and Christmas Charades totally stole the show. Someone tried to act out “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and I swear, we were all in tears from laughing so hard. If you’ve never played it, it’s just regular charades but with holiday-themed prompts. Super simple.

You can prep slips of paper with things like “building a snowman,” “drinking hot cocoa,” or “wrapping presents.” Split into teams, set a timer, and let the madness begin. I like using a cute little stocking to draw the slips from—it adds a fun festive touch. In my opinion, it’s perfect for mixed age groups. Kids, teens, adults—everyone joins in, and it’s the kind of laughter that lingers long after the party ends.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph

This game never fails with the younger crowd, but honestly, adults end up joining in after a glass of mulled wine too! I once made my own Rudolph poster using kraft paper and a red pom-pom for the nose, and it turned out surprisingly cute. The kids were squealing with laughter as they stumbled around blindfolded, trying to stick the nose somewhere near Rudolph’s face. Spoiler: it rarely lands in the right place!

To play, hang up your Rudolph poster, blindfold the player, spin them gently (don’t overdo it—lesson learned after my cousin nearly toppled into the tree), and hand them the nose with some tape. That’s it. It’s silly, easy, and weirdly competitive. I always keep little treats for anyone who lands the nose closest to the real spot. It’s just one of those low-effort, high-reward games that fills your space with holiday giggles.

Holiday Bingo

Holiday Bingo is my go-to for winding down the party while still keeping the festive energy alive. I’ve created custom bingo cards with everything from “snowman” to “gingerbread house”—you can even toss in some family-specific traditions to make it more personal. Last year, my aunt kept yelling “Bingo!” just to mess with us. We all caught on eventually, but it was hilarious while it lasted.

You can print free templates online or make your own with stickers and a ruler. Just grab some M&Ms, buttons, or tiny candy canes as markers. What I love most is that this game is calm yet interactive—it keeps everyone engaged without demanding too much energy. I usually play soft instrumental Christmas music in the background while we play. It’s perfect for when people are snacking or sipping hot chocolate. A simple game, but it really pulls everyone together.

Christmas Pictionary

Okay, if your group loves a little creative chaos like mine does, Christmas Pictionary is a must. I still laugh remembering the time my brother tried to draw “Elf on the Shelf” and it ended up looking like a sock with legs. It’s all about guessing holiday-themed drawings under pressure, and the bad drawings make it way more fun.

You just need a whiteboard or large notepad, some markers, and a timer. Make a list of words or phrases like “snowball fight” or “Santa stuck in a chimney,” and let the fun unfold. I like pairing younger kids with adults so everyone gets a fair shot. The best part is how competitive it gets—and how completely ridiculous the guesses can be. Honestly, it’s always the unexpected masterpieces and total fails that become the night’s inside jokes.

Snowball Toss

This one is so simple, yet so fun—and it brings out everyone’s inner kid. I made little “snowballs” using rolled-up white socks (clean, obviously!) and had people toss them into festive buckets. You can make it a relay, or set different point values for each target. It’s up to you.

I usually set this up near the tree, and somehow it turns into a full-blown competition every single time. One year, we added a twist where you had to toss with your non-dominant hand, and wow—hilarious chaos. Honestly, what I love most is that this game gets people moving without needing a ton of space or effort. Plus, the soft snowballs mean it’s toddler-friendly too. Just don’t underestimate how serious some folks get about scoring the most points!

Santa Says

So this is basically Simon Says, but festive—and it gets way sillier than you’d expect. I played this with a mix of kids and adults one year, and the grown-ups kept messing up more than the kids! I was the one shouting “Santa says touch your nose!” and then sneaking in a “clap your hands!” without the Santa part. It’s a sneaky way to create tons of laughs.

All you need is one person playing “Santa” (you can even use a Santa hat for effect) and everyone else follows their instructions—but only if they say “Santa says” first. Anyone who messes up is out. In my opinion, this is one of the easiest games to get everyone up and active, especially if energy is dipping post-dinner. Plus, it’s a perfect icebreaker for guests who don’t know each other well.

Elf on the Shelf Hide & Seek

This is one of those games that gets surprisingly intense—especially with little kids. I’ve hidden the Elf in the most ridiculous places (like inside a cereal box or hanging from a chandelier), and the kids go absolutely wild searching for it. You can play this throughout the entire party as a background activity.

Just hide your Elf (or even a small stuffed toy if you don’t have one), and give hints as needed. The first person to find it gets a small prize—or the honor of hiding it next. What I’ve found is that kids love the sneaky detective work, while adults get to take a breather or cheer them on. It’s simple, engaging, and keeps the little ones entertained while grown-ups catch up over dessert.

Candy Cane Fishing

 

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Candy Cane Fishing might sound tricky, but it’s actually super easy—and oddly addictive. I had this set up one year as a “kid-only” station, but guess what? The adults ended up playing more than the kids. You just tie a string to a candy cane and try to hook other candy canes from a bowl. No hands allowed!

Use a plastic bowl and pile up candy canes in different directions. You’ll be amazed at how focused everyone gets. We turned it into a timed challenge—who can fish out the most candy canes in 30 seconds? The competitive spirit really kicks in! It’s such a simple setup, but honestly, one of the most memorable parts of our holiday game night.

Christmas Movie Trivia

This one always gets people talking, especially the movie buffs in the group. I once had someone argue for five full minutes about whether a certain quote was from Elf or Home Alone. Hilarious. I prepare trivia cards ahead of time with quotes, character names, or scenes and divide the group into teams.

It’s perfect after dinner when everyone is lounging with full bellies and maybe a drink in hand. What I love is how it sparks little side conversations like “Remember that scene where…” and suddenly we’re all quoting movies from our childhood. You can find trivia questions online, or make your own based on your favorite holiday flicks. Honestly, it’s a great way to relive those feel-good movie moments.

Gift Wrapping Relay

I thought this one would be a disaster the first time I tried it—but it was absolute chaos in the best way. Picture this: two teams racing to wrap oddly shaped gifts using one hand each. The laughter? Non-stop. We used items like stuffed toys, tennis balls, even a whisk once!

All you need is some wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and a few weird-shaped objects. Set a timer and let the wrapping madness begin. I’ve found it works best when you pair people into teams of two, and only give them 90 seconds. It’s funny, fast, and full of holiday spirit. And hey, even if the wrapping jobs are terrible, they still make great photos.

Saran Wrap Ball Game

I’m obsessed with this game—no lie. You make a huge ball out of saran wrap with little prizes and candy tucked between the layers. The player has to unravel it while the person next to them rolls dice. Once they roll doubles, the ball passes to them.

It gets intense. People are frantically ripping plastic while everyone’s screaming, “Roll faster!” I’ve added scratch cards, mini ornaments, and chocolates in mine. It’s chaotic in the best way, and honestly, people talk about it for weeks after. It’s a bit of work to prep, but totally worth it for the laughter and excitement.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

This is my go-to for getting everyone moving, especially if the party has gone a bit too couch-heavy. I hide little Christmas items (like mini wreaths, candy canes, ornaments) around the house and hand out a list. The catch? They have to find them in teams.

One year, someone mistook a real cinnamon stick for one of the clues and tried to hide it in their pocket—it broke in half and scented the whole room! In my opinion, this game is awesome because it mixes movement, strategy, and a little friendly competition. Plus, it’s super flexible. You can make it easy for kids or tricky for adults. Just add a prize at the end to really motivate them.

Build a Snowman with Toilet Paper

I was skeptical about this one until I tried it—and now it’s a party staple. You split into teams, and each team wraps someone up with toilet paper to look like a snowman. Then, they add accessories like scarves, hats, or construction paper buttons.

It’s messy, loud, and ridiculously fun. One year, my cousin slipped and ended up looking like a snow blob instead of a snowman. We couldn’t stop laughing. The best part is seeing how creative people get. Just make sure to have extra rolls on hand (you’ll definitely need them). In my opinion, it’s the perfect combo of hands-on fun and silly competition.

Ornament Crafting Challenge

This one’s for the crafty souls in your group—or those who just like an excuse to use glitter. I set up a table with clear ornaments, paint pens, ribbon, stickers, and fake snow. The challenge? Decorate the most unique ornament in 10 minutes.

What surprised me was how into it everyone got. Even the “non-artsy” folks were totally focused. I’ve kept some of those ornaments over the years, and they still bring back great memories. This game doubles as a keepsake station and gives people a quiet moment to get creative. Honestly, I think every party needs at least one chill station like this.

Ugly Sweater Fashion Show

You’d think people would be shy about this—but nope. One year, my uncle came dressed in a sweater that lit up AND played Christmas music. It was iconic. We clear a little runway (living room space works fine) and let people strut their stuff while someone plays DJ.

You can have prizes for categories like “Funniest,” “Most Bedazzled,” or “Most DIY.” People love a chance to show off and be silly. I always encourage folks to ham it up—strike a pose, twirl, act like a model. In my opinion, this is the best way to end the night. Big laughs, big energy, and photos you’ll cherish forever.

Tips for Hosting Indoor Christmas Games

Hosting Indoor Christmas Party Games can be just as joyful as playing them! With a little planning, you can create a fun-filled atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged—from toddlers to grandparents. Here are a few helpful tips to make your holiday game night festive, smooth, and memorable:

• Choose age-appropriate and space-friendly games
  Pick games that suit the age group of your guests and the amount of space you have. Simple activities work great for kids, while trivia or charades might be better for teens and adults.

• Prepare simple prizes or treats for winners
  Everyone loves a little reward! Small goodies like candy canes, hot chocolate packs, or festive trinkets can make the games more exciting and give guests something fun to take home.

• Keep the festive energy with music and décor
  Background Christmas music, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed decorations help set a cheerful tone and keep the energy high throughout the games.

• Balance active vs. calm games for variety
  Mix fast-paced games with quieter ones to keep the mood upbeat without overwhelming your guests. It’s a great way to include everyone, no matter their energy level or age.

FAQ

What are some easy Indoor Christmas Party Games for small spaces?

Great options for small spaces include Christmas Charades, Holiday Bingo, Ornament Memory Game, and Santa Says. These games require minimal movement and can be played seated.

Can these games be played with both kids and adults?

Yes! Most Indoor Christmas Party Games are adaptable for all ages. You can simplify rules for younger kids and make them more challenging for adults to keep everyone engaged.

How long should each game last?

Each game can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the group size and interest. Keep the schedule flexible so everyone stays entertained without feeling rushed.

Do I need special supplies for these games?

Many games use common household or holiday items like cotton balls, candy canes, wrapping paper, or printable game cards. A little creativity goes a long way!