How do you entertain the kids at a holiday bash? This list of Christmas party ideas for families covers all kinds of crafts and games!
10 Christmas Party Ideas for Families
Updated Dec. 19, 2022
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So you agreed to play host for the holidays—and now panic has set in. How do I host a family Christmas party, anyway? What are some good Christmas games to play? How do I keep kids entertained all night? Breathe easy. We’ve got fun ideas for your whole crew.
Also check out these Christmas gifts your teen will actually use.
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Make Crafty Christmas Ornaments
Family parties are best when you can all get creative together. Gather supplies to make Christmas ornaments, then invite everyone over for an ornament crafting bonanza. Fill glass balls with glitter or pompoms, cut out felt shapes, create ice marbles or make edible ornaments.
These are the best Christmas snacks to buy to keep everyone’s energy up!
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Play This Pass the Present Game
Everyone sits in a circle holding a gift they brought. The host reads a Christmas-themed story that frequently uses words like “left” and “right.” Each time you hear the prompt, pass your present in that direction. Read quickly. As everyone tries to keep up, hilarity ensues!
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Decorate Christmas Cookies Together
A cookie decorating party is always a winner. Bake and cool sugar cookies before the party, using this never-fail Christmas cutout cookies recipe. Then set up a variety of icing, sprinkles and candies. Kids go crazy for this activity and everyone goes home with treats.
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Play “Minute to Win It” Games
Ready for some Christmas chuckles? Host a Christmas-themed Minute to Win It party for a guaranteed hilarious time. Split into teams and compete in 60-second silly challenges.
One favorite is Snow Shovel: Fill one bowl with 15 marshmallows. Players must transfer all the marshmallows from one bowl to the other using only a plastic spoon in their mouth.
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Exchange White Elephant Gifts
The classic white elephant Christmas game is a definite crowd-pleaser. Everyone contributes a goofy wrapped gift to the pile. Numbers are drawn to determine who goes first. Number one opens a present, then each player following chooses from the pile or steals another’s gift.
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Decorate a Gingerbread House
Before the party, make a simple gingerbread house (here’s an easy gingerbread house template) for each guest, attaching it to a plate. Then let family members go wild decorating with icing and candies. For added inspiration, give out silly award certificates at the end like “Best Use of Gumdrops.”
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Host a Favorite Things Party
This is based on Oprah’s wildly popular Favorite Things Christmas giveaway episodes. Everyone thinks of a small item they love, like a favorite kitchen tool. Partygoers bring three of that item and draw names to see who gets the gift. Each guest describes why it’s one of their favorite things. Find more festive Christmas party themes.
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Wear Your Christmas Pajamas
You can keep your sweatpants on for this party! Everyone wears their Christmas pajamas and brings a snack to share. The party is simple: eating, chatting and watching Christmas movies on Netflix. It’s a great low-stress party to host during the busy holiday season.
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Make a Giant Plastic Wrap Ball
Both kids and adults love this fast-paced game. First, make a plastic wrap ball full of gifts. Start with the most valuable prize for the middle of the ball, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then just keep wrapping; adding gifts as you go along. Think small toys, gift cards, candy and Christmas socks.
One guest starts with the huge ball of gifts, and starts to unwrap the plastic as fast as they can, taking whatever gifts fall out; meanwhile, the person to left is rolling two dice, trying to get doubles. As soon as they roll a double the ball is passed, the next person gets the dice and the frantic unwrapping continues. It’s a saran wrap Christmas game that’s fun for the whole family.
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Have a Snowball Fight
If you have a white Christmas, let the kids get their wiggles out with a snowball fight. In a warmer climate? You can have an indoor fight using marshmallows, pompoms or store-bought fake snowballs. Just make sure they’re far away from breakables!
Originally Published: December 04, 2019
