Christmas Games for Kids: Fun and Easy Ideas for the Festive Season
Christmas is a time of joy, family, and celebration. Kids especially love the holiday season, with all the presents, decorations, and festive atmosphere. One way to keep the little ones entertained during the holidays is by playing Christmas games, especially in the run up to Christmas when the anticipation of what’s to come can leave them restless. These games can be played with family and friends, or as part of a larger party.
In this post we’ll explore a range of Christmas games and activities suitable for all age groups.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Christmas Games
It’s always important to choose Christmas games and activities for kids that are age-appropriate. Games that are too complex or difficult can lead to frustration and boredom, while games that are too simple may not hold the attention of older children. Here are some suggestions for games that are suitable for different age groups:
Games for Toddlers
Toddlers love games that involve movement, music, and bright colours. Simple games like “Santa Says” (a Christmas version of “Simon Says”) or “Pin the Nose on Rudolph” are great options. Toddlers also enjoy sensory games like “Guess the Christmas Object,” where they have to identify objects by touch alone.
Games for Pre-Schoolers
Pre-schoolers are more developed in their motor skills and cognitive abilities, so they can handle games that are a bit more complex. Games like “Christmas Charades” or “Christmas Bingo” are fun options. Pre-schoolers also enjoy craft activities, so consider setting up a station where they can make their own Christmas ornaments or decorations.
Games for School-Aged Kids
School-aged children are ready for more challenging games that involve strategy and problem-solving. “Christmas Scavenger Hunt” or “Christmas Trivia” are great options. They also enjoy games that involve physical activity, like “Christmas Obstacle Course” or “Snowball Toss.”
Remember to keep in mind the age range of the children attending the party when selecting games. It’s also a good idea to have a mix of games that involve different types of activities, such as crafts, physical activity, and mental challenges. This way, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Indoor Christmas Games
During the holiday season, children are often stuck indoors due to the cold weather. To keep them entertained, parents can organize fun indoor Christmas games. These games can be craft-based, educational, or interactive.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Children love treasure hunts and our 16 clue indoor Christmas scavenger hunt will keep kids busy. Simply follow the included instructions to hide the clues around the home in common places, such as a coat pocket or a sink. A prize of your own choosing can be awarded for finding the final clue!
Available to download and print instantly, this set also comes with a blank set of templates should you wish to amend any clues or write your own.
Craft-Based Games
Craft-based games are perfect for children who enjoy creating things. Parents can organize Christmas-themed craft games such as making ornaments, decorating Christmas stockings, or creating paper snowflakes. These games not only keep children entertained but also help them develop their creativity and fine motor skills.
Make Christmas Cootie Catchers
Whether you call them cootie catchers, fortune tellers or chatterboxes, you may remember making these paper folding games as a child. Our ready made Christmas cootie catcher bundle contains several Christmas themed examples, as well as a blank template to add in your own fortunes.
These also make great place setting decorations or party favors.
Educational Games
Educational games are a great way to keep children entertained while also helping them learn. Parents can organize educational Christmas games such as Christmas-themed word searches, crossword puzzles, or memory games such as those found in our kid’s Christmas activity bundle. With over 20 pages including wordsearches, mazes and some bonus coloring pages, there are plenty of activities to keep little ones busy.
As well as solo activities, included in the bundle are some activities that can be played as a game:
Roll A Snowman
This classic game just requires a dice. Players take it in turns to roll the dice and draw the corresponding body part of the snowman. If they roll a number they’ve already used, play moves to the next player. The first person to complete their snowman is the winner.
Roll A Christmas Story
This one is great for encouraging creative writing and imagination. Using the roll a story template provided, the player or players roll a dice. The corresponding numbers on the grid will choose their setting, character, consequence and other story elements.
Children then use their chosen element to write a Christmas story!
To make the game more challenging, you can set a theme or word limit for each sentence. You can also have players draw pictures to accompany the story or act out the story once it’s complete.
Family Christmas Games
You can check out our post on Family Christmas Games for lots of inspiration for party games suitable for families, or check out our family Christmas game bundle containing 13 family friendly games.
Outdoor Christmas Games
When it comes to Christmas games, outdoor activities can be a great way to get kids moving, having fun and enjoying the fresh air. Here are some outdoor Christmas games that are sure to keep the kids entertained.
Snow-Based Games
If you live in an area where it snows, then snow-based games can be a great way to get kids outside and enjoying the winter weather. Here are some ideas:
- Snowman competition: Divide the kids into teams and have them compete to see who can build the best snowman. Provide them with accessories like hats, scarves, and carrots for the noses.
- Snowball fight: Divide the kids into teams and have them build forts out of snow. Then, let the snowball fight begin!
- Snow angels: Have the kids lay down in the snow and move their arms and legs to create snow angels. You can even have a contest to see who can make the best one.
Outdoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Our Christmas outdoor scavenger hunt contains 16 clues and just like our indoor scavenger hunt isquick and easy to set up. Simply follow the included instructions to hide the clues around the garden or outdoor space in common places, such as under a stone or on a step. A prize of your own choosing can be awarded for finding the final clue!
Overall, outdoor Christmas games can be a great way to get kids excited about the holiday season while also getting some exercise and fresh air.
Which Christmas games are your favourite?
In conclusion, Christmas games for kids are an excellent way to add fun, excitement, and a sense of togetherness to the holiday season. Whether played indoors or outdoors, these games create memorable experiences and foster joy and laughter among children.
Overall, Christmas games for kids provide a fun and engaging way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. By incorporating these games into your holiday festivities, you can create lasting memories and bring joy to the children in your life.
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About The Author
Melissa is an Educational Consultant in the UK with over 25 years teaching experience. Through her expertise in creating educational resources for children she opened her Etsy shop, Gin&Gemini, in 2022 and quickly expanded her offering into the party planning niche, offering a range of physical and digital products for children’s parties, family celebrations, holidays and the bachelorette / hen party niche. She lives on a farm with her husband, young daughter and cats.
