20 Christmas Party Games for Small Groups vs. Big Family Gatherings

Snacks? Check. Twinkle lights? Check. A plan for when the conversation hits a lull? That's where Christmas party games come in.

The trick is matching the game to the crowd. A game that's a blast with four friends on the couch can fall flat with 25 relatives. And a big, loud group game can feel like a lot in a small living room. So we split this list in two: 10 Christmas party games for small groups and 10 for big family gatherings. Pick a few, grab the supplies, and let the fun begin.

Small Group vs. Big Group Christmas Party Games: What's the Difference?

Small group games work best with about 2 to 8 players. They lean on conversation, inside jokes, and a little friendly competition. Big group games are built for 10 or more people. They use teams, simple rules, and plenty of movement, so nobody's left standing around waiting for a turn.

Not sure which way to go? Count your RSVPs, then look at your space. A cozy apartment might call for a small group game even with a bigger crowd, as long as you split into teams. For more ways to plan the night, check out these holiday party ideas.

10 Christmas Party Games for Small Groups

These games are perfect for a friends' night in, a couples' get-together, or a quiet evening with close family. Most need little more than paper, pens, and a good sense of humor.

1. Christmas Movie Trivia

Write 20 questions about holiday classics, from animated favorites to the movies your family quotes every year. Read them aloud and keep score. The winner picks the next movie to watch.

• Players: 2 to 8  
• You'll need: A list of questions, paper, and pens  
• Time: About 20 minutes

2. Christmas Pictionary

Write holiday words on slips of paper, like reindeer, chimney, or fruitcake. Players take turns drawing while everyone else guesses. It gets funny fast when someone tries to draw a partridge in a pear tree.

• Players: 4 to 8  
• You'll need: Paper or a whiteboard, markers, and a timer  
• Time: About 30 minutes

3. Two Truths and a Lie: Holiday Edition

Each person shares three holiday stories about themselves, and one of them is made up. Everyone else guesses the fib. It's a great way to learn something new about people you thought you knew.

• Players: 3 to 8  
• You'll need: Nothing at all  
• Time: About 15 minutes

4. Hum That Carol

One player hums a Christmas song with no words allowed. The first person to name it gets a point. Bonus points go to anyone who can sing the second verse.

• Players: 3 to 8  
• You'll need: A list of songs to pull from  
• Time: About 15 minutes

5. Christmas Would You Rather

Take turns asking holiday dilemmas, like "Would you rather wrap every gift in the house or untangle every string of lights?" Everyone answers and explains why. There are no wrong answers, just strong opinions.

• Players: 2 to 8  
• You'll need: A list of questions 
• Time: About 15 minutes

6. Gingerbread House Showdown

Give each player or pair a gingerbread kit and set a timer. When time's up, everyone votes for the best house. Expect some creative engineering and at least one roof collapse.

• Players: 2 to 8  
• You'll need: Gingerbread kits, extra candy, and a timer  
• Time: About 45 minutes

7. Blindfolded Snowman Drawing

Blindfold each player and have them draw a snowman while someone calls out the parts: body, hat, scarf, carrot nose. Then take off the blindfolds and admire the masterpieces.

• Players: 3 to 8  
• You'll need: Blindfolds, paper, and pens  
• Time: About 10 minutes

8. Christmas Scattergories

Pick a letter and read out holiday categories, like "things on a tree" or "Christmas movie characters." Players have one minute to write an answer for each. Unique answers score a point.

• Players: 3 to 8  
• You'll need: Paper, pens, and a timer  
• Time: About 20 minutes

9. Who Am I? Holiday Characters

Tape a holiday character's name to each player's back or forehead without letting them see it. Players ask yes-or-no questions until they figure out who they are. Santa, the Grinch, and Frosty are all fair game.

• Players: 4 to 8  
• You'll need: Sticky notes and a marker  
• Time: About 20 minutes

10. Christmas Story Chain

One person starts a holiday story with a single sentence. Each player adds the next line. The story usually goes off the rails in the best way, so consider recording it for next year.

• Players: 3 to 8  
• You'll need: Nothing at all  
• Time: About 10 minutes

10 Christmas Party Games for Big Family Gatherings

When the whole family shows up, you need games that get everyone involved at once. These big group Christmas party games use teams, quick rounds, and simple rules so grandparents and grandkids can play side by side.

1. White Elephant Gift Exchange

Everyone brings a wrapped gift under a set price. Players draw numbers, then take turns opening a new gift or stealing one that's already open. It's part game, part holiday tradition, and all drama.

• Players: 8 to 30  
• You'll need: A wrapped gift from each guest and numbered slips  
• Time: About 45 minutes

2. Christmas Family Feud

Split into two teams and ask survey-style questions, like "Name something you'd find in a stocking." Survey your guests ahead of time for the answers. The team with the most points wins bragging rights until next year.

• Players: 10 to 30  
• You'll need: A list of questions and answers, and a bell or buzzer  
• Time: About 30 minutes

3. Candy Cane Minute to Win It

Players hold a candy cane in their mouth and try to hook as many candy canes off a table as they can in one minute. No hands allowed. It's silly, loud, and great for all ages.

• Players: 10 or more  
• You'll need: A box of candy canes and a timer  
• Time: About 20 minutes

4. Ugly Sweater Contest

Ask everyone to show up in their tackiest holiday sweater. Hold a quick runway show, then vote by applause. Hand out small prizes for categories like "most sparkle" or "best homemade."

• Players: 10 or more  
• You'll need: Sweaters and a few small prizes  
• Time: About 20 minutes

5. Wrap the Snowman

Split into teams and pick one "snowman" per team. Everyone else races to wrap them in toilet paper from head to toe. Add a scarf and a hat for the finishing touch.

• Players: 10 to 30  
• You'll need: Toilet paper, scarves, and hats  
• Time: About 10 minutes

6. Left Right Christmas Story

Everyone sits in a circle with a few wrapped gifts. As someone reads a holiday story, players pass the gifts left or right every time they hear those words. Whoever's holding a gift at the end keeps it.

• Players: 10 to 25  
• You'll need: A left-right story and a few small wrapped gifts  
• Time: About 15 minutes

7. Christmas Bingo

Hand out bingo cards with holiday pictures or words, then call them out one by one. It's easy to explain, and even the littlest guests can play. Keep small prizes on hand for each winner.

• Players: 10 or more  
• You'll need: Printable bingo cards, markers, and prizes  
• Time: About 30 minutes

8. Christmas Carol Karaoke Battle

Split into teams and take turns performing holiday songs. A panel of judges scores each round on enthusiasm, not talent. This one works best once everyone's had a few cookies.

• Players: 10 or more  
• You'll need: A speaker, lyrics on a phone or TV, and a microphone if you have one  
• Time: About 30 minutes

9. Reindeer Ring Toss

Have one player wear an inflatable antler headband while teammates toss rings onto the antlers. The team with the most rings in one minute wins.

• Players: 10 to 30  
• You'll need: An inflatable antler ring toss set  
• Time: About 15 minutes

10. Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Hide holiday items around the house or yard and hand out clue lists to each team. The first team to find everything wins. Kids love leading the charge on this one.

• Players: 10 or more  
• You'll need: Clue lists and small items to hide  
• Time: About 30 minutes

Planning to host the whole crew this year? A seasonal storage unit gives you a place to stash the everyday furniture and clutter so there's room for everyone to play.

Tips for Hosting a Christmas Game Night

A little prep goes a long way on game night. Set up the space, gather your supplies, and keep things moving so guests stay in the holiday spirit.

• Plan two or three games, plus one backup in case something flops.
• Mix a calm game with an active one to keep the energy balanced.
• Clear the floor before you start. Move coffee tables and extra furniture out of the way.
• Keep small prizes on hand, like candy, ornaments, or gift cards.
• Put all your game supplies in one bin so you're not hunting for tape mid-party.

What to Do With All the Holiday Stuff After the Party

Once the last guest heads home, you're left with a lot of extra stuff. Folding chairs, air mattresses, a pile of ugly sweaters, and a closet full of games all need somewhere to go. A seasonal storage unit keeps it organized and out of the way until next year.

Here's what's worth storing:

• Holiday decor: lights, ornaments, wreaths, and yard decorations.
• Extra bedding: air mattresses, sleeping bags, spare pillows, and blankets.
• Seasonal clothing: ugly sweaters, heavy coats, boots, and holiday outfits.
• Seasonal games: board games, gingerbread supplies, bingo cards, and that ring toss set.

Storage Star's storage unit size guide can help you determine how much space you need for your belongings. Storing bedding, clothing, or wood furniture? Climate-controlled storage is available at most Storage Star locations. These units are typically kept between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps protect items that don't love extreme heat or cold.

Why Rent Seasonal Storage With Storage Star?

Storage Star keeps it simple. Leases are month-to-month, so there's no long-term contract. You can reserve and sign your lease online in minutes, and packing supplies are available on-site if you need boxes or tape. For tips on packing ornaments and lights, check out these Christmas storage ideas.

Rent online at a Storage Star location near you. 

Let the Games Begin, Then Store the Rest

Whether you're hosting four friends or forty relatives, the right Christmas party games turn a good night into a great one. And when the party's over, Storage Star has a clean, secure spot for the decor, chairs, bedding, and games you'll need again next year.

Find affordable self-storage near you.