Christmas party booster! A collection of game ideas that large groups can enjoy
When a big group gets together for a Christmas party, it can be hard to decide which games will get everyone excited.
Even though you’re all gathered, conversations can fizzle out and the energy can dip.
That’s why this article introduces a wide range of games and activities that will instantly liven up a large Christmas party! From easy-to-prepare options to ones that involve a bit of creativity, you’ll find plenty of ideas that work in all kinds of situations.
Make the most of this special once-a-year day and have a great time together!
Make Your Christmas Party a Hit! A Collection of Game Ideas for Large Groups (1–10)
The basic premise is that both adults and children can enjoy it!
First, let me introduce some simple games that everyone can enjoy together. Some games require props, but the most important thing here is that adults join in the fun. Seeing that helps children understand how to enjoy themselves, and everyone can get excited together. Make sure to prepare in advance so you can explain the rules clearly. It’s also a good idea to prepare background music or similar to boost the excitement!
Pose Matching Game
It’s a game where you confirm the bonds among the people present while enjoying the differences in how you each imagine things.
The questioner announces a prompt, and at a signal, participants strike a pose inspired by that prompt.
If exactly one person’s pose is out of sync with the others, that person is out; if everyone’s pose is different, the questioner is out.
Even with simple prompts, small differences—like right versus left—can arise, so it may be best to decide on the spot how much deviation counts as “out.”
Merry Christmas Rhythm Game!
“Merry-Cri Rhythm Game” is a rhythm game that even children can enjoy.
When someone says “Santa’s beard,” stroke your chin as if showing a beard while saying “Ho ho ho.” When someone says “Santa’s sleigh,” stretch both hands forward and shake them while saying “Jingle jingle jingle.” Listen carefully to which one is called out and move so you don’t mix them up.
Speeding up the rhythm increases the difficulty, so try that once you get the hang of it.
Fun for kids and adults! Balloon Battle
Here’s a game called “Balloon Battle” that uses long balloons and round balloons.
Prepare one long balloon for each participant.
After inflating the balloons, each participant holds a long balloon, and at the start signal, they pass the round balloon to the opponent.
The rule is that you can’t use your hands—you must pass using the long balloon.
Balloons are light, and if you misjudge your strength, they’ll drift away.
If you drop the balloon, you lose, so be careful when passing.
The game is basically played by two people, but it could also be fun as a team relay.
Christmas target game!
How about making a ring toss game you can use at parties? Using colored construction paper, you’ll make a Christmas tree and hats as the targets, plus the rings.
First, to make the tree, prepare a square sheet of origami paper and fold it in half to make a rectangle, aligning the left and right edges.
Next, open the fold, then fold the two bottom corners in toward the center.
Fold the new edges so they overlap at the center, tuck in any excess paper, and shape it into an isosceles triangle to finish.
The hat is made the same way, so decorate it with stickers or pom-poms to complete it.
For the rings, take two strips of construction paper, fold each in half lengthwise, twist them together into one strip, and then connect the ends to form a circle.
The “Haa” game
It’s a fun game about acting out how you say words and picking up on the nuances in others’ speech.
First, draw a prompt card and place it where everyone can see it.
The prompt card shows a target word and eight different situations for saying that word.
Next, the presenter draws a card with a letter on it, visible only to them, and says the word according to the situation that corresponds to that letter.
The guessers then try to figure out which situation it was.
Do it right away! Epicenter game
I’m going to introduce a “Shingenchi” game that everyone can get excited about.
First, choose one person to be the Oni (it).
The Oni’s job is to figure out who the Shingenchi is.
One other member becomes the Shingenchi and performs various movements while trying not to be noticed by the Oni.
The remaining members should imitate the Shingenchi’s movements—mixing in other motions as well—so the Oni can’t tell who the real Shingenchi is.
The Oni tries to guess who the Shingenchi is.
The more players you have, the more challenging it may become.
Give it a try!
A game divided by Christmas
It’s a simple game that uses the word “Christmas.” It was invented by the comedian Eiko Kano.
Players say the word “Christmas” to a rhythm, but they can split it at any point and pass it to the other person.
The receiver then says the remaining part from the split onward, splits it again at any point, and passes it back.
On your turn, you have to process what you received and decide how to pass it on at the same time, so it’s a game that requires quick thinking.
The difficulty also changes with the speed of the rhythm, so adjust the pace to suit the participants.
Stand-up game
This is a “Stand-Up Game” where you guess how many people will stand up.
In turn, each person says the number of people they think will stand.
Participants must either remain seated or stand up—no other options.
If the number you said matches the number of people who stood up, you’re out of the round.
The last person remaining loses.
It requires no equipment, so it’s an easy game to enjoy on the spot.
Curling game in a tree
Digital games and watching videos are fun, but when a lot of people get together, it’s nice to play lively games as a group too.
So let me introduce “Christmas Tree Curling.” It’s a game everyone can enjoy, from children to seniors, and it’s easy to make.
Create a flat Christmas tree out of colored paper.
Divide it into five sections and write point values in each area.
Then make stones to use in place of curling stones.
That’s all you need.
Play it like a chicken race and have everyone get excited together! If you have a large group, you can make a bigger version to use on a large table.
A Hit with Toddlers! The Traffic Light Game
Let’s play the ‘Traffic Light Game,’ which also helps you learn traffic rules! Everyone except the leader stands at the start line.
When the leader says ‘Green,’ jump forward one step with both feet.
When they say ‘Yellow,’ jump back one step with both feet.
If they say ‘Red,’ you must not move.
Listen carefully to the leader’s words, move accurately, and cross the crosswalk safely.
The rules are simple, but thinking with your head and moving your body instantly is surprisingly challenging.
Once you get used to it, speed things up and try increasing the difficulty!