The holiday break is prime time to pull everyone off their phones and crowd around the TV. A good Christmas game does more than pass the hours — it makes the room louder in the best way, forces co-operation (or friendly griefing), and leaves you with a story you’ll laugh about next year. Below are nine Christmas games for kids that have saved many a festive afternoon; they’re easy to jump into, and made for the kind of chaos families secretly crave.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
This one is a staple for a reason. Up to four players can race on the same screen, which means you don’t need a dozen consoles or a complicated setup to get everyone involved. The controls are approachable for small hands, and the power-ups — especially the red shells — turn quiet races into ridiculous, shout-filled sprints. Honestly, if your family doesn’t end every race with somebody accusing another of “cheating,” are you even racing?
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Want to test patience and teamwork in one go? Overcooked is the answer. Kitchens morph mid-service, orders pile up, and someone will inevitably fall off a conveyor belt. It’s frantic in a way that’s actually fun, not frustrating, and it’s perfect for burning off post-dinner energy. Expect yelling, yes, but also a lot of high-fives when a tricky combo finally lands.
Mario Party Superstars
Pure party mayhem. This gathers a hundred of the best mini-games and a handful of classic boards, offering a concentrated collection of the best mini-games and boards. It’s short-form, high-laugh entertainment; everyone gets their moment to shine, and also their moment to get totally robbed by an unlucky dice roll. Great for mixing ages and skill levels.
Minecraft
The sandbox that keeps on giving. For a cozy, collaborative session build a holiday base: string lights, snowy roofs, maybe even a pixel Santa. Minecraft’s strength is that it suits quiet, creative kids and energetic builders alike. Play in survival to add a tiny bit of edge, or just go peaceful and build for hours — both are rewarding in their own way.
Just Dance 2024
If staying upright is part of the holiday plan, Just Dance turns your living room into a party. Movement is tracked by phones or controllers, and then everyone copies the choreography. It’s loud and ridiculous and also a surprisingly good cardio break after a big meal. Younger kids love the bright visuals; adults who think they still have rhythm will quickly discover otherwise.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
For families who want fast-paced kart action but don’t want to play Mario, Crash Team Racing delivers. It’s colorful, competitive, and possesses just enough slapstick to keep things light. The offline multiplayer for up to four players means no waiting for online lobbies; you press start and go, which is exactly what you want during holidays.
Rocket League
Consider this the wilder cousin to soccer practice: cars with rockets play soccer. It’s great for older kids and teens who want something competitive but different. Matches are short and hectic, and because it’s free-to-play and cross-platform, you can rope in cousins on other consoles without much fuss. It rewards skill but still has room for spectacular, accidental goals that everyone celebrates.
Nintendo Switch Sports
Need something a bit more active but still family-friendly? Nintendo Switch Sports brings motion-controlled tennis, bowling, and more to your living room. It’s accessible, and the physical element helps burn energy — which at Christmas is a real plus. Plus, it ends with smiles and playful rivalry rather than sore thumbs.
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It Takes Two
If two players in the family want something deeper, this one is special. It’s a narrative-driven co-op that truly demands teamwork; puzzles require you to think together, and the “Snow Globe” level is a sweet, wintry highlight perfect for the season. Not every title needs to be a party game — sometimes a quiet, cooperative journey is the best present.
Whether the family leans toward chaotic racing, frenzied cooking, or building a snowy fort brick by block, these nine games cover the bases. They remind you that gaming at Christmas isn’t about escaping family — it’s about making family time louder, sillier, and more memorable.
Which of these Christmas video games for kids is your go-to on the big day? Drop a comment below, tell us about your funniest gaming tradition, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more holiday gaming picks and quick guides.
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