7 Simple Holiday Games to Beat Kid Chaos

Let’s be real: the holiday season is a beautiful, dazzling mess. You’ve got family streaming in, cookies baking until 2 AM, and maybe, just maybe, the kids are vibrating with far too much sugar and festive excitement. Your living room? It probably feels less like a cozy gathering spot and more like a high-energy obstacle course. So, what do you do when the seasonal glow starts feeling a little frantic, and everyone needs a simple, structured way to burn off some of that incredible holiday energy? You turn to holiday games for kids.

And not those complicated board games that require a 45-minute rules explanation, either. No, you need something quick, something easy, something you can pull together with maybe ten minutes of prep. These seven straightforward games just might save your holiday party.

The Classics Get a Christmas Twist

First up, you can’t go wrong with taking a beloved classic and giving it a festive sprinkle.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph

You probably know this one already. It’s “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” but with a red nose. Tape a big printout of the famous reindeer (or maybe just draw one quickly—perfection isn’t really the goal here) onto a wall. Blindfold the player, spin them around a couple of times, and let them try to stick Rudolph’s glowing nose where it belongs. The funnier the placement, the better. It’s a great photo opportunity, too.

Santa Says

This is “Simon Says,” but with a sleigh-bell twist. The leader, perhaps wearing a goofy Santa hat, issues commands. If the command starts with “Santa says,” like, “Santa says march like a toy soldier,” the kids follow it. If the leader just says, “Jump up and down!” they shouldn’t move. It’s a fantastic way for them to practice listening skills while getting a serious dose of the sillies.

Candy Cane Hunt

Like an Easter egg hunt, but way more pepperminty. Just hide candy canes—the striped little treats—all over the house. Make them easy for the smallest elves and tuck them into trickier spots for the older kids who need a bigger challenge. This game is surprisingly effective at creating a few minutes of quiet, intense focus. The kids collect their own prizes, making it a win-win.

Christmas Bingo

For those moments when you need things to slow down a notch, Bingo is your friend. You can find free printable cards online featuring holiday items: snowmen, stockings, or ornaments. Give them small marshmallows or little holiday candies to use as markers. It’s a calming activity that still gives them the thrill of shouting “Bingo!” when they finally get five in a row.

Silly Challenges and Relays

Now, if you’re trying to burn off those sugar cookies, you’ll need something more competitive and active.

Ornament Spoon Race

This is the egg-and-spoon race, but you swap the egg for a small, unbreakable plastic ornament. The goal is simple: race from Point A to Point B while balancing the ornament on a spoon. The challenge is immense, and when the ornament inevitably tumbles, well, the giggles just follow.

Gingerbread Shuffle

Have you ever tried to move a cookie from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands? It’s harder than it sounds, and it’s hilarious to watch. Have the kids lay a small, plain gingerbread cookie or cracker on their forehead. Using only their facial muscles, they try to “shuffle” it down their face until they can eat it. The first one to manage this feat is the champion.

Jingle Bell Toss

Set up several empty cups or small boxes on a table, maybe marking them with different point values. Give the kids a handful of jingle bells (or small cotton balls work if you’re worried about cleanup) and have them try to toss the bells into the targets. It might be simple, but it taps right into that deep human need for target practice and a little competitive fun.

These games won’t just keep your younger guests busy; they’ll create some seriously warm, memorable moments for everyone.

What games do you always pull out for your holiday gatherings? Let us know in the comments below—maybe you have a tradition we should try out next year! And hey, for more game ideas and tech reviews, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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Sources:

• www.mrsfields.com/blogs/blog/christmas-party-games-for-kids
• www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-party-games/
• www.kidswhoplay.com/2025/11/15/christmas-party-games-for-kids/
• www.xiairworld.com/christmas-party-games-for-kids/

All images are made with AI.