In the Philippines, Noche Buena is the heart of Christmas Eve, a tradition where families gather to feast on delectable dishes, share laughter, and bask in the glow of the holiday spirit.
Incorporating games during Christmas party at home
But beyond the delicious spread of lechon, queso de bola, and Christmas cookies, the best way to keep the festive fun alive is by incorporating an exciting Christmas party game for the whole family.
These Christmas games bring joy to everyone during Christmas parties and ensure the holiday season is filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable moments.
Elevate your Christmas eve through a holiday game night round. Here are eight fun family holiday party games for Noche Buena that will make your Christmas Eve celebration one to remember.
1. Christmas Charades
Play the classic game of charades in holiday theme! Prepare a list of phrases related to the season, such as “decorating the Christmas tree,” “singing Christmas carols,” or “building a gingerbread house.”
Divide the whole family into teams and let the acting and guessing begin. This fun game is perfect for all ages and guarantees laughter as relatives try to mime holiday-related actions.
Tips:
- Include iconic references like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” or popular Christmas songs in your list for added fun.
- Use festive props like candy canes or Santa hats to spice things up.
2. Candy Cane Pick-Up
All you need is a pile of candy canes and some chopsticks! Players must pick up as many candy canes as possible using only the chopsticks in a set amount of time.
The person with the most candy canes wins! This fun Christmas activity is simple, hilarious, and perfect for holiday game night.
Why It Works:
It’s a kid-friendly option that’s also challenging enough for adults, making it ideal for the whole family.
3. Christmas Song Guessing Game
Test everyone’s knowledge of Christmas carols with this exciting game. Play a few seconds of a Christmas carol or hum the tune of the song, and challenge participants to guess the title.
Award bonus points for singing the next line!
Pro Tip:
Include holiday movie soundtracks or lesser-known Christmas songs to stump even the biggest holiday music fans.
4. Christmas Family Feud
Bring the excitement of game shows to your living room with this holiday-themed version of Family Feud!
Survey your family beforehand about their favorite Christmas activities, movies, and traditions, and then use their answers to create your own trivia questions.
Sample Question Ideas:
- “What’s the best Christmas movie of all time?”
- “What’s a must-have on the Noche Buena table?”
5. Pin the Star on the Christmas Tree
One of the best Christmas party games, Pin The Star on the Christmas Tree is inspired by the classic game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” This version uses a large poster of a Christmas tree and cut-out stars.
Blindfold each player, spin them around, and see who can pin their star closest to the top.
Why It’s Fun:
This fun game is great for kids and adults alike, combining silliness and festive creativity.
Bonus Tip:
Let kids help design the tree with holiday-themed cookie cutters or Christmas decorations.
6. Christmas Stocking Relay
Get everyone moving with this high-energy game. Divide into teams, and have players race to fill a Christmas stocking with small items like candy canes, toys, or even pieces of wrapped chocolate.
The catch? Players can only use a spoon to carry the items!
Festive Twist:
Add obstacles like walking around the Christmas tree or crawling under a table decorated with Christmas lights.
7. Snowman Game
For this hilarious holiday game, pair up family members and give them toilet paper, a scarf, a hat, and some construction paper for the snowman’s face.
One person has to wrap their teammate to look like a snowman in the shortest time possible.
Creative Variations:
Use cotton balls and glue for added festive fun, and let kids add personal touches with glitter or food coloring
8. Gingerbread House Contest
Unleash your inner pastry chef with a gingerbread house decorating challenge. Set up a table with pre-made gingerbread kits, holiday-themed cookie cutters, and plenty of icing and candies.
Give everyone a set amount of time to create their masterpiece, then vote on categories like “Most Creative” or “Most Festive.”
Why It’s Special: This fun Christmas activity doubles as a chance to bond and as a showcase of your family’s creativity. Plus, it’s a great photo-op for your fun family photoshoot!
Bonus Tips for a Festive Holiday Game Night
- Set the Mood: Decorate the house with twinkling Christmas lights, a glowing Christmas tree, and a warm cup of hot cocoa for each participant.
- Play Christmas Movies in the Background: Favorites like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” or animated classics make for a cozy atmosphere.
- Include a Secret Santa Gift Exchange: This timeless activity pairs well with any of the holiday games above, especially if you include unique Christmas ideas or quirky items from the candy aisle.
Why Family Games Add to the Christmas Spirit
These Christmas party games don’t just provide entertainment; they help create lasting memories. Playing together fosters connection and brings out the true essence of Christmas: sharing love, laughter, and joy.
From toddlers to grandparents, these activities cater to everyone, ensuring the whole family feels included.
So this Christmas Eve, after enjoying your sumptuous Noche Buena, gather around the Christmas tree and dive into these fun Christmas games.
Not only will they keep everyone engaged, but they’ll also make your celebration the highlight of the holiday season.
Merry Christmas! Let the festive cheer, holiday spirit, and good times roll!