Making Memories: Holiday Family Games That Adults & Kids Will Love

The holiday season is meant for spending time with family and loved ones, but having everyone under the same roof doesn’t necessarily bring everyone closer. To make sure every family member feels included, it’s helpful to engage in meaningful and fun ways.

How do you engage the teens who may not initially show interest in traditions? Or channel the energy of little ones who’ve had one too many holiday treats?

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin is here to help you make the most of your family gathering! Here’s a roundup of holiday-themed games and traditions that are sure to entertain and bring out the inner child in everyone:

Classic Games with a Holiday Twist!

1.)    Holiday Scattergories

Add some holiday magic to this word game with festive categories! List themes like holiday songs, winter sports, or holiday movie characters. Set a time limit for everyone to come up with a word for each category starting with a given letter. When time’s up, read the answers aloud and award points for unique responses.

2.) Festive Charades

Charades are a family favorite for a reason, and a holiday edition is a fun way to get everyone laughing. Split into two teams, and have players act out holiday-themed ideas without talking. First team to 20 points wins!

3.)    Holiday Guess Who 

For this festive icebreaker, add a holiday spin to the classic “Who am I?” game. Write down famous holiday characters like The Grinch or Frosty the Snowman, then have each person tape one to their forehead without peeking. Players ask “yes” or “no” questions until they guess their holiday identity!

Holiday Adventures for Kids & Teens

1.)    Holiday Lights Photo Scavenger Hunt

Visit a nearby park or neighborhood with plenty of holiday lights and split into teams. Each team has 20 minutes to find and photograph the items on their list. This is a great way to get out of the house while enjoying the magic of the season!

2.)    Snowman Building Competition

Whether you’re building outside in the snow or indoors with household items, a snowman contest is a timeless way to celebrate winter. Get creative with accessories and even have older kids try igloo building for an extra challenge!

3.)    Drive-Thru Light Displays 

For a cozy night, take a drive through holiday light displays, complete with holiday music, hot cocoa, and pajamas. It’s a relaxing and magical way for everyone to take in the sights of the season.

Unique Holiday Games

1.)    Cookie Pocket

Give each family member a cookie and challenge them to “pocket” it in someone else’s pocket without being noticed! If someone gets caught trying to pocket their cookie, they must try again with a different family member. At the end of the party, anyone who unknowingly finds a cookie in their pocket gets to eat it on the spot. Families can also substitute wrapped treats like Hershey’s kisses or peppermints to cut down on crumbs.

2.)    Jingle in the Trunk

Create hilarious holiday memories with this dance-off game! Attach a tissue box filled with jingle bells to a belt. Players take turns shaking their hips to empty their box of bells as quickly as possible. Perfect for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

3.)    The Nose Knows

Place holiday-scented items (like pine branches or gingerbread) in tissue boxes and see if younger family members can guess what’s inside by smell alone. This game can help kids develop sensory skills and make for fun family moments.

Holiday Crafts for All Ages

1.)    Marshmallow Jenga

Build a tower of jumbo marshmallows and see who can stack the highest without toppling it. It’s simple, silly, and sure to keep the kids entertained.

2.)    Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Pick up a gingerbread house kit and set out candies and snack foods as “building materials.” Encourage kids to create themed houses or let them go wild with their own imaginative designs.

3.) Make Your Own Snowflakes

Teach kids about symmetry and snowflake structure by folding and cutting paper snowflakes. Each one turns out unique, just like the real thing!

Holiday Traditions to Inspire Connection

1.)    Personalized Ornaments

Celebrate your child’s accomplishments over the past year with a special ornament that represents a skill, experience, or accomplishment. It’s a meaningful way to reflect on their growth and cherish memories.

2.)    Adopt an Angel Tree Child or Senior

Engage kids and teens in the spirit of giving by adopting an angel tree recipient. As a family, choose gifts to make their holiday brighter, creating a memorable and impactful experience.

3.)    Story Time or Story-Making Together

Reading a classic holiday story or creating your own together can be a heartwarming way to wind down. Try the six-word story game: each family member adds six words to the story, creating a collaborative tale filled with holiday fun.

We hope these ideas fill your family holiday with laughter, bonding, and cherished memories.

Happy holidays from our Club Family to yours!

This article was adapted from BGCA.org.