Growing up in a big family meant Christmas was never quiet. I came from a family with 17 cousins, and every reunion was full of laughter, noise, and endless fun. Our Christmas gatherings always had a program of sorts, with games, a group presentation, maybe a dance performance or a song, and of course, videoke that went on until late at night. And let’s not forget the food that never seemed to run out.
One of my favorite parts of those reunions was the games. They brought all the cousins together, from the oldest to the youngest, and filled the day with so much joy. I still smile when I think about us running around, trying to win small prizes or just making each other laugh. Those little moments are the memories that stick.
If you’re planning a Christmas party for kids this year, adding a few fun games is a wonderful way to make the day extra special. Here are some ideas, including a few classics I grew up playing in the Philippines. And when the games are done, you can keep the fun going with sweet treats like these No Bake Christmas Desserts.
Pabitin
A Filipino favorite, pabitin is a wooden frame tied with strings and filled with toys, candies, or small prizes. It’s hung up high, then lowered and raised as kids jump to grab what they can. The squeals and giggles make it such a fun sight.
Musical Chairs
This one never gets old. Arrange chairs in a circle, play some Christmas music, and let the kids walk around. When the music stops, everyone scrambles for a chair. Each round, one chair is removed until only one winner is left.
Guessing Game
This guessing game is so simple but always fun. One player wears a card on their forehead with a word written on it (it could be “Santa Claus” or “Candy Cane”), and they have to guess the word by asking yes-or-no questions. The whole group usually ends up shouting hints and laughing.
Christmas Charades
Write down Christmas-related words or phrases like “wrapping gifts,” “singing carols,” or “snowman” on slips of paper. Players act them out without speaking, and their team has to guess.
Newspaper Dance
This was a game I loved playing with my cousins. You pair up and dance while music plays, standing on a sheet of newspaper. Each round, the newspaper is folded smaller and smaller. Whoever can still fit and stay inside wins.
Pass the Gift
Wrap a small prize in many layers of wrapping paper. Kids pass the gift around while music plays. When the music stops, the one holding it unwraps a layer. The final player to unwrap the last layer gets the prize.
Sack Race
If you have outdoor space, sack races are always a hit. Kids hop to the finish line inside sacks, and the first to cross wins.
Christmas Bingo
Create bingo cards with Christmas-themed pictures like Santa, reindeer, gifts, and trees. Use candies or buttons as markers. The first player to complete a line wins.
Memory Match
Print or draw Christmas symbols in pairs (bells, stars, stockings). Place them face down and let kids take turns flipping two at a time. The one with the most matches at the end wins.
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
A holiday twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Blindfolded kids try to stick a red paper nose onto a poster of Rudolph.
Candy Cane Hunt
Hide candy canes around the house and let the kids search for them. Whoever finds the most wins, and everyone gets to keep what they collect.
Christmas Freeze Dance
Play lively Christmas songs and let the kids dance. When the music stops, they have to freeze in place. Anyone who moves is out. It’s silly, simple, and always gets kids giggling.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is already such a special season, but the laughter from games, the joy of caroling, and singing Christmas songs make it even brighter. Whether it’s a classic Filipino game like pabitin or something simple like Christmas charades, these activities bring everyone together in the spirit of joy and fun. Most importantly, Jesus is the center of the celebration, and sharing these moments with family reminds us of the love and joy He brings. And when all the running, singing, and giggling settles down, don’t forget to treat the kids to some Christmas Snacks for Kids to end the day on a sweet note.
