The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or enjoying a cozy night with a few close friends, one of the best ways to bond is through games and activities. From traditional board games to outdoor fun, there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained during this special time of year. No matter your age or skill level, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holidays.
1. Classic Board Games for All Ages
Board games have long been a staple of holiday gatherings, offering a fun way for families and friends to connect, laugh, and engage in some friendly competition. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying something new, board games are timeless and appeal to everyone in the group.
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Monopoly: This iconic game is perfect for the competitive spirit. It’s all about property management, strategy, and, of course, the inevitable “bankrupt” moments that create laughter and drama.
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Scrabble: For those who love words and a little mental challenge, Scrabble is an excellent option. It’s great for building vocabulary and having fun while competing for the best tiles.
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Codenames: A word association game that’s fast-paced and simple to learn. This game encourages creativity and teamwork, making it ideal for groups of all sizes.
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Pictionary: A classic drawing game that never gets old. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy it, and the laughter that ensues from trying to guess doodles is priceless.
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Ticket to Ride: A strategic yet simple game that’s easy to learn and fun for both kids and adults. Players collect train cards to claim railway routes across a map, which makes it a great way to unwind and enjoy some friendly rivalry.
These games can easily accommodate players of all ages and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, making them perfect for a variety of holiday moods.
2. Outdoor Activities for a Holiday Adventure
If you’re lucky enough to experience some snow during the holidays or if you just want to get outdoors, there’s no shortage of activities to make the most of the winter season. Even if snow isn’t on the ground, you can still enjoy a range of outdoor games that will keep everyone moving and having fun.
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Snowball Fight: If you’re in a snowy climate, nothing beats a classic snowball fight. It’s active, spontaneous, and brings out everyone’s inner child. You can divide into teams or just enjoy an all-out free-for-all. Just be sure to keep it friendly and safe!
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Ice Skating: Many cities offer outdoor ice skating rinks during the winter months. Ice skating is a great way to get some exercise while having fun with family or friends. Even if you’re a beginner, there’s something special about gliding around the rink with the cold air and holiday lights surrounding you.
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Sleigh Rides: In some areas, sleigh rides are offered as a winter tradition. Bundling up in blankets and taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered landscapes is a magical way to enjoy the outdoors and create memories.
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Tug-of-War: This simple yet energetic game works in any season and can be played in your backyard or local park. All you need is a long rope, and you can organize a fun competition between teams.
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Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Plan a holiday-themed scavenger hunt with clues related to the season—think ornaments, candy canes, or even holiday trivia. You can set it up inside or outdoors depending on the weather, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved, especially if you have younger participants.
3. DIY Craft Activities
For those who want to get creative, crafting is a fun and meaningful activity to do together. Not only does it allow you to spend time with loved ones, but it also results in handmade gifts or decorations that can be cherished for years to come. Here are some easy and festive craft ideas that everyone can enjoy.
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Decorating Gingerbread Houses: This activity is a holiday classic. Gather up some gingerbread house kits, frosting, and candy, and let everyone’s creativity run wild. It’s fun for all ages and makes for an excellent photo opportunity.
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Homemade Ornaments: Make your own ornaments to hang on the tree. Whether you’re using simple craft supplies like paint, glitter, or clay, or going the eco-friendly route with dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, and twine, the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to personalize your holiday tree.
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Holiday Cards: Get crafty and create personalized holiday cards to send to family and friends. You can try your hand at watercolors, stamps, or even simple drawings and calligraphy. A handmade card adds a personal touch that store-bought ones just can’t match.
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DIY Gift Wrap: Wrap your gifts in style by creating your own custom gift wrap. Use brown kraft paper and decorate it with stamps, stickers, or even hand-drawn illustrations. Not only is this an eco-friendly option, but it adds a special, personal flair to your presents.
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Holiday Candles: Craft your own candles by adding festive scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. You can even create your own holiday-themed candle holders using mason jars or decorative cups. These make great gifts or additions to your own home decor.
Crafting is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and focus on something relaxing and creative.
4. Cooking and Baking Together
Food is at the heart of most holiday traditions, and what better way to bond with others than in the kitchen? Baking cookies, preparing a holiday meal, or making festive snacks together can be an enjoyable and delicious experience. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labor afterward!
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Cookie Decorating: Bake a batch of sugar cookies and set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and other fun toppings. It’s a great way for everyone to get involved, from the youngest bakers to the adults.
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Holiday Baking Party: Host a baking party where everyone contributes to making holiday treats. Consider making pies, cakes, muffins, or even homemade hot cocoa mixes that can be gifted to friends and family.
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Make a Gingerbread Village: Instead of just one house, create an entire gingerbread village! Work together to build multiple houses, and then decorate them with icing, candy, and other edible goodies. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in a group effort.
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Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, flavored syrups, and candy canes. This DIY activity is perfect for a cozy night in and allows everyone to customize their cup of cocoa exactly how they like it.
Food-related activities bring people together and create delicious moments that can be savored long after the holiday season ends.
5. Virtual Games for Long-Distance Gatherings
Sometimes, the holidays require a bit of distance between family and friends. Fortunately, technology has made it easier than ever to play games and participate in activities virtually. Here are a few options for staying connected when you can’t be in the same room.
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Jackbox Games: These interactive party games can be played on almost any device and are perfect for large groups. From trivia to drawing games, Jackbox has something for everyone.
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Online Escape Rooms: Virtual escape rooms offer a great way to work together with family or friends, solving puzzles and finding clues to “escape” before time runs out.
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Virtual Trivia Nights: Host a trivia night over Zoom or another video call platform. You can create your own trivia questions or use one of the many online trivia platforms.
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Online Bingo: A classic game that can be easily played virtually, especially with customized holiday-themed cards. It’s easy, fun, and gives everyone a chance to win prizes.
Conclusion
No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, games and activities are a great way to bring people together. From the lively competition of board games to the creativity of crafting and baking, there’s something to suit every personality and interest. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, virtually or in person, the holidays offer plenty of opportunities to connect, have fun, and create cherished memories. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy some laughter-filled moments that will make this holiday season one to remember!
