A Merry Festive Gathering: How to Enjoy Christmas with Card and Board Games

The festive season is nearly upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by gathering friends and family for some heartwarming (and perhaps competitive!) fun with card and board games? 

Christmas is the perfect time to step away from screens, sip on something festive, and dive into the world of games that entertain and bring people closer. Here’s how to make your Christmas gatherings unforgettable with a selection of games that everyone will love.

1. Create the Right Atmosphere

The key to any successful Christmas gathering is the right atmosphere. Transform your home into a warm, inviting space with cosy lighting, some Christmas music softly in the background, and maybe a crackling fire if you’re lucky enough to have one! Consider setting up your main game area with comfortable seating, cushions, and easy access to snacks and drinks.

To keep the festive spirit alive, try organising a "Christmas Game Corner," decorated with garlands, fairy lights, and a little table where all the games are set up. This way, people can pick and choose what they’d like to play throughout the night.

2. Card Games for a Festive Twist

Card games are a classic for gatherings because they’re versatile, require minimal space, and can suit any age group or group size. Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained:

Snap! Christmas Edition

This is a quick, fun game that kids and adults alike can enjoy. For a festive twist, you can swap traditional cards with Christmas-themed ones. The excitement builds as players slap down their cards, hoping to “snap” matches, making it perfect for short bursts of laughter between courses or as an icebreaker at the start of the night.

Christmas Rummy

A classic rummy game with a festive twist! You can add Christmas-themed challenges or points for specific combinations, such as getting three Santa-themed cards in a row. It’s easy to learn, and the whole family can join in, making it a great way to spend quality time together.

Poker… with Mince Pies as Currency

If you’ve got a group who enjoys a bit of light-hearted competition, set up a poker game using mince pies, chocolate coins, or even festive biscuits as betting tokens. This twist adds a bit of Christmas magic to a traditional game, and it’s always a laugh to see people guarding their stash of mince pies fiercely!

3. Go Big with Board Games

For the moments when everyone has settled down after a Christmas meal, a good board game can bring the room to life. Whether it’s the whole family or a mix of friends, here are some options to guarantee a memorable time.

Christmas-Themed Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic, but at Christmas, you can use a themed edition to make it feel more festive. Some versions come with holiday-themed properties and special rules that bring extra cheer to the game. Alternatively, you could DIY a few Christmas rules of your own—like skipping your turn if you can name five Christmas films on the spot or a free pass for bringing out your best Santa impression.

Trivial Pursuit: Festive Edition

Trivial Pursuit is perfect for a crowd that loves a good quiz. The Festive Edition has Christmas-themed questions that range from pop culture to history, so there’s something for everyone. Split up into teams to make it even more competitive, and prepare for some heated (yet friendly) debates over who knows more about holiday traditions.

Pictionary with a Holiday SpinDraw out a laugh by turning Pictionary into a Christmas-themed drawing game. Split into teams, and give everyone a list of festive items or holiday scenarios to draw (like Santa stuck in a chimney, mistletoe, or even a reindeer doing karaoke!). It’s a guaranteed way to get everyone laughing, and no artistic talent is required—just a sense of humour!

4. Keep It Cosy with Some Extra Treats

Make sure there are plenty of festive treats and drinks at hand to keep everyone energised and cheerful. Mince pies, gingerbread, spiced nuts, mulled wine, or hot chocolate are great options. Having a self-serve hot chocolate station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and cinnamon sticks can add a bit of extra cheer and lets people have fun with customising their drinks.

5. A Few Tips to Make the Night Run Smoothly

Assign a Game Master: It can be helpful to have someone responsible for explaining rules and overseeing the games to keep things moving and prevent any confusion.

Offer Prizes: To encourage some friendly competition, have a few small, festive prizes ready for game winners—anything from a box of chocolates to a silly Christmas hat can add a bit of extra fun.

Keep It Flexible: Allow guests to join or leave games as they wish, especially if there are multiple games happening at once. Some people may prefer a quiet chat or a more laid-back game, so having options allows everyone to enjoy the evening in their own way.

6. Wrapping Up with a Christmas Quiz

Towards the end of the night, a light-hearted Christmas quiz is a brilliant way to finish on a high note. You could create your own questions about Christmas traditions, carols, films, and historical facts. Make it a team effort, and everyone can join in without feeling pressured. It’s a perfect way to wind down before the night comes to an end. Incidentally, That's Christmas will be publishing a special exclusive Christmas Quiz closer to Christmas, so please look out for that.

Final Thoughts

With the right games, a warm atmosphere, and a touch of festive spirit, you’ll have a Christmas gathering everyone will remember fondly. Card games and board games make a wonderful change of pace from the usual festive activities, and they’re the perfect excuse to bring people together, laugh, and celebrate the holiday cheer. So this Christmas, dust off those board games, shuffle those cards, and let the festivities begin!