Simple Wet Weather Games to Brighten a Rainy Christmas

Rain pouring down outside? Storms cutting your power, leaving you without your usual entertainment? 

Don’t let the weather dampen your Christmas spirit! 

Here are some simple, engaging games for adults and children alike that require little to no equipment, ensuring everyone stays entertained no matter the conditions.

For Children

1. Shadow Puppet Stories

If the power’s out, gather some torches (or candles with adult supervision) and let the kids create shadow puppets on the walls. Encourage them to make up their own stories or re-enact favourite tales. All you need are your hands, some imagination, and a darkened room.

2. Christmas Bingo

Create simple bingo cards featuring Christmas-themed items like a snowman, reindeer, or presents. Use small household objects or sweets as markers. If you don’t have pre-made cards, a quick DIY version on paper works perfectly.

3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Hide small festive items (like baubles, wrapped sweets, or tiny toys) around the house and give children clues to find them. Add a Christmas twist by incorporating riddles or themed challenges for each clue.

4. Musical Statues

Using a battery-powered speaker or singing carols yourself, play a round of musical statues. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. Add festive poses like pretending to be a Christmas tree or a snowman for extra fun.

5. Pin the Star on the Tree

Adapt the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” by blindfolding players and seeing who can place a paper star closest to the top of a drawn or real Christmas tree. It’s simple, silly, and sure to bring laughs.

For Adults

1. Christmas Charades

A timeless classic! Write down Christmas-themed prompts (like "building a snowman" or "wrapping presents") on slips of paper and take turns acting them out. No props or electricity required.

2. Festive Trivia

Test everyone’s holiday knowledge with a Christmas quiz. Categories can include movies, carols, traditions, or even family memories. Make it more interactive by adding a “guess the tune” round with humming or whistling.

3. Candlelit or torchlit Storytelling

With the lights out, gather around and take turns telling stories. These can be classic Christmas tales, ghost stories, funny family memories, or even made-up festive adventures. Add a competitive edge by seeing who can come up with the most creative plot.

4. Indoor Bowling

Use empty plastic bottles as pins and a soft ball for bowling. Create a “alley” in a hallway or open space. Add a festive twist by decorating the pins as snowmen or elves.

5. Guess the Gift

Wrap up a few household objects or small items in layers of paper and pass them around. Players must feel the wrapped item and guess what’s inside. The more obscure the object, the better!

Games for Everyone

1. Twenty Questions: Christmas Edition

One person thinks of a Christmas-themed person, place, or thing, and everyone else has 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. Perfect for all ages!

2. Christmas Pictionary

Grab a pad of paper or a whiteboard and sketch out festive phrases or objects for others to guess. A timer adds extra excitement.

3. The Alphabet Game

Choose a Christmas category (e.g., carols, movies, or foods) and go around the group naming items in alphabetical order. For example: "A is for angel, B is for bauble, C is for candy cane."

4. Hot Potato with a Present

Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of paper. Pass it around while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding it removes a layer. The one to unwrap the final layer keeps the gift.

5. Build a Blanket Fort

Turn your living room into a cosy retreat by building a blanket fort together. Once it’s complete, relax inside with snacks, stories, or games.

Wet Weather Plans for the Christmas Holidays: Embrace the Cosy Season

The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and holiday cheer. But let’s face it, the Christmas holidays often come with unpredictable weather. 

For those in rainy climates, a downpour doesn’t have to dampen your celebrations. 

With a little creativity and planning, wet weather can set the perfect backdrop for a magical and cosy holiday. Here are some ideas to make the most of your Christmas when it’s wet outside.

1. Transform Your Home into a Winter Wonderland

When the weather outside is frightful, why not make your indoor space delightful? Decorate your home with fairy lights, candles, and garlands to create a festive atmosphere. Add a roaring fire (or a virtual one on your TV) and let the sound of rain on the windows amplify the cosiness.

Set up a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles. For adults, consider adding a splash of Baileys or whisky to your cocoa for an indulgent treat.

2. Host a Christmas Film Marathon

Rainy days are perfect for curling up with blankets and watching festive films. Make a list of Christmas classics—Love Actually, Home Alone, and The Polar Express are great starting points.

If you’re spending the holidays with family, create a “cinema night” experience. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and hand out homemade tickets for an extra touch of fun.

3. Bake Festive Treats Together

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked goods on a rainy day. Gather the family in the kitchen and whip up some festive favourites like mince pies, gingerbread men, or Yule logs.

For an added challenge, host a Christmas bake-off. Divide into teams, choose recipes, and see who creates the most delicious (or creative) treats.

4. Get Crafty

Wet weather is ideal for getting creative indoors. Try your hand at making homemade Christmas decorations, wreaths, or personalised gift tags.

If you have children, set up a Christmas craft table with supplies like glitter, glue, and coloured paper. Encourage them to make their own ornaments or holiday cards for family and friends.

5. Plan Indoor Games and Activities

Turn the rainy day into an opportunity for family bonding. Dust off the board games or try new ones like Codenames, Ticket to Ride, or Christmas Bingo.

For a more active option, set up an indoor treasure hunt with a festive twist. Hide small gifts or treats around the house and leave clues to keep everyone entertained.

6. Create a Reading Nook

Rainy days and good books are a perfect match. Set up a cosy reading nook with cushions, blankets, and a stack of holiday-themed books.

For families, consider starting a Christmas story tradition. Gather together and take turns reading classic tales like A Christmas Carol or The Night Before Christmas.

7. Indulge in a Spa Day

Turn the wet weather into an excuse to pamper yourself. Set up a DIY spa day at home with candles, essential oils, and soothing music.

Run a warm bath with festive-scented bath bombs or salts. For a festive twist, sip mulled wine or hot cider while you relax.

8. Embrace the Weather

If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a waterproof jacket and wellies, and head outside to enjoy the rain. Splashing in puddles or taking a brisk walk in the wet weather can be surprisingly refreshing.

Afterwards, return home to warm up with hot drinks and cosy socks, feeling invigorated and ready for more festive fun.

Wet Weather is the Perfect Excuse to Slow Down

Christmas often feels like a whirlwind of activity. Wet weather offers the chance to pause, reflect, and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re crafting, baking, or simply enjoying a good book, remember that the magic of the holidays comes from the moments you create, no matter the weather.

So, when the rain, or sleet, or even snow, falls this Christmas, embrace the opportunity to stay indoors, slow down, and enjoy the festive season to its fullest.

How do you plan to spend your rainy Christmas holidays? Let us know in the comments!