Fun Holiday Party Games for All Ages

Art Society by Mitch Wallace isn’t just for fine art aficionados. Players can bid on different works of art, arrange them in galleries, identify trends, and ultimately become the game’s most valuable collector. This game is fun, engaging, and great for bringing out competitive sides. ($39.99, Barnes & Noble)

One (extroverted) editor tried Esther Perel’s “Where Should We Begin” card game in an effort to switch up date nights with her (more introverted) boyfriend, and still swears by it. The game includes 200 fill-in-the-blank prompt cards and a six-sided die that helps the player shape the story they want to share. It’s pretty self-explanatory — in case you don’t like reading instructions — and works for both date nights or family game nights alike. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

If you like games like Taboo or charades, you’ll love Monikers. Players must rely on one-word answers or miming skills to get their teammate(s) to guess a word or phrase. The kicker? Each card is niche. Topics can range from celebrity names to meme references to phrases you might see in games like Cards Against Humanity. Be prepared to play all night. ($24.99, Target)  

Trivia fans, unite. This holiday-themed trivia game will put your skills to the test with challenging questions about everything from traditions around the world to pop culture. Each card comes with a QR code so you can fact-check each answer quickly and easily. You can play individually, or with teams. But fair warning, these questions are anything but easy. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) 

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is about as random as it is fun to play. Similar to slap jack, players take turns going through cards with different terms on them (like Taco, Cat, Goat…you get the idea). As soon as there’s a match, players must slam their corresponding card down before anyone else to win the point. They even came out with a holiday version, Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)  

Sometimes, it’s good to break out a classic. Rummikub is a tile game similar to Scrabble, but instead of letters, you have numbers one through 13 that come in four different colors. The objective is to create groups of three or more tiles before setting them down at the center. Players can adjust the groups of tiles that have been played in a way that benefits them — while switching things up for the other players. It’s sneaky, it’s engaging, and it’s best paired with a hot drink and great conversation. ($24.95, Barnes & Noble)

We’re talking grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins — anyone who wants to participate. Mind the Gap is the ultimate generational trivia game. Different generations can either work together or divide by age and must answer trivia questions from five different categories (like TV/Film, Pop Culture, Headlines, etc.) The more answers players get right, the farther they can move along the board to ultimately win. May the best generation win. ($24.99, Target)

How well do you know your friends and family? Put it to the test with this guessing game. Someone reads off a question from a card, and the rest of the players pencil in their answers. If your answer is in the majority, you take home the cows. And if you can’t get enough, snag the standard expansion pack. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Wrangle the kids and adults together for some wearable fun. This game comes with six headbands (in cute designs, like a crown and a unicorn horn) and 69 picture cards to stick in them — so everyone knows your card but you. The trick? You can only ask yes or no questions to figure it out. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This print-at-home option is a great choice for a bigger party where everyone may not know one another. Each player will have to chat with other guests to figure out who, for example, has the most siblings or is the same shoe size as them. Plus, it comes in an editable version as well, so you can customize the categories if you’d like. PSA: If you’re looking for more printable games, snag the bundle version here with a scavenger hunt, “most likely” game, a Christmas-themed “The Price Is Right,” and more. ($2.99, PrintOutPartyGames Via Etsy) 

If you love Wordle, you’ll enjoy this analog game meant for up to four people. Each round, a host will write down a secret word and the players will try to guess it in the fewest tries (six max). The only difference from the OG version? Players compete against each other in real time. No more waiting for the daily word — you and your guests can play till their hearts’ content. Sounds like our kinda night. ($19.82, Walmart)

This holiday game comes with two inflatable antler hats (with two tether strings that’ll keep them from falling off), 11 inflatable rings, two red noses, and a mini hand pump to set it up. It’s a fun option that’ll keep your kids busy and make for a super-cute photo op. End your holiday party happily ever antler. ($9.99+, Amazon)

The Scandinavian word “hygge” is all about feeling content in a cozy atmosphere. This game takes a cue from the concept, with over 300 thought-provoking questions meant to spur conversation between you and your guests. It’s perfect for your next family dinner, holiday party, or intimate hangout with friends. Sharing stories and bonding over both the big and small things in life? Sounds like our kinda night. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

With family-friendly holiday-themed question packs. This one’s got enough material for four games, with 16 questions and four lighting rounds. The host will have the answer cards and watch as family and friends face off in head-to-heads. The team with the most points at the end wins. We rec tapping into the spirit of “Family Feud” with a little pre-planned organization to up the ante. Separate the teams beforehand and ask them to dress in the same colors or wacky Christmas sweaters for a little extra fun. ($7.17, PrintGoGo Via Etsy)

This jumbo twist on the tabletop classic will be a highlight at any holiday party — whether you’re playing indoors or out. (Just make sure there are no little ones around who can get injured by the falling blocks.) It comes with 54 wooden blocks and a nylon stacking storage case so you can take the fun wherever you go. ($74.99, HSN)

The Chameleon’s great for big groups and fast play. In it, everyone knows the secret word — except for the one with the Chameleon card. You’ll use hidden codes, words, and literal finger pointing (it’s part of the game, people) to figure out who’s guilty and lying. The goal is to blend in and coast by without getting caught. You can play with up to eight players and it goes pretty quick, so you can do round after round. The game includes 40 topic cards, 14 code cards, dice, stickers, and everything you’ll need to play successfully. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)