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The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start planning those festive gatherings! While children’s Christmas parties often steal the spotlight, adults deserve their fair share of yuletide fun too. If you’re looking to host a memorable Christmas party for adults, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of exciting and engaging Christmas party activities for adults that will help you create a joyful and spirited celebration. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a large festive gathering, we’ve got you covered with ideas that will appeal to all personalities.
So, grab your Santa hat and get ready to discover how to throw an unforgettable adult Christmas party that will have your guests talking well into the New Year!
Unique Twist on Traditional Christmas Party Games
Have a fun-filled Christmas party with these unique versions of classic games. Adding a fresh twist to time-honored traditions not only captivates guests but also stirs up spirited competition and laughter. From charades to musical challenges, these Christmas party activities for adults promise to be the highlight of your holiday celebration.
Christmas Charades
Transform the classic game of charades by giving it a festive makeover. Have guests act out popular holiday scenarios, such as decorating a tree or engaging in a snowball fight, without uttering a single word. You can also utilize Christmas charade printables found online can offer a wide range of scenarios, ensuring everyone from the charade novice to the seasoned actor can participate and enjoy.
Name That Christmas Carol
Test your guests’ knowledge of Christmas classics with a fun, competitive game of “Name That Christmas Carol.” Compile a list of lyrics from well-known and obscure Christmas songs and challenge teams to identify them. This musical guessing game is sure to get everyone excited and might even inspire some impromptu caroling.
Christmas Movie Bingo
Host a Christmas movie night with a competitive twist by playing Christmas Movie Bingo. As guests watch, they’ll mark off common holiday movie tropes on their bingo cards. Whether it’s a scene where characters engage in a snowball fight or a moment of unexpected holiday magic, this game will have everyone eagerly scanning the screen and enjoying their favorite films in a new way.
Creative Craft and Decoration Contests
Encourage creativity and festive spirit with craft and decoration contests. These activities not only foster a sense of camaraderie but also allow guests to showcase their artistic talents. From ugly Christmas sweaters to gingerbread house masterpieces, here are creative craft and decoration Christmas party activities for adults.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
Invite guests to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters for a chance to win a prize. This beloved tradition is a great icebreaker and provides plenty of laughs. Consider giving away a desirable stocking stuffer as the grand prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Gingerbread House Decorating
Set up a gingerbread house decorating station and let guests’ creativity run wild. You can choose for them to work solo, with a partner, or in a group. Provide them with an assortment of icing colors, candy decorations, and other edible embellishments.
You can even turn this into a friendly competition to see who constructs the most impressive gingerbread architectural wonder.
Christmas Card Crafts
Have a crafting session where guests can repurpose old Christmas cards into new ornaments or collages. This activity is not only environmentally friendly but also allows for personalized holiday decor. Incorporating family photos or messages can make these crafts cherished keepsakes.
Fun Physical Challenges for Adults
For those looking to add some dynamic action to their Christmas party, incorporating physical challenges is a fantastic idea. These Christmas party games and activities, are perfect for burning off those extra holiday calories and inciting laughter and teamwork among your guests.
Gift Wrap Relay
Divide guests into teams for a gift wrap relay where speed and teamwork are key. With one arm tied behind their back, each team member must wrap a gift as neatly as possible before passing it on. This hilarious challenge is sure to test the dexterity and cooperation of all participants.
Candy Cane Relay
Engage your guests in a festive Christmas game involving candy canes. Each participant uses a candy cane held in their mouth to transfer as many candy canes as possible from one bowl to another within a minute. This minty fresh race is not only challenging but also a delightful way to spread holiday cheer.
Snowman Minute to Win It Game
Set a timer and challenge guests to create miniature snowmen as quickly as possible. Whether they’re crafting from marshmallows, Styrofoam, or any other material, this fast-paced activity is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition. It’s an excellent option for work parties or family gatherings, offering minimal setup and maximum fun.
Hilarious Holiday Themed Drinking Games and Activities
For adults who enjoy a festive cocktail, incorporating holiday-themed drinking activities and games can add an extra layer of fun to your Christmas party. Choose from a variety of games that pair perfectly with seasonal movies or activities, ensuring everyone remains engaged and entertained.
Holiday Movie Drinking Game
Select a holiday movie and create a list of cues for when guests should take a drink, such as whenever a character says a specific phrase or performs a certain action. This easy and enjoyable game can be customized to any holiday movie, making it a versatile option for any Christmas gathering.
Elf Drinking Game
Gather your friends, prepare some Christmas cocktails, and get ready to watch “Elf” with a fun twist. Every time Buddy the Elf says something iconic or does something only he would, take a sip of your festive drink. This game combines the joy of Christmas movies with the merry spirit of holiday cocktails.
Just remember, the aim is to add a little extra laughter to your holiday celebration, so drink responsibly and enjoy the whimsical world of Buddy the Elf.
Christmas Edition Truth or Dare
Introduce a holiday twist to the classic game of Truth or Dare to reveal your guests’ festive secrets. When someone chooses truth, ask them a Christmas-related question, like if they’ve ever regifted a present. Dare them to sing a Christmas carol or wear a Santa hat if they choose dare.
Add a playful rule: anyone who’s done the action mentioned in truth must take a sip of their holiday cocktail. It’s a fun way to get everyone laughing and sharing stories.
Competitive Christmas Party Team Activities
Bring out the competitive spirit this holiday season with team activities designed for adult Christmas parties. These games are perfect for breaking the ice and encouraging collaboration among guests.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Organize a scavenger hunt with a Christmas twist for an engaging activity that gets everyone moving. Create a list of Christmas-themed items, including candy canes, gingerbread houses, and festive decorations, and hide them around your party space.
Divide your guests into teams, hand them the list, and watch as they race to find all the items. The first team to complete their list wins a prize. It’s a great way to add excitement and a bit of friendly competition to your adult Christmas party games.
Jingle Bell Toss
For a fun and simple game, set up a Jingle Bell Toss station. Arrange cups in a formation and assign different point values to each. Guests take turns tossing small jingle bells into the cups, trying to score as many points as possible.
This game is a festive take on classic carnival games. It is sure to bring smiles and laughter to your Christmas party.
Reindeer Hunt
Engage your guests in a fun game of Reindeer Hunt where they search for hidden reindeer around your party venue. This active hunt adds a magical touch as players search for these festive creatures. Offer a prize for the person or team that finds all the reindeer first.
It’s a delightful way to get everyone involved and ensure a lively and interactive party atmosphere.
Festive Gift Exchange Ideas
Gift exchanges are a staple of Christmas parties, offering a fun and festive way to share surprises with friends and family. From the laughter-inducing Gift Exchange to the heartwarming Secret Santa, there’s a gift swap to suit every group.
White Elephant Gift Exchange
The White Elephant Gift Exchange is a holiday favorite where guests bring a wrapped gift to contribute to a communal pile. Players take turns choosing a wrapped gift to open or opting to “steal” an already opened one from another player. The game continues with much laughter and anticipation as each gift is revealed, and its fate decided.
It’s a playful way to exchange gifts where the fun lies in the unpredictability and the joy of the reveal.
Secret Santa
In the Secret Santa game, each participant draws the name of another person to whom they anonymously give a gift. This adds an element of mystery and excitement to the gift-giving process, as everyone tries to guess who their Secret Santa might be. It’s a heartwarming way to spread Christmas cheer and make everyone feel included in the festive spirit.
Grinch Gift Exchange
The Grinch Gift Exchange adds a mischievous twist to the holiday festivities. Inspired by the beloved Christmas character, this game involves passing around gifts in a circle as a story or poem is read aloud. The gifts change hands in unpredictable ways, mirroring the Grinch’s own change of heart.
It’s a playful and engaging way to exchange gifts, with each participant eagerly anticipating where their present will end up.
Santa’s Helper Gift Exchange
In the Santa’s Helper Gift Exchange, participants play the role of elves, selecting gifts not for themselves, but for another player. This twist encourages thoughtful giving and adds a layer of strategy as players try to choose the perfect gift for their assigned recipient. It’s a unique take on gift exchanges that emphasizes the joy of giving and the spirit of cooperation.
Deck the Cards Gift Exchange
The Deck the Cards Gift Exchange is a dynamic and exciting way to swap gifts. Players draw playing cards to determine the fate of their gifts, whether they will open, swap, or steal. This game injects a sense of chance and anticipation into the gift exchange, as players eagerly await their turn to draw and discover the outcome of their actions. It’s a wonderful way to add an element of surprise to the gift-giving tradition.
Switch Steal Unwrap Dice Game
The Switch Steal Unwrap Dice Game brings a classic game twist to Christmas gift exchanges. Participants roll dice to decide whether they will unwrap, switch, or steal gifts with one another. This game is all about the luck of the roll, making each turn unpredictable and exciting.
It’s a fun and interactive way to exchange gifts, with plenty of laughter and surprises along the way.
Christmas Carol Drinking Game
Combine the joy of singing Christmas carols with the fun of a drinking game. As carols play, participants take turns drawing slips of paper with various carol-related actions or themes written on them. Actions could range from “drink every time you hear ‘snow'” to “take a sip whenever ‘Santa’ is mentioned.”
The randomness of the drinking game ensures everyone stays on their toes and contributes to the festive atmosphere with every sip and sing-along.
Christmas Party Food Themed Games and Activities for Adults
Christmas parties are not just about the gifts and decorations but also about the delicious food and drinks shared among friends and family. Incorporating food games and activities into your holiday celebration can add an extra layer of fun and creativity.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest
Invite guests to showcase their creativity in a Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest. Provide an assortment of plain cookies, along with various icings, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Participants can let their imagination run wild as they decorate cookies in festive designs.
This activity is not only a fun way to engage guests but also results in sweet treasures that everyone can enjoy. It’s a delightful addition to any Christmas party, encouraging creativity and spreading holiday cheer.
Christmas Cocktail Competition
Gather your friends and find out who can claim the title of the best holiday mixologist with a Christmas Cocktail Competition. Invite everyone to concoct their own holiday-themed cocktail, ensuring there’s enough for each guest to taste. After sampling, a vote is cast to decide the winner.
The winner not only earns bragging rights but also the gratitude of the host for the drink contributions. For those aiming for the top spot, seeking inspiration from a variety of Christmas cocktail recipes could give you the winning edge.
Holiday Bake-Off
Channel the holiday spirit with a festive bake-off, where guests showcase their baking prowess with seasonal treats. From traditional Christmas cookies to innovative holiday cakes, this competition heats up the kitchen and brings out the best in everyone’s culinary skills.
Participants can present their creations, with guests or a panel of judges deciding whose bake reigns supreme. This activity not only fills the party with delightful aromas but also provides a delicious dessert buffet for everyone to enjoy.
Christmas Alphabet Drinking Game
The Christmas Alphabet Drinking Game is a fun and simple way to get everyone laughing. Participants sit in a circle and take turns going through the alphabet, each person naming something Christmas-related starting with their letter.
Whether it’s “A for Angel” or “S for Santa,” if someone hesitates or can’t think of a word, they take a drink. This game is sure to bring out creative answers and keep the party lively.
Memory-Making Christmas Party Activities for Adults
Creating lasting memories with friends and family during the holiday season is what Christmas parties are all about. From engaging in spirited games to sharing personalized gifts, these Christmas party activities for adults are designed to fill the celebration with joy, laughter, and cherished moments.
Christmas Card Swap
A Christmas Card Swap is an engaging icebreaker game that brings a personal touch to your holiday gathering. Guests can bring childhood photo Christmas cards of themselves and exchange them anonymously. The challenge is to match the Christmas cards with their owners, sparking conversations and laughter as everyone tries to guess who’s who.
This activity not only breaks the ice but also allows guests to learn more about one another in a fun and festive way.
Christmas Karaoke
Unleash your inner superstar with a Christmas Karaoke Caroling Competition. Participants choose their favorite holiday songs to perform, either solo or in groups, adding a lively and musical dimension to the party. Encourage everyone to dress up or use props to enhance their performances.
The competition can be judged based on criteria like vocal ability, creativity, or audience response, ensuring a fun and interactive experience for everyone involved.
Photo Booth Fun
Set up a Christmas-themed photo booth complete with Santa hats, candy canes, and other festive props for guests to use. This activity not only provides a fun break from the party’s main events but also creates memorable keepsakes. Encourage guests to get creative with their poses and use the props in hilarious ways.
Photos can be instantly printed or shared digitally, making them perfect additions to this year’s Christmas cards or cherished mementos of the holiday celebration.
Christmas Movie Trivia
Challenge your guests’ knowledge of holiday films with a round of Christmas Movie Trivia. Covering both classic Christmas films and modern favorites, this game is perfect for movie buffs and casual fans alike. Questions can range from plot details and character names to behind-the-scenes facts.
Ensure a wide variety of topics so as to keep everyone engaged and entertained. This trivia contest is a great way to discover who among your friends and family is the ultimate Christmas movie aficionado.
Christmas Mad Libs
Bring out the laughter with a game of Christmas Mad Libs. Participants fill in the blanks of a holiday-themed story with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs of their choosing, usually resulting in hilarious and nonsensical tales.
This simple yet entertaining activity is perfect for sparking creativity and laughter, making it a great addition to any holiday party. The funniest stories can be read aloud, sharing the joy and silliness with the whole group.
Stocking Guessing Game
The Stocking Guessing Game adds mystery and excitement to your holiday party. Fill a Christmas stocking with a variety of odd or themed objects and have guests take turns feeling the stocking to guess its contents. The person with the most correct guesses wins the game, and perhaps the stocking as a prize. This guessing game is a wonderful way to engage guests and add an element of surprise to the festivities.
These Christmas party activities for adults are designed to enhance the holiday spirit and strengthen bonds among friends and family. From creative competitions to guessing games, each activity offers a unique way to celebrate the season. Embrace these ideas to make your holiday gathering unforgettable, ensuring a festive atmosphere filled with joy, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
