Fun Christmas Party Games Your Guests Will Actually Want To Play
Picture this: twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread in the air, and a room full of laughter as your friends and family try desperately not to say the word “Santa.”
That’s the magic of the Christmas Taboo Game, one of the easiest (and funniest) ways to bring instant holiday cheer to any gathering.
The rules are simple: describe the festive word on your card without using the “taboo” words… and just try not to crack up in the process!
Whether you’re hosting Christmas games for family, planning classroom activities, or searching for Friendmas party games that guarantee belly laughs, Christmas Taboo is a total winner.
No prep, no stress, just pure, jolly fun that’ll have everyone shouting, guessing, and giggling their way through the holiday season.
Between decking the halls, baking approximately one million cookies, and keeping kids from shaking every gift under the tree, the last thing you need is a complicated game that takes longer to set up than it does to play.
What is the Christmas Taboo Game & Why Everyone Loves It
If you’ve never played Taboo before, here’s the quick rundown: one player has to get their team to guess a secret word, but there’s a twist.
They can’t say a list of “taboo” words that are usually the most obvious clues. Cue the frantic hand gestures, weird sound effects, and uncontrollable laughter.
Now, give that classic game a festive makeover and you’ve got the Christmas Taboo Game, packed with holiday-themed cards featuring words like Santa, Snowman, Elf, Mistletoe, and Candy Cane.
The goal?
Describe “Santa Claus” without saying sleigh, reindeer, red suit, or chimney. Sounds easy until you realize how fast your brain turns to tinsel under pressure!
This game is an absolute hit for Christmas party games for groups because it’s inclusive, fast-paced, and totally hilarious.
Everyone — from kids to coworkers — can join in, and no one needs to sit out waiting for their turn.
It’s that perfect mix of funny Christmas party games and lighthearted competition that keeps the energy high and the laughter even higher.
How to Play: Simple Rules for a Hilariously Fun Game Night
The best part about the Holiday Taboo Game (besides all the laughter)?
It’s ridiculously easy to set up and play.
No fancy supplies, no complicated rules, just grab your cards and get ready for some festive chaos! Here’s how it works:
- Divide into two teams. Gather your crew — big or small — and split into teams. (Bonus points if you name them something fun like Team Tinsel or The Merry Misfits.)
- Draw a holiday Taboo card. The top card will have a Christmas-themed word and a list of “taboo” words you can’t say.
- Start describing! The clue-giver has to get their team to guess the main word without using any of the off-limits words.
- Race against the clock. Give your team 60 seconds to guess as many words as they can.
- Score points for each correct guess. The team with the most points at the end wins ultimate Christmas bragging rights!
You can play it casually for laughs or competitively for those who take game night very seriously (we see you, Aunt Linda).
Plus, it’s super adaptable, perfect for Christmas games for adults and kids, or even as a Christmas classroom game that gets everyone involved.
🎅 Pro Tip: Want to crank up the fun? Use a sand timer for extra suspense, play festive background music, or use candy canes as score markers, because everything’s more fun when there’s candy involved!
Printable Holiday Taboo Cards: Make Setup Effortless
If the words “easy setup” make your holiday-loving heart skip a beat, you’re going to love these printable Christmas Taboo cards.
They’re festive, beautifully designed, and totally ready to play, no crafting, or last-minute panic required (well, maybe just the cutting part).
Simply print, cut, and play! 🎄
Each card is filled with fun, holiday-themed words that’ll have everyone giggling and guessing in no time.
I’ve included 11 sheets with 9 cards per sheet for 99 questions in all!
Here’s a peek at what’s included:
Want to make it extra durable for your classroom or annual family game night? Print on cardstock or laminate them for endless rounds of laughter year after year.
These printable Christmas games are perfect for any occasion, from teacher Christmas parties and family gatherings to your annual Friendmas bash.
Plus, I’ve included a blank, fillable sheet so you can create your own custom cards. Ideal for adding inside jokes, family traditions, or personal twists that make the game uniquely yours.
With these printable Christmas Taboo cards, setting up your next holiday game night couldn’t be easier (or more fun).
All that’s left to do is grab some cocoa, hit print, and let the holiday hilarity begin!
Fun Twists & Variations to Keep Things Fresh
One of the best things about Christmas Taboo is how easy it is to mix things up!
Whether you’re playing with kids, coworkers, or your competitive in-laws, a few fun twists can keep the laughs coming all night long. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:
Speed Round: Cut the timer down to 30 seconds for an extra dose of chaos. Perfect for those who thrive under pressure (or just love to watch their friends panic in festive fashion).
Charades Style: No talking allowed , only actions! Try miming “Elf on the Shelf” or “Wrapping Paper” without saying a word. It’s the ultimate test of creativity (and coordination).
Themed Decks: Customize your cards for your crowd, make a family-friendly version for the kids, an adults-only edition for your holiday cocktail night, or a classroom-safe version for your students.
Holiday Rewards: Add some silly stakes! The losing team has to sing a Christmas carol, wear a Santa hat for the next round, or eat a candy cane blindfolded. (Hey, it’s all in good fun!)
The beauty of this game is its adaptability.
You can easily tailor it for Christmas games for adults and kids or mix it into your lineup of Christmas party games for big groups for a full night of laughter.
However you play, one thing’s for sure: no one’s leaving without a smile (or at least a little glitter in their hair).
More Fun Christmas Games, Activities & Printables
Hilarious Christmas 5 Second Game
Cute Christmas Handprint Crafts
Christmas Printable Activities FREE
Cutest Christmas Gnome Coloring Sheets
Fun Christmas Coloring Pages FREE Printable
Christian Christmas Coloring Pages
Christmas Dinosaur Coloring Pages FREE Printable
Sweet Gingerbread Coloring Pages FREE Printable
Wrap-Up: Why Christmas Taboo Deserves a Spot at Every Holiday Party
At the end of the day, the Christmas Taboo Game checks every box on the holiday party wish list, it’s easy to set up, endlessly hilarious to play, and works perfectly for every crowd, from kids and classrooms to adults-only Friendmas nights.
No complicated rules, no prep stress, just pure, festive fun that brings everyone together (and maybe a little friendly competition, too).
So whether you’re planning Christmas games for family, organizing classroom Christmas activities, or searching for fun Christmas party games for groups, this one is an instant classic.
🎁Ready to bring some laughter to your next holiday gathering?
Download your printable Christmas Taboo Game and get ready for one of the funniest Christmas party games you’ll ever play.
Check out more Christmas games and activities linked above for a full on game night
Let the giggles, guessing, and merry chaos begin!