Fun Holiday Party Games for All Ages

We played this one at our last dinner party, and it was a major hit. There are four different sections of cards — real talk, dating, sex, and relationships — and everyone takes turns reading the questions out loud and answering them. Prepare to see some LOLs, and maybe even a few tears, too. ($25, Urban Outfitters) 

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 just can’t get enough, snag the standard expansion pack or the movies and music expansion pack (or both). Happy gaming. ($18.99, 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. ($24.99, Amazon)

Love a good whodunit game but don’t have the time to curate clues and scenarios on your own? This game to the rescue. It’s got two different modes, so you can play it both IRL and over Zoom. With pre-recorded detective messages and scripts, the host can play too, and it chooses a murderer randomly on the night so you won’t have to worry about any no-shows. It’s recommended for ages 14 and up, and as many as 20 players. ($18.69, 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 viral trend is now a hilarious card game. If you’re not afraid of getting a little NSFW with guests, this one will be a crowd-pleaser. All you have to do is get your team to guess the word on your card by letting your body do the talking, speaking in one-syllable words only, or freestyling before the time runs out. Belly laughs, incoming. ($14.99, Target)

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. ($20, 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)

You may have heard of the game We’re Not Really Strangers. Now you can gather your BFFs — and maybe some acquaintances — and play using the friendship pack. (We can’t promise you won’t be tearing up at the end.) It’s got three levels of question cards that get progressively deeper, featuring questions like, “What’s one small detail you remember about the first time we met?” and “What do you wish you got more credit for?” It’s a great way to get to know your friends a little more this holiday season. ($20.49+, Amazon)

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. ($18.28, Amazon)