Games are hands-down the easiest way to get sleepy teens off the couch (and off their phones) and to gently redirect adults away from talking about health insurance, politics, or “back in my day.” They bring everyone together, spark ridiculous laughs, and somehow turn random holiday moments into core memories. I love showing up to a party with a new game or breaking one out on Christmas Day… it instantly sets the tone. And we just had a really fun conversation about this whole topic over our Discord group chat.
So if you’re looking to refresh your game stash this season, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The Best Family Games for Holiday Gatherings
I wasn’t always a game person (and honestly, I still have my limits), but these are the games that converted me. They’re fun for everyone without putting you on the spot, and most importantly the instructions are actually understandable. Once the rules start sounding like a TED Talk, my brain checks out, so these all passed the “I can learn this quickly” test. Here are my top six games that work for basically any holiday get-together.
1 | 1a | 1b | 1c | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
1. Monopoly Deal (The Fast Monopoly Card Game Everyone Loves)
What started as “let’s try one round and see if we like it” quickly turned into nonstop game play all night long. I then immediately bought a ton of packs as stocking stuffers for literally everyone I knew. Monopoly Deal is everything you love about Monopoly without the board, the setup, or the 47 house rules. It’s fast-paced and can be as cutthroat or chill as your energy level allows (personally, I get sneakier as the night goes on). Easy to learn, endlessly replay-able, and perfect for kids, adults, travel, or post-dinner chaos. They also have themed packs: Harry Potter, the NFL, and Kpop Demon Hunters.
2. Mind the Gap (The Ultimate Multigenerational Family Trivia Game)
Mind The Gap absolutely shines when you’ve got Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and yes, even the Greatest Generation, around the table. It’s one of those rare games where everyone genuinely contributes, no complicated rules required. You play as mixed teams, answering generation-based trivia and working together. It’s fun, inclusive, and always sparks great conversations.
3. Hues and Clues (A Color Guessing Game That’s Surprisingly Addictive)
Hues and Cues was our Christmas surprise hit last year, and it’s perfect for winding down when brains are tired but vibes are still good. Instead of trivia or fast card flipping, Hues and Cues is super visual, you give one- or two-word clues to help people guess a specific color. It’s creative, low-pressure, and endlessly entertaining… plus we accidentally discovered my cousin is colorblind while playing, so fair warning. Every round feels different, and it’s a great option for mixed ages and personalities.
4. Telestrations (The Funniest Family Game You’ll Ever Play)
This is, without question, the hardest I’ve ever laughed playing a game. Telestrations is basically telephone, but with drawing, and it somehow gets funnier with every round. It’s especially amazing with grandparents and younger kids because absolutely no one is on the same page, and that’s the magic. Stick figures reign supreme, artistic skill is irrelevant, and the results are laugh-out-loud ridiculous. It’s easy, chaotic in the best way, and guaranteed to create stories you’ll bring up every holiday.
5. Blank Slate (A Game About Thinking Like Everyone Else)
Blank Slate is all about predicting what people will and definitely won’t say. You’re given a phrase with a blank, write the word you think best completes it, and try to match someone else’s answer exactly. It’s quick to learn, easy to play, and works just as well with small groups as it does with a full table. The setup is simple and I love that satisfying “we totally think alike” moment when you nail a match.
6. Dutch Blitz (A Fast-Paced Card Game for Competitive Families)
Dutch Blitz is the outlier here, it has more rules than the others, but once it clicks, it’s so much fun. Think solitaire meets the game Spit, played at lightning speed, with lots of friendly chaos. It’s super fast-paced, great for competitive players, and easily portable since it’s just a deck of cards. This is the game for families and friends who love quick reflexes, intense focus, and a little friendly trash talk.
If you want games that actually get played (and requested again next year), these are it. There’s nothing better than time with friends and family, and these games make it even more fun. Every single one is tried and true. Let me know your go-to party games in the comments… I’m always up for putting a new one to the test. 🎲✨
xo,
Aliya
