There’s nothing better than gathering around the table after a big Christmas day feast, fairy lights twinkling, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and some great board games ready to spark the laughter, drama, and festive rivalry.
Playing games with family and friends is the perfect way to share laughs, test wits, and create lasting memories during the festive season. Whether you’re in for a hearty competition or just some lighthearted fun, here are five great family board games to play and create some quality time this Christmas – plus a few bonus recommendations for when you’re hooked!
1. Codenames: crack the code, beat the spies
Dive into the world of spies and secret agents with Codenames, a thrilling word association game that’s as much about clever communication as it is about teamwork. Ideal for groups of 4-8 players, it pits two teams against each other in a race to uncover their hidden agents while avoiding rival spies and the dreaded assassin card.
Codenames was created by Czech Games, it is simple to learn, yet its depth and replayability make it a hit for casual players and word-game enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re the Spymaster crafting cryptic clues or a field operative deciphering them, the game keeps everyone engaged. With its perfect balance of strategy, creativity, risk and exciting gameplay, Codenames is sure to spark plenty of laughter and “aha!” moments around the table. Not just for Christmas this is a keeper for family game nights too!
How to Play
Set the stage: Lay out a grid of 25-word cards face up on the table. These cards represent the codenames of secret agents. The cards are neutral until identified as belonging to one of the two teams or the assassin.
Role of the spymaster: Each team selects a Spymaster who knows the identities of their agents, revealed through a key card. The Spymaster’s job is to guide their team to the correct cards by giving a one-word clue and a number indicating how many cards it applies to. For example, the clue “Ocean, 2” might refer to “Wave” and “Shark.”
Team guesswork: The field operatives discuss the clue and choose cards they believe match. If they guess correctly, their team’s agent is revealed. However, if they guess wrong, they may uncover a neutral card, an opposing team’s agent, or even the assassin card – resulting in an immediate loss!
Winning the game: The first team to identify all their agents wins. But beware – the road to victory requires careful thought, sharp communication, and a touch of daring.
Why Codenames is perfect for family gatherings
Codenames is the perfect game to bring people together during the festive season. The mix of lighthearted banter, intense deduction, and moments of hilarity make it an excellent icebreaker for family members of all ages.
Whether you’re playing with seasoned gamers or those new to board games, everyone can jump in and enjoy the fun. Plus, its team-based format encourages collaboration, making it a fantastic way to strengthen bonds and share laughs during the holidays.
The game’s modular design also means it’s quick to set up and easy to adapt to different playstyles.
Want a more competitive edge?
Ramp up the difficulty by using obscure or creative clues.
Prefer a laid-back vibe? Keep the clues simple and enjoy the collective effort of cracking them.
If you like this, you’ll also love these great board games:
Decrypto: A word game that takes decoding and deduction to the next level as teams craft and intercept secret messages.
Wavelength: A party game where players guess their teammates’ thoughts on abstract spectrums, fostering hilarious and thought-provoking debates.
2. Ticket to Ride: all aboard for a festive adventure
All aboard for a journey of strategy and adventure with Ticket to Ride! This beloved board game challenges players to build train routes across a beautifully designed map, connecting cities and completing secret destination tickets.
With its elegant simplicity and a perfect blend of strategy and luck, Ticket to Ride has become a timeless favourite for players of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re plotting an epic transcontinental journey or strategically blocking an opponent’s route, every turn offers excitement and surprises.
Ticket to Ride was created by Alan R Moon, it’s visual appeal and tactile satisfaction – laying colourful trains to complete routes – is matched by its gameplay depth. Players must balance competing priorities: should you focus on completing a long route for big points or opt for several smaller, safer routes? The result is a game that’s endlessly replayable and fun for the whole family.
How to play
Claim routes: Players collect train cards of specific colours and use them to claim routes on the board. The longer the route, the more points it earns.
Destination tickets: At the start of the game, players receive secret destination tickets showing two cities they must connect. Successfully completing these routes awards bonus points, but failing to connect them results in a penalty.
Strategic decisions: Players must decide whether to focus on claiming routes quickly, drawing more destination tickets, or blocking opponents. The balance of strategy and luck ensures every game feels unique.
Game end: The game ends when one player runs out of trains, and everyone tallies their points. The player with the highest score, combining route points and bonuses, wins the game.
Why ticket to ride is perfect for the holidays
Ticket to Ride embodies the spirit of Christmas gatherings: fun, friendly competition, and a chance to connect with loved ones. Its straightforward rules mean that even first-time players can jump in with ease, while its depth ensures seasoned gamers stay engaged. The game’s charming artwork and nostalgic train theme evoke a cosy, warm feeling—perfect for snowy evenings by the fire.
One of Ticket to Ride’s strengths is its scalability. Whether you’re playing with two players or a full table of five, the experience remains balanced and enjoyable. Additionally, with various maps and expansions, like Ticket to Ride: Europe or Asia, you can tailor the game to your preferences, exploring different regions and strategies.
If you like this, you’ll also love these great board games:
Carcassonne: Build medieval cities, roads, and farms with tiles, strategically placing followers to earn points.
Settlers of Catan: Engage in resource trading, road building, and settlement expansion in this classic strategy game.
3. Just One: one word, all the laughs – a hilarious cooperative party Game
If you’re looking for a game that’s as simple to learn as it is endlessly entertaining, Just One is the perfect choice. This is one of the great cooperative games – a word-guessing game is designed for 3-7 players and guarantees plenty of laughs as you work together to score points. With its fast-paced rounds and creative clues, Just One is ideal for bringing family and friends together during the holidays.
The beauty of Just One lies in its simplicity and the unpredictable hilarity of duplicated clues. It’s a game of creativity, communication, and just a bit of mind-reading. Even when you’re not the guesser, watching the clues unfold (or disappear!) is just as much fun. Ludovic Roudy and Bruno Sautter created the board game Just One and it was published by Repos Production.
How to Play
Choose the word: In each round, one player is the guesser. They draw a card and pick a number, revealing a secret word that the rest of the players need to help them guess.
Write clues: The other players secretly write one-word clues on their boards, aiming to guide the guesser without being too obvious. Here’s the catch: If two or more players write the same clue, it’s erased!
Guess the word: The guesser sees the remaining unique clues and tries to identify the word. The group earns a point for each correct guess and loses no points for passing.
Winning the game: Players work together to score as many points as possible out of 13 rounds. High scores are celebrated, but the real fun is in the shared laughter and clever clues.
Why Just One is perfect for the holidays
Just One is a game that bridges generations and skill levels, making it perfect for festive family gatherings. It’s quick to set up, easy to explain, and works equally well with adults and children. The cooperative nature of the game also eliminates the pressure of competition, focusing instead on creativity and teamwork.
The challenge of coming up with unique clues adds an element of suspense and hilarity to every round. Should you go for a clever, obscure hint or something simple and straightforward?
The answers often lead to plenty of laughs, especially when duplicated clues get erased and leave the guesser hilariously confused.
If you like this, you’ll also love these great board games:
Dixit: A storytelling game where players use surreal artwork to create and guess imaginative clues.
Spyfall: A lighthearted social deduction game where players try to figure out who among them is the spy.
4. Wingspan: spread your wings, soar to victory
Step into the serene world of birdwatching with Wingspan, a stunningly designed engine-building game where players compete to create the most diverse and thriving wildlife preserves. Elizabeth Hargrave created the game and it was published by Stonemaier Games. Ideal for 1-5 players, Wingspan combines beautiful artwork, thoughtful gameplay, and a touch of nature education. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, Wingspan offers a relaxing yet strategic experience that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.
The game’s thematic depth, where each bird card reflects its real-life habits and characteristics, adds an educational twist. From the Bald Eagle to the Blue Jay, every bird you attract to your preserve has unique powers that impact your gameplay. It’s not just a game – it’s an experience that brings the beauty of the natural world to your table.
How to play
Set up your preserve: Players start with a blank wildlife preserve consisting of three habitats: forest, grassland, and wetland. Each habitat allows specific actions like collecting food, laying eggs, or drawing bird cards.
Choose your actions: On their turn, players can:
• Play a Bird: Use food tokens and eggs to attract a bird to one of your habitats.
• Gain Food: Roll custom dice in the bird feeder to collect resources like berries, fish, and worms.
• Lay Eggs: Place eggs on your birds, which count as points and allow further actions.
• Draw Cards: Pick from a selection of bird cards to add to your hand for future turns.
Unlock abilities: Each bird has a special ability—some provide instant effects, while others trigger during specific actions or at the end of the game.
Score points: Points are earned through bird cards, eggs, bonus objectives, and habitat-specific achievements. The player with the highest total at the end of four rounds wins.
Why Wingspan is perfect for the holidays
Wingspan is the ideal game for cosy winter evenings with family and friends. Its calming, nature-inspired theme makes it a wonderful contrast to the usual fast-paced chaos of holiday gatherings. The mix of strategy and relaxation creates a unique atmosphere that encourages thoughtful play and conversation.
The game’s gorgeous components – illustrated bird cards, colourful egg tokens, and a dice-rolling bird feeder – add to its charm. Each turn feels rewarding, whether you’re carefully planning your preserve or marvelling at the birds you’ve attracted.
Plus, the solo mode is perfect for quiet moments during the holiday season when you want to unwind with a cup of tea and a little friendly competition against the game itself.
If you like this, you’ll also love these great board games:
Azul: Craft intricate patterns in this visually stunning tile-laying game that’s as strategic as it is beautiful.
Parks: Take a hike through breathtaking national parks, collect memories, and explore nature in this relaxing game.
5. Unstable Unicorns: unicorn chaos, holiday laughs
Prepare for chaos, strategy, and endless laughter with Unstable Unicorns, a hilarious card game where players build their own unicorn armies while sabotaging their opponents. Perfect for 2-8 players, this game combines quirky humour with strategic gameplay, making it a fantastic choice for parties, family gatherings, or a lighthearted game night. The game was created and published by Unstable Games.
With its adorable yet mischievous artwork and unpredictable gameplay, Unstable Unicorns offers a unique blend of fun and competition. The goal is simple: be the first to collect a stable of seven unicorns. But watch out – your opponents will stop at nothing to derail your plans!
How to play
Set up your stable: Each player starts with a “Baby Unicorn” in their stable. The deck is shuffled, and each player is dealt five cards.
Take turns: On your turn, you can draw a card, play a card, or take specific actions depending on your hand.
Unicorn cards: Add magical or basic unicorns to your stable to work toward victory.
Upgrade Cards: Play these to benefit your stable or boost your unicorns.
• Downgrade Cards: Use these to sabotage opponents by hindering their progress.
• Magic Cards: Cast spells to gain advantages or disrupt other players’ strategies.
Defend yourself: Watch out for “Neigh” cards, which let players cancel their actions. But don’t worry – you can counter with a “Super Neigh” for some delightful revenge!
Win the game: The first player to collect seven unicorns in their stable wins. The path to victory is rarely straightforward, as alliances form and dissolve in the blink of an eye.
Why Unstable Unicorns is perfect for the holidays
Unstable Unicorns is the ultimate modern board game for adding a bit of playful mischief to your holiday festivities. Its quick turns and unpredictable nature mean that even new players can jump in and have fun right away. The mix of strategy and chaos ensures no two games are ever the same, keeping everyone entertained and laughing.
The game’s whimsical artwork and cheeky card names (like the “Rainbow Unicorn” or “Narwhal of Surprise”) add to its charm. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to take along to family gatherings or holiday trips, ensuring you always have a source of festive fun at hand.
If you like this, you’ll also love
Exploding Kittens: A similarly chaotic card game where players try to avoid drawing the exploding kitten card while plotting their opponents’ downfall.
Muffin Time: A fast-paced game of random chaos and quirky objectives guaranteed to keep everyone laughing.
When it comes to finding the perfect entertainment for family gatherings, card games and board game options remain a popular choice. From classic games with simple rules to more complex games that challenge your strategic thinking, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Whether you’re looking for a chaotic card game to liven up the room or a collaborative strategy game that fosters teamwork, the age of players and their skill levels make all the difference when selecting the right fit. With options that range from quick set-up times to those requiring more thoughtful planning, a decent games cupboard is a treasure trove of endless possibilities.
Ready to roll the dice on a Christmas to remember?
From cracking codes with Codenames to building birdwatching empires in Wingspan, these board games are your ticket to festive fun. They’re not just games- they’re memory-makers, laugh-inducers, and the ultimate excuse to stay a little longer at the table.
Whether it’s the joy of a perfectly timed “Neigh” in Unstable Unicorns or the collective groans when someone snags your train route in Ticket to Ride, these moments are what the holidays are all about.
So, grab your favourites, pour the mulled wine, and let the games begin.
Because let’s face it: nothing says Christmas like a bit of family competition, a lot of laughter, and just the right amount of sabotage.
Game on, and may the best strategist win!
