The Top Games to Play at Christmas (That Won’t Start a Family Feud… Probably)

There are a few things you can rely on at Christmas: someone will burn the pigs in blankets, someone will fall asleep mid–afternoon, and at least one person will say, “Shall we get a game out?”

If you’re the “games person” in the family or friend group, you’ll know the struggle of finding something that works for everyone, from the cousin who “doesn’t do rules” to the uncle who takes Monopoly way too seriously.

So, here’s a line-up of brilliant games to play at Christmas, whether you’re gathered around the table, lounging in the living room, or gaming online with people who couldn’t make it this year.

1. Codenames – For Big Groups and Nosey People

Three people sit around a table playing the board game Codenames in a cosy, festive room with a lit Christmas tree and fireplace in the background. One person holds up the Codenames box and points, smiling excitedly.

Players: 4+
Vibe: Team game, wordy, a bit thinky, but very funny

Codenames is ideal if you’ve got a crowd. You split into two teams, each with a “spymaster” who gives one-word clues to help their team guess their words on the table without picking the other team’s words or the dreaded assassin card.

It’s one of those games where half the fun is arguing about why on earth someone thought “Banana” was a good clue for “Doctor” and “Train.”

Where to buy in the UK:
You can pick up Codenames easily from places like John Lewis or via the official Codenames range at Asmodee UK.

2. Just One – Cooperative Chaos You Can Play in Your Pyjamas

Players: 3–7
Vibe: Co-op, light, silly

In Just One, you’re all working together to help the active player guess a word. Everyone secretly writes a one-word clue… then you reveal them. Any duplicates get cancelled out.

So you’re all trying to be helpful but also slightly weird, so your clue doesn’t match someone else’s. It’s low-stress, high-giggles, and perfect for when everyone’s in a food coma.

Where to buy in the UK:
You can grab Just One from indie board game shops like Good Time Games or larger retailers viaAmazon UK.

3. Dobble (a.k.a. Spot It) – Fast, Shouty and Child-Approved

Players: 2–8
Vibe: Fast reactions, family-friendly

Dobble is a little tin of round cards, each covered in symbols. Any two cards always share exactly one matching symbol, and your job is to spot it first. That’s it.

It sounds simple until you’re shouting “TREE! NO, SNOWMAN! NO, AHHH!” while a seven-year-old calmly wins every round because their reflexes are better than yours.

Where to buy in the UK:
The classic Dobble tin is widely available, for example, from John Lewis, or you can browse the full range of themed versions on the official Dobble page at Asmodee UK.

4. Ticket to Ride – For When You Want a Proper Board Game Moment

Players: 2–5
Vibe: Classic board game, gentle strategy

If you want something that feels like a “proper” game but isn’t going to melt anyone’s brain, Ticket to Ride is a great shout. You’re building train routes across a map, claiming tracks and trying to complete secret destination tickets.

There’s just enough competition to make it spicy (“Why did you steal my route?”) but not enough to trigger a full-scale festive sulk. Most versions play nicely in about an hour, which is ideal between dinner and dessert round two.

Where to buy in the UK:
You can find Ticket to Ride: Europe and other versions through the official Ticket to Ride collection at Asmodee UK, as well as the usual suspects like Amazon and Zatu.

5. Mario Kart – For Competitive Groups

Four people sit around a table playing a board game, smiling and holding cards. A decorated Christmas tree and a fireplace with hanging stockings are in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.

Platform: Switch / older consoles
Vibe: Chaotic, button-mashing, shouting at the screen

If your household has a console, Christmas is prime time for Mario Kart. There’s nothing quite like watching the most chilled person you know absolutely lose it after being hit by three shells on the final corner.

With easy modes, steering assists and team play, it’s quite friendly for non-gamers too. Just… maybe agree beforehand that blue shells are Not Personal.

Where to buy in the UK:
For the Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the go-to version – you can buy it digitally or physically via the My Nintendo Store UK or from high-street retailers like Argos.

6. Jackbox Party Packs – Perfect for Long-Distance Christmases

Platform: PC/console with phones as controllers
Vibe: Party games, creative, often ridiculous

Got friends or family who can’t be there in person? Jackbox games are brilliant for playing over video call. One person runs the game on their console or PC, and everyone else joins via their phone.

There are drawing games, bluffing games, quiz games, and ones that devolve into “who can make the most unhinged answer.” Great if you’ve got a mix of ages and want something light and very replayable.

Where to buy in the UK:
You can buy digital copies directly from the Jackbox Games UK store, for example, The Jackbox Party Pack 3 or grab newer packs like Party Pack 10 and 11 on platforms such as Nintendo eShop and Steam.

7. Herd Mentality – For Group Think (and the Fear of Getting the Pink Cow)

Players: 4–20
Vibe: Party game, “guess what everyone else will say”

In Herd Mentality, you’re asked questions like “What’s the best pizza topping?” or “Name a famous Chris.” You don’t want to be right; you want to be with the majority. If your answer is the odd one out, you get the dreaded pink cow.

It’s silly, speedy, and brilliant for families who love debating nonsense. Ideal with a box of chocolates doing the rounds.

Where to buy in the UK:
You can buy Herd Mentality direct from its creators at Big Potato Games or from UK puzzle and toy shops like The Family Puzzle Shop.

8. Wavelength – Psychic Guessing Meets Overthinking

Players: 2+ (best with 4–10)
Vibe: Talky, slightly thinky, social

Wavelength is all about reading your team’s minds. One player sees where a hidden dial is on a spectrum (e.g. “Hot – Cold”) and gives a clue (like “Cup of tea”). Their team discuss where they think the dial should be and locks in a guess.

It sounds very therapy circle, but it’s actually hilarious once you start arguing about whether Colin Firth is more “posh” or “relatable.”

Where to buy in the UK:
You can pick up Wavelength from Waterstones or retailers like John Lewis and specialist board game stores.

9. Werewolf / Mafia – For Drama, Suspicion and Over-Acting

Players: 6–20+
Vibe: Social deduction, roleplay, drama

If you’ve got a big group and no board to hand, a classic social deduction game like Werewolf or Mafia is perfect. Players are secretly divided into villagers and baddies, and each round you’re trying to work out who’s who.

Someone will be very convincing. Someone will be terrible at lying. Someone will get voted out immediately because “they look suspicious.” It’s basically Christmas soap-opera energy in game form.

If you prefer a boxed version with roles and app support, One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a great, quick variant.

Where to buy in the UK:
You can get One Night Ultimate Werewolf from Waterstones or modern board game shops like Thirsty Meeples.

10. The “No Prep” Games – For When You Can’t Be Bothered with Rules

Four adults sit around a table playing a colourful board game, each holding coloured cards. They are smiling and engaged, with festive holiday lights and a decorated Christmas tree in the background.

Sometimes you just want something you can play right now, with zero set-up. A few cosy favourites:

Charades – Old-school but always delivers. You can theme it with Christmas films, songs and books.
Heads Up (or Post-it on the forehead) – One person guesses the thing on their head based on everyone’s clues. Great after a glass (or three) of mulled wine.
“Would You Rather?” – Not technically a game, but you can absolutely turn it into one. Keep it festive (“Would you rather only eat sprouts for a week or listen to the same Christmas song on loop all day?”).

No links needed here, it’s all imagination and bits of paper.

Tips for Making Christmas Game Time Actually Fun

A few tiny tweaks can stop game night from turning into World War III:

Pick games with simple rules – Christmas brains are tired brains.
Have a mix ready – something light, something silly, and one “proper” game.
Rotate the host – let someone else read the rules or pick the next game.
Know when to stop – if people are getting snappy, swap to something co-operative or call it a night and put a film on.

Final Thoughts: Make “Game Time” a Tradition

Games at Christmas don’t have to be ultra-competitive or super serious. They can just be an excuse to laugh, chat, and create a few chaotic little memories that become “Remember when Nan beat everyone at Mario Kart?” stories.

Whether you’re into board games, video games, or daft party games that require absolutely no equipment, picking a couple of go-tos in advance makes the holidays feel that bit more special.

And if all else fails? There’s always Charades and a leftover tin of Roses.

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