9 Group Games That Make the Holidays Way More Fun (and Way Less Chaotic)
The holiday season is packed with energy—kids out of school, youth groups in full swing, and families gathering in every kind of space imaginable. Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, a winter retreat, or just trying to keep the chaos at bay, group games are your best move.
The right games do more than entertain. They bring people together, keep the energy flowing, and create real moments of connection—without needing tons of setup or equipment.
Here are 9 of the best group games to pull out this holiday season—perfect for churches, camps, schools, and anywhere else people gather to play. Some of these are our all-time favorites (and available on our site), and others are simple, creative ideas that just work.
1. 9 Square in the Air
9 Square is one of those rare games that works with all age levels and group sizes. Think of it as volleyball meets four square—played in the air, inside a 3x3 grid. Each player defends their square and tries to stay in the center.
Great for church gyms, youth events, and holiday lock-ins.
Need to learn how to play? Click here.
2. GaGa Ball
GaGa Ball is a fast-paced game where players use their hands to hit a ball at each other—if it hits you below the knee, you're out.
Short, fun rounds make it easy to jump in and keep the energy high.
Shop Gaga ball here.
3. Bucket Golf
Players toss balls into strategically placed buckets across your space—lowest score wins. It’s active without being chaotic and easy to set up anywhere.
Check out the Bucket Golf Set to get started.
4. Santa’s Reindeer Relay
Create a silly obstacle course with themed movements: prance like a reindeer, crawl like a chimney sweep, or gallop with a sleigh bell. Each player completes their task before tagging the next teammate.
All you need is space, energy, and a few festive ideas.
5. Human Snowman
Split into teams. One person is the “snowman,” and the others decorate them using toilet paper, scarves, and whatever holiday gear you’ve got. Fastest (or funniest) snowman wins.
Makes for great photos and a lot of laughs.
6. Candy Cane Catch
Grab candy canes and some string. Players try to hook as many candy canes as they can using only the one in their mouth—no hands allowed.
Simple, fast, and easy to turn into a mini competition.
7. Holiday Hoops
Set up cones, water bottles, or mini decorations and toss wreaths, glow sticks, or garland loops. Score a point for every successful toss.
Use it as a party station or quick game between active rounds.
8. North Pole Freeze Tag
Just like freeze tag, but with “safe zones” like igloos or North Poles. Players can unfreeze teammates with a “melting” high five or tag.
Works great indoors or outside with cones, mats, or lights to mark zones.
9. Christmas Capture the Flag
Split into two teams, each guarding a “present” like a wrapped box or plush toy. The goal: steal the other team's gift and get it back to your side without being tagged.
Classic format, easy holiday twist.
Keep the Holidays Active, Fun, and Connected
Whether you’re leading a youth group, planning a school party, or hosting family for the weekend, games like these are a simple way to bring people together. They build connection, get energy out, and make space for real, screen-free memories.
Looking for more ideas or ready-to-go game sets?
Explore The Best Group Games for 9 Square, GaGa Ball, Bucket Golf, and hundreds of group-tested favorites designed to help your team play better together.