Fun & Easy Games to Play Over the Holidays

Hi, Beth here! Suzy is in NYC visiting her daughter, so I’m taking over today! The holidays are such a special time to slow down, laugh a little more, and enjoy being together. As empty nesters, Randy and I treasure any chance to gather our grown kids, family, and friends around the table. One of the easiest (and most joyful!) ways to do that? Games!

Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite simple, fun, and budget-friendly games you can play with any age group during the holidays. Nothing complicated — just lots of laughs and connection.

Games You Can Play Around the Table

These are great after dinner when everyone is lingering with dessert.

• Left Center Right – Fast, easy, and so fun! All you need are the special dice. Kids, teens, grandparents — everyone can play. Sometimes we play with quarters or even dollar bills, and it definitely adds a little extra excitement!
• Tenzi – A quick, energetic dice game that gets loud in the best way. Perfect for big groups.
• Table Topics – Not really a game, but it always leads to the best conversations. We’ve discovered things about our kids (and each other!) that we never knew.

Games with a Little Friendly Competition

For empty nesters with competitive kids or spouses! (this is my family 🤣), these are always a hit.

• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza – Silly, fast-paced, and sure to get everyone laughing. There is also a holiday edition called Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman.
• Spot It! – Quick to learn and surprisingly challenging — we always end up playing multiple rounds.
• Code Names – Great for bigger groups. It’s clever, collaborative, and gets everyone involved.

Games for a Cozy Holiday Night In

Perfect when you’re curled up by the Christmas tree.

• Uno – Lighthearted and always fun, even with just two people.
• Dominoes (Mexican Train) – Relaxing but still engaging.
• Puzzles – Not technically a game, but such a fun activity to do together. We also love using a puzzle board so we can move the puzzle around the house without losing our progress.

Games Kids & Young Adults Love (So You’ll Love Them Too!)

When the house is full, these keep everyone entertained.

• Throw Throw Burrito – Yes, you throw squishy burritos! My family thinks it’s hilarious, and it always gets everyone up and moving.
• Telestrations – A fun party game that works like telephone, but with drawing, and it always ends in hilarious results.
• What Do You Meme? Family Edition – Hilarious with older kids, and we always end up laughing until our sides hurt.
  
  

As empty nesters, the holidays look a little different each year. Sometimes our house is full, and sometimes it’s quieter. But no matter what, games help bring joy, connection, and a whole lot of laughter.

I hope these ideas add some fun to your gatherings this season. If you have a favorite holiday game, I’d love to hear it!