Best 11 Family Games for Christmas 2025
Discover the best family games this christmas with our top picks. Prepare for laughter, strategy, and unforgettable memories together.
The holidays are just around the corner, and we’re here to help you choose the best family games this Christmas. Selecting the perfect game for families can be quite the task! We focus on games that are easy to learn, fun for all ages, and perfect for bringing everyone together. Having spent many evenings covered in board game chaos (with a little friendly competition), we’ve curated a list that caters to beginners and seasoned players alike. So, put the TV remote down and grab your loved ones for some unforgettable game nights that go beyond Monopoly and Scrabble!
On this list:
11 Catan
This classic game of resource management and strategy has been bringing families together for years. Trading sheep for wheat has never been so much fun! It’s simple enough for the kids to understand but complex enough to keep adults engaged. We’ve lost count of how many times Uncle Peter has tried to build a city only to be blocked by Aunt Mary. It sparks friendly competition and a lot of laughs, which is why it makes our list of best family games this Christmas.
10 Ticket to Ride
Get ready to shout, ‘All aboard!’ This game involves building train routes across the country, which sounds simple, but watch out for those who’ll sabotage your plans! It’s easy to learn and perfect for a fun family gathering. We love watching Grandma trying to figure out the shortest route from Portland to New York – and she usually wins! It’s a great way to travel through board gaming and is indeed one of the best family games this Christmas.
9 Dixit
Dreamy and colorful, Dixit unleashes everyone’s creativity. Describe a card with a story, word, or phrase, but be careful – too obvious or too vague, and you won’t get the points. Our family always gets a kick out of the wild stories this game inspires. So, if you want a game that brings out a lot of imagination and laughter, grab Dixit. It’s a strong contender in our best family games this Christmas list for its unique storytelling fun.
8 Splendor
Become a gem-collecting tycoon in this easy-to-learn yet strategic game. Splendor is all about gathering precious stones, buying development cards, and earning points. We find ourselves pretending to be jewel merchants from time to time! The tactile joy of handling poker chip-style tokens adds to the fun. The game is so smooth, even the family cat wanted to join. Splendor shines brightly as one of the best family games this Christmas list for its simple elegance.
7 Codenames
A great word association game where two teams battle to contact all their agents first. It’s all about clever clues and cool connections. We’ve seen some unexpected pairings, like ‘crocodile’ and ‘astronaut’. This game encourages teamwork and quick thinking. Plus, the hilarity of coming up with clues is endless, making it a laugh-out-loud addition to any family game night. That’s why it’s one of the best family games this Christmas.
6 Azul
Decorate Portugal’s Royal Palace with beautiful tiles in this visually stunning game. Azul is as pretty as it is clever. The game’s components are so satisfying to play with, it’s almost like playing with candy! Who knew tile-laying could be so competitive? We’ve had some epic battles over the best pieces, and it’s always a crowd favorite during the holidays. Azul adds a strategic touch to our list of best family games this Christmas.
5 Kingdomino
Think dominoes but with a kingdom-building twist. Kingdomino is easy to teach and quick to play, perfect for families. Colorful landscapes are crafted as you compete to create the best kingdom. We love seeing who can snag the most lucrative tiles, usually resulting in some good-natured grumbling. Games fly by so fast, you’ll be itching for a rematch! It’s a charming addition to our list of best family games this Christmas.
4 7 Wonders
This game of ancient civilization is as educational as it is fun, and supports up to 7 players. It’s a great challenge to develop your city and stand the test of time. Trading and building keep everyone engaged and involved. We’ve had heated debates on the best strategies and surprise victories in the past. It’s the perfect mix of competition and history, landing it on our best family games this Christmas.
3 Carcassonne
Lay tiles to build a medieval French landscape. Carcassonne is a classic game of territory and planning. We’ve found that it’s easy to pick up but hard to master, keeping everyone on their toes. Creating roads and cities, and placing followers strategically, always leads to surprising outcomes. Whether it’s stealing zones or blocking paths, it’s all in good fun. Carcassonne remains a staple of our best family games this Christmas.
2 Pandemic
Fight deadly diseases together in this cooperative game that teaches the importance of teamwork. Pandemic puts everyone on the same side, racing against the clock to save the world. The game’s tension and thrill are unmatched—our heart rates still spike when an outbreak occurs. We’ve enjoyed many nail-biting victories and close losses. If you’re looking for a game that brings everyone together for a common cause, look no further. It’s a top pick for the best family games this Christmas.
1 Wingspan
Wingspan is like a birdwatcher’s dream in board game form. Collect birds, lay eggs, and watch your aviary grow. Each bird card comes with fascinating facts, making it an educational experience too. The artwork is stunning, and the gameplay is soothing yet strategic. We’ve found ourselves becoming quite competitive over who can attract the most birds. Wingspan captures both beauty and brains, making it our best family games this Christmas.
