10 Best Board Games for Christmas Gifts 2025 Reviewed
Looking for the best board games for christmas gifts? These picks bring fun, laughter, and excitement to any holiday gathering with friends.
Looking for the perfect board games for christmas gifts? We know the struggle—our own game shelf is packed with winners and, well, some not-so-merry flops. We focus on games that are easy to learn, quick to play, and fun for everyone. That means no one will sigh when Aunt Carol joins in or when your little cousin starts rules-lawyering. Our picks work for families, friends, and even those ‘I never play games’ folks. Whether you want a cozy two-player game or a lively party hit, our list of board games for christmas gifts has you covered. Grab some cocoa and let’s get rolling!
On this list:
10 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic pick for board games for christmas gifts because of how easy it is to teach and play. We played this with grandma last December, and she crushed us with a sneaky route from Miami to Seattle. You build train routes across the map, and everyone at the table gets very invested very quickly. Even our friend Dave, who still thinks Uno is peak gaming, loved it. The game looks festive on the table too, which just adds to the holiday feel. Great for families or groups new to board gaming, and it always seems to end in laughter—except for that one person who gets blocked every game.
9 Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! brings fast, fun energy to any holiday. We brought it to a Christmas party last year and everyone learned it in about 2 minutes (including Aunt Judy, who claims she can’t play games). The adorable sushi art actually made people hungry, and the simple drafting gave us lots of laughs when someone ended up with a sad pile of chopsticks. For board games for christmas gifts, Sushi Go! is a winner because it fits in a stocking and is perfect for families or anyone who likes card games. Just don’t play hungry or you’ll end up ordering takeout.
8 Kingdomino
Kingdomino is perfect for beginners and veterans alike. Our group of four built wacky little kingdoms on the coffee table while Christmas music played in the background. You match up domino-style tiles to build fields, lakes, and forests, and then brag about who has the fanciest kingdom. It’s quick, clever, and very replayable. We actually played three times in a row the first night. Board games for christmas gifts need to be accessible, fun, and able to handle a crowd—Kingdomino checks all the boxes. Plus, you can gloat about your ‘strategic’ placement, even if it was pure luck.
7 Azul
Azul is gorgeous and feels like you are making Christmas ornaments, even if you’re just arranging tiles. We gave this as a board games for christmas gifts to our cousin who loves puzzles, and now every December we play a match or three. It’s simple to understand, but there’s some sneaky strategy, which leads to a bit of friendly trash talk. Plus, the chunky tiles are oddly satisfying to hold. This game looks as good as it plays—and when you put it on a holiday table, it just feels right, especially with cookies nearby and snow falling outside.
6 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-laying classic that’s survived many Christmases with our group. You build a shared landscape with castles, roads, and crazy-shaped cities. Every turn is a mini surprise, especially when someone accidentally ruins your mega-city plans (thanks a lot, Tim). This is one of those board games for christmas gifts that never gets old because every game is so different. The rules are simple enough for family, but you can get sneaky if you want. We keep coming back to Carcassonne during the holidays, usually while someone tries to balance the Meeple on their nose.
5 Splendor
Splendor is a gem (pun intended) for holiday gaming. You play as fancy gem dealers, but it’s not as snobby as it sounds—just quick, clever set collection. Last Christmas, we played this between dinner and dessert, and nobody wanted to leave the table. The rules are easy, but there’s a ton of room for sneaky strategies. Everyone gets a shot at a last-minute win, which keeps it exciting. Board games for christmas gifts should feel special, and Splendor’s shiny chips and quick play make it one we love giving (and playing) when the family is together.
4 Just One
Just One is our favorite party word game for Christmas gatherings. You work together to guess mystery words, and the clues can get hilariously off-track—especially after the eggnog kicks in. Everyone laughs when Uncle Bob gives a clue nobody understands. You can play with any group size, even those ‘not into games.’ Board games for christmas gifts should bring people together and spark fun, and Just One does that every time. We still remember when someone tried to give ‘reindeer’ as a clue for ‘Santa.’ The confusion that followed was legendary.
3 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is amazing for big family gatherings, and that’s why it’s on our board games for christmas gifts list. It plays up to 7 people, so even your cousin’s boyfriend can join in. You build ancient cities and compete for points, but it’s fast and everyone acts at the same time, so nobody gets bored waiting. We played this last year and the table was so loud the neighbors thought we were arguing—nope, just trading for bricks. It’s a bit trickier to learn than some games here, but worth it for the excitement and replay value.
2 Codenames
Codenames is a party game that always leads to wild guesses and even wilder stories. It’s great for board games for christmas gifts because you can split into teams and get everyone involved. One person gives single-word clues, and everyone else tries to guess the matching words. We had so many epic fails during our holiday game night that it became a running joke—nobody let Grandpa be the clue-giver after he said, ‘Christmas’ for the word ‘Turkey.’ Codenames guarantees holiday laughter and memories, even if you lose horribly. Perfect for big groups and all ages.
1 Santa’s Workshop
We picked Santa’s Workshop as the best board game for christmas gifts on this list because it is literally about elves and making toys for Santa. We played this with the family in December with the fireplace going, and it felt like we were actually in the North Pole (minus the cold and flying reindeer). It’s a worker placement game, but easy enough for new players. The excitement comes from collecting pieces, making toys, and out-elfing your friends. Christmas vibes are off the charts, and the theme makes it a perfect holiday gift for board game fans and casual players alike. If your group loves the spirit of Christmas, this is the top pick, hands down.
