Best 14 Good Christmas Board Games for 2025 Review
Looking for good Christmas board games? Check 'Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries'. Perfect for cozy nights with friends and family.
The Best Good Christmas Board Games: Finding the perfect board game for the holiday season can be as tricky as untangling those Christmas lights. We’ve scoured BoardGameGeek and played through countless games to bring you the best Christmas board games that’ll have you and your family laughing, strategizing, and possibly arguing over who stole the last candy cane. Our list focuses on variety, fun, creativity, and that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from a good Christmas game night. So, gather your loved ones, grab some cocoa, and get ready to play these gems that are perfect for any holiday gathering.
On this list:
14 Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s Workshop is a blast! You manage elves to build toys, feeding them candy canes to keep them motivated. It’s like running a tiny Christmas factory. The game’s artwork is delightful, capturing the Christmas spirit in every detail. It’s great for a family gathering, as the rules are simple enough for kids but still engaging for adults. However, watch out – it can get a bit competitive when players are scrambling for resources. It provides a perfect balance of strategy and holiday cheer, making it a staple in our Christmas board game lineup.
13 12 Days
This game plays on the ’12 Days of Christmas’ song and is perfect for a holiday gathering. It’s a card game where players try to collect sets and win tricks by strategically playing cards representing different days of Christmas. The art is festive, depicting humorous takes on each day. It’s quick, easy to learn, and full of holiday spirit. Plus, it’s compact and easy to take anywhere, so it’s perfect for travelling during the holiday season. While it’s not the most strategic game, it’s fun, festive, and great for mixed ages and skill levels.
12 Christmas Lights: A Card Game
In Christmas Lights, you’re untangling strings of lights to complete patterns, just like decking out the tree. It’s a card game with a delightful blend of luck and strategy. The beauty is in its simplicity and festive theme. The rules are easy to grasp, so you can jump right in and start playing. It’s a game that brings back the nostalgic feel of decorating during the holidays. While it’s not the deepest game, it’s perfect if you’re looking for something light-hearted and full of Christmas charm.
11 Coal Baron: The Great Card Game
While not explicitly Christmas-themed, Coal Baron offers a cozy, wintry feel as you take on the role of a coal mine owner. It’s a strategic card game where players aim to fulfill orders efficiently, just like Santa’s elves hustling to pack gifts. The theme ties in nicely with the cold season, and it’s cerebral enough for gamers who like a bit more complexity. The card game adaptation makes it quicker and more portable than the original board game, which is great for when you want a challenging game without the setup hassle.
10 Letters from Whitechapel
In Letters from Whitechapel, players track Jack the Ripper through the streets of London. It’s perfect for a chilling winter’s night. The tension is high and it’s a massive hit with mystery lovers in our group. While it doesn’t scream ‘Christmas’, the dark, foggy London streets and strategic deductive play give it a seasonal vibe. The game is intense and requires some serious sleuthing, so it’s not one to play after a heavy Christmas dinner! It’s a great mix of theme, strategy, and a bit of theatrical flair.
9 Merry Grinchmas!
Kick back with the Grinch and relive the classic tale. In Merry Grinchmas!, players aim to out-grinch each other by nabbing Christmas gifts. It’s a light-hearted, fast-paced game with lovely illustrations that capture the essence of Dr. Seuss’s world. While it’s certainly aimed at a younger audience, we found it charming and full of giggles. There’s a sneaky element to stealing presents, and who doesn’t want to do a little Grinch impersonation during the holidays?
8 Snow Tails
Ever wanted to race huskies through snowy trails? Snow Tails lets you live that dream! It’s a racing game where you control a sled team, navigating through tight corners and icy paths. The strategic element of hand management and the wintry theme make it perfect for a Christmas gathering. We love how it captures the excitement and unpredictability of a race. While you might need to clear the table for this one, it’s well worth it for the fun and chaos it brings.
7 Tis the Season
Tis the Season is a trivia game where players gather festive items by answering holiday-related questions. It’s a great way to test your Christmas trivia knowledge while also enjoying gameplay that is accessible to everyone. The questions range from easy to challenging, so it keeps everyone on their toes. It’s perfect for family gatherings as it appeals to all ages. While trivia games can sometimes be hit or miss, the holiday theme makes this one extra special and perfect for getting into that Christmas spirit.
6 Christmas-opoly
Christmas-opoly puts a holiday twist on the classic property trading game. Players buy and trade North Pole properties, collect candy canes, and avoid getting stuck in the snow drift. It’s a festive spin that can rekindle anyone’s love for Monopoly, especially for those nostalgic for family Monopoly nights. The game keeps all the iconic Monopoly mechanics but sprinkles in Christmas themes for a jolly good time. While it can drag on for those who don’t love the original, it’s a great way to make Monopoly feel fresh and seasonal.
5 A Christmas Story: The Party Game
Based on the classic holiday movie, this game has players relive Ralphie’s adventure. It’s packed with fun challenges and memorable moments from the film. The game is hilarious, especially if you’re a fan of the movie. You collect items and complete challenges, which often result in laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a wonderful way to bring the family closer during the holidays. It might not have the strategic depth that some gamers crave, but it makes up for it with sheer fun and nostalgia.
4 Holiday Fluxx
Holiday Fluxx is festive and fun! It’s full of surprises with its ever-changing rules, and perfect for friends looking for a light-hearted game.
3 Christmas Tree
We picked Christmas Tree because it’s a festive puzzle game where players compete to decorate the best tree. It’s perfect for a holiday gathering and offers light, strategic fun!
2 GiftTRAP
GiftTRAP is about how well you know your friends and family. Players guess what gifts others would like. It’s a mechanism that guarantees laughs and surprises. Perfect for Christmas, right? We’ve had plenty of hilarious revelations and debates over what’s a good gift vs. what’s terrible. It’s light-hearted, easy to play, and doesn’t require much setup. While it’s not the heaviest game, it’s ideal for casual players looking to share laughs and moments of insight. Just a heads up: you may be surprised by what your loved ones think of your gift-giving skills!
1 Elf
Elf is based on the beloved movie, drawing players into Buddy’s world as they collect candy canes, snowballs, and toys. It’s packed with the spirit and humor of the film, making it a hit at our holiday gatherings. Each turn is filled with themed challenges and goal completion fun. The vibrant artwork brings Buddy’s adventures to life and delivers giggles galore. It’s not just a good Christmas board game; it’s an experience! Perfect for fans of the film and those who enjoy a charming, family-friendly game.
0 Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries
Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries takes the cake as our top pick for good Christmas board games. The snowy landscapes and strategic depth make it a winner. It’s easy to pick up, yet offers layers of strategy that keep everyone engaged. The Nordic theme is beautiful, conjuring up images of winter wonderlands. It’s perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players. Every game feels like a new adventure as you connect cities across the Nordic region. Plus, there’s a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you build that perfect route. It’s our go-to holiday game for its balance of accessibility and engagement.
