Deck the Halls with Laughter: Family Games to Brighten the Season

The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating and making memories with loved ones. While feasting and exchanging gifts often take center stage, playing games together is a timeless tradition that brings joy, laughter and connection across generations. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or connecting virtually with family from afar, games provide the perfect way to bond.

Here’s a curated list of top-rated games to make your holiday gatherings more fun, along with tips for including everyone, even those who can’t be there in person.

Catan is a board game of strategy and resource management, where players compete to build settlements, cities and roads by trading and collecting resources like wood, brick and grain. Its blend of strategy and social interaction makes it an engaging and memorable game. You can find Catan at major retailers or online game stores.

Ticket to Ride is a railway-themed board game where players collect train cards and build routes across a map of various regions. The game's elegant simplicity makes it easy for newcomers to learn, while the strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged. Check out Ticket to Ride at game shops or online.

Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players draft and pass sushi-themed cards to create high-scoring meal combinations. With colorful artwork and quick gameplay, it's ideal for both kids and adults. Learn the rules of Sushi Go! and find it at local stores or online retailers.

Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together as a team to stop global disease outbreaks by curing four deadly diseases. The shared challenge fosters collaboration, making it an excellent choice for families looking to work together. Check out Pandemic at your nearest hobby shop or online platforms.

The Quacks of Quedlinburg is a potion-making strategy game where players draw ingredient tokens to brew concoctions. Balancing risk and reward adds excitement as you try to avoid your pot exploding. Find The Quacks of Quedlinburg through specialty board game retailers or online.

Kingdomino is a tile-placement game where players expand their kingdom by matching terrain types to score points. Simple yet strategic, this award-winning game is perfect for families of all ages. Buy Kingdomino at local game stores or online marketplaces.

Telestrations combines drawing and guessing in a hilarious game of miscommunication. Each player sketches a word or phrase and others guess what it might be, leading to laugh-out-loud moments. Discover Telestrations at major retailers or online stores.

Codenames is a word-based game where teams compete to uncover their agents using creative one-word clues. It's perfect for groups looking for a mix of strategy, communication and fun. Check out Codenames at board game shops or online retailers.

Just One is a cooperative word game where players work together to give clues that help someone guess a secret word. Its simple concept and endless possibilities make it an easy yet satisfying game for family gatherings. Find Just One at specialty stores or online.

Exploding Kittens is a lighthearted card game where players try to avoid drawing the dreaded exploding kitten card while using special action cards to outwit opponents. Quick to learn and play, it’s a hit with all ages. Discover Exploding Kittens at local retailers or online.

Simple games like Celebrity and Dictionary require little to no equipment but provide hours of fun. In Celebrity, players act out or describe famous names for their team to guess. Dictionary challenges players to create fake definitions for obscure words while others try to guess the correct one. Both games are excellent for fostering laughter and creativity.

If loved ones can’t be there in person, the Jackbox Party Pack offers a collection of virtual games that can be played on any device. From trivia to drawing challenges, Jackbox games are easy to set up, engaging and perfect for players of all ages.


Playing games with family during the holidays isn’t just about having fun—it’s about creating cherished memories. Whether you’re enjoying traditional board games, party games or virtual options, these activities bring people together, fostering laughter, teamwork and love. Choose a game that suits your group and let the holiday magic unfold!