The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and family bonding. But with all the delicious food, cozy movie marathons, and late-night chats, it’s easy to let physical activity take a back seat. Why not mix fun and fitness this year with some active Christmas games that everyone in the family can enjoy? Not only will these games keep you moving, but they’ll also create memories that last a lifetime.
Here’s a list of festive, family-friendly games guaranteed to get hearts racing and spirits soaring this Christmas season:
1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A Christmas scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to get the whole family moving. Hide festive items like ornaments, candy canes, or small wrapped gifts around your house or yard.
How to Play:
Create a list of items for participants to find. Add clues or riddles for an extra challenge.
Split into teams or play individually.
Set a time limit and see who collects the most items or completes the list first.
Why It’s Great:
This game involves walking, bending, and quick thinking. Plus, the excitement of discovery makes it enjoyable for all ages.
2. Reindeer Relay Races
Turn your yard or living room into Santa’s training ground with reindeer relay races!
How to Play:
Create a “sleigh” by attaching a rope to a laundry basket or sled. Fill it with a few light objects for weight.
One player (the reindeer) pulls the sleigh while another (the elf) rides or walks beside it.
Set up a short course, and race against the clock or another team.
Why It’s Great:
This game is perfect for burning off energy. It builds strength and stamina while keeping everyone entertained.
3. Snowman Building Contest (Real or Fake!)
If you have snow, this classic winter activity is a must. No snow? No problem! Adapt the game indoors with balloons, paper, and other craft supplies.
How to Play:
For snowy climates: Divide into teams, set a time limit, and see who can build the tallest or most creative snowman.
Indoors: Use materials like rolls of toilet paper, construction paper, and scarves to create snowmen.
Why It’s Great:
Building snowmen involves lifting, rolling, and lots of laughter. Indoors, it sparks creativity and keeps everyone moving.
4. Candy Cane Limbo
Bring the holiday vibes to a classic party game with candy cane limbo.
How to Play:
Use a pool noodle wrapped in red and white tape or an oversized candy cane decoration as the limbo stick.
Play Christmas music and have players limbo under the stick without touching it. Lower the stick each round.
Why It’s Great:
This game challenges flexibility, balance, and coordination. Plus, the music keeps the energy high.
5. Christmas Dance-Off
Turn up the holiday tunes and let everyone show off their best moves in a festive dance-off.
How to Play:
Play upbeat Christmas songs and let each participant take turns dancing.
Create categories like “Most Creative Dance,” “Best Santa Shuffle,” or “Funniest Moves.”
Use a smartphone or camera to record and play back the fun.
Why It’s Great:
Dancing is a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like exercise. It’s also an excellent way to include all ages and abilities.
6. Holiday Obstacle Course
Transform your living room or backyard into a festive obstacle course.
How to Play:
Set up stations like crawling under a “tinsel tunnel” (a table draped in garlands), jumping over wrapped “presents,” or tossing snowballs (white beanbags) into a bucket.
Time each participant as they complete the course.
Why It’s Great:
This game promotes agility, coordination, and problem-solving skills. It’s also endlessly customizable.
7. Christmas Charades With a Twist
Add a physical element to the classic charades game. Instead of just acting, participants must incorporate a fitness move while miming.
How to Play:
Write down holiday-themed phrases or characters (e.g., decorating a tree, Rudolph, sledding).
When acting, players must squat, jump, or perform another fitness move continuously.
Why It’s Great:
Combining charades with exercise keeps everyone active while laughing at the silly interpretations.
8. Snowball Toss
This game is fun, easy to set up, and great for improving hand-eye coordination.
How to Play:
Use buckets, laundry baskets, or bowls as targets.
Create “snowballs” using cotton balls, foam balls, or balled-up socks.
Assign point values to each target based on difficulty.
Why It’s Great:
This game can be as competitive or casual as you want. It encourages aim and focus while keeping everyone engaged.
9. Santa’s Sack Race
A holiday twist on the classic sack race, this game is bound to bring out laughter and a bit of friendly competition.
How to Play:
Use large holiday gift bags or pillowcases as “sacks.”
Mark a start and finish line. Players must hop their way to the end without falling over.
Why It’s Great:
Sack racing is a fun way to build coordination, balance, and leg strength.
10. Pass the Present (Fitness Edition)
This game combines the excitement of a gift exchange with physical activity.
How to Play:
Wrap a small gift in several layers of wrapping paper.
Play Christmas music while passing the gift around. When the music stops, the person holding the gift must complete a fitness move (e.g., 10 jumping jacks, 5 push-ups) before unwrapping one layer.
The person who removes the final layer wins the gift.
Why It’s Great:
This game adds suspense and laughter while keeping everyone moving.
Tips for a Successful Active Christmas Game Night
Include All Ages: Choose games that can be adapted for younger kids, older adults, or anyone with limited mobility.
Keep Safety in Mind: Clear obstacles, use soft materials for props, and ensure everyone warms up beforehand.
Encourage Team Spirit: Games are more fun when played in teams. Mix up the groups to include different ages and abilities.
Stay Hydrated: With all the activity, keep water or festive non-alcoholic drinks handy.
Why Active Games Matter During the Holidays
It’s easy to become sedentary during the Christmas season with all the cozy indoor activities and indulgent treats. Active games not only help offset those extra calories but also provide a unique way to connect with loved ones. Physical activity boosts mood, energy levels, and even digestion—perfect for combating holiday fatigue.
This Christmas, trade the couch for some creative movement and laughter with these active games. Whether you’re racing through a reindeer relay or dancing to holiday hits, these activities are sure to bring joy and health to your festive celebrations. So gather your family, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and let the games begin!
What are your favorite ways to stay active during the holidays? Share your ideas here or on my social media @buildingbalanceblog on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!
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