Winter Minute to Win It Games
When the weather outside turns cold, there’s nothing better than bringing the fun indoors. Winter can sometimes feel long, chilly, and a little gray, but that doesn’t mean your family gatherings, classroom parties, or game nights have to be boring. In fact, it’s the perfect season to break out some Minute to Win It games with a cozy winter twist.
Whether you’re planning a holiday party, a family reunion, or just need a way to burn off some energy when it’s too cold to head outdoors, these fast-paced, laugh-out-loud games are the perfect solution. The best part? They require very little setup, can be played with inexpensive household items, and are guaranteed to have everyone, from kids to grandparents, joining in the fun.
So grab your hot cocoa, slip on those fuzzy socks, and get ready to giggle, cheer, and maybe even compete a little. Here’s a collection of Winter Minute to Win It Games that will warm up any chilly day.
Why Minute to Win It Games Are Perfect for Winter
Before getting into the games, let’s talk about why these activities are such a hit during the winter months:
- Short and Sweet: Each game only lasts 60 seconds, making them perfect for keeping attention spans happy.
- Indoor-Friendly: No need for a big outdoor space, you can play right in your living room, classroom, or community hall.
- Low Prep: Most games use things you already have at home: marshmallows, cups, spoons, and paper plates.
- All Ages Welcome: Kids, teens, and adults can all play, sometimes with hilarious results.
- Great for Holidays: They add an extra layer of excitement to Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or even winter birthdays.
Classic Winter-Themed Minute to Win It Games
1. Snowball Toss
What you’ll need:
- White ping pong balls (or cotton balls if you don’t mind less bounce)
- Plastic cups
How to play:
Line up a few cups on a table and give each player a set of “snowballs.” Players have one minute to bounce or toss the snowballs into the cups. Whoever gets the most in wins!
Tip: For extra laughs, use mini marshmallows instead of ping pong balls.
2. Marshmallow Stack
What you’ll need:
- Large marshmallows
How to play:
Players must stack marshmallows as high as they can in one minute without the tower collapsing. It’s harder than it looks, marshmallows aren’t as steady as blocks!
3. Snowflake Blow
What you’ll need:
- Paper snowflakes (cut out or store-bought)
- Table
- Straw
How to play:
Place a paper snowflake at one end of the table. Using only a straw, players must blow the snowflake across to the other side before the minute is up.
4. Hot Cocoa Relay
What you’ll need:
- Plastic cups
- Cotton balls (“marshmallows”)
- Spoon
How to play:
Place cotton balls in one cup across the room. Players must use a spoon to scoop them up, run back, and drop them into another cup. See how many marshmallows they can transfer in one minute.
5. Snowman Wrap
What you’ll need:
- Toilet paper or white streamers
How to play:
In pairs, one person is the “snowman” and the other is the “wrapper.” In one minute, the wrapper must cover the snowman as much as possible to look like a snowy friend. Add a scarf, hat, or carrot nose for extra giggles.
New and Creative Winter Minute to Win It Games
Sometimes you want something fresh and unique for your game night. Here are some new winter-inspired ideas that go beyond the classics.
6. Mitten Madness
What you’ll need:
- A pair of mittens or oven mitts
- Small candies (like Hershey’s Kisses or wrapped caramels)
How to play:
Players put on mittens and try to unwrap as many candies as possible in one minute. Watching kids (and adults!) struggle with slippery wrappers in oversized mittens is guaranteed entertainment.
7. Ice Cube Scoop
What you’ll need:
- Bowl of ice cubes
- Teaspoon
- Empty bowl
How to play:
Players must transfer ice cubes from one bowl to another using only a teaspoon.
8. Penguin Waddle
What you’ll need:
- Balloon
How to play:
Players must place a balloon between their knees and waddle like a penguin across the room. The challenge? Get as many balloons as possible across the line one minute without dropping them.
9. Snowball Balance
What you’ll need:
- Plastic spoons
- Ping pong balls (or cotton balls)
How to play:
Each player balances a “snowball” on their spoon and races to get it from one end of the room to the other as many times as possible in one minute. Drop it? Back to the start!
10. Frosty’s Button Dash
What you’ll need:
- Buttons
- Plate or tray
- Tweezers
How to play:
Scatter buttons across a tray. Using tweezers (or chopsticks for an extra challenge), players must transfer as many buttons as possible to another tray in 60 seconds.
11. Reindeer Ring Toss
What you’ll need:
- Headbands with antlers (store-bought or homemade with cardboard)
- Rings (plastic rings or glow sticks taped into circles)
How to play:
One person wears the antlers while the other tosses rings, trying to land them on the “reindeer’s” antlers.
12. Candy Cane Pick Up
What you’ll need:
- Candy canes
- Bowl
How to play:
Players use one candy cane in their mouth to hook other candy canes and transfer them into a bowl. Whoever collects the most in one minute wins.
13. Frozen Puzzle Race
What you’ll need:
- Small puzzle (20–30 pieces)
- Gloves or mittens
How to play:
Players must assemble as much of a puzzle as possible in one minute, while wearing gloves! Perfect for Frozen fans or anyone who loves a snowy challenge.
Tips for Hosting a Winter Minute to Win It Party
- Set the mood: Play upbeat holiday or winter music in the background.
- Keep score: Use a whiteboard or chalkboard to track points.
- Prizes: Hand out simple winter-themed prizes like hot chocolate packets, fuzzy socks, or candy canes.
- Team Play: Many games are even more fun when played in pairs or small teams.
- Age Adjustments: Modify rules to make the games easier for kids or trickier for teens and adults.
Longer Winter Challenges (for bonus rounds)
If you want to mix it up, here are some bonus challenges that last a little longer than a minute but add even more fun to your event:
- Build a Mini Snowman: Give each team three marshmallows, pretzel sticks, and candy, and see who can make the best snowman.
- Winter Charades: Act out classic winter activities, sledding, shoveling snow, skiing, while teammates guess.
- Hot Cocoa Tower: Stack as many plastic cups as possible into a pyramid without it toppling.
Winter doesn’t have to be all about being bundled up and waiting for the snow to melt. With a little creativity, it’s the perfect season for laughter, family bonding, and a little friendly competition. These Winter Minute to Win It Games are simple, silly, and just the right amount of challenging to keep everyone engaged.
So next time you’re snowed in, hosting a holiday get-together, or just want to add some excitement to a cold evening, break out these games. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time (and the winter blues) will fly by when you’re too busy cheering, laughing, and competing to notice the chill outside.
