Christmas Games for Seniors
There are so many fun games to play this holiday season. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering at a senior center, hosting Christmas with grandparents, or simply want some festive ideas for a quiet family night, I have put together some fun family game ideas that are also perfect for seniors. No complex rules, just festive fun.
Family Christmas Games for Senior Citizens
Christmas Music Bingo (A Crowd Favorite!)
Bingo never goes out of style, and Christmas Music Bingo is always a hit.
Instead of numbers, the cards feature Christmas song titles or short lyrics like “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” or “Let It Snow.” Play just 10–20 seconds of each song, and seniors mark their matching spaces.
Why seniors love it:
- Familiar tunes prompt memories and nostalgia
- No pressure to move quickly
- Perfect for group settings
- Can be played with real music or you humming the tune (which is often hilarious)
If you’re hosting a party, offer small prizes like scented candles, chocolate treats, or warm socks.
2. Candy or Ornament Guessing Game
Fill a clear jar with small Christmas ornaments or Christmas candy and ask players to write down how many they think are inside. You can also use mini bows, jingle bells, or candy canes.
This simple game requires no movement and no explanation, just good old-fashioned guessing.
Fun variation:
Offer a second prize for “closest without going over,” game-show style.
Christmas Scattergories (Senior-Friendly Edition)
Scattergories is fun and brain-boosting. But instead of complicated lists, keep it Christmas-themed and senior-friendly.
Use prompts like:
- Christmas foods
- Things you hang on a tree
- Holiday songs
- Gifts that start with “S”
- Winter clothing
Pick a letter (like T or B), set a gentle timer if desired, and let the creativity begin.
4. Pass the Present (Simplified Version)
Use a small wrapped gift (or a bag with fun prizes inside). Turn on some Christmas music and pass the gift around the circle. When the music stops, the person holding the gift keeps a small treat from inside. Or play this new Christmas Left Right game for an added twist.
Make it senior-friendly:
- Use light objects
- Keep the circle size comfortable
- Go slow, no stress or rushing
Great for groups with mixed mobility levels.
5. Christmas Pictionary (With Easy Prompt Cards)
Pictionary is lively and funny, but drawing complicated objects can feel overwhelming, so keep prompts simple.
Examples:
- Snowman
- Sleigh
- Bells
- Star
- Reindeer
- Santa hat
- Gingerbread man
You can even include easy Christmas carols like “Jingle Bells,” which can be drawn with sleigh bells or musical notes.
Tips for seniors:
- Use thick markers for easier grip
- Use a large whiteboard so everyone can see
- Allow longer drawing time with no pressure
This game usually produces lots of laughter, and surprisingly good artwork!
6. Christmas Trivia (Modern + Classic Mix)
Trivia is perfect for seniors because it sparks memories, gets conversations going, and requires zero physical movement.
Mix in nostalgic questions with more current ones for fun surprises.
Examples:
- What year was “White Christmas” released?
- What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?
- Which company first used Santa in an advertising campaign?
- Which country started the tradition of the Christmas tree?
- Which Christmas movie features the line, “Keep the change, ya filthy animal”?
Here are some Christmas trivia questions and answers to get you started.
7. Christmas Cookie Decorating Challenge
This one is part creative outlet, part sweet treat!
Provide pre-baked cookies, icing tubes, holiday sprinkles, and let seniors decorate at their own pace. You can make it a casual craft-like activity or turn it into a friendly competition.
Categories to vote on:
- Most festive
- Most unique
- Most colorful
- “Looks good enough to gift”
Why seniors love it:
- Hands-on creativity
- No rush
- Sweet reward at the end
8. Name That Tune, Christmas Edition
This game NEVER gets old.
Play 2–4 seconds of a Christmas song and let the participants guess the name. You can make it easier by extending the clip, humming, or playing from the chorus.
Adaptations:
- Team play
- Gentle speed round
- Option to simply finish the lyric instead
Perfect for music lovers and memory engagement.
9. Mad Libs Christmas Story (Silly + Easy)
Give everyone a simple fill-in-the-blank Christmas story.
Read the stories aloud at the end, these always turn into hilarious tales.
10. Christmas Memory Match Game
Create or print large-print, senior-friendly memory cards with images like:
- Santa
- Reindeer
- Snowflakes
- Hot chocolate
- Stockings
- Candy canes
- Wreaths
Spread them face down and play a memory match game.
11. White Elephant Gift Exchange
Traditional White Elephant games can get a little wild, so simplify it for senior groups.
Instead of goofy gag gifts, choose:
- Cozy blankets
- Tea gift sets
- Scented lotions
- Puzzle books
- Chocolates
- Holiday socks
Keep stealing to a minimum or give people the option to “pass.”
This creates more joy and less chaos while still keeping the game fun.
12. Christmas Balloon Volleyball (Light Exercise + Fun!)
This is perfect for active seniors and can be played sitting or standing.
Give each team a balloon and let them gently tap it over a string or across a table.
Why it’s great:
- Low impact
- Encourages movement
- Safe and silly
- Adaptable for wheelchairs or walkers
A great after-lunch activity to get the energy going again.
13. Christmas Tree Cup Stack Challenge
Use green plastic cups and see who can:
- Build the tallest Christmas tree
- Create the fastest tree
- Stack cups using only one hand (optional challenge)
This game is surprisingly fun and encourages gentle coordination. Works well for both individuals and teams.
14. What’s in the Stocking? Mystery Feel Game
Fill stockings with easy-to-identify holiday items:
- Candy cane
- Bell
- Ornament
- Ribbon
- Mini wreath
- Pinecone
- Christmas cookie cutter
Participants reach in and guess the item by touch alone.
15. Christmas Word Race
Many seniors LOVE word puzzles.
Have a few holiday word scrambles or word searches printed out. Let people work individually or as teams.
Ideas to make it more fun:
- Offer small prizes
- Play holiday music during the game
- Give bonus points for finishing early
16. Christmas Price Is Right
Show holiday items, real or printed photos, and have seniors guess the price.
Ideas include:
- Tin of cookies
- Cozy slippers
- Wrapping paper set
- Holiday candle
- Chocolate box
- Festive mug
- Christmas plant (like poinsettia)
Closest guess wins!
This game always gets seniors talking, debating, and laughing.
17. Santa Says (Christmas Simon Says)
A senior-friendly version of Simon Says.
Keep motions gentle and simple:
- “Santa says touch your nose”
- “Santa says say Ho! Ho! Ho!”
- “Santa says wave like an elf”
- “Santa says pretend to hang an ornament”
Great for groups that enjoy movement and humor.
18. Christmas Photo Booth Challenge
Set up simple props: Santa hat, reindeer antlers, silly glasses, tinsel, or a Christmas frame. Seniors can take adorable, funny, or classy photos.
You can turn it into a challenge by giving prompts:
- “Most festive pose”
- “Funniest face”
- “Best Santa impression”
It’s a fun way to make memories, especially at family gatherings.
19. Christmas Storytelling Circle
One person starts a Christmas story with one sentence. The next person adds another sentence, and so on.
Example starter:
“On Christmas Eve, the snow was falling softly when suddenly…”
This is especially wonderful for groups who enjoy conversation more than games.
20. Christmas Would You Rather?
This works amazingly well with seniors and always sparks fun conversation.
A few great prompts:
- Would you rather drink hot cocoa or eggnog?
- Would you rather decorate the tree or wrap presents?
- Would you rather spend Christmas somewhere snowy or somewhere warm?
- Would you rather watch “Home Alone” or “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
Easy, social, and perfect for groups where some people prefer not to compete.
Tips for Choosing Christmas Games for Seniors
To make your event extra successful, keep these helpful tips in mind:
✔ Include a mix of active and relaxed games
Some seniors enjoy movement. Others prefer quiet activities. A variety keeps everyone included.
✔ Make sure instructions are simple
Avoid anything overly complicated or with too many steps.
✔ Use large-print materials
This is especially important for trivia, bingo, and word games.
✔ Consider hearing needs
Use a microphone if needed or choose games that don’t rely heavily on audio.
Christmas games don’t need to be childish or overly simple, seniors love to laugh and challenge themselves just as much as anyone else.
Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas celebration, planning activities at a senior center, or simply spending the holidays with grandparents, these games are designed to be easy, engaging, and full of holiday cheer.
