Christmas party games for kindergarten are carefully planned to suit young children’s energy levels, short attention spans, and developmental abilities, while keeping the experience fun and safe. These games usually involve simple rules, bright visuals, and hands-on movement, such as passing a “snowball,” matching Christmas pictures, or pretending to be elves and reindeer. The focus is on participation rather than competition, helping children build social skills, take turns, and follow basic instructions.
Through cheerful music, colorful decorations, and playful themes, these games create a warm and joyful environment that helps young learners associate Christmas with happiness, creativity, and shared celebration.
Christmas Party Game Ideas for Kindergarten
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Credit@fridaywereinlove.com
Description (3 lines):
A fun Christmas twist on the classic party game that encourages laughter and coordination.
Children help Rudolph by placing his missing red nose.
Perfect for indoor kindergarten parties with small groups.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Prepare a large poster of Rudolph without a nose and place it on a wall at child-friendly height.
-
Cut out red paper circles to use as noses and add double-sided tape to the back of each one.
-
One child at a time is gently blindfolded while the teacher spins them slowly once or twice.
-
The child walks carefully toward the poster with guidance and places the nose where they think it belongs.
-
Other children cheer and encourage without shouting directions.
-
Remove the blindfold and celebrate every attempt with claps and smiles.
-
Make sure every child gets a turn, focusing on fun rather than winning.
Santa Says
Credit@treasurehunt4kids
Description (3 lines):
A Christmas-themed listening and movement game based on “Simon Says.”
It helps children improve focus and following instructions.
Great for burning energy while learning self-control.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
One adult or teacher plays the role of Santa and stands in front of the children.
-
Santa gives commands starting with “Santa says,” such as jump like a reindeer or clap like elves.
-
Children must only follow actions when the command begins with “Santa says.”
-
If Santa gives a command without saying “Santa says,” children should freeze and not move.
-
Gently remind children who forget the rule and encourage them to try again.
-
Keep commands simple, slow, and fun for kindergarten-level understanding.
-
End the game with applause for everyone’s listening skills and participation.
Snowball Toss
Credit@snow4kids
Description (3 lines):
A simple throwing game using soft “snowballs.”
It improves hand-eye coordination in a playful way.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor Christmas parties.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Make snowballs using white paper, cotton balls, or soft foam balls.
-
Place buckets, boxes, or hoops at a short distance from the children.
-
Line children up and give each child two or three snowballs.
-
Show them how to gently throw the snowballs into the target.
-
Encourage children to take turns so everyone gets a chance.
-
Cheer for every throw, whether it lands inside or not.
-
Adjust distance based on ability to ensure success and confidence.
-
Finish the game by counting how many snowballs made it in together.
Christmas Musical Chairs
Credit@lhotfernandez17
A holiday version of the classic musical chairs game.
It builds listening skills and quick reactions.
Festive music makes it exciting and joyful.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Arrange chairs in a circle, using one fewer chair than the number of children.
-
Play cheerful Christmas music and ask children to walk around the chairs.
-
Stop the music randomly and have children sit quickly on the nearest chair.
-
Instead of eliminating children, remove a chair and let everyone continue playing.
-
Encourage gentle movement and remind children not to push.
-
Continue until all children are sharing chairs together.
-
Celebrate teamwork and end with a group cheer or Christmas song.
Reindeer Ring Toss
Credit@groupon.com
Description (3 lines):
A fun accuracy game with a Christmas twist.
Children aim rings onto reindeer antlers.
Helps develop motor skills and patience.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Create a reindeer using cardboard or use a plush reindeer with antlers.
-
Use soft rings made from rope, paper plates, or plastic hoops.
-
Place the reindeer a short distance away from the children.
-
One child at a time throws a ring, trying to land it on the antlers.
-
Allow multiple attempts to keep the game stress-free.
-
Encourage cheering and positive words from classmates.
-
Rotate turns until everyone has played several times.
-
Praise effort and participation rather than accuracy.
Christmas Freeze Dance
Credit@jonnie_baby
A high-energy dance game with festive music.
Children dance and freeze when the music stops.
Great for movement and listening skills.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Play lively Christmas music and invite children to dance freely.
-
Encourage fun movements like twirling, hopping, or shaking bells.
-
Stop the music suddenly and call out “Freeze!”
-
Children must stop and hold their position like statues.
-
Walk around and praise children for freezing so well.
-
Restart the music and repeat several times.
-
Keep the game short and energetic to match attention spans.
-
End with a big cheer and calm breathing to settle down.
Elf Hat Relay
Credit@bobbiehouston
Description (3 lines):
A simple relay game that promotes teamwork.
Children pass an elf hat along the line.
Perfect for group participation and cooperation.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Divide children into small teams and line them up.
-
Give the first child in each line an elf hat.
-
On the teacher’s signal, the child puts on the hat and passes it to the next child.
-
The next child wears the hat before passing it along.
-
Continue until the hat reaches the end of the line.
-
Help children who need assistance and encourage patience.
-
Celebrate all teams together without declaring winners.
-
Emphasize teamwork and having fun over speed.
Christmas Color Hunt
Credit@kanakia_international_school
Description (3 lines):
A simple scavenger-style game using Christmas colors.
Children search for red, green, and white items.
Encourages observation and movement.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Explain the Christmas colors using visual examples.
-
Ask children to look around the room for one item of each color.
-
Set clear boundaries so children stay in safe areas.
-
Let children walk, not run, while searching.
-
When a child finds an item, they point it out or bring it to the teacher.
-
Talk about each item and its color together.
-
Continue until everyone has found at least one color.
-
Praise effort and reinforce color recognition.
Santa’s Sack Sorting
Credit@personalised_favours
Description (3 lines):
A quiet and engaging sorting game.
Children help Santa organize toys.
Builds early math and thinking skills.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Prepare a sack filled with small toys or pictures.
-
Place labeled baskets for different categories like animals, cars, or balls.
-
Explain each category clearly before starting.
-
One child picks an item from the sack at a time.
-
The child decides which basket it belongs in and places it there.
-
Offer guidance and gentle correction when needed.
-
Allow everyone multiple turns.
-
End by counting items together in each basket.
Jingle Bell Pass
Credit@brightpath.rundle
A calm and cheerful circle game.
Children pass jingle bells while music plays.
Encourages sharing and anticipation.
How to Play (Long Detailed Points):
-
Seat children in a circle on the floor.
-
Give one or two children a set of jingle bells.
-
Play soft Christmas music while children pass the bells around the circle.
-
Stop the music randomly.
-
The child holding the bells when music stops does a fun action like waving or smiling.
-
Restart the music and continue the game.
-
Make sure everyone gets a turn with the bells.
-
End with a group jingle and thank everyone for playing.