Christmas Tree Game Ideas | Fun Holiday Play

Christmas tree game ideas usually revolve around festive activities that bring fun, laughter, and creativity during the holiday season. One popular option is a “Decorating Relay,” where players race in teams to decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments, tinsel, and lights as quickly and neatly as possible. Another engaging idea is the “Human Christmas Tree,” in which one person stands still while teammates wrap them in green paper, garlands, and decorations to resemble a tree, with judges choosing the most creative design. For a calmer indoor setting, trivia or scavenger hunts centered around Christmas tree ornaments can be played, encouraging participants to search for hidden baubles or answer themed questions. Games can also include “Guess the Ornament,” where ornaments are placed in a bag, and players identify them by touch. These activities not only enhance the festive spirit but also promote teamwork, creativity, and joy during holiday gatherings.

Christmas tree Game Ideas

Christmas Tree Ornament Hunt

Credit @lindseyjanephotographer

Description:
Kids search around the room or yard for hidden ornaments. Each ornament has a number or symbol leading to small rewards. The aim is to decorate the tree together while having fun.

How to Play (Steps):

• Gather small ornaments or cutouts (stars, bells, baubles).

• Hide them in safe spots around the house or outdoor space.

• Give each player a small basket.

• Announce the start and let them hunt for ornaments.

• Each found item gets added to the tree.

• Assign points for special items (like golden star).

• The winner is the one who collects the most, but everyone helps decorate.

• Add small candy treats for bonus motivation.

Tree Decorating Relay Race

Credit @Mrs. Fields

Description:
A fast-paced team game where players race to decorate the tree with baubles and tinsel. The team that finishes first wins.

How to Play (Steps):

• Split participants into two or more teams.

• Place all ornaments at a distance from the tree.

• Each player runs one by one to pick an ornament.

• They must carefully place it on the tree before tagging the next player.

• Continue until all decorations are hung.

• The first team to finish wins.

• Add penalties for dropped ornaments or rushing too fast.

• For fun, play with Christmas music in the background.

Pin the Star on the Tree

Credit @Pexels

Description:
A festive twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Blindfolded players try to place a paper star at the top of the Christmas tree poster.

How to Play (Steps):

• Draw or print a large Christmas tree on paper.

• Cut out a shiny star shape.

• Blindfold the player and spin them gently three times.

• Hand them the star with tape.

• They must walk to the tree and pin it where they think the top is.

• Each player gets one chance.

• Closest to the top wins.

• Play multiple rounds and keep score.

Christmas Tree Memory Match

Description:
A memory card game using Christmas tree shapes with matching symbols. Players flip cards and try to find pairs.

How to Play (Steps):

• Make 20–30 cards shaped like Christmas trees.

• Draw or paste pairs of images (bells, reindeer, candy canes).

• Shuffle and lay them face down in rows.

• Players take turns flipping two cards.

• If they match, the player keeps them.

• If not, turn them back over.

• The game continues until all pairs are matched.

• The one with the most pairs wins.

Christmas Tree Trivia Quiz

Credit @MomJunction

Description:
Players answer festive trivia questions to earn ornaments for the tree. Correct answers allow them to decorate.

How to Play (Steps):

• Prepare a list of Christmas trivia questions.

• Place ornaments in a box nearby.

• Ask each player a question.

• If answered correctly, they pick one ornament.

• If wrong, the next player gets a chance.

• Each correct answer adds decoration to the tree.

• Continue until the tree is full.

• The winner is whoever placed the most ornaments.

Guess the Ornament Game

Credit @Party games for kids

Description:
A mystery guessing game where players touch or describe hidden ornaments without seeing them. Others must guess.

How to Play (Steps):

• Place various ornaments inside a bag.

• A player reaches in and feels one ornament.

• They describe its shape, texture, or weight without naming it.

• Others guess what it is.

• Whoever guesses correctly scores a point.

• Rotate turns so everyone plays.

• At the end, count points to find the winner.

• Bonus: winner gets to place the final star.

Christmas Tree Garland Limbo

Credit @Styl Inc

Description:
A Christmas-themed limbo game using a garland instead of a stick. Players bend backward to pass under it.

How to Play (Steps):

• Two people hold a long Christmas garland or string.

• Play festive music.

• Each player takes turns leaning back and walking under the garland.

• Lower the garland slightly each round.

• Anyone who touches it or falls is out.

• Last person standing wins.

• Encourage cheering and clapping for extra fun.

Tree Building Challenge

Credit @Little Bins for Little Hands

Description:
Teams compete to build the best Christmas tree using craft supplies, paper, or even cups. Creativity wins!

How to Play (Steps):

• Split players into teams.

• Give each team materials (green paper, tape, markers, cups, ribbons).

• Set a timer for 10–15 minutes.

• Teams must build a mini tree.

• When time is up, display the creations.

• A judge or group vote decides the best design.

• Awards can include “Most Creative,” “Tallest Tree,” or “Funniest Tree.”

Ornament Balance Challenge

Credit @Happy Toddler Playtime

Description:
Players try to balance ornaments on spoons and carry them to the tree without dropping.

How to Play (Steps):

• Give each player a spoon.

• Place ornaments (plastic ones are safer) on a table.

• Players must balance an ornament on the spoon while walking to the tree.

• They then hang it without using their hands.

• If it drops, they must restart.

• The first to finish wins.

• Add extra rounds with smaller or trickier ornaments.

Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt

Credit @gaylordtexan

Description:
Players search for hidden items related to a Christmas tree (star, candy cane, bells) based on clues.

How to Play (Steps):

• Write clues that lead to hidden Christmas items.

• Hide objects around the house or garden.

• Give the first clue to players.

• Each clue leads to the next hiding spot.

• Continue until they find all items.

• The final clue leads to the Christmas tree.

• The first person or team to complete the hunt wins.