Christmas brings a special kind of warmth and joy that families cherish each year, but if you’re like most families, you’re always on the lookout for fresh, exciting ways to keep everyone entertained and laughing throughout the holiday season. After all, while festive movies, cozy dinners, and gift exchanges are classic activities, adding some lively and silly games into the mix is the perfect way to elevate your holiday celebration to the next level. One of the best ways to ensure laughter and a memorable time is to introduce “Minute to Win It” games into your Christmas gathering. These games are quick, low-prep, and guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit—perfect for kids, teens, parents, and even grandparents to join in on the fun.
“Minute to Win It” games are all about completing quirky challenges within a one-minute timer, which adds just the right amount of excitement and energy to keep everyone on their toes. The beauty of these games lies in their simplicity; most only require a few household items or inexpensive supplies, making them easy to prepare even at the last minute. These games bring out the competitive spirit in everyone, along with plenty of laughter as players attempt to tackle silly and occasionally tricky challenges. From jingle bell shakes to candy cane fishing, each game we’re about to cover is designed to create hilarious memories and get your loved ones laughing out loud.
If you’re ready to add a dash of fun to your Christmas gathering, then look no further! Let’s dive into this list of 18 hilarious Christmas “Minute to Win It” games that are sure to make your holiday celebration unforgettable. Each game offers a unique twist, making it easy to find options that work for all ages and abilities, so get ready for an afternoon filled with festive giggles, joyful competition, and endless holiday cheer.
1. Jingle Bell Shake
Kicking off the list is a game that is as simple as it is hilarious. The “Jingle Bell Shake” is all about getting your groove on while trying to shake out as many jingle bells as possible. To set up, grab an empty tissue box and fill it with a handful of jingle bells. You’ll need to attach the tissue box around each participant’s waist, either by using a belt or a scarf. Once each participant is geared up, the goal is to shake, wiggle, and dance to release all the bells within one minute—without using their hands!
This game quickly turns into a dance-off as players realize just how tricky it can be to dislodge the jingle bells. The sight of family members twisting, hopping, and shaking in every direction will have everyone in stitches. Kids will love trying out their best dance moves, while adults may need to get creative with their technique. Not only does this game bring tons of laughs, but it’s also a bit of a workout! This makes it a great icebreaker game to get everyone energized and ready for the rest of the festivities.
2. Marshmallow Toss
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without some marshmallows, so why not turn them into a game? The “Marshmallow Toss” is a simple game that’s both fun and challenging. Start by placing a small container or cup about five feet away from each player, depending on their age and skill level. Each participant gets a handful of mini marshmallows and has one minute to toss as many as possible into the cup.
This game requires a bit of precision and a whole lot of luck, which is what makes it so entertaining. While younger players may end up with marshmallows all over the place, older family members might try different strategies to improve their aim. Marshmallow tosses are fun, sweet, and harmless, so if you end up with a few misses, it’s no big deal—just a chance to enjoy some extra marshmallows as a snack afterward. To keep things interesting, you could even add a twist by increasing the distance or using different-sized containers for more difficulty.
3. Candy Cane Fishing
Nothing says Christmas quite like candy canes, so it’s time to put them to good use with “Candy Cane Fishing.” This game is all about dexterity and a little bit of patience. You’ll need some candy canes, a string, and a stick to create a makeshift fishing rod. Tie a candy cane to the end of each string, then scatter other candy canes around on a table or the floor. Each player’s task is to “fish” for candy canes by hooking as many as possible within a one-minute timeframe.
Watching family members try to scoop up candy canes using only another candy cane as a hook is bound to bring a lot of laughter. It sounds simple but proves to be surprisingly tricky since the candy canes can be slippery and hard to hook. This game is a big hit with kids and gives them a sense of accomplishment with each candy cane they manage to fish up. For added fun, you could give the collected candy canes as prizes or simply enjoy them as treats after the game.
4. Christmas Cookie Face Challenge
Cookies are a holiday staple, and in this game, they’re the stars of the show! For the “Christmas Cookie Face Challenge,” each participant places a Christmas cookie on their forehead and, without using their hands, tries to wiggle it down into their mouth. It may sound easy, but this game requires some serious facial acrobatics. As players attempt to maneuver the cookie down their face, they’ll inevitably end up making some funny expressions.
To play, each person tilts their head back, places a cookie on their forehead, and tries to inch it toward their mouth using only their facial muscles. Watching family members contort their faces while the cookie moves down (or falls off!) will have everyone cracking up. This game is especially loved by younger participants, but adults often end up enjoying it just as much. And if someone actually succeeds in getting the cookie to their mouth, they get to eat it as a prize.
5. Ornament Balance
If you’re looking to test everyone’s balance and patience, the “Ornament Balance” game is a fun and challenging choice. For this game, each participant holds a plastic spoon in their mouth with a small Christmas ornament balanced on top. The aim is to keep the ornament steady as they move around without letting it fall. The player who manages to carry the ornament the farthest—or hold it for the longest time—wins the game.
This game is trickier than it appears, as the ornaments are often round and prone to wobbling. The challenge of trying to keep the ornament from falling while walking around adds an extra layer of suspense and amusement. You’ll see plenty of tense moments as players focus intently, hoping not to let their ornaments drop. It’s a simple yet engaging game that’s perfect for all ages, and you can even make it a relay for added excitement.
6. Christmas Wrap Relay
Gift-wrapping is often seen as a chore, but not in this game! The “Christmas Wrap Relay” takes the task of wrapping gifts and turns it into a hilarious competition. Divide players into teams and give each group a box, wrapping paper, and some tape. The twist? Players are blindfolded and have only one minute to wrap their box as neatly as possible.
As the players fumble with the paper, struggle to find the tape, and end up with wildly uneven folds, everyone else will be laughing at the “masterpieces” they create. The final wrapped boxes often end up looking pretty unique, to say the least! This game brings out a bit of teamwork and creativity while allowing everyone to laugh at the unexpected wrapping results. Plus, it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit as everyone attempts to create the most “artistic” wrap job.
7. Rudolph’s Nose Relay
Time to channel Rudolph! For this game, you’ll need some red pom-poms, petroleum jelly, and a bit of Christmas cheer. Apply a dab of petroleum jelly to each participant’s nose, then place a red pom-pom on it. The goal is to transfer the pom-pom from one point to another without using hands—just their nose!
As players attempt to keep the pom-pom balanced, you’ll see them leaning, tilting, and sometimes dropping the pom-pom, which will have everyone laughing at the sight. It’s a silly game that tests coordination in a festive way, and it’s perfect for both kids and adults. Plus, with everyone pretending to be Rudolph, it’s bound to make for some adorable photos and memories.
8. Jingle Bell Stack
If you think you have steady hands, it’s time to put them to the test with the “Jingle Bell Stack.” For this game, each player is given a pile of jingle bells and has one minute to stack as many as possible on top of each other. This might sound simple, but jingle bells are round and don’t stack easily, adding an element of challenge.
As players concentrate, trying not to let the stack tumble, everyone else will be holding their breath or cheering them on. The suspense builds with each additional bell, and it often ends in a dramatic tumble, followed by laughter. It’s a fantastic game for a bit of quiet intensity, and the player with the highest stack at the end of the minute takes the crown.
9. Snowball Transfer
Ready to bring a bit of “snow” indoors? The “Snowball Transfer” game is a fun, skill-testing activity that uses cotton balls as pretend snowballs. Set up two bowls for each participant—one filled with cotton balls and the other empty. The challenge? Players must transfer as many “snowballs” from the full bowl to the empty one as possible using only a spoon held in their mouth. This twist makes it tricky and hilarious, as players try to steady the cotton balls, which are so light that they sometimes fly off the spoon or fall before reaching the target.
The sight of players carefully maneuvering with a spoon in their mouth adds to the amusement, and the laughter grows with each failed attempt. Kids especially love this game, but adults find it equally challenging, as it requires both balance and patience. This game also makes for great team competition; you can set it up as a relay race and watch the competitive spirit come alive!
10. Santa’s Beard
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa, so why not let everyone try on Santa’s fluffy beard? In the “Santa’s Beard” game, each participant starts with a paper plate covered in shaving cream or whipped cream. Their goal is to stick as many cotton balls as possible onto their face within one minute. To add to the fun, players can’t use their hands to apply the cotton balls; instead, they blow the balls up toward their faces or scoop them up and “stick” them to the shaving cream beard.
This game is all about silliness, and by the end, players will be sporting white, fluffy “beards” that resemble Santa’s famous look. It’s the kind of game that creates instant laughter, and it’s especially amusing to watch as players try to keep their beards from slipping off. Kids, in particular, get a kick out of seeing their parents and friends looking like Santa. Plus, it makes for some adorable, festive photos!
11. Christmas Tree Stack
Building a Christmas tree out of cups might sound easy, but the “Christmas Tree Stack” adds a twist. Each player is given a set of green plastic cups and has one minute to stack them in the shape of a tree without it toppling over. The aim is to form a pyramid structure that resembles a Christmas tree by carefully stacking the cups row by row, starting from a wide base and narrowing toward the top.
The simplicity of this game is deceiving, as the cups often wobble and threaten to collapse. The added pressure of the timer creates suspense as everyone watches the tower of cups grow taller—and more precarious. If a player’s tree topples, they have to start over, making this a game of patience and a steady hand. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of festive charm to your holiday gathering, and it’s just challenging enough to keep everyone focused.
12. Candy Cane Hunt
“Candy Cane Hunt” brings an element of scavenger hunt fun to your Christmas celebration. Simply hide candy canes around the room and give each player one minute to find as many as they can. For extra challenge, you can vary the hiding spots, choosing both easy and hard-to-find locations to keep everyone on their toes. To make it even more interesting, use different colored candy canes and assign each color a different point value.
As players frantically search, the excitement builds, especially as they discover candy canes in unexpected places. This game is especially popular with younger family members, but adults often get swept up in the fun, too. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone moving around and adds a bit of friendly competition to your gathering. The person who finds the most candy canes wins a prize—or maybe just gets to keep their candy canes!
13. Snowball Fight
If you don’t live in a snowy climate, here’s a way to have a snowball fight indoors! For “Snowball Fight,” you can use white balloons or cotton balls as snowballs, then divide players into two teams. Set up a “boundary” down the middle of the room, and on the timer’s signal, everyone begins throwing “snowballs” at each other. The aim is to get as many snowballs as possible onto the opposing team’s side within one minute.
This game quickly turns into a hilarious frenzy, with players ducking, dodging, and tossing snowballs as fast as they can. It’s a fantastic way to bring some physical activity into your holiday gathering, and it often ends in laughter as everyone scrambles to avoid the incoming “snow.” It’s suitable for all ages and lets everyone unleash their playful side, making it a great addition to any Christmas gathering.
14. Gingerbread Toss
Have some extra gingerbread cookies lying around? Put them to use in the “Gingerbread Toss” game. Set up a target area or basket about five feet away, and give each player a few gingerbread cookies. Their goal is to toss as many cookies as they can into the target within one minute. It sounds simple, but the cookies can be surprisingly difficult to aim, making this game a fun challenge.
This game is perfect for kids and adults alike, as it doesn’t require a lot of skill but offers plenty of laughs. It also gives participants a chance to win some sweet rewards if they successfully hit the target. And don’t worry if a few cookies miss the mark; it’s all part of the fun, and you’ll have an excuse to snack on any extras.
15. Mistletoe Mayhem
Add a bit of seasonal romance to your holiday games with “Mistletoe Mayhem.” In this game, each participant ties a mistletoe sprig to a string that dangles in front of their face. The objective is to maneuver the mistletoe to reach their lips without using their hands. It’s a silly, wiggly game that tests patience and coordination, as players attempt to “kiss” the mistletoe by moving their heads in different directions.
Watching each participant wiggle, twist, and tilt their head is sure to have everyone laughing. This game brings out plenty of giggles as players make funny faces while trying to reach the mistletoe. Mistletoe Mayhem is perfect for all ages, and it’s simple enough to set up quickly. Plus, it offers a lighthearted way to add some holiday spirit to your gathering.
16. Gift Stack Challenge
For those who enjoy a bit of balance-based competition, the “Gift Stack Challenge” is the perfect game. This game involves stacking as many boxes or wrapped gifts as possible within one minute—using only one hand! It’s more challenging than it seems, especially as the stack grows taller and more unstable. The objective is to see who can stack the most gifts without letting them topple.
This game is a great way to get everyone laughing, especially when the stack wobbles and players start to panic. The Gift Stack Challenge brings out the competitive side of family members while encouraging a bit of patience and concentration. For an added twist, you can make it a team challenge by allowing pairs to work together to build the tallest stack.
17. Christmas Carol Pictionary
Looking for a game that combines creativity and Christmas carols? “Christmas Carol Pictionary” is just the ticket. Write down classic Christmas carols on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Each player draws a slip and has one minute to draw clues to help others guess the carol. Since Christmas carols can be tricky to draw, expect some creative and humorous interpretations!
This game is a fantastic way to bring everyone together for some holiday-themed creativity. The timer adds pressure, which often results in hilarious drawings as participants rush to get their ideas across. It’s especially fun to see how people interpret songs like “Jingle Bells” or “Deck the Halls.” Christmas Carol Pictionary is perfect for a group and guarantees plenty of laughs and festive cheer.
18. The Nutcracker Challenge
Finally, bring a touch of classic holiday tradition into your game lineup with “The Nutcracker Challenge.” For this game, gather a variety of nuts—chestnuts, walnuts, or pecans—and give each player a mallet or their bare hands to crack as many nuts as they can within one minute. This game brings out the inner strength of players and provides a little throwback to the nutcracker tradition.
The Nutcracker Challenge is particularly fun for older kids and adults, as it takes some coordination and strength to crack each nut. It’s also a great game to finish off your holiday festivities with a bit of classic flair. Just be prepared for a few messy moments—and maybe some tasty nuts to snack on afterward!
Conclusion
With these 18 hilarious “Minute to Win It” games, your Christmas gathering is guaranteed to be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. These games bring a lighthearted, festive spirit that everyone—no matter their age—can enjoy, making it easy to bond over shared fun and a bit of friendly competition. From marshmallow tossing to mistletoe mayhem, each game is quick to set up, inexpensive, and simple enough to ensure everyone gets a chance to join in.
So go ahead, set the timer, grab your family and friends, and dive into these lively Christmas games. They’re sure to add a unique twist to your holiday celebrations and might just become a new family tradition. This Christmas, let laughter fill your home, and may these moments be remembered fondly for years to come.
