How to Host a Holiday Game Night: Games, Food and Planning Tips

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The holidays are the perfect time for a game night. Family is in town, friends have time off and the evenings are long. A game night is also easy and inexpensive to host compared with a big holiday party. With a little planning, you can make it the event everyone looks forward to each year. Here’s how to host a holiday game night, from choosing games to planning snacks.

Step 1: Set the date and guest list

Holiday calendars fill up fast, so pick a date early. Decide whether this is a family night, a friends night or an open house where people drop in. A group of six to twelve people is easy to manage with two or three games going at once.

Step 2: Choose your games

The secret to a great game night is having the right mix of games. Plan for:

• An icebreaker that’s quick and easy for arrivals.
• A main game for the heart of the evening.
• A relaxed game for people who want something calm.
• An active game for kids and anyone with energy to burn.

Games for mixed ages

Holiday crowds often include kids and grandparents. Choose games with simple rules and a bit of luck. Familiar formats such as classic property-trading, race or card games are easy for most guests to pick up, and themed editions add a holiday twist.

Calm, friendly games

For a cozy corner of the room, choose a gentle game. In Community Garden, players gather water, compost and other resources and play crop cards to grow their gardens, while also helping each other. It suits guests who don’t enjoy cutthroat competition.

Active games

A toss game is perfect for a hallway, basement or garage. The Wood Mini Bean Bag Toss Game is compact, about 10.5 by 15.75 inches, with a handle for carrying, so it’s easy to set up wherever you have space.

For more ideas, see our guide to board games for Christmas and fun board games for every occasion.

Step 3: Set up the room

Create game stations

Set up two or three tables, each with one game. Guests can move between them.

Light it well

Board games need good light. Add lamps near each table.

Make space for food and drinks

Keep food on a separate table so spills don’t reach the cards.

Add a holiday touch

String lights, a festive tablecloth and a holiday playlist set the mood.

Step 4: Plan easy food

Choose snacks that are easy to eat with one hand and won’t leave sticky fingers:

• Popcorn with different seasonings
• Pretzels, nuts and crackers
• Mini sandwiches or sliders
• Cookies and bite-size desserts
• Hot cocoa, cider and sparkling drinks

A make-your-own hot cocoa bar is a fun holiday touch.

Step 5: Plan a loose schedule

Holiday game nights work best with a simple flow:

1. Arrival: quick icebreaker games as people arrive.
2. Main event: everyone joins the main game or splits into groups.
3. Break: food, drinks and dessert.
4. Wind-down: relaxed games and a final round of a favorite.

Don’t plan every minute. Let people stay at a game they’re enjoying.

Step 6: Add prizes and traditions

Small prizes add excitement: a homemade trophy, a holiday ornament, a candy bar or a set of gem dice for the evening’s champion. You could also start a tradition, like a yearly champion whose name goes on a list. For gift ideas, read our board game gift guide.

Hosting tips

• Learn the rules of each game before guests arrive.
• Pair new players with experienced ones.
• Keep a few spare pencils and score pads handy.
• End on a high note, while everyone is still having fun.

FAQ

How many games do I need for a holiday game night?

Three or four is plenty: an icebreaker, a main game, a calm game and an active game.

What are good games for kids and adults together?

Games with simple rules and some luck, and active games like bean bag toss.

How long should a game night last?

Three to four hours is typical, including time for food.

What food is best for a game night?

Finger foods that won’t leave greasy fingers on the cards, plus warm drinks.