Christmas Party Contests
Christmas Party Contests: Fun, Fast & Totally Festive Ideas Everyone Will Love
If you’ve ever hosted a Christmas party where the energy starts strong but sizzles out somewhere between dessert and clean-up, then contests are about to become your new favorite thing. There’s just something about a little friendly competition that gets people laughing, cheering, and having the best time whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or coworkers.
And the best part? These contests are easy to run, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to get everyone involved. Think quick challenges, silly prizes, and memories that last way longer than the fruitcake.
So gather your candy canes, grab a few prizes, and get ready for a Christmas party that buzzes from start to finish. Here are the best Christmas party contests to make your holiday season extra fun this year!
1. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
This one is a holiday classic for a reason it never fails. Everyone shows up wearing their most outrageous Christmas sweater, and the room instantly becomes a festive fashion show. You can even split awards into fun categories like:
- Most Over-the-Top
- Funniest
- Most Festive
- Best DIY Creation
A few cheap trophy-style ornaments or even candy-filled gift bags make great prizes. Snap lots of photos these sweaters deserve their moment!
2. Christmas Trivia Showdown
If your guests love shouting answers and proving they know everything about Santa, Frosty, and classic Christmas movies, trivia is a must.
Make it fast-paced: split everyone into teams and play several lightning rounds. Add bonuses like “finish the Christmas lyric” or “name that movie quote” to keep things lively.
3. Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest
Turn your kitchen table into a festive decorating station and let everyone decorate their own sugar cookie. Provide sprinkles, icing, candy decorations, and edible glitter.
When everyone’s done, vote for categories like:
- Most Beautiful
- Funniest Cookie
- Most Creative
- Definitely Made by a Parent Running on Coffee
This contest is especially fun with kids, but adults end up loving it just as much.
4. Gift Wrapping Speed Challenge
Set a timer for two minutes and give each player:
- A box
- Tape
- Wrapping paper
- Ribbon
The goal? Wrap the neatest-looking present in the shortest amount of time. The chaos that unfolds is truly hilarious tape stuck to elbows, paper flying everywhere, and questionable gift-wrapping tactics.
Give extra points for creativity or speed!
5. Christmas Karaoke Contest
If your group has a flair for the dramatic, you’ll get a huge kick out of a Christmas karaoke contest. Ask guests to sing their favorite Christmas hits anything from Mariah Carey to “Jingle Bells.”
You can vote by applause or hand out scorecards. Bonus if you encourage props, costumes, or group performances!
6. Santa Hat Stacking Contest
This one is simple, silly, and perfect for all ages. Get a bunch of Santa hats and see who can stack the most on their head without them falling. No hands allowed!
You’ll be amazed how competitive this gets and how much everyone laughs.
7. Christmas Pictionary
Grab a big pad of paper or a whiteboard and start drawing. Christmas-themed prompts could include:
- Reindeer
- Christmas stocking
- Candy cane
- North Pole
- Sleigh ride
Teams go head-to-head with a one-minute timer. You can buy Christmas Pictionary card sets, but you can also make your own in seconds.
8. White Elephant Gift Judging
If your party already includes a White Elephant gift exchange, turn it into a contest! Give awards like:
- Funniest Gift
- Most Practical
- Most Random
- The One Nobody Wanted but Somehow Everyone Fought For
It adds a whole new level of fun to an already entertaining tradition.
9. Candy Cane Fishing Contest
Kids absolutely love this one but don’t underestimate the adults. Everyone gets a candy cane tied to a string and has to “fish” other candy canes off the table using only the hook end.
Set a timer for 60 seconds and see who can collect the most.
It’s silly, chaotic, and perfect.
10. Ornament Guessing Game
Fill a clear jar with mini ornaments, then have everyone guess how many are inside.
This is a low-effort contest that takes almost zero prep but draws tons of attention as people circle the jar and try to out-guess each other.
Winner gets the jar of ornaments or a festive treat!
11. Christmas Photo Booth Challenge
Set up a DIY photo booth with props like Santa beards, elf hats, signs, and scarves. Then challenge your guests to take the most creative, funniest, or most festive photo.
Everyone votes at the end and the photos are priceless.
12. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss
This one is a crowd favorite for families. Grab a set of inflatable reindeer antlers and ring toss hoops. One person wears the antlers while others try tossing the rings.
Play in teams or individually either way, it’s hilarious.
13. Marshmallow Chopstick Race
Give each person a pair of chopsticks and a pile of mini marshmallows. Set a timer and see who can move the most marshmallows from one bowl to another using only the chopsticks.
It’s a super fun Christmas-themed twist on a classic party game.
14. Christmas Minute-to-Win-It Contests
Minute-to-win-it challenges always bring big energy to a party. They’re speedy, goofy, and affordable. Try a few of these:
- Jingle Bell Shake: Fill an empty tissue box with bells, strap it to someone’s waist, and get them to shake out all the bells in under 60 seconds.
- Snowball Toss: Throw cotton balls into buckets of varying distances.
- Stack the Gifts: Build the tallest tower of empty gift boxes without it falling.
- Candy Cane Relay: Race to hook candy canes and move them across the table hands-free.
These make for great “battle rounds” if you want to hype up the crowd.
Tips for Hosting Christmas Party Contests Like a Pro
A few extra touches can take your party from fun to fantastic:
1. Have small prizes ready
Nothing fancy think chocolates, mini ornaments, dollar-store trophies, candy canes, or little Christmas trinkets.
2. Keep things moving
The magic is in keeping the energy upbeat. Short rounds, quick transitions, and plenty of cheering keep everyone engaged.
3. Mix skill and silliness
A good party has both! Some contests for bragging rights, some for pure comedy.
4. Add festive music
Nothing sets the mood like a playlist full of holiday hits in the background.
5. Take photos and videos
People LOVE seeing themselves cracking up later it also makes great content for your party-themed sites.
Christmas parties are all about enjoying the people you love, sharing laughs, and creating those “remember when…” moments. Adding a few contests into the mix is such a fun way to break the ice and keep the whole night buzzing with excitement.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, a school event, or just a cozy get-together with friends, these Christmas party contests sprinkle in just the right amount of competition and a whole lot of joy.
