20 Holiday Games Played Around the World

Every country has its way of enjoying the holidays, and games are one of the oldest traditions people still play. These fun things to do for the holidays include outdoor events and indoor games that bring people from all over the community together to celebrate.

Tricia Quitales
December 26, 2024
8 min read

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It’s time to enjoy the holidays, and different countries do it uniquely by playing games that show off their history, culture, and traditions. These games, which range from old rituals to current family fun, bring people together to have fun, make memories, and honor their heritage. These holiday games have been passed down from generation to generation, and some have changed over time to fit the needs of modern society. These games, whether inside or outside, are fun to see how different people enjoy the best time of the year.

1. Kerstloop (Netherlands)

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People in the Netherlands love to celebrate Christmas with the Kerstloop, a holiday-themed marathon often held in beautiful scenery. The event is a race and a way for people in the area to get moving after eating lots of holiday food. As a holiday practice in the Netherlands, it represents the spirit of togetherness and health. In the winter, people often do things outside.

2. Julebukk (Norway)

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Julebukk is a Christmas tradition in Norway where kids dress up as goats or other animals and go door-to-door singing songs or putting on short plays. They are given treats like candy, nuts, or small coins for good behavior. In pre-Christian times, people thought this would help keep evil forces away during the long, dark winter nights.

3. Pinata (Mexico)

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Today, piñatas are a standard part of many birthday parties. But in Mexico, they are essential during Christmas celebrations. The piñata is usually made of brightly colored paper and is shaped like a star. It is filled with candy, and kids take turns using a stick while blinded to try to break it open. The game is a beloved part of Christmas Eve celebrations because it shows that good will win over evil.

4. Sinterklaas Pieten Race (Belgium/Netherlands)

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The Sinterklaas Pieten Race is held on December 5 in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is timed to honor Sinterklaas, the man who came before Santa Claus. Girls and boys dress up as Pieten, Sinterklaas’ helpers, and participate in runs or obstacle courses. Music, holiday treats, and a sense of friendly competition that celebrates the season’s joy are often present at the event.

5. Yule Goat (Sweden)

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Sweden’s Yule Goat practice involves making big straw goats that are put up around towns and cities. The Yule Goat Hunt is a famous Christmas game where people look for miniature goat-shaped replicas hidden around the neighborhood. This holiday game dates back a long time and is thought to have represented winter and the crops at its start.

6. Lotería (Mexico)

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Lotería is a Mexican game similar to bingo. It is often played during Christmas parties. The game is played with brightly colored cards that feature traditional holiday symbols, such as the star of Bethlehem, La Catrina, and skeletons. Families can play together in a fun environment, and when someone wins, they shout, “¡Lotería!”

7. Tio de Nadal (Catalonia, Spain)

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Catalans have a custom called the Tió de Nadal, or Christmas log. It is a wooden log with a painted face, a red hat, and a happy expression. As the kids sing a traditional song and hit the log with sticks, the log “poops” out small gifts and sweets. The game, part of the Christmas holiday, comes from old traditions related to the winter solstice.

8. Christmas Races (Russia)

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The Christmas Races in Russia kick off the New Year’s Eve holiday season. The races usually occur on snowy trails or frozen rivers, and participants compete on skis or sleds. While they are competitive, they are also a way for families to spend time outside in the winter.

9. Scavenger Hunts (United States)

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Holiday treasure hunts are a fun and engaging way to spend Christmas with family and friends in the United States. People take part by being given hints that lead them to hidden treats like candy, ornaments, or small gifts hidden in the yard or house. Families all over the country look forward to these hunts every year because they help people work together and be creative.

10. St. Lucia Procession (Sweden)

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Swedes honor St. Lucia’s feast day on December 13 with a big parade led by a girl in a white dress with a wreath of lights on top. In many places, kids dress up as St. Lucia or the “star boys,” boys in white with pointed hats and compete in a parade. The parade itself is not a game. The event stands for the victory of light over darkness.

11. Cracker Pulling (United Kingdom)

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In the UK, pulling Christmas crackers, brightly wrapped tubes holding a small toy or joke, is a classic holiday game. Two people hold one end of the cracker and pull it until it breaks. The person who has the most significant piece wins the prize inside. When people get together for dinner, they often play this game, which makes the meal more fun.

12. Gingerbread House Decorating (Germany)

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Decorating a gingerbread house is a widespread Christmas tradition in Germany. Families often compete to see who can make the most beautiful house. The houses are made of gingerbread, sugar, and other food decorations. They represent warmth and family during the cold winter months. The game has grown into a famous activity worldwide, with people of all ages participating in the creative fun.

13. Fête de la Saint-Sylvestre (France)

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In France, people celebrate the end of the year by playing many games on New Year’s Eve. One classic game is Belote, a card game. People like to play this trick-taking game during the holidays, and families often play it after a holiday meal. It’s a great way to get to know each other, have fun, and prepare for the exciting new year.

14. Boxing Day Football (United Kingdom)

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Boxing Day is a holiday in the UK that occurs the day after Christmas. It is often used for friendly football (soccer) games between family members or local teams. In some places, mob football games are even held, where the whole town participates in a crazy, big game. The game shows the UK’s long history with the sport and the feeling of togetherness that comes with the holiday season.

15. Fool’s Game (Italy)

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The Fool’s Game (Gioco del Torto) is a funny Christmas tradition in Italy. In it, people argue or discuss in a lighthearted way, often by being sneaky. The “fool” is the person who loses the argument, but everyone takes part in it with a fun sense of competition. Italians love to be clever and funny, and this game shows that even more so during the holidays.

16. Hnefatafl (Iceland)

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The Vikings played a board game called Hnefatafl in the 4th century. It is a strategy game often played in Iceland during the winter solstice. There are two teams in this game. One tries to keep the king safe, and the other tries to catch him. It brings to mind Icelandic heritage and the historical links to Norse myths when it is played around the holidays.

17. Tivoli Lantern Parade (Denmark)

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During Christmas, the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen hold a lantern parade. Families and children make lanterns and then march through the park. The parade isn’t a game, but there are many fun things to do, like games and shows in the gardens. The event shows how Denmark values shared happiness and how magical the holiday season is.

18. Pantomime (United Kingdom)

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In the UK, pantomimes are a beloved Christmas tradition. Families go to a play with comedic elements and opportunities for audience involvement. Many kids play games while the show is on, like shouting words or helping the main character solve puzzles. Because everyone can participate, pantomime is a one-of-a-kind holiday game combining fun and socializing.

19. Luminarias (New Mexico, USA)

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People celebrate Christmas Eve in New Mexico by lighting luminarias and small lights in paper bags set up along the sides of roads and paths. Making the most beautiful luminaria show in your neighborhood into a competition isn’t a “game,” but many families do it. Luminaria lighting has become a beloved ritual for peace, goodwill, and the season’s beauty.

20. Chanukah Dreidel Game (Israel)

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During the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, people play the Dreidel game. The game involves spinning a top with four sides, each representing a different Hebrew letter. The goal is to win as much money as possible. Bets can be made with coins, nuts, or chocolate gelt. Families all over Israel and in Jewish groups worldwide often play this game of chance and fun during the holidays.