Christmas Eve Board Game Night: A Cozy Family Tradition
Christmas Eve in our home is all about slowing down. Once the last cookies are baked, pajamas are on, and the glow of the Christmas tree fills the living room, we gather in the living room for something we look forward to every year — Christmas Eve Board Game Night. It’s one of those traditions that naturally brings everyone together, few screens, no rushing, just laughter, conversation, and a whole lot of dice rolling.
We keep a mix of games on hand so everyone — from little kids to teenagers — feels included. That variety is what makes the night work so well year after year.
Games That Keep the Littlest Players Laughing
We usually begin with lighter, fast-paced games that let the younger kids join in the fun before the evening winds down and it’s time for bed.
Pass the Pigs® Big Pigs™ always sets the tone. The oversized foam pigs are impossible not to laugh at, and even the youngest players can jump right in without needing much explanation. It’s silly, quick, and perfect for warming everyone up. By the end of it my toddlers have run off with the pigs and are pretending they are their pets.
Crocodile Dentist® is another favorite with younger kids. The suspense of waiting to see which tooth makes the croc snap keeps everyone on edge — and laughing. It’s one of those games where kids don’t mind losing because the fun is in the anticipation. When my teenager was little, he loved this game so much he slept with it. It was the cutest thing!
For imaginative play, Deluxe Pretty, Pretty Princess® adds sparkle and excitement. My girly girls love collecting jewelry pieces and proudly showing off their completed boards, and it fits perfectly into the magic of Christmas Eve. This is another one of those games that I get to collect piece of before bedtime because the girls love it so much.
Learning, Thinking, and Quiet Moments In Between
Not every game needs to be loud to be fun. Boggle® Jr. is a great option when things naturally settle down a bit. It keeps younger kids engaged while reinforcing letters and word recognition, and it’s easy for older siblings to help without taking over. I have found that my toddler likes to sit next to me playing his Boggle Jr. while I play a “big kid and mommy daddy” game. If you have trouble keeping little hands off your board, give the Boggle Jr. series a try next time!
We also always have Checkers set up nearby. It’s simple, familiar, and perfect for short turns — especially when kids are waiting for others to finish a longer game. It’s one of those classics that quietly teaches patience, strategy, and sportsmanship. My 7-11 aged crew cannot have a game night without Checkers!
Teenagers, Classics, and Christmas Eve Competition
As the kids grow, it’s been fun watching how the classics become the highlight of the night for our teenagers.
Monopoly® (1980s Edition) is always a hit. There’s something about the familiar gameplay and vintage feel that pulls teens in every time. Deals get negotiated, alliances are formed (and broken), and it inevitably turns into friendly competition filled with laughter and dramatic reactions. I think the game makes them feel more grown-up too because it gives them real choices to make, money to manage, and strategies to think through — all while sitting right alongside the rest of the family.
The Clue® Suspect Card Game is another teen favorite in our home. We’ve always loved Clue in any form, but the card version keeps the mystery of the original while moving at a quicker pace — perfect for older kids who enjoy strategy and deduction without a long setup. Watching teens analyze clues and confidently make their accusations is half the fun.
The Quiet Joy of the Twistables® Holiday Cube
One of my favorite moments this year is watching my oldest teenager enjoy the Twistables® Holiday Puzzle Cube. After competing in the Rubik’s Cube World Championship in Seattle this summer, it’s almost impossible for him not to have a speed cube in his hands at all times. While younger siblings take turns rolling dice or thinking through a move in Checkers, he happily twists away, focused and calm. This holiday cube adds an extra layer of fun because the festive color scheme is harder to identify and so different from standard cubes, making it a fresh challenge even for an experienced cuber.
It keeps his hands busy, gives him something meaningful to engage with while he waits, and fits his personality perfectly. It’s a small reminder that Christmas Eve fun doesn’t look the same for every child — and that’s okay.
Making Christmas Eve Board Game Night Special
What makes this tradition work year after year isn’t perfection — it’s flexibility. We rotate games, take breaks for cocoa refills, and let kids drift in and out as attention spans allow. Some games are loud and silly, others quiet and thoughtful, but together they create a rhythm that feels warm and familiar.
Christmas Eve Board Game Night has become one of those traditions our kids expect — and love. It’s a reminder that the best memories are often made in the simplest moments, right before the magic of Christmas morning begins. ~ Merry Christmas to you and yours, Victoria 🎄✨