The holiday season is the perfect time to gather the family around the table for some classic board game fun. Whether you want a cooperative adventure, a laugh-out-loud party game, or a strategic challenge, there's something for every kind of family. Below is a list of the best Christmas board games to keep everyone entertained, complete with pros, cons, prices, ratings, and links to similar games. To make it even easier, I've also included a handy comparison table at the end.

1. Codenames

Age Range: 10+
Price: $20-$25
Rating: 8.2/10

Pros:

• Encourages teamwork and communication
• Easy to learn and quick to play
• Great for larger groups

Cons:

• Requires a good group dynamic for maximum enjoyment
• Not as fun with fewer players

Similar Games: Just One, Decrypto

2. Ticket to Ride

Age Range: 8+
Price: $40-$50
Rating: 8.5/10

Pros:

• Easy for new players to pick up
• Beautiful components and board design
• Appeals to a wide age range

Cons:

• Can become repetitive after several plays
• Limited player interaction

Similar Games: Catan, Carcassonne

3. Azul

Age Range: 8+
Price: $30-$40
Rating: 8.0/10

Pros:

• Beautiful components and simple rules
• Strategic yet easy to learn
• Engaging for all ages

Cons:

• Can become competitive and a bit aggressive for younger children
• Analysis paralysis might slow the game down

Similar Games: Sagrada, Calico

4. Catan

Age Range: 10+
Price: $45-$55
Rating: 8.3/10

Pros:

• High replay value with lots of player interaction
• Expansions available to keep gameplay fresh
• Great for strategic thinking

Cons:

• Can lead to intense competition and arguments
• Requires a minimum of 3 players for optimal enjoyment

Similar Games: Ticket to Ride, Risk

5. Just One

Age Range: 8+
Price: $15-$20
Rating: 7.9/10

Pros:

• Simple to explain and play
• Cooperative gameplay is perfect for families
• Fun for a wide range of age groups

Cons:

• Limited replayability due to repeated word prompts
• Requires creativity that may frustrate some players

Similar Games: Codenames, Telestrations

6. Santa's Workshop

Age Range: 10+
Price: $30-$40
Rating: 7.5/10

Pros:

• Festive theme perfect for Christmas
• Engaging worker placement mechanics
• Good balance between strategy and luck

Cons:

• Gameplay may feel repetitive after a few plays
• Limited player count (best with 3-4 players)

Similar Games: The Game of Life, Everdell

7. Telestrations

Age Range: 12+
Price: $20-$30
Rating: 8.1/10

Pros:

• Hilarious for groups and leads to plenty of laughs
• Great for a wide range of ages
• Encourages creativity

Cons:

• Not ideal for smaller groups
• Requires players who are comfortable drawing (or at least attempting to draw)

Similar Games: Pictionary, Just One

Comparison Table of Christmas Board Games

No matter which game you choose, each of these options is sure to bring joy and fun to your family gatherings this Christmas. With games for all age ranges, preferences, and group sizes, there's something here to make your holiday gaming a memorable experience.

Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. Read more articles by this author