Add Some Creative Fun to Your Gatherings with Christmas Pictionary (With Word Lists)
Pictionary is one of the great games that can always be relied upon to bring everyone together for lots of fun and laughter.
It's a particulary great game to have to hand at Christmas.
If you've heard about Pictionary but never played it before.... it's a drawing-and-guessing game, created by one Robert Angel (what a festive name!!). It was first released in 1985 and quickly became a party staple.
Worried about your drawing skills?! Don't be, because you don’t need to be an artist – in fact, the fun is in how bad (and hilarious) the drawings can get.
It’s simple, fast-paced, and perfect for any group, whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party or a cosy family reunion.
With just a stack of word cards, a timer, and something to draw on, you can turn any gathering into a creative, laughter-filled event.
Also read: Fun Christmas Eve Activities For All The Family
And for Christmas? I hear you ask...
Well, how about adding a festive twist by using Christmas-themed words that get everyone in the holiday spirit!
So with that in mind, let’s dive into how you can easily set up and play Christmas Pictionary.
I’ll even give you a list of holiday words that are guaranteed to keep the fun going!
How to Play Pictionary: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're using a store-bought set or making your own Christmas-themed version, here’s a simple guide to get you started with Pictionary.
What You’ll Need:
- A stack of word cards (you can create your own with Christmas-themed words).
- A whiteboard, chalkboard, or paper to draw on.
- Pens, markers, or chalk for drawing.
- A timer (a phone timer works perfectly).
- A group of family or friends split into teams.
How to Play:
- Split into teams: You’ll need at least two teams, but you can create more if you have a larger group.
- Prepare word cards: If you're using a Pictionary set, use the word cards that come with it. If not, create your own Christmas-themed word cards by writing holiday-related words on slips of paper.
- Set a timer: Each round lasts 60 seconds. One player from a team will draw while their teammates try to guess the word before time runs out.
- Start drawing: The drawing player picks a word card and begins drawing immediately. They can't speak, write letters, or use gestures – only drawings! Their team has to guess what the drawing represents.
- Guess and score: If the team guesses the word correctly within the time limit, they earn a point. If they don’t, no points are awarded. Then, it’s the next team's turn.
- Keep playing: Play continues with teams alternating turns. You can either play for a set number of rounds or until one team reaches a certain score, such as 10 points.
Game Variations:
- For larger groups: Try an "All Play" round where all teams guess the same word simultaneously. The first team to guess correctly earns the point.
- For younger kids: Use easier words and give them more time to guess (90 seconds instead of 60, for example).
Christmas Pictionary: Festive Words to Use
Use these Christmas-themed words and phrases. You can make your own list or use the suggestions below to match the skill levels of your players.
Dividing the words into easy, medium, and hard levels ensures everyone gets a challenge appropriate to their drawing skills and guessing abilities.
Christmas Pictionary Word Lists
Perfect for young children or beginners, these words are simple and easily recognizable.
- Snowman
- Santa
- Candy Cane
- Reindeer
- Elf
- Christmas Lights
- Presents
- Sleigh
- Hot Chocolate
- Christmas Tree
Medium (For those who want a bit of a challenge):
Great for players with some experience or older kids, these words add a bit more challenge.
- Gingerbread House
- Mistletoe
- Stocking
- Christmas Ornament
- Nativity Scene
- Christmas Wreath
- Fireplace
- Christmas Cookies
- Carolers
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Also read: 16 Fun Christmas Party Games For All The Family
Hard (For seasoned players who love a challenge):
Ideal for seasoned players or those looking for a tougher challenge, these words may require more creativity to depict.
- “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”
- The Nutcracker
- Mistletoe
- “All I Want for Christmas is You”
- Three Wise Men
- The North Pole
- “Deck the Halls”
- Christmas crackers
- “Twelve Days of Christmas”
- Christmas Eve
Raring to go? If you feel like making it really easy on yourself for your next Christmas gathering, why not grab one of our Christmas Games Bundles?
There are 22 games, including a game of Christmas Word Pictionary and Christmas Song Pictionary in the bundle.
Grab: Christmas Games Bundle
Before you go, you might also like...
- Christmas Movie Bucket List
- Awesome Group Games For Teens At Christmas
- Quick Fire Christmas Would You Rather Questions
- Simple Ways To Make Christmas Memorable For All The Family
- Christmas Family Bucket List
- Christmas Planning List Free Printable
- 15 Tips And Ideas To Help You Host A Cool Yule Christmas Party
- 45 Creative Christmas Gift Exchange Themes to Sleigh Your Holiday Party!
