Ho-ho-ho! It’s that time of the year when Christmas parties are on the horizon. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive work celebration, breaking the ice can be as essential as the turkey and the tree. From murder mystery games to quirky quizzes, we’ve got you covered with some fun icebreakers for Christmas parties. 

1. Murder Mystery Games: Who Killed Santa?

Kicking off with a sleigh ride of suspense, nothing beats a murder mystery game at a Christmas party. Imagine this—Santa’s gone missing, and it’s up to your guests to solve the mystery! Our “Who Killed Santa?” murder mystery game kit comes with everything you need: character descriptions, scripts & clues. You can get in a “mingle and meet” kit format to ensure everyone will interact during the game. 

Playing the “Who Killed Santa?” game is a thrilling way to get everyone interacting and immersed in a festive whodunit. It’s also a great way to spice up your traditional holiday festivities. You will find guests collaborating, sleuthing, and unravelling the holiday-themed mystery, making for an unforgettable Christmas event.

Want to explore other murder mystery party kits in the “mingle and meet” format? Check out our curated list of meet-and-mingle mystery party games as icebreakers.

2. Christmas Carol Charades

Imagine someone doing everything they can to mime the phrases like “Silent Night” or “Jingle Bell Rock.” A holiday twist on a classic game, Christmas Carol Charades gets everyone laughing and guessing. Write down popular Christmas song titles on slips of paper and have guests act them out without speaking. This Christmas game is fantastic for all ages and can be a great warm-up activity for all the festivities!

3. Festive Photo Booth Fun

Create a DIY photo booth with a Christmas backdrop—think tinsel, fairy lights, and a faux snow setting. Stock it with props like Santa beards, elf hats, and reindeer antlers. Want to break the ice more effectively? Encourage your guests to take photos with people they’re less familiar with, helping break the ice and create new connections.

4. The Great Christmas Bake-Off

Inspire a bit of friendly competition with a Christmas baking contest. Ask guests to bring their homemade festive treats. You can have categories like “Best Tasting,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Presentation.” From gingerbread men to intricately iced cookies, the variety of treats will likely be as diverse as your guest list.

5. Holiday Trivia Challenge

Looking for icebreakers for holiday parties at the office? Organize a holiday-themed trivia game! Include questions about Christmas traditions worldwide, famous holiday movies, and Christmas music. Have your colleagues team up with those from another department or function to encourage new interactions and spark a unique team spirit. You can even throw in some silly physical challenges for wrong answers to keep the mood light.

6. Secret Santa Gift Exchange

A Secret Santa game is always a hit. So, before the Christmas party, use a digital Secret Santa generator to assign pairs and set a budget for gifts. Then, at the beginning of the party, have each person guess who their Secret Santa was after opening their gift. It’s a fun way to get people talking and laughing.

7. Ornament Crafting Corner

Set up a craft station where guests can paint, glitter, and bedazzle their own Christmas ornaments. Provide all the necessary materials and some simple examples for inspiration. It’s a hands-on activity perfect for sparking conversations and getting creative juices flowing. Plus, this activity is especially great for families with children, giving the kids a chance to create their own holiday keepsakes.

8. Two Truths and a Lie – Holiday Edition

Need more icebreaker games for your work Christmas party? Try Two Truths and a Lie – Holiday Edition. Each guest shares two true statements and one false about their past Christmases. Others have to guess the lie. Example: “I’ve never built a snowman,” “I once opened all my gifts on Christmas Eve,” “I met a reindeer in real life.” It’s a wonderful way to share holiday stories and learn more about each other.

9. Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Prepare a list of holiday-themed items for guests to find either within the party venue or in a designated area. You could include items like a sprig of mistletoe, a Christmas stocking, or a candy cane. Make it more challenging by including riddles or clues instead of direct item names. This active game is perfect for all ages and adds an element of adventure to your festive party.

10. Holiday Outfit Contest

Encourage guests to come in their most festive or outrageous Christmas attire. Hold a contest with categories like “Most Festive,” “Most Creative,” or “Funniest Outfit.” Go the extra mile by placing a red carpet in the doorway where your guests can walk and showcase their best holiday outfits as soon as they arrive. This doesn’t only get everyone in the holiday spirit but also serves as a great conversation starter.

Let the Festive Fun Begin!

Icebreakers are the secret ingredient to a lively and memorable Christmas party. They set the tone, get people mingling, and, most importantly, spread the festive joy. Whether it’s through the dramatic flair of murder mystery game kits from Merri Mysteries or the creative fun of holiday outfit contests, these activities promise to fill your party with laughter, bonding, and an abundance of Christmas cheer. So, deck the halls, prep your games, and get ready for an evening filled with merry-making and joyous celebrations. Let the festive fun begin!