This free Christmas Scattergories printable is an easy, screen-free game that brings the whole family together. It’s simple to set up, fun for all ages, and perfect for adding a little extra joy and connection to your holiday gatherings.
The closer we get to Christmas, the busier the days seem to feel. There are presents to wrap, treats in the oven, kids buzzing with excitement, and family coming by at all hours. And while all of that is wonderful, sometimes you just need something quick, simple, and fun that can pull everyone together without adding more work to your already full plate.
That’s exactly why I love this Christmas Scattergories game. It takes seconds to print and suddenly everyone—from the youngest kids to grandparents—is laughing, sharing creative answers, and enjoying a few meaningful minutes together. It’s the kind of game that fills the room with connection and lets you all slow down and enjoy the moment.
If your holiday season could use a little easy, joyful fun, this printable is the perfect fit.
What Is Christmas Scattergories?
Christmas Scattergories is a festive twist on the classic game where players race to fill in a list of categories using a specific letter. The catch? All of your answers have to start with that same letter.
For example, if the letter is “C,” and the category is “Christmas Treat,” you might write “Candy Cane.”
When time is up, everyone shares their answers. If two people wrote the same thing, neither gets a point. If your answer is unique, you score. It’s fast-paced, creative, and always leads to the funniest discussions.
This Christmas version includes holiday-themed categories that make the game automatically feel festive and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Scattergories Game
Here’s why this printable becomes a favorite every year:
- It requires no prep at all. Just print and hand it out.
- Kids, teens, and adults can all play together.
- It works for big groups, small groups, and even just a couple of players.
- It sparks creativity and gets everyone talking and laughing.
- You can play one quick round or keep going as long as you want.
- It’s perfect for holiday gatherings when you need something simple but engaging.
As a mom, I really appreciate that it brings everyone together without screens, messes, or complicated instructions. It’s just easy, fun connection—and we can all use more of that during December.
What Christmas Scattergories Is Good For
This printable does more than fill time on a busy holiday afternoon. It encourages:
- Creative thinking
- Quick problem-solving
- Family conversation
- Laughter and shared memories
- A little friendly competition
- Moments of calm, cozy connection
Games like this are small, but they create the moments your kids will remember.
How to Play Christmas Scattergories
This game is wonderfully simple, which is part of why it works so well during the holidays.
- Print a Scattergories sheet for each player.
- Cut out the included letter cards or choose your own starting letter.
- Set a timer for a minute or two.
- Players fill in one answer per category that begins with the chosen letter.
- When time is up, everyone shares their answers.
- Cross off any duplicates—only unique answers earn points.
- The player with the most points wins.
You can play one round or several, depending on how much time you have before the next holiday activity.
An extra variation
Some people enjoy playing one list multiple times. If this is how you’d like to play, just select a new letter each time.
These Christmas Scattergories Lists can be played with family and friends, a large group or a small one. Enjoy spending time together while challenging your Christmas vocabulary!
Gear up for the Holidays with this Mega Christmas Game Collection!
Fun Ways to Use Christmas Scattergories During the Holidays
This game fits into so many holiday settings, which is why it tends to come out several times throughout December in our home.
Here are some of the easiest ways to use it:
- A quick activity for a family night that doesn’t require planning
- A fun game for the kids’ table on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
- A classroom or homeschool Christmas activity
- A simple game for holiday parties or gatherings
- A way to entertain cousins while adults finish dinner
- A road trip activity for long drives to visit family
- A relaxing break in the middle of a busy holiday afternoon
Print a few extra copies and keep them handy—you’ll be surprised how often you reach for them.
More Christmas Printables You’ll Love
If you enjoy this Christmas Scattergories game, here are more simple, screen-free Christmas activities your family will love:
- Christmas I Spy Printable
- Christmas Word Search Printable
- Christmas Color by Number Worksheets
- Christmas Charades
- Christmas Conversation Starters
These easy activities help keep your holidays joyful, calm, and connected.
Share the Fun!
If your family enjoys this Christmas Scattergories printable, feel free to tag @micheletripple on Instagram and share it with others. A small idea shared can make another family’s day a little easier and a lot more fun.
Grab Your Free Christmas Scattergories Printable
This printable set includes everything you need to play right away:
- A Christmas-themed Scattergories game sheet
- A full page of alphabet letters to draw from
- Festive, family-friendly categories
Download Your Free Christmas Scattergories Printable Here
(If you’re part of our Family Fun Club, this printable is already waiting for you in your member library.)
Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. She is a certified Life Coach with her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer; Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.