Christmas Guide Screen-free

Christmas Charades for Kids: Free Cards and Rules for Mixed Ages

Quick answer: Print the ten Christmas charades cards, cut them out and fold each one into a bowl. Players take turns to pick an idea and act it out with no talking while everyone else guesses. It suits ages 6 and up, and younger children can play on a team with a grown-up. It is quick, screen-free and great for family gatherings.
Best for Ages 6 and up, Year 2 onwards
Time 15 to 20 minutes
Group size 3 or more
You need Printed cards, scissors, a bowl
Cost Free to print at home

Download the free printable cards

On this page:
Charades ideasHow to use itWays to playGifts and gamesBy ageSkillsFAQ

What can you act out in Christmas charades?

Here are festive prompts sorted into three easy groups. Mix them with the ten printable cards or use them to make more.

Festive characters

  1. Father Christmas squeezing down a chimney
  2. A reindeer pulling a sleigh
  3. A snowman slowly melting
  4. An elf wrapping presents
  5. The Snow Queen freezing everything
  6. A robin on a fence post
  7. A grumpy character who hates Christmas
  8. Carol singers at the door
  9. A shepherd watching sheep at night

Festive actions

  1. Decorating the Christmas tree
  2. Unwrapping a surprise present
  3. Hanging a stocking by the fire
  4. Pulling a cracker with someone
  5. Tucking into Christmas dinner
  6. Building a snowman outside
  7. Ice skating on a frozen pond
  8. Posting a letter to Father Christmas
  9. Lighting the Christmas pudding
  10. Throwing a snowball

Festive objects and songs

  1. A Christmas tree with twinkling lights
  2. A bauble rolling off the tree
  3. A pair of jingling bells
  4. A Christmas cracker going bang
  5. A candy cane you cannot stop eating
  6. Jingle Bells
  7. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
  8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  9. A mince pie you are tasting
  10. A warm woolly scarf and hat

How to play Christmas charades, step by step

  1. Print and cut out the ten charades cards.
  2. Fold each one and drop them into a bowl.
  3. Split into teams or take turns on your own.
  4. Pick a card and act it out with no talking.
  5. Guess, swap turns and keep a friendly score.

Ways to use Christmas charades cards

  • On Christmas Day after dinner. Clear the plates, pass the bowl round and let everyone take a turn. It gets the whole table moving without any screens.
  • As a team game for younger players. Pair a child aged 6 with a grown-up so they can act together. Guessing as a team takes the pressure off and keeps it fun.
  • At a classroom party in the last week of term. Split the class into small groups and give each a few cards. It supports speaking, listening and taking turns.
  • On a long journey or quiet afternoon. Keep a set with your other travel games like classic playing cards for an easy no-fuss round anywhere.
  • As a warm-up before a bigger games night. Start with a few rounds of charades, then move on to a family favourite such as snakes and ladders.

Games and gifts for family Christmas

Charades is a lovely start, and a good board game keeps the whole family round the table for longer. Here are festive favourites that suit ages 6 and up and work well as gifts.

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Snakes and Ladders with Ludo - Family Board GameSnakes and Ladders with Ludo - Family Board GameShop nowDominoes Set- Double Six DominoesDominoes Set- Double Six DominoesShop nowWooden Game - Shut The BoxWooden Game - Shut The BoxShop nowGiant Playing CardsGiant Playing CardsShop nowClassic Playing Cards - Twin Set with CaseClassic Playing Cards - Twin Set with CaseShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowWooden Family Games SetWooden Family Games SetShop nowGiant XL Tumble Tower - Wooden Tumble Tower GameGiant XL Tumble Tower - Wooden Tumble Tower GameShop nowScavenger Hunt GameScavenger Hunt GameShop nowFolding Draughts Set - 12" Board & PiecesFolding Draughts Set - 12" Board & PiecesShop nowLudo Board Game - 12" Folding Ludo BoardLudo Board Game - 12" Folding Ludo BoardShop nowTin Can Alley Game - Family Game SetTin Can Alley Game - Family Game SetShop nowCode Breaking Board Game - Logic GamesCode Breaking Board Game - Logic GamesShop nowKids' Spelling Game - Wooden Letters & Word CardsKids' Spelling Game - Wooden Letters & Word CardsShop now

Christmas charades by age and key stage

Ages 5 to 6 (Reception and Year 1, EYFS and KS1)

Play in a team with a grown-up and stick to the simplest cards like a snowman or a reindeer. Short turns keep it fun.

Ages 6 to 7 (Year 2, KS1)

This is the sweet spot for the cards. Children can act solo, guess quickly and start adding their own festive ideas.

Ages 7 to 9 (Years 3 to 4, KS2)

Add trickier prompts like carol titles and famous Christmas stories. Try a timer to raise the stakes.

Ages 9 and up (Years 5 to 6, KS2)

Let them run the game, keep score and invent harder categories. Great for mixed-age family rounds.

What children learn from Christmas charades

  • Communication. Children learn to share an idea using only gestures and expression, which builds confidence in getting a message across.
  • Listening and turn-taking. Waiting, watching and guessing in turn supports patience and good group play.
  • Vocabulary. Naming festive characters, actions and songs widens the words children know and use.
  • Imagination. Acting out a melting snowman or a flying sleigh stretches creative thinking.
  • Reading. Reading the cards aloud or to themselves supports early reading in a relaxed, playful way.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

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Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsChristmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Maths MysteryChristmas Maths MysteryFree printableChristmas Eve Box PlannerChristmas Eve Box PlannerFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoChristmas BingoFree printableChristmas Scavenger HuntChristmas Scavenger HuntFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

Charades is one of those games that becomes part of Christmas without anyone planning it. Keep your printed cards in a tin and bring them out every year after dinner. Children love seeing the same bowl appear and start adding their own ideas as they grow. Over time it turns into a small family ritual that costs nothing and gets everyone laughing together.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Christmas charades?

Cut out the ten ideas and fold them into a bowl. Take turns to pick one and act it out with no talking while the others guess.

What age is Christmas charades for?

It suits ages 6 and up, from Year 2 onwards. Younger children can play on a team with a grown-up.

How many people do you need?

Three or more works well. You can play as individuals or split into teams for bigger groups.

How long does a game take?

Around 15 to 20 minutes for one round through the cards. It is easy to stop and start, so play as long as you like.

Do you need to buy anything?

No. Just print the cards, grab scissors and a bowl. An adult should handle the cutting out for younger children.

Can we make our own cards?

Yes. Use the three idea groups above to add more festive prompts, or let children write their own.

How do you make it easier for little ones?

Pick the simplest cards, let them act in a pair with a grown-up and allow sound effects if talking feels too hard.

What games go well with charades afterwards?

A quick board or card game keeps everyone at the table. See our gift ideas above for family favourites that suit ages 6 and up.

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.