The holidays are full of twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the joyful chaos of family gatherings. One of the easiest ways to turn a winter night into a memory is to bring out a word game that gets everyone smiling, thinking, and sometimes laughing harder than expected. Whether your loved ones enjoy vocabulary-building challenges, creative puzzles, or quick digital fun, this list of the top Christmas word games to play with family has something for every age and skill level. So gather around the tree, pass the cookies, and get ready for a holiday game night powered by words.
1. Last Letter First
Fast, clever, and endlessly replayable, Last Letter First is an essential pick for anyone searching for Christmas word games to play with family. The rules are wonderfully simple: one player plays a word, and the next player must play a new word beginning with the last letter of the previous one. As a digital game, LLF works beautifully in person or over long distances, making it a perfect Christmas word game to play with family… wherever they may be.
2. Wordle
Wordle became a worldwide favorite for a reason. Families love playing “team Wordle” around the breakfast table, solving the daily puzzle together, and celebrating that glorious “all green tiles” moment. It is one of the most straightforward Christmas word games to play with family, and all you need is a phone or computer.
3. Word Cookies
If your family loves cozy, casual gameplay, Word Cookies feels like the digital version of baking together. You swipe through letter “cookies” to form words, unlock levels, and enjoy the cheerful holiday vibe. Because it is a digital game, it is perfect for kids, grandparents, and anyone who wants a relaxing vocabulary workout.
4. Typeshift
For sleek, modern puzzle fans, Typeshift is a digital delight. Players slide columns of letters to form words, creating satisfying “aha” moments throughout the game. It is clever, mobile-friendly, and ideal for downtime during the holidays, making it one of the most rewarding Christmas word games to play with family.
5. Connections – NYT
NYT’s Connections asks players to group words into sets based on hidden relationships. It is a collaborative crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, especially when multiple people debate which words belong together. Since it is digital, the whole family can huddle around a tablet or cast it onto a TV for a group-solving session.
6. Wordament
For families who enjoy speed-based challenges, Wordament delivers pure adrenaline. Everyone uses the same digital letter grid to find as many words as possible. It is competitive, energetic, and instantly accessible through mobile devices.
7. Letterpress
Letterpress combines vocabulary with tactical territory control. Players form words to claim tiles and outmaneuver opponents on a shared digital grid. It is beautifully designed and excellent for families who enjoy a mix of strategy and creativity.
8. Scrabble
Nothing says “classic holiday game night” like Scrabble. With its iconic letter tiles, strategic placement, and friendly debates over valid words, Scrabble brings out the best kind of family competition. It is one of the most beloved non-digital Christmas word games to play with family, especially in households that appreciate tradition.
9. Phoodle
Perfect for food lovers and holiday bakers, Phoodle is a digital word puzzle where every answer relates to food or cooking. Families enjoy playing together while sipping cocoa or decorating cookies. It is quirky and an excellent addition to your list of festive Christmas word games.
10. Letter Boxed – NYT
Letter Boxed challenges players to connect letters around a digital square to form linked words. It rewards creativity and is especially fun to solve collaboratively. Families often treat it like a brain teaser after dinner, creating longer and longer chains until someone lands a perfect two-word solution.
Bonus Games Your Family Will Love
Because Christmas is the perfect season for cozy puzzles and vocabulary fun, here are additional Christmas word games to play with family:
- Blossom (NYT): A floral-themed letter puzzle that is calm, charming, and beautifully designed.
- NYT Spelling Bee: A modern classic that encourages families to find as many words as possible from seven letters.
- Bananagrams: For something tactile and energetic, Bananagrams lets players race to build crossword grids with physical letter tiles. It is non-digital, fast-paced, and ideal for family members who prefer hands-on gameplay.
Final Thoughts: A Holiday Season Powered by Words
Whether your family prefers digital favorites like Last Letter First, Wordle, and Typeshift, or timeless tabletop classics like Scrabble and Bananagrams, there are endless Christmas word games to play with family this season. These games build vocabulary, spark laughter, and bring people together in the most joyful way. So pour the cocoa, grab your devices or board game boxes, and let the festive wordplay begin.
