Christmas Pictionary

A festive drawing and guessing game where players sketch Christmas-themed words, phrases, or characters while their teammates race to guess correctly before time runs out.

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Scenario: in_person
Group Size: medium
Duration: standard
christmas
table
creative
fun
no-props

Video Example

Introduction

Christmas Pictionary is a holiday twist on the classic drawing game. Players take turns drawing Christmas-themed prompts while their teammates try to guess what's being drawn. The fast-paced nature, creative sketches, and festive subject matter make it perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, and office holiday events. All you need is paper, pens, and a timer—making it an ideal table activity that brings laughter and creativity to any Christmas celebration.

Why This Works as an Icebreaker

  • Spark creativity through visual expression and quick thinking
  • Create shared laughter over amusing drawings and misinterpretations
  • Encourage teamwork and communication under time pressure
  • Build festive atmosphere with holiday-themed content
  • Work perfectly at dinner tables without requiring much space

When to Use This Game

Ideal Contexts

  • Christmas dinner parties and family gatherings
  • Office holiday parties and team celebrations
  • Christmas Eve activities
  • Holiday classroom activities
  • Virtual Christmas parties (using digital whiteboards)

Group Size

Min: 4 | Ideal: 6–12 | Max: 20

Requirements

Time Required

  • Per person: 1–2 min
  • Total: 15–30 min
  • Prep time: 3–5 min

Setup

Prepare a list of Christmas-themed words or phrases. Divide players into teams of 3-6 people. Each team needs paper and drawing utensils. Set up a timer and designate a drawing area that all players can see.

Materials

  • Paper or small whiteboards for each team
  • Pens, markers, or pencils
  • Timer (phone stopwatch works perfectly)
  • Pre-written Christmas word prompts (optional but helpful)

How to Play

1.

Form Teams and Prepare Materials

2–3 min

Divide players into teams. Give each team paper and drawing tools. Prepare your list of Christmas prompts or use pre-made cards.

  • TipTeams of 4-6 work best for keeping everyone engaged
  • TipThick markers or dark pens show drawings more clearly
  • TipConsider using small whiteboards instead of paper for reusable fun
2.

Select First Artist and Prompt

30 sec

One player from the first team becomes the artist. They secretly look at or choose a Christmas-themed prompt without showing their teammates.

  • TipRotate artists so everyone gets a chance to draw
  • TipArtists should not speak, make gestures, or write letters/numbers
  • TipKeep prompts hidden from the guesser's view
3.

Draw and Guess

60 sec per turn

Start the timer. The artist draws while their team shouts out guesses. The first correct guess earns a point. If time runs out, no points are awarded.

  • TipKeep drawings simple—focus on key identifying features
  • TipUse arrows and simple shapes to convey ideas
  • TipAccept similar answers (e.g., 'Santa' for 'Santa Claus')
4.

Rotate Teams

30 sec

Pass the prompt list or drawing duties to the next team. Continue until everyone has drawn or you've reached a predetermined score.

  • TipKeep the pace moving to maintain energy
  • TipConsider a final championship round for tie-breaking
  • TipAward a small prize to the winning team for extra motivation

Outcomes & Benefits

Key Benefits

  • Sparks creativity and quick thinking under time pressure
  • Builds teamwork through collaborative guessing
  • Creates memorable moments from funny drawings and guesses
  • Adds festive cheer through Christmas-themed content
  • Levels the playing field—artistic skill matters less than speed

Facilitator Insights

  • Notice who steps into leadership roles during their turn
  • Observe which teams develop effective guessing strategies
  • Watch for participants who surprise everyone with their drawings
  • Track which prompts prove most challenging or entertaining

Strategies & Tips

Break It Down
Start with the most recognizable part of your subject, then add details.
  • ✓ For 'Christmas tree': draw the triangle shape first, then add ornaments and a star
  • ✓ For 'Reindeer': begin with antlers, then the head and nose
Action Lines
Use simple motion indicators to show what's happening in your drawing.
  • ✓ Arrows to show direction (sleigh flying, falling snow)
  • ✓ Wavy lines for movement or singing
Symbol Shorthand
Use universally understood symbols to convey complex ideas quickly.
  • ✓ Question marks for confusion or guessing
  • ✓ Musical notes for caroling or jingle bells
Call Out Multiple Ideas
Don't fixate on one guess—keep tossing out possibilities to trigger new ideas.
  • ✓ Is it Santa? A sleigh? Presents? Reindeer? Christmas tree?
Watch the Artist's Reactions
Pay attention to facial expressions and hesitation—they often indicate when you're on the right track.
  • ✓ Artist gets excited when you're close
  • ✓ Artist redraws something bigger when you're partially correct
Build on Each Other's Guesses
Listen to teammates and expand on their ideas rather than starting fresh.
  • ✓ Teammate says 'Santa' → You add 'hat' or 'sleigh'
  • ✓ Teammate says 'tree' → You add 'ornament' or 'star'

General Tips

  • Keep drawings simple and bold—details waste time
  • Use the entire paper or whiteboard space
  • Don't erase—just draw over mistakes or move on
  • Practice common Christmas symbols beforehand (tree, star, stocking, candy cane)

Facilitation Tips

Moderation

  • Keep strict time limits to maintain energy and fairness
  • Clarify rules at the start: no letters, numbers, or gestures
  • Have a neutral person judge disputes over correct answers
  • Keep the mood light and focus on fun, not winning

Inclusion & Safety

  • Offer simpler prompts to participants who feel less confident drawing
  • Allow 'pass' options if someone is truly uncomfortable
  • Celebrate creative interpretations, not just accurate drawings
  • Rotate teams periodically to mix up group dynamics

Virtual/Remote Adaptation

  • Use digital whiteboards like Miro, Mural, or FigJam
  • Ensure the artist shares their screen clearly
  • Use chat features for simultaneous guessing
  • Consider extending timer slightly for digital drawing delays

Debrief & Reflection

Discussion Questions

  • Which drawing surprised you the most with its cleverness?
  • What was your funniest misinterpretation or wrong guess?
  • How did your team's guessing strategy evolve during the game?
  • Who discovered hidden artistic talents?

Wrap-Up Tips

  • Acknowledge the best drawing and most creative interpretation
  • Celebrate the winning team with a small holiday treat
  • Thank everyone for participating and bringing creativity
  • Save the prompt lists for future Christmas gatherings