Family game night is one of the best traditions of the holidays. Whether you’re gathered around the table after a big meal, seeking screen-free fun, or creating a new tradition with friends and family, a great board game can make memories that last. From beloved classics to clever new hits, here are the ten best board games for families this Christmas.

1. Monopoly

Who made it: Originally by Parker Brothers (now Hasbro)
When it was created: 1935
What it’s about: Players buy, sell, and trade properties to bankrupt opponents in this classic property-trading game.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Hours of competitive fun, familiar to generations, and lots of banter around the board.
Great if you like: The Game of Life, Catan Junior, Ticket to Ride.

2. Scrabble

Who made it: Alfred Butts (Parker Brothers/Hasbro)
When it was created: 1938
What it’s about: Players build interlocking words on a board for points using a set of letter tiles.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Combines vocabulary with friendly rivalry and is perfect for all ages.
Great if you like: Boggle, Words with Friends, Upwords.

3. Catan

Who made it: Klaus Teuber
When it was created: 1995
What it’s about: Players collect resources, build roads and settlements, and trade to earn victory points.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Strategic, social, and endlessly replayable — great for teens and adults.
Great if you like: Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Small World.

4. Ticket to Ride

Who made it: Alan R. Moon
When it was created: 2004
What it’s about: Players collect cards and claim train routes across a map to connect cities and score points.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Easy to learn, visually beautiful, with just the right mix of tactics and luck.
Great if you like: Catan, Risk, Carcassonne.

5. Cluedo (Clue)

Who made it: Anthony E. Pratt
When it was created: 1949
What it’s about: Deduce who committed the murder, where, and with what weapon.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Whodunit mystery fun that everyone can play together.
Great if you like: Mystery Mansion, Sherlock Express, Chronicles of Crime.

6. Pandemic

Who made it: Matt Leacock
When it was created: 2008
What it’s about: Players work together as a team of specialists to stop global outbreaks.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Cooperative play (no winners vs losers), thrilling tension, and strategic teamwork.
Great if you like: Forbidden Island, Ghost Stories, Mysterium.

7. Azul

Who made it: Michael Kiesling
When it was created: 2017
What it’s about: Players draft tiles to create colourful patterns on their boards.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Gorgeous pieces, simple rules, satisfying strategy — great for kids and adults alike.
Great if you like: Sagrada, Splendor, Kingdomino.

8. 7 Wonders

Who made it: Antoine Bauza
When it was created: 2010
What it’s about: A card-drafting game where players develop a civilization and build wonders.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Fast-paced and deep without being intimidating; plays well with larger groups.
Great if you like: Race for the Galaxy, Splendor, Terraforming Mars.

9. Telestrations

Who made it: USAopoly
When it was created: 2009
What it’s about: A hilarious party game of drawing and guessing — kind of like “telephone” with sketches.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Laugh-out-loud fun perfect for family gatherings and mixed ages.
Great if you like: Cranium, Pictionary, Charades.

10. Dixit

Who made it: Jean-Louis Roubira
When it was created: 2008
What it’s about: With dreamy artwork on cards, one player describes a scene and others submit cards to match — then players vote.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Magical visuals, storytelling fun, and a gentle pace that works for all ages.
Great if you like: Mysterium, Once Upon a Time, Apples to Apples.

Ready to Play?

Whether your family likes brainy strategy, laugh-until-you-cry party fun, or cooperative teamwork, this mix of classic staples and modern favourites will keep you entertained all holiday season long.

Quick Picks by Mood

• Best for friendly competition: Monopoly, Scrabble

• Best for strategy lovers: Catan, Ticket to Ride

• Best cooperative play: Pandemic

• Most artistic & beautiful: Azul, Dixit

• Most laughter guaranteed: Telestrations

Top Tip: Try rotating games based on the evening vibe — start with something quick like Telestrations or Dixit, then settle in for a longer play with Catan or Ticket to Ride.