Gather around the table, folks! Christmas is not just about the food, gifts, and awkward small talk with relatives you only see once a year. It’s also about board games—those delightful destroyers of relationships that will ensure your family stays together… or never speaks again. Here are the 5 best board games to try this holiday season!
1. Ticket to Ride
Ever dreamt of being a railroad tycoon? No? Too bad! This game will have you connecting cities with colorful train pieces, and it’s shockingly addictive. It’s perfect for 4-5 people, easy to learn, and wraps up in about an hour—just long enough for everyone to argue over why Aunt Susan’s “shortcut” strategy is ruining the game.
How to Play: Collect train cards of various colors and use them to claim railway routes on a map. The longer your routes, the more points you score. Don’t forget to complete your destination tickets for bonus points—or lose points if you fail! But beware, space on the board is limited, and blocking happens. A lot.
Pro tip: Watch out for Uncle Joe. He will block your route just because he can.
2. Risk
Ah, Risk—the game where world domination meets family diplomacy. There’s nothing like invading Grandma’s Australia to teach her who’s boss! This strategy classic will not only test your tactical skills but also reveal who in your family secretly harbors Napoleonic ambitions.
How to Play: Each player gets an army and fights for control of territories on the world map. Roll dice to battle opponents, capture continents for extra reinforcements, and create strategic alliances (then break them, because betrayal is part of the fun). The goal? Conquer the world or eliminate all other players.
Warning: If your sibling starts laughing maniacally, they’ve probably taken over Europe. Brace yourself.
3. Mafia
Not a board game really but still finds mention on this list. Role-playing and deception—what could be better for family bonding? In Mafia, you’ll accuse your loved ones of murder, lie straight to their faces, and laugh while doing it. Each game lasts about 30 minutes, and you can spice it up with your own quirky characters (looking at you, “The Mobster Chef”).
How to Play: One player acts as the moderator and assigns secret roles to everyone. The Mafia tries to eliminate the villagers without getting caught, while the villagers must figure out who the Mafia members are. Each round alternates between night (when the Mafia acts) and day (when the village votes to eliminate a suspect).
Healthy fights guaranteed: Grandma always knows who the Mafia is, and no one knows how.
4. Monopoly
Ah, good old Monopoly—a game so iconic, it practically screams “family drama.” Nothing says “holiday spirit” like charging your cousin $1,500 for landing on Boardwalk with a hotel. But hey, it’s not personal, it’s business.
How to Play: Roll dice to move around the board, buying properties, building houses and hotels, and charging rent to other players. The last person not bankrupt wins. But beware: your younger sibling will find a way to sneak extra cash from the bank.
Holiday twist: Declare yourself the “Santa Banker” and give everyone $200 every time they pass Go. Just don’t forget to enforce your property taxes.
5. Codenames
Need something lighthearted after Monopoly ruins the family vibe? Enter Codenames, a word-guessing game that’s perfect for 4-8 people. It’s fast-paced, hilarious, and will leave everyone laughing—especially when Dad confuses “Apple” with “Revolution” for no apparent reason.
How to Play: Players split into two teams, each with a spymaster. The spymasters give one-word clues to help their teammates identify the right words on a grid, while avoiding the assassin word, which ends the game instantly. The first team to guess all their words wins.
Family tip: Team up with Mom. She’s secretly a word-genius.
Board games are the ultimate Christmas cure for holiday boredom (or at least an alternative to scrolling through your phone). Whether you’re building trains, conquering continents, or throwing Monopoly money at your siblings, these games promise an unforgettable holiday. Just remember, it’s all fun and games… until someone flips the board.