Coolest Christmas Bingo Party Games
Bingo is one of the most beloved party games of all time
but that doesn’t mean that you can’t improve on tradition. Check out these Christmas Bingo party games and you just might find a new favorite way to play!
Basic Christmas Bingo Games
If you’re familiar with the basic Bingo board
it’s quite simple. The letters B-I-N-G-O are spelled out across the top of a grid with a column of five squares under each of the five letters in Bingo. The 25 resulting squares are then filled with numbers
with a certain range of numbers appearing in each column. (The B column will have numbers 1-15; I will have 16-30
and so on). The center of the 5×5 grid is often used as a “free” space.
Using this basic format
you can easily adapt it for Christmas Bingo party games:
* Instead of “BINGO” use another five letter word that is associated with Christmas. Look for words that have five unique letters to avoid confusion. “ANGEL” or “FLAKE” will work; “SANTA” will not.
* Replace numbers with Christmas themed spaces. Even young children can get in on the fun when you use pictures
so search online for free clipart images that you can print to build your Bingo cards. Older guests can play with a selection of Christmas words
and this time anything goes — from “Advent” to “Yuletide” and everything in between!
* When you make your own board
you can use the same pictures in different columns
but you should make sure that each board is unique. To accomplish this
each board should be missing something that the others have. For example
not every board will have a picture of a bell
but the one that is missing the bell may have a candy cane that one of the others may not have.
* Use Christmas candy for game pieces. Chocolates wrapped in metallic foil in bright colors of red
gold
silver
and gold are delicious options – you’ll know it’s time to quit playing when your guests have nibbled their way out of game pieces!
Unique Christmas Bingo Party Play for Families
When you’re setting up Christmas Bingo party games for a family celebration
bring back special memories even as you create new ones with this unique and heartwarming idea!
First
look through the old family albums and find several great pictures. You’ve got 24 or 25 squares to fill (depending on whether you use the center square as a free space or not) so try to find at least 10 different pictures. The variety will keep the game from ending too quickly without making it drag on endlessly without a winner.
When you make your selections
choose photos from several different generations or from Christmas of years past if you can. Seeing grandma as a girl or their own first Christmas is sure to bring giggles of delight from family members as they try to recognize the younger versions of otherwise familiar faces!
Once you’ve chosen pictures
scan them into your computer. Resize them to thumbnail size (or so they’ll fit into the squares of your Bingo board) and print off enough to fill each of your game cards. You’ll need one additional set for the caller of the game.
Randomly fill the squares of your Bingo cards
making sure that the same picture doesn’t appear twice in one vertical column. Glue the pictures down and allow them to dry.
Meanwhile
prepare the extra set for the game caller. If you need to
label each photo so they’ll be accurately called. You can write the name and date of each photo or
alternatively
the name and age of the person as pictured. For an easier version of the game
use recent pictures and call the game using direct descriptions such as “Emily in a green shirt” or “Mom with short hair.”
To play
put each of the labeled game pieces in a bowl or bag for
drawing
then place the letters B-I-N-G-O (or whichever word you replace it with) in a second spot. The caller should draw a card from each pile
call the piece (“Amy as a newborn
G”) and then return the pieces to their respective piles. Per the rules of the game
only that picture in the specific column is marked.
For any Bingo game
determine the winning formation prior to beginning play. The basic five-in-a-row line will always be popular
but you can get creative by plotting a triangular Christmas tree shape
the square outline of a gift
or the starburst of a snowflake for a seasonal touch that guests will love.
One thing is for sure: whichever variation you choose
these Christmas Bingo party games are sure to spice up your holiday event!
