15 Reindeer Games for a Christmas Party Kids Will Love

Planning a reindeer games Christmas party and want activities that are actually, you know, about reindeer — not just generic winter games with ‘Rudolph’ slapped in front of the name? Same.

I’ve been there, staring at a list of ‘festive’ ideas that were basically musical chairs with a Santa hat and nothing else.

So I pulled together 15 games that are genuinely reindeer-themed in their mechanics, props, and spirit — from tossing snowballs into buckets and racing with antler headbands to printable I-Spy sheets and a personality quiz that tells every kid exactly which reindeer they are.

And yes, they all actually work at a real party. (You can thank me later — or just budget for the supplies first and thank me after.)

Whether you’re hosting a classroom holiday party, a neighborhood Christmas bash, or a living-room herd of cousins who’ve had too much hot cocoa, these reindeer games for kids deliver the chaos, the giggles, and the festive memories that make the season worth all the prep.

I’ve organized them so active games, printable sheets, and quieter activities alternate throughout — so no one crashes from an adrenaline overload and no kid gets bored sitting still for too long. Ready to let the games begin? Let’s go, herd!

1. Snowball Bucket Toss

This is your classic bucket toss, reindeer-style — and it delivers instant party energy.

Set up three or four buckets (or decorated boxes) in a row at increasing distances, each labeled with a reindeer name: Dasher closest, then Dancer, then Prancer, with Blitzen the farthest away.

Kids get five white pom-pom ‘snowballs’ each and take turns hurling them into the buckets. Closer buckets score fewer points, Blitzen’s bucket is worth a whopping ten — and trust me, every kid in the room will be gunning for it.

To set up, grab a bag of large white pom-poms from the dollar store (they make perfect indoor snowballs that won’t break anything — fingers crossed), label four plastic buckets or cardboard boxes with the reindeer name signs, and mark a throw line with a piece of tape on the floor.

For younger kids, pull the buckets a little closer. For older kids, space them out dramatically until someone is basically throwing across the room.

Tally each player’s score on a little scoreboard after each round and keep a running total across multiple rounds for a winner-takes-the-candy-cane finish.

Why it works so beautifully at a reindeer games Christmas party is the theming — instead of just ‘bucket one, two, three,’ kids are genuinely invested in landing a snowball on Blitzen because Blitzen sounds the most dramatic. (It just does.)

You can also play it as a relay: divide kids into two teams, each named after a reindeer, and the first team to get a combined total of 30 points wins.

Host tip: keep a basket of extra pom-poms close because they will absolutely end up everywhere except the buckets.

2. Reindeer I-Spy Sheet

This one is a lifesaver for the first ten minutes of the party when kids are still arriving and you need something to hand them immediately so they don’t dismantle the snack table.

The Reindeer I-Spy Sheet is a busy, illustrated scene set at Santa’s North Pole stable — reindeer everywhere in various poses, mixed in with antlers, red noses, sleigh bells, carrots, jingle bells, and elf hats.

Kids scan the scene and count how many of each item they can spot, writing their tally in the numbered blanks beside each category on the sheet.

Print one sheet per child (US Letter, portrait) and hand them out with a pencil as soon as kids arrive.

The beauty here is that it works for mixed ages: a four-year-old can count the big red noses while a seven-year-old hunts for the tiny hidden jingle bell tucked behind a reindeer ear.

Set a timer for five minutes — or just let them go at their own pace if the vibe is more relaxed.

Whoever finds the most correct counts in each category wins a small prize, or you can award everyone a sticker just for participating (the non-competitive approach is wildly underrated at kids’ parties, tbh).

The real secret weapon of this game is that it keeps kids quietly occupied and seated — which, during the chaotic arrival window of a Christmas party, is basically priceless.

You can even make it into a team game by pairing siblings together, which is a great way to mix age groups without anyone feeling left out.

Host tip: laminate a few copies and provide dry-erase markers so you can reuse them across multiple rounds if a second wave of arrivals shows up late.

3. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss

This is the one game that absolutely everyone — from the shy kid in the corner to the overly competitive older sibling — ends up obsessed with.

One player (or a volunteer helper) stands at a marked spot wearing a set of reindeer antler headbands, and the rest of the kids take turns trying to toss plastic rings onto the antler prongs.

Each prong is worth different points depending on how hard it is to land: the center prong is worth the most, the outer ones are easier. Rings that land and stay score; rings that bounce off don’t.

Swap the antler-wearer every few rounds so every kid gets a turn wearing the headbands.

You’ll need a set of reindeer antler headbands (grab a multipack — they’re everywhere at Christmas time and usually cost just a few dollars) and a set of plastic toss rings.

You can buy a dedicated ring toss set, or use craft-store rings, glow bracelets, or even rings cut from pool noodles for a budget-friendly option. Mark the throw line with tape and adjust the distance based on the age of the kids playing.

For little ones, let them stand close; for older kids, back them up until it’s genuinely challenging. Track scores on a chalkboard or whiteboard for a tournament feel.

Here is why this game is pure reindeer games Christmas party gold: the antler headbands are the mechanic, not just the decoration.

The person wearing them becomes ‘the reindeer,’ and that single role-play element makes kids so much more invested than a regular ring toss ever would be.

For a fun variation, blindfold the ring-tosser and let the other kids shout directions — absolute chaos, maximum giggles, highly recommended. Host tip: buy a couple of extra headbands so you can have two simultaneous stations if your group is large.

4. Match the Reindeer Names

Okay, quick — can your kids name all nine of Santa’s reindeer without peeking? Most adults can’t do it either (don’t feel bad, Vixen always disappears from memory first).

This printable matching game tests exactly that knowledge in a format kids can actually play independently at the party.

The sheet presents a list of nine reindeer names on the left side — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph — and on the right side, a scrambled list of fun illustrated clue cards describing each reindeer’s personality or claim to fame.

Kids draw a line connecting each name to the clue that matches it best.

Print one sheet per child and hand out pencils or colored markers. Give kids about five minutes to match on their own, then reveal the answers together as a group — it turns into a spontaneous little quiz show moment that kids love.

You can also do this as a team game: pair up kids and let them discuss before drawing their lines. The clues are written in simple, kid-friendly language (think ‘The fastest one! He LOVES to race!’ for Dasher, and ‘His red nose lights the way!’

for Rudolph) so even younger players feel confident participating.

This game does double duty as a gentle learning moment — kids leave the party actually knowing the names of all nine reindeer, which is genuinely useful Christmas knowledge that will make them feel like experts at every holiday gathering for years to come.

(You’re basically giving them a party trick.) For an extra layer of fun, after matching, challenge kids to call out all nine names from memory in order — the first one to do it wins a prize.

Host tip: make a few extra copies because kids will want to take the sheet home and quiz their parents, which, honestly, is adorable.

5. Rudolph Red Nose Relay (Pom Pom)

This is the game that will have every parent in the room absolutely losing it — in the best way. Each player gets a dab of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the tip of their nose and holds a string in their mouth.

Attached to the other end of the string is a bright red pom-pom — Rudolph’s nose. Without using their hands, players must swing the pom-pom up and get it to stick to the Vaseline on their nose.

In the relay version, it becomes a team race: the first player on each team attempts to ‘earn their red nose,’ then tags the next player, and so on until every team member has successfully become Rudolph. The team that finishes first wins.

To set up, pre-cut strings to about 12 inches long and tie a red pom-pom to one end. Leave the other end free for kids to hold in their mouth.

Have a small jar of Vaseline and cotton swabs ready to apply a quick dab to each player’s nose before their turn. Shorter strings are a bit easier; longer strings make it more of a challenge for older kids.

For really young children, you can modify the game by simply letting them try to balance the pom-pom on their Vaseline-dabbed nose after placing it there by hand — still silly, still very Rudolph-appropriate.

The reason this game works so phenomenally well at a reindeer games Christmas party is that it is genuinely, specifically about Rudolph’s nose — the mechanic IS the theme, not a decoration layered on top.

And the visual of a bunch of kids swinging pom-poms from their mouths trying to stick them to their noses is comedy gold.

Host tip: have a pack of wet wipes handy for quick clean-up between turns, and make sure you have plenty of pom-poms because a few will inevitably get lost under the couch. (Speaking from experience here.)

6. Color Rudolph Contest

Every kid at the party gets their own Rudolph outline to color — but here’s the twist that makes this way more fun than a standard coloring page: the contest is judged on creativity, not perfection.

The prompt on the sheet encourages kids to make Rudolph totally their own — a purple Rudolph with a glittery blue nose? Absolutely valid. A rainbow-spotted Rudolph wearing sunglasses? The judges (aka the host) are into it.

This keeps the game exciting for all ages and gives every child a genuine shot at winning, regardless of fine-motor-skill level.

Print one sheet per child on regular printer paper and set up a little coloring station with a mix of crayons, markers, and — if you’re feeling bold — glitter glue sticks and stickers. Give kids ten to fifteen minutes to color.

You can play Christmas music in the background to set the mood, and this naturally becomes a calm interlude between the more active, noisy games — which every host needs, tbh.

When time is up, collect the sheets and display them on a wall or table for a gallery-style reveal that makes every kid feel like a real artist.

Judge the entries in a few categories so more kids win prizes: ‘Most Colorful Rudolph,’ ‘Most Creative Nose,’ ‘Funniest Rudolph,’ and ‘Most Festive.’

That way almost every child walks away with a ribbon or small prize, and no one is left feeling sad — which is the actual goal here. Send the coloring sheets home with kids at the end of the party as a keepsake.

Host tip: have a few extra blank outline sheets on hand because some kids will want to do multiple rounds. (Overachievers. Love them.)

7. Reindeer Antler Balance Race

This relay race has one very specific, very reindeer-appropriate challenge: every player must cross the room while balancing a pair of antlers on their head — without touching them with their hands.

If the antlers fall, you stop, pick them up (hands allowed only for pickup!), place them back on your head, and keep going. The first team to get all their players across the finish line wins. It sounds simple. It is not.

It is deeply, beautifully chaotic, especially on a smooth floor with kids who cannot stop giggling long enough to keep their balance.

You’ll need one set of reindeer antler headbands per team (or one to share per team, passed off at the relay turnaround point). Mark a start line and a turnaround point with tape — about 15 to 20 feet apart works well indoors.

Divide kids into two or three teams and line them up.

To up the difficulty for older kids, have them carry a small stuffed reindeer toy in their arms while balancing the antlers — no hands means no steadying the antlers AND no dropping the reindeer.

For younger kids, a shorter distance and a gentler ‘just try to keep them on’ approach keeps it fun rather than frustrating.

What makes this game feel genuinely reindeer-games-y rather than just ‘walk with a thing on your head’ is the constant visual comedy of the antlers: they wobble, they slip sideways, kids develop elaborate slow-motion walks trying to keep them on, and the whole room ends up cheering.

It is also — and I say this as someone who has hosted a lot of kids’ parties — surprisingly good at making everyone laugh together, including the kids waiting for their turn.

Host tip: if you only have one set of antlers, just run it as an individual time trial and award a prize to whoever completes the course fastest.

8. Feed the Reindeer Bean Bag Toss

This is the most satisfying toss game at any reindeer games Christmas party, and the setup is what makes it shine.

Create (or buy) a large cardboard reindeer cutout with a big open mouth — kids are ‘feeding’ the reindeer by tossing bean bags (or balled-up socks, or small stuffed carrots if you’re feeling crafty) into its open mouth.

Give each player five throws, tally up how many ‘carrots’ made it in, and crown the best reindeer feeder of the party. Sounds simple, but watch the competitive fire ignite the moment the first kid lands two in a row.

To make the reindeer target, grab a large piece of cardboard (appliance boxes are perfect) and sketch or print a simple reindeer face outline, then cut out the mouth opening — about six to eight inches wide works well for most bean bags.

Decorate it with markers or paint, prop it against a wall or fence, and you’re ready. Alternatively, you can find pre-made ‘feed the reindeer’ carnival game boards on Amazon or at party supply stores if DIY is not your jam.

Set the throw line about four to six feet from the target for younger kids, and further back for older ones.

The ‘feeding’ mechanic is what makes this game authentically reindeer-themed — you’re not just tossing at a generic target; you’re giving Rudolph or Dasher their pre-flight snack. (Very important job, truly.)

For a fun extension, write different point values on bean bags — a ‘golden carrot’ bag worth triple points adds a strategic element older kids love.

Host tip: if you run this as a team game, have kids cheer each other on with a specific team reindeer cheer — ‘Go Comet, go Comet!’ — which gets loud and wonderful fast.

9. Which Reindeer Are You Quiz

Every kid secretly wants to know: are they a bold Dasher or a dramatic Prancer? A lightning-fast Blitzen or the legendary Rudolph himself?

This personality quiz assigns each child their reindeer alter-ego through a series of fun, relatable multiple-choice questions — things like ‘What’s your superpower at a party: making everyone laugh, being the fastest at everything, or making sure everyone is included?’

Each answer maps to a reindeer personality, and at the end, kids add up their letters to reveal their reindeer match. The results are always perfectly spot-on in the way that every personality quiz result feels perfectly spot-on, which is, of course, the magic.

Print one quiz sheet per child and set them up at a table with pencils. This works beautifully as a between-games palate cleanser — the energy level drops, kids are engaged but calm, and everyone has something to quietly focus on.

Younger kids may need a helper to read the questions aloud, which works perfectly if you do it as a group activity: read each question out loud and have kids hold up fingers for their answer.

At the end, tally together and reveal everyone’s reindeer at once for a big group moment.

The reveal is genuinely the best part — every single child is delighted by their result, and you’ll immediately get ‘wait, what does Dancer mean?’ conversations that are sweet and surprisingly informative.

(Side note: this makes a great take-home keepsake too — kids love showing their families.) For a fun variation, make little reindeer name-tag stickers with each result and have kids wear their reindeer name for the rest of the party.

Then you can call on ‘Vixen’ to go first in the next game, which creates a lovely ongoing bit that ties the whole party together.

10. Reindeer Hoof Stomp Freeze

Think freeze dance, but make it reindeer. When the music plays (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on repeat, obviously), kids stomp around the room like reindeer — heavy hooves, antler arms raised above their heads, prancing and galloping to the beat.

When the music stops, every reindeer must FREEZE mid-prance. Anyone who wiggles, giggles audibly, or puts their arms down is out for that round.

The last reindeer standing is crowned Head Reindeer and gets to be the one who controls the music for the next round — which is a VERY prestigious role in the eyes of a six-year-old.

You need almost zero supplies for this one: just a speaker, a Christmas playlist, and enough floor space for the whole herd to gallop without colliding too dramatically.

Designate the frozen pose to use when the music stops — for example, one front hoof raised, antler arms up, nose pointed forward — so there’s a clear ‘reindeer freeze’ shape that makes judging easier and more fun.

For extra giggles, do a practice round where you demonstrate the most over-the-top reindeer gallop possible. (Self-deprecating host moment incoming: I looked absolutely ridiculous doing this at my cousin’s party and it remains the funniest thing the kids saw all day.)

This game earns its place at every reindeer games Christmas party because it burns pure energy out of kids who’ve been sitting for a few rounds of printable games — it’s the perfect reset button.

The reindeer-stomp movement requirement means this isn’t just generic freeze dance: they’re specifically embodying the animals, which keeps the theme alive and turns an ordinary game into something that actually feels like reindeer games.

Host tip: play it in two-minute rounds so the eliminated kids don’t wait too long before jumping back in for the next round.

11. Antler Headband Craft Race

Here’s a game that doubles as a take-home craft — absolute host win. Each child gets a plain brown headband and a small pile of supplies: pipe cleaners, pom-poms, jingle bells, ribbon, and foam stickers. The challenge?

Build the most impressive pair of antlers on their headband in just five minutes. When time is up, everyone puts on their creation and wears it for the rest of the party games.

Speed is part of the game, but creativity wins — categories like ‘Tallest Antlers,’ ‘Jinglest Antlers,’ and ‘Most Pom-Poms’ mean everyone has a shot at a prize.

Pre-portion each child’s craft supply pile into a small paper bag or on a paper plate before the party so there’s no rummaging at the start.

You’ll need: plain brown or tan headbands (cheap in multipacks), brown and green pipe cleaners, small pom-poms, mini jingle bells, foam star stickers, and a little ribbon.

Set a five-minute timer and play upbeat Christmas music while they build — the music-plus-timer combo creates real urgency without any stress. When the timer goes off, yell ‘Antlers up!’ and everyone puts theirs on simultaneously for the big reveal.

This game works at a reindeer party on every level: it’s themed (literally building reindeer antlers), it’s tactile and fun, it requires no reading or writing so every age plays equally, and kids get to wear the result — which means you basically have a built-in photo-booth moment the instant craft time ends.

(Your parent group chat is going to love the photos.)

For a variation, make it a team-building race where pairs of kids build antlers for EACH OTHER — a little trickier, a little more hilarious, and a great way to build some party camaraderie before the big team games.

12. Reindeer Food Making Station

Every kid at the party gets to make their very own bag of magic reindeer food to sprinkle on their lawn on Christmas Eve — and the process is half the fun.

The classic reindeer food recipe mixes rolled oats (which real birds and wildlife can eat safely) with gold and silver edible glitter, dried cranberries, and a few star-shaped sprinkles.

Kids scoop their own mix into small cellophane bags, tie them with a ribbon, and attach a little tag that explains the magic: sprinkle the food on the lawn Christmas Eve night so Rudolph’s nose can spot the sparkle from the sky and Santa knows to stop!

Set up the station like a miniature buffet: set out small bowls of each ingredient with a little scoop or spoon in each one, a stack of small zip-lock or cellophane bags, and pre-cut ribbon lengths for tying.

Print small reindeer food tags (you can slip this in as a bonus printable!) with the sprinkling instructions and attach them to each bag. Supervise younger kids with the glitter — it’s magical until it’s everywhere, at which point it’s just everywhere.

Give each child a paper cup to mix their ingredients before spooning into the bag, which reduces glittery catastrophe by approximately 40%.

What makes this station genuinely wonderful for a reindeer games Christmas party is the imaginative buy-in: kids are not just making a craft, they are preparing actual supplies for Santa’s actual reindeer.

The belief is the best part of childhood Christmases, and this activity leans into it fully and beautifully. Plus, every child leaves with a party favor built right in — which saves you buying gift bags. (Budget win!

Speaking of which, check out these smart ways to budget for Christmas so the whole season stays merry without breaking the bank.)

Host tip: set this up near the end of the party so the bags go straight into backpacks and don’t become a glitter-explosion hazard mid-game.

13. Rudolph Nose Bowling

Set up ten plastic bottles or cardboard tubes in the classic bowling-pin triangle, but here is the reindeer twist that makes it magic: every pin has a reindeer face drawn on it with a marker, and the ‘bowling ball’ is a big red pom-pom — Rudolph’s nose, rolled down the lane.

Kids take turns rolling the pom-pom down a cleared hallway or a strip of taped-off floor, trying to knock over as many reindeer as possible. Two rolls per turn, standard bowling scoring, reindeer sound effects when they go down entirely encouraged.

To make the pins, save ten clean plastic water bottles, fill them slightly with a little sand or rice to keep them stable, and use a black marker to draw simple reindeer faces on each one — two eyes, a small nose (all black except Rudolph’s, which gets a red sticker), and a pair of antler lines.

It takes about ten minutes and the kids will love that the pins have faces. Alternatively, use empty toilet paper rolls stacked in a triangle for an even quicker setup.

Use a large craft pom-pom in red as the bowling ball; on smooth floors it rolls beautifully.

Rudolph Nose Bowling earns its spot at a reindeer games Christmas party because the mechanic is so specifically themed — you are literally rolling Rudolph’s nose to knock the reindeer down — and that specificity delights kids every single time.

For a variation, number the pins one through ten and assign double-point values to whichever reindeer pin (Rudolph’s pin, naturally) remains standing last — if Rudolph survives your roll, the next player gets a bonus shot.

Host tip: set up two lanes side by side using tape on the floor so you can run two players simultaneously and cut wait times in half.

14. Reindeer Name Memory Game

This one is a sleeper hit — it sounds like a quiet game and then somehow turns into everyone shouting reindeer names at each other with enormous enthusiasm. Here’s how it works: kids sit in a circle and go around in order.

The first child says one of Santa’s reindeer names — say, ‘Dasher.’ The second child says ‘Dasher, Dancer.’ The third says ‘Dasher, Dancer, Prancer.’ And so on, each player repeating all the names that came before and adding one more.

Miss a name or say it out of order and you’re out. Last reindeer-name-knower standing wins. It’s basically a Christmas-themed memory chain game and it is addictively fun.

You need zero supplies for this game, which is either its best or worst quality depending on how much you’ve spent on party supplies already.

The only preparation needed is knowing the nine reindeer names yourself so you can keep score: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph. Seat kids in a circle on the floor or around a table.

For younger kids, give everyone a printed cheat-sheet reference card (the Match the Reindeer Names printable works perfectly for this!) so they can follow along without getting totally lost.

This game is a beautiful follow-up to the Match the Reindeer Names printable — by this point kids have already seen all nine names on paper, so this tests whether they actually absorbed them.

The memory challenge makes it genuinely competitive in a way that isn’t physical, which is a great leveler: the littlest kid in the group who’s been quietly paying attention all party can absolutely win this one.

For a variation, time each player individually and see who can rattle off all nine names fastest — perfect if you’d rather not eliminate players.

Host tip: cheer dramatically when someone makes it all the way to Rudolph without missing a name; it turns an ordinary moment into a real party highlight.

15. Leap Like a Reindeer Obstacle Course

This is the grand finale game — the one you save for the end when kids have hit their maximum energy level and you need to channel it somewhere productive before the parents arrive.

Set up an obstacle course specifically designed around reindeer movements: leap over a ‘snowdrift’ (a pool noodle on the ground), gallop through a zigzag of cones, jump through a hula hoop ‘sleigh loop,’ crawl under a ‘low-flying cloud’ (a strip of crepe paper hung between two chairs), balance on one hoof (one foot) for five seconds on a marked spot, and finally sprint to the finish line bell and ring it as loud as you possibly can.

Every movement is reindeer-specific, which makes it feel like genuine reindeer training, which is thrilling when you are seven years old.

Set up the course along a hallway, living room, or outdoor yard before the party. Use pool noodles, cones (or stacked books), hula hoops, two chairs, crepe paper streamers, and a jingle bell at the finish.

Mark each station with a little reindeer name sign — ‘Dasher’s Dash,’ ‘Prancer’s Prance,’ ‘Blitzen’s Bolt’ — which adds to the immersion and helps kids know where to go next.

Run it as a timed individual challenge (each kid runs the course once while the others cheer them on with their timer) or as a relay race with two teams running simultaneously on mirrored courses.

The obstacle course is a perfect closer because it brings every element of the party together into one big physical moment — the antlers they made, the reindeer names they learned, the Rudolph energy they’ve been building all afternoon — and releases it in one gloriously chaotic sprint.

Plus it absolutely wears them out, which the parents will quietly thank you for. (Your job here is technically done.)

For a fun keepsake twist, announce each child’s course time as their ‘official North Pole speed record’ and hand out a little certificate — printable ones take five minutes to make and kids keep them forever.

And if you need more inspiration for building epic holiday parties on a budget, these money-saving tips translate beautifully to Christmas party planning too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best reindeer games to play at a Christmas party?

The best reindeer games for a Christmas party are ones where the reindeer theme is baked into the actual mechanic — not just the name.

Top picks include Reindeer Antler Ring Toss (where a player wearing antlers is the target), Rudolph Red Nose Relay (kids transfer a red pom-pom using Vaseline on their nose), Feed the Reindeer Bean Bag Toss (tossing ‘carrots’ into a reindeer-mouth cutout), and Rudolph Nose Bowling (rolling a red pom-pom to knock down reindeer-face pins).

Mix these active games with printable options like a Reindeer I-Spy Sheet and Match the Reindeer Names for a full party lineup that keeps every age group happy.

How do you play reindeer games for a large group?

For large groups, split kids into teams named after Santa’s reindeer (Team Dasher vs. Team Blitzen, for example) and run stations simultaneously so everyone is active at once rather than waiting in a long line.

Games like Snowball Bucket Toss, Feed the Reindeer Bean Bag Toss, and the Leap Like a Reindeer Obstacle Course all work well with multiple simultaneous stations.

Printable games like the Reindeer I-Spy Sheet and Match the Reindeer Names can be handed out to the whole group at once, so zero kids are sitting idle.

Keep a running team scoreboard across all games and award a group prize at the end so the competitive energy stays fun rather than stressful.

What supplies do you need for reindeer games at a Christmas party?

The core supplies for a reindeer games Christmas party are: reindeer antler headbands (get a multipack — you’ll use them for ring toss, the balance race, and the craft race), large red and white pom-poms (for the nose relay, the bowling game, and the snowball toss), bean bags (for the feed-the-reindeer toss), plastic bottles or cardboard tubes (for bowling pins), a cardboard reindeer face cutout (for bean bag toss), pipe cleaners and craft supplies (for the antler headband craft), and printed game sheets for the printable activities.

Most of these are dollar-store or Amazon finds that cost just a few dollars each, so the full party setup can be done very affordably.

What are some reindeer games ideas for adults?

Adults love the same core reindeer mechanics but with a competitive edge turned up. The Rudolph Red Nose Relay (pom-pom on a string, Vaseline on the nose, no hands) is universally hilarious for adults. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss becomes fiercely competitive fast.

A reindeer-themed trivia game covering the history of Santa’s reindeer, Christmas movies, and North Pole lore makes a great party centerpiece.

You can also do a ‘Name All 9 Reindeer’ speed challenge (harder than it sounds — Vixen always gets dropped) or a blind taste test using ‘reindeer food’ ingredients.

For a festive gift exchange tie-in, check out <a href=’https://redcheeksgirl.com/2024-christmas-gift-guide/’>this Christmas gift guide</a> for game prize ideas that work for any adult at the party.

How do you host a reindeer games Christmas party?

Start by picking 6–10 games from a mix of active, printable, and quiet options and ordering them so high-energy games alternate with calmer ones. Decorate with antlers, red noses, jingle bells, and reindeer-name signs at each game station.

Set up printable activities as arrival games so early guests have something to do immediately. Run team games with reindeer-name teams and keep a scoreboard for competitive fun.

Build in a craft station (like the Antler Headband Craft Race or Reindeer Food Making) that doubles as a take-home favor. Assign a ‘Head Reindeer’ MC role — you, or a willing helper — to keep energy up and transitions smooth between games.

Finish with the big obstacle course for a high-energy finale.

What are easy reindeer games for kids at a holiday party?

The easiest reindeer games for kids require minimal setup and zero reading ability: Reindeer Hoof Stomp Freeze (just music and floor space), Snowball Bucket Toss (pom-poms into labeled buckets), and Reindeer Nose Bowling (red pom-pom rolled at decorated bottle pins) can all be set up in under ten minutes.

The Reindeer I-Spy Sheet printable is also very beginner-friendly — even toddlers can count the red noses in the picture with a little help. The Antler Headband Craft Race is easy for all ages since it’s hands-on and creative rather than rules-heavy.

For very young children (3–5), keep games short (under five minutes each), non-competitive, and prize everyone with a sticker for participating.

What prizes should you give out for reindeer games?

The best prizes for a kids’ reindeer games party are small, festive, and reindeer-themed where possible: mini reindeer plushies, red pom-pom necklaces (they can be Rudolph!), bags of reindeer food (which kids can make at the party station), candy canes, Christmas stickers, or small ornaments all work beautifully.

For a special winner’s prize, consider a reindeer Squishmallow, a Christmas book, or a small gift card.

If you want to give prizes to every child rather than just winners (which works much better for younger kids), pre-make goody bags with a mix of small treats and reindeer stickers.

Avoid the temptation to make prizes too big — at a kids’ party, a shiny gold star sticker is genuinely just as exciting as a toy.

Can you play reindeer games virtually over Zoom?

Yes! Several reindeer games translate very well to a virtual Zoom party. The Which Reindeer Are You Quiz can be emailed as a PDF and kids complete it on screen, then reveal their results together on the call.

The Reindeer Name Memory Chain Game works perfectly on Zoom — go around in order with each person adding a reindeer name. Match the Reindeer Names can be shared as a screen-share while kids fill it in at home.

For active games, Reindeer Hoof Stomp Freeze works on video if everyone has floor space — play music through your speaker, stop it, and watch everyone freeze on screen.

You can even mail printed game sheets to participants ahead of the party for the full printable game experience.

What are funny reindeer-themed party game ideas?

The funniest reindeer games are the ones that involve physical comedy: the Rudolph Red Nose Relay (kids swinging a pom-pom from their mouth to stick to their Vaseline-coated nose with no hands) is basically guaranteed hysteria.

Reindeer Antler Ring Toss with a blindfolded tosser and kids shouting directions is chaotic and perfect. The Reindeer Hoof Stomp Freeze game where everyone has to gallop around like reindeer and then freeze mid-prance produces incredible facial expressions.

The Antler Headband Craft Race where speed matters over aesthetics results in some truly spectacular antler creations. And the Reindeer Name Memory Game, where confident kids inevitably forget Vixen or Cupid right when everyone is watching, is comedy gold every single time.

What are the classic reindeer games based on Santa’s reindeer names?

Santa’s nine reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph — each inspire their own game mechanic when you lean into their names and personalities. ‘Dasher’s Dash’ is a speed race. ‘Dancer’s Dance’ is a freeze dance challenge.

‘Prancer’s Prance’ is a graceful balance walk. ‘Vixen’s Trick’ is a tricky puzzle or memory challenge. ‘Comet’s Streak’ is a throwing or rolling game. ‘Cupid’s Match’ is a matching or pairing game. ‘Donner’s Thunder’ is a loud stomping game. ‘Blitzen’s Bolt’ is a lightning-fast relay.

And Rudolph inspires anything involving a red nose — the bowling game, the pom-pom relay, or pin-the-nose activities.

There you have it — 15 reindeer games for a Christmas party that are genuinely, authentically reindeer-themed from mechanic to props to memories.

Whether your herd is three kids on a living room floor or thirty in a school gym, this lineup has you covered with active races, printable game sheets to download and print, quiet crafts, and everything in between.

Print the sheets, grab a bag of red pom-poms, dig out those antler headbands, and let the games begin — your little reindeer are going to have the best Christmas party they’ve ever galloped through.

Pin this list so it’s ready to go every year, and if you’re still sorting out holiday gifts for the grown-ups in your life, this Christmas gift guide has you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket surprises!

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