Are you hosting family over the holidays, or have you been put in charge at the office of 'company fun' at the Christmas party?  Make your holiday gatherings unforgettable with our Holiday Party Games Guide! From spirited trivia challenges to hilarious gift-exchange games and creative activities for kids, these ideas are perfect for adding laughter and joy to your celebrations.
 
***Disclosure: Please don’t drive after drinking***

1.      GIFT WRAPPING GAME
​Divide groups into pairs. Each pair of people stands around a table in front of a piece of wrapping paper, a roll of tape, scissors, ribbon, and shirt gift boxes. Each pair of players stands with one arm around the other person. Say "Go!” and the players must race to wrap their box with one person using only their right hand and the other person using only their left hand. (Keep the other hand wrapped around the partner's waist.) The first pair to wrap their gift box wins!
2.     ORNAMENT GUESS
A great way to start your holiday party is to have guests guess how many ornaments are on your tree when they walk into the party.  The person with the closet guess wins!

3.     TOOTHPICK TOWER MARSHMALLOW GAME
Supplies: Toothpicks, mini marshmallows
Who can build the tallest marshmallow tower? It may sound simple, but you have to be super fast and somewhat creative to win. Suggested for ages 10 and up.

4.    SHAVING CREAM SANTAS
Supplies: Shaving Cream, plastic spoons, and paper towels.
Divide into pairs. Each pair decides who will play Santa. The Santa covers his/her face with shaving cream. The other player is Santa's barber. Jingle a bell to start! The teams race to "shave" their Santas. The winning team is the first to have a clean-shaven Santa and set their spoon on the table. To signify they are done, Santa lets out a loud "Ho ho ho!” Tip: Make this an edible game for kids with non-dairy whipped cream.

5.     BALLOON STOMPING GAME
Grab a bag of dollar store balloons and give one to each player with some curling ribbon. Each player blows up their balloon and ties it to their ankle. Now blow a horn or ring a holiday bell to start the stomping!  Each party guest must stomp the other players’ balloons. The more you stomp, the better your chances of winning the game. The last person to have a balloon wins! Use masking or painter's tape to mark a circular play area on the floor.

​6.    DRUNK TREASURE HUNT
Hide two chests with gifts in them in two different locations and keep clues leading to the treasure hidden around your property. This sounds like a normal treasure hunt game, but this one is better: With every clue a team finds in this game, a bottle of whiskey is awarded. Each member of the team will have a shot of whiskey before continuing on their quest to find the treasure. With every clue they find, teams will drink more, making it difficult – and hilarious – to find the treasure. The best part is both teams will get presents and every participant will enjoy themselves – especially the ones who appreciate a drink or two.
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7. NAME THOSE LOGOS
​Go through several magazines and cut out advertisement symbols (i.e. the VW logo, but not the word Volkswagen).  Paste each on the white side of a 3×5 card and have everyone go around the room with an answer sheet and try to identify as many of the symbols as possible.

​8.      DRESS UP SANTA
​With Dress Up Santa, you'll need plenty of space to play – preferably a large room, where there won't be much furniture in the way. Break everyone into 2-3 equal teams, assigning each to its own work area in the room. In each work area is a large cardboard box with a Santa Claus outfit (costume, boots, hat, beard, and all). On “Go,” all groups compete to be the first to dress up one of their team in the full Santa gear. Set the round for 3-5 minutes. To win, a team must use up all the items in their box and produce the best-dressed Santa.

9.     WHAT’S IN YOUR STOCKING?
For a large party, divide the group into teams of 3-5 people. Give each team a Christmas stocking full of holiday items that has been tied shut with ribbon. (Get the Christmas stockings ready ahead of time by filling them loosely with small, non-fragile objects: candy canes, plastic holly/mistletoe, plastic non-breakable tree ornaments, etc.)  Set a timer and give each team 3 minutes to feel the stocking and write down all the objects that they can identify by feeling them through the stocking. The team with the most correct items wins.

10.     AMAZING MAZE GAME
This game is ideal for children. Choose a variety of Christmas curling ribbon colors in a single roll or ball, one for each player. Tie a prize or party favor to one end of each ribbon. Hide the end with the gift on it somewhere in the house. Now, unwind the ribbon and wrap it all over the room – around furniture, over tables, under doors, anywhere to create a fun challenge. Tie a candy cane to the other end of the ribbon. Repeat for each player, tangling the ribbons if necessary. When the guests arrive, give each one a candy cane and have them follow the ribbon to untangle it (wrapping it around their candy cane as they go).  Let them know it leads to a surprise. Let the fun begin!

11.    CHRISTMAS WRAPPING “PIN THE BOW”
Wrap three large boxes. Line players up single file behind each box. Give each player a giant sticky bow, spin them around, and jingle a bell to start. Players must walk around the box, then pin the bow on top, return to the opposite end of the room, and sit down before the next team member goes. The first team with all members seated wins.

12.     FIND SANTA’S REINDEER
Buy some dollar store holiday stocking stuffers – reindeer, angels, Santas, etc.  Hide them around the house. Players must find reindeer to drive Santa's sleigh, 9 reindeer in all.  Attach a clue to each stuffer indicating where the next one can be found. When players find a reindeer, they will line it up next to the Santa. When all reindeer are placed next to Santa you announce the winner. The winner is the one who finds Rudolph. Winner gets a prize of their choice!

13.      CELEBRITIES
This is a great game for mingling at a party. Write the names of celebrities or characters on pieces of paper and stick them to players’ foreheads or backs (use tape or office Post-It notes). Make sure players don’t see their own name. The objective for players is to figure out who they are by interacting with other guests. Others can make sounds, give clues, or act out who you are. What a fun ice breaker!

14.     CHRISTMAS PIÑATA
Finding group holiday party games that everybody is sure to enjoy can be tough, but this idea will delight kids and kids-at-heart. Piñatas aren’t limited to kids’ birthday parties any longer! Look for one in the shape of an ornament or reindeer. Fill it with holiday candy and small toys, and let your guests swing away (just be careful not to knock over the Christmas tree)!
 
Whether you're hosting a family dinner, an office party, or a cozy gathering with friends, these holiday-themed games will keep everyone entertained and in the holiday spirit.
 
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Picture this: dining with a view that's straight out of a postcard. That's the charm of Colorado's patio scene, where good food meets beautiful landscapes. From mountain views to river landscapes, these spots blend delicious eats with great views. BIG DEAL Company has planned events, meetings and gatherings at nearly every venue in Northern Colorado. Our clients look to us for recommendations on service, food and ambiance!

So, grab a seat, kick back, and get ready to feast your eyes on the best patios with a view that Colorado has to offer. It's dining, Colorado-style: laid-back, delicious, and oh-so-scenic. 

1. HUB Cafe by Fresh Plate - In the heart of Kinston in Loveland, Hub Café by Fresh Plate offers a vibrant patio setting where guests can unwind while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Colorado Mountains. Try one of the chef's seasonal dishes, crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and pair it with specialty brewed coffee, beer, or signature cocktails. Lawn games, fire pits, and ample seating make it fun for the whole family.  Centrally located in Northern Colorado, it's all about good food, good drinks, and a great view at Hub Café by Fresh Plate.

2. Mariana Butte Golf Course Restaurant (Birdies Burgers and Brews) - At Birdies Loveland, you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas, (usually) delightful weather, and delectable cuisine. The patio has incredible views from any seat, and much of the indoor seating is by a window to enjoy Colorado nature. Their selection of artisanal beers and wines is truly remarkable. Every dish is crafted with care and uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. It's no wonder they're renowned for their succulent burgers, classic pub sandwiches, refreshing salads, and an array of other delicious options.

3. Highland Meadows Grill, Windsor - Highland Meadows Grill boasts a reputation as a full-service restaurant and is celebrated for its delicious food and tantalizing Bloody Marys. Following a round of golf, patrons can unwind on the charming patio, which offers picturesque views of the #18 green. Here, guests can sit back and enjoy a craft beer and burger surrounded by a serene outdoor experience.

4. Poppy's Estes Park - Experience the pinnacle of pizza, burgers, sandwiches, homemade soups, and vegetarian fare in Estes Park! Your search for delicious ends here. Enjoy America's favorite dishes and soak in one of the town's most enchanting river views. Open for lunch or dinner and always waiting for you along the beauty of Big Thompson River in the heart of downtown Estes Park.

5. Post Chicken & Beer Estes - Set against the backdrop of the historic Stanley Hotel and offering guests captivating views of the surrounding area, The Post offers award-winning beers and the crispiest, juiciest hot chicken you'll find. They jazz up their menu with creative takes on vegetarian and seafood dishes, alongside fresh salads and inventive sides sourced straight from local farms. It's all about giving the classics a modern twist that sticks with you.  

6. Mama Rose's Estes Park - Mama Rose's is one of your go-to Italian places in Estes Park, CO. They make delicious classics like fettuccine alfredo, chicken parmesan, shrimp scampi, and more. Just picture yourself chilling on Mama Rose's patio, by the river, munching on timeless Italian classics, listening to the rushing river, spotting elk, and soaking up the Estes Park vibe. It's the perfect combo of good food and stunning scenery.

7. Hearth Restaurant & Pub, Windsor – Hearth Restaurant and Pub seriously nails it with their menu, making it a real struggle to pick just one thing. Everything from their fish and chips to their pizza and fries is top-notch. Plus, their drinks? Amazing. And let's not forget about those upper patio views of the lake and their perfect spot near the Windsor Mill building. 

8. The Mishawaka, Bellview - Experience the picturesque Poudre Canyon and River from the front row at Mishawaka, while enjoying locally crafted beer and a delicious meal. Dine on the expansive deck overlooking the canyon, spotting occasional wildlife. It's a perfect place to get together with friends and soak in the charm of NoCo. Whether you're craving lunch with an Odell brew on tap or are there for the fresh mountain air, Mishawaka promises an unforgettable experience. 

9. TPC Golf Course, Berthoud - At the TPC Colorado Golf Café, folks can kick back and enjoy a relaxed dining vibe with incredible, unobstructed mountain views, perfect for grabbing a quick bite on the course or chilling out after a round. Their patio space is open to the public and ideal for private events. With a cool walk-up burger bar and plentiful seating, it's a hit with golfers, and for special celebrations. Inside, there's a fully stocked bar and plenty of seats where you can catch your favorite sports on multiple TVs.  

10. Ember, Estes Park (bonus) - One of our favorite patios in Northern Colorado belongs to the Estes Park resort. The huge patio (and indoor seating) look out to the mountains and Lake Estes! Now Ember, we are thrilled to try all of the creations featured by the chef and this new management team!

​Take advantage of this beautiful state we live in.  It's patio time, Colorado-style: laid-back, delicious, and oh-so-scenic. Tell them the team at BIG DEAL sent you. Enjoy!