From cocktail nights to Secret Santa, there are plenty of fun virtual Christmas games you can play with loved ones this year. For whatever reason you might not be meeting with family or loved ones, you can still gather virtually using video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype.
To play, all you will need is a stable internet connection, access to your video app (you can download Zoom here) and a festive tipple to truly brighten the mood. Looking for some easy virtual games to play? Take a look at some of our favourites below...
1. Virtual Christmas karaoke
Get the whole family singing on Zoom with your very own virtual Christmas karaoke. If you're not able to gather in person this year or your loved ones live across the country or globe, we're certain this alternative will work just as well.
Guaranteed to fill your evening with laughter, simply download an online karaoke player to share using your 'screen share' button. Then, press play and the lyrics will come up, giving everyone the chance to join in. Time to practice your singing skills...
2. Secret Santa
A firm favourite at Christmastime, why not play a game of Secret Santa with your loved ones? In order to successfully play the game, follow the same steps as you normally would but then exchange the gifts virtually rather than in person. Make sure you provide the correct postal address so that everyone receives their gifts on time.
Need some Secret Santa inspiration? Here's our guide on the plastic-free gifts to give.
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3. Christmas cocktail night
Pour yourself a festive tipple and have a well-deserved catch-up with a friend. It might not be the same as drinking at your favourite bar, but it's a surefire way to keep the spirits high. If you're feeling adventurous, why not make cocktails together over Zoom? Simply pick up the ingredients beforehand and whip them up together virtually.
4. Online Bingo
Bingo night just got festive. Simply download the free-to-use website Bingo Maker and create a virtual game with as many players as you want. It's a great way to ease the winter blues and spread some Christmas cheer.
5. Guess Who?
Fun for all ages, this game works by assigning each player a character. You can either choose famous faces, fictional characters or even people in your friendship circle. Once everyone has been given a character, get the other players to ask a series of "yes" and "no" questions until someone guesses correctly. It's certain to have everyone giggling.
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6. Charades
This Christmas classic might work easier in real life, but that's not to say it can't be a huge success on Zoom too. In order for it to work properly, ensure everyone's internet connection is working well — there's nothing worse than a busy signal when you're trying to guess! To help you out, try using Play-charades.com to make the game easier for all.
7. Virtual scavenger hunt
This is a fun one which will have everyone on their feet. Get one person to put together a list of common household items (like a stuffed animal, a flower, a family photo, batteries or something that starts with a specific letter) – plus a few random items – and send the list a minute or so before the game is set to begin. Then give everyone a time (no more than five minutes) to find as many items on the list as they can in their own home.
8. A Christmas quiz
What's Christmas without a good family quiz? Assign someone to create questions, pop them into rounds and then arrange a date for the quiz. Why not make it personal by popping in some funny pictures of those playing?
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9. Virtual chocolate making night
Get hands-on this festive season with a fun virtual chocolate making team challenge. You can either hire a chef to guide you through the steps or simply find a step-by-step recipe for your friends to follow on the night. Websites such as White Rhino send you all you need to make delicious chocolate, as well as an expert. If it's not quite what you're after, there's also the option to make sushi virtually, too.

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10. Virtual cracker making workshop
Wanting to get a little more creative? Why not make your own eco-friendly Christmas crackers virtually and then gift them to each other? Make sure everyone has the right supplies before you begin. You can either make them using recycled card or fabric cloth, depending on what you prefer.
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11. Christmas costume competition
This is a fun one! All you need to do is get everyone on the call to dress up in their favourite festive costume and get someone else to rate the outfits. Make sure you provide a prize for the winner.
12. Never Have I Ever
This game is a classic ice-breaker and works well with a large group of people. To play, have participants take turns saying statements that start with "Never Have I Ever". Those who are guilty of the act must raise a hand, lower a finger, or keep their cameras on while other players turn theirs off. It's a great way to share fun experiences.
13. Two Truths, One Lie
To play this game, one person has to give three statements about themselves to the rest of the group. One of the statements will be a lie (such as 'I was born in New York') and the other team members have to guess which one is true — and which is a fib. You then go around the group so everyone has a turn.

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14. Online talent show
Add some variety to the virtual party with an online talent show. Give everyone a few days or even a week or so to prepare and see what everyone brings to the screen. From singing and dancing to magic, comedy, musical instruments and more, you can either come to a consensus on who was the most entertaining or appoint a judge.
15. Virtual escape room
Whether you've been to a physical escape room before or not, this will have everyone working together to use their problem-solving skills to break out of the virtual room before the timer runs out. There is a whole host of different themes to choose from, so you can cater to what will work best for you and your friends or family.
9 reusable advent calendars for a magical holiday season
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Christmas Advent Calendar
Credit: thewhitecompany.comWe're big fans of this Scandi-style advent calendar from The White Company. Crafted from pure cotton, it boasts 24 fabric windows for you to fill with treats. Each daily slot has a different Christmas design to set a festive scene – from a London double-decker bus transporting a tree to Santa himself.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Personalised Postcard Letterbox Advent Calendar
Credit: Not On The High StreetThis beautiful reusable advent calendar — in the shape of a postbox — is perfect to buy now and reuse every year. Best of all, you can personalise it with a name of your choice. It also has a slot for letters to be posted to Santa Claus in the North Pole.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Ginger Ray Hessian Stocking Fill Your Own Advent Calendar
Credit: notonthehighstreet.comWith 24 stockings and pegs, this fill-your-own-stocking is the perfect DIY activity. It's easy to assemble and can be strung across walls or the fireplace.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Deuba Traditional Wooden Christmas Advent Calendar
Credit: amazon.co.ukBrighten up the festive season with this traditional wooden advent calendar. Inspired by the shape of a Christmas tree, it has 24 wooden doors that can be opened and Father Christmas figurines situated on top. It's the perfect way to count down the days and make precious memories.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Santa on Sleigh Fill-Your-Own Advent Calendar
Now 55% Off
Credit: grahamandgreen.co.ukDeck the halls with this fill-your-own advent calendar from Graham & Green. With 24 wooden drawers and a sweet Santa's sleigh, it will get everyone in a festive spirit.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Wooden Advent Calendar Houses
Now 50% Off
Credit: sarahraven.comThis wooden advent calendar will complement any interior scheme. It features individual boxes hanging from a wooden board, all with space to fill yourself. It's sure to keep the festive excitement rolling.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Personalised Children’s Activity Advent Calendar
Credit: NotonthehighstreetInstead of sweets or goodies, this advent calendar features slips of paper with fun activities on.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

LED Wooden Advent Calendar, Natural
Credit: nationaltrust.org.ukEmbrace the magic of Christmas with this LED wooden advent calendar. Perfect to fill with mini treats and reuse every year.
The Best Reusable Advent Calendars For Christmas 2023

Christmas Advent Calendar Tree Hanging Sacks
Now 50% Off
Credit: Not On The High StreetWe love this set of 24 Christmas advent calendar hessian sacks with a choice of metallic numbers in copper, gold, silver, pink, green and red. You can either hang them from your Christmas tree or mantle or upgrade to the accompanying personalised wooden advent calendar when you order.
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