When the festive season arrives, there's nothing quite like gathering the family for some competitive fun around a new game. If you're tired of the same old classics and want something fresh that everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy, we've rounded up five of the most popular party games that promise laughter and lively rivalry.
Fast-Paced Family Favourites
Forget quiet evenings; these games are designed to get everyone talking, guessing, and occasionally shouting with frustration or triumph. They offer a perfect alternative to traditional board games and are ideal for creating those memorable Christmas moments.
Exploding Kittens leads the pack, boasting an impressive five-star rating from over 86,000 Amazon customers. This card game, which costs £16.99, is a whirlwind of kittens, explosions, laser beams, and the occasional goat. The goal is simple: avoid drawing an exploding kitten card. If you do, you're out—unless you have a defuse card like a laser pointer or a catnip sandwich up your sleeve. It takes just two minutes to learn and about 15 minutes to play, making it perfect for short attention spans. It's suitable for two to five players aged seven and over.
Music Mayhem and Word Wizardry
If your family loves music, Misheard Music could be your new obsession. Currently £13.45 on eBay (saving almost a third), this game challenges players to decipher real song titles and artists from hilariously misheard lyrics. Could you guess that 'DARN ZINC WEEN' is actually ABBA's 'Dancing Queen'? With 500 cards to work through, it's a test of musical knowledge under a 30-second timer. It has proven wildly popular, with over 10,000 sales in the past month on Amazon alone. This game is for two or more players aged 12 and over.
For a true test of communication skills, look no further than Articulate. Currently at a staggering 64% discount on Amazon, down to £12 from £32.99, this game requires players to describe a word without saying it, using no rhymes or soundalikes. It sounds easier than it is, especially with a 30-second clock ticking and the opposing team heckling. It has earned an average of 4.7 stars from more than 11,000 reviewers. It works for large groups, accommodating four to 20+ players aged 12 and over.
Strategy, Bluffing, and Herd Thinking
Herd Mentality is a game where fitting in is the key to victory. Now £15.99 on Amazon (a 20% saving), players answer questions aiming to give the most popular answer. If you're in the majority, you win cows. If you're the odd one out, you get the 'pink cow of doom'. This 'udderly' hilarious game has been bought by over 20,000 Amazon customers in the past month. It's for four to 20 players aged ten and over.
Fans of the hit BBC show will be drawn to The Traitors Official Board Game, priced at £19 at Argos. Players become Faithfuls or secret Traitors, going on missions to earn gold for the prize fund. Traitors can murder at night, while Faithfuls must try to banish them at the round table. The final two players with the most gold then face a tense finale: to share or steal. It's a brilliant test of bluffing and strategy for four to six players aged 12 and over.
This festive season, swap the television for some interactive entertainment. With deals available across major retailers, these five games offer guaranteed fun, fierce competition, and a fantastic way to bring the whole family together.
