Winter Games for an Elementary Class Holiday Party

Most elementary schools mark the end of the first semester with a Christmas, holiday, or winter party before the break. This is something that the kids really look forward to, and having games to play will make the party a lot more fun. Since most schools now prefer non-denominational celebrations, these class party games for kids all focus on winter fun, which all kids can relate to. These elementary games can be modified in difficulty depending on which grade you teach, but everyone will have a great time playing these winter games for kids.

Snowball Relay
For this game you'll need four medium-sized buckets or bowls, two spoons, and a bag of cotton balls. Begin by setting two of the buckets side by side at the starting line and the other two at least a few feet away, making a straight line from one bucket to the other. Count out an equal number of cotton balls and place them in both start buckets. Kids will divide into two teams, and each team will line up behind one of the buckets. Each child will take turns scooping cotton balls with their spoon and carrying them to the other bucket and dropping them in. If the balls drop before reaching the bucket, the child must pick them up and start over. The team who successfully transfers all of their "snowballs" to the other bucket first, wins. For older kids, try more cotton balls and smaller spoons, as well as a longer distance between the buckets. Younger kids would benefit from a shorter distance, larger spoons, and taking out the rule about starting over if the balls drop.

Winter Dress Relay
Relay races are a lot of fun for kids, and this one will provide lots of laughter and silliness, as well as some great photo ops. Start by dividing the group into two teams and having each team form a line behind a designated starting line. At the other end of the room or space, each team will have an identical pile of winter clothing, such as a hat, scarf, mittens, boots, coat, etc. The kids will have to race, one at a time, to the pile of clothing, put on each item, take it off again, and race back to tag the next one in line. The team who completes the relay first, wins. Try oversized clothing for younger kids, as this will be easier for them to get on and off.

Pin the Nose on the Snowman
This game is just like the classic "pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey," but themed for winter. Start by drawing a large snowman on a piece of poster board and then drawing and cutting out a carrot "nose" for each child in the class. Write each child's name on one of the noses ahead of time to avoid confusion at the party and use scotch tape donuts or sticky putty on the back. Blindfold each child one by one, spin each one around a few times, and watch where they try to stick the noses. The child whose nose is closest to the correct spot wins. You can also modify this game by sticking a nose on a penguin, or, if your school allows a Christmas celebration, sticking the nose on Rudolph.

Name That Tune
This game is fun for older kids who have a little more life experience and can write well and relatively quickly, usually grades 2 through 5. Give each child a piece of paper and have them number down the side according to how many songs you're going to have them guess. Then, play instrumental versions of favorite holiday songs and have the kids write down the title. The child(ren) who get the most answers right, win(s). To make it more difficult for older kids, try playing a more obscure part of the song than the chorus, such as a verse only or the bridge and see who can come up with the song titles.