Top 5 Board Games to Play During the Holiday Season
Top 5 Board Games to Play During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun! And what better way to celebrate than with a board game? Whether you're looking for a lighthearted game to play with the kids or a more strategic game to challenge your friends, there's a board game out there for everyone. This year, ditch the screens and embrace the joy of face-to-face interaction with these top 5 picks.
1. Ticket to Ride: First Journey
Best for: Families with younger children (ages 6+)
Ticket to Ride: First Journey is a simplified version of the popular Ticket to Ride game, making it perfect for introducing younger players to the world of board games. It's easy to learn, visually appealing, and promotes friendly competition. The goal is to collect sets of train cars and claim railway routes connecting cities across a map of the United States. The beautifully illustrated board and simple rules make it a winner for all ages.
2. Codenames: Pictures
Best for: Larger groups (4+ players), families, and friends
Codenames: Pictures is a word association game where two teams compete to identify their secret agents. One player from each team gives one-word clues to help their teammates guess the correct pictures. It's a fun, engaging game that encourages teamwork and creative thinking. The picture-based version makes it easier for younger players to understand and participate.
Why it's great for the holidays: The game's social nature makes it perfect for large holiday gatherings. The playful element adds to the festive cheer.
3. Carcassonne
Best for: Families and strategy game enthusiasts (ages 7+)
Carcassonne is a tile-laying game where players score points by placing tiles to create a medieval landscape. You'll be strategically placing tiles to build roads, cities, and monasteries, earning points based on your tile placements. It's a game of clever planning and a bit of luck, offering just the right amount of challenge and fun for a holiday gathering.
4. Settlers of Catan
Best for: Strategy game lovers (ages 10+)
Settlers of Catan is a classic strategy game that will test your negotiation and resource management skills. Players compete to build settlements, roads, and cities on the island of Catan, trading resources and strategically planning their moves. It's a bit more complex than some other games on this list, making it perfect for a more challenging game night with older kids or adults.
Why it's great for the holidays: The game's engaging gameplay keeps players entertained for hours, perfect for a cozy holiday evening.
5. Sushi Go! Party
Best for: Families and friends who enjoy quick and fun card drafting games (ages 8+)
Sushi Go! Party is a fast-paced card drafting game where players collect sets of sushi to score points. The colorful cards and simple rules make it easy to learn, while the strategic gameplay keeps players engaged. The party edition includes more cards and variations for even more replayability. Perfect for a quick game before or after a holiday meal!
Choosing the Right Game for Your Group
When choosing a board game for your holiday gathering, consider the age range and interests of your players. If you have young children, opt for a simpler game like Ticket to Ride: First Journey or Codenames: Pictures. For a more challenging game, Settlers of Catan or Carcassonne might be a better fit. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to spend quality time with loved ones and have some fun!
Happy Holidays and Happy Gaming!