Christmas is the season of joy, togetherness, and long car rides. Whether you're traveling to visit family or embarking on a winter road trip, the journey can feel endless, especially with kids in the backseat. Keeping everyone entertained helps make the ride less stressful for the driver, too. So, what’s the secret to turning a monotonous trip into a memorable adventure? Car games! Here are ten fun and engaging car games to brighten up your Christmas drive.
1. The Alphabet Game
This classic favorite never gets old. Players take turns finding words that begin with each letter of the alphabet in order, starting with “A” and working their way to “Z.” Road signs, billboards, and even license plates are fair game. It’s a fun way to keep everyone’s eyes on the scenery while sparking a little friendly competition.
2. I Spy
Perfect for kids and adults alike, “I Spy” is all about observation. One person picks something they see and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [insert a clue, like a color or shape].” The others guess what it is. This game can keep players entertained for ages and is a great way to break up the monotony of highway views.
3. 20 Questions
This game is great for honing your critical thinking skills while having fun. One person thinks of an object, place, or person, and the others take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. Can the guessers figure it out in fewer than 20 questions?
4. License Plate Hunt
Turn the road into a game board by challenging everyone to spot license plates from different states or regions. Keep a tally of how many you find, and see if you can spot plates from all 50 states during your journey! Bonus points if you spot a personalized plate and make up a story about what it means.
5. Holiday Song Shuffle
Bring some Christmas cheer to your car ride with a holiday music trivia game. Take turns humming, singing, or whistling the melody of a Christmas song while others try to guess the title. If you have a playlist ready, try naming the tune as soon as it plays.
6. Would You Rather?
This game is a fantastic way to spark hilarious conversations. One person presents two scenarios, and the others must choose which one they’d rather do. For example, “Would you rather receive socks or fruitcakes as a Christmas gift?” Be prepared for some creative and unexpected answers!
7. Road Trip Bingo
Before you hit the road, create or print out bingo cards featuring items you might see on your drive, such as a red car, a cow, or a Christmas decoration. The first person to check off all the items on their card shouts, “Bingo!” This game works particularly well for kids.
8. The Storytelling Game
Let your imaginations run wild by creating a collaborative story. One person starts with a sentence like, “Once upon a Christmas Eve, we discovered a secret snowman hiding in the garage.” Each player adds a sentence, building the story as you go. The sillier, the better!
9. Guess the Christmas Movie
Someone quotes a line from a Christmas movie, and the rest of the car has to guess which movie it’s from. Classics like Home Alone, Elf, and The Grinch are always crowd-pleasers, but don’t be afraid to mix it up with lesser-known films.
10. Name That Holiday Treat
Test everyone’s sweet tooth knowledge with this game. One person describes a holiday treat without naming it, and the others guess what it is. For example, “It’s round, sweet, and often topped with frosting and sprinkles.” (Answer: Christmas cookies!)
A Fun Journey, Not Just a Destination
With these ten car games in your arsenal, long Christmas drives can become part of the holiday fun instead of a dreaded chore. Whether you’re keeping the kids entertained or enjoying some laughs with adult passengers, there’s a game for everyone to enjoy. So load up the car, crank up the Christmas tunes, and let the good times roll!
Stay safe and stress-free on your Christmas drive with help from Future Auto Service. We’ll ensure your car is ready for the season, from oil changes to tire checks. Call or book an appointment now!