The holiday season is a time for families to come together, share laughter, and create lasting memories. What better way to bond than over a shared love for video games? Whether you’re playing with grandparents, parents, or the little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly video games that can turn your holiday gatherings into joyous gaming adventures. In this article, we’ll unwrap the joy of the 7 best family video games to play during the holidays.
In this article we’re going for a variety of games, across a variety of formats. Hopefully, anyone reading this will be able to find one game perfect for their friends and/or family this holiday season! So, what makes a good family game? Firstly, multiplayer is of course key. However, that can come in a variety of ways. It could be straight-up head-to-head games. It could be asynchronous. As long as it brings people together, it’s good quality time!
The 7 Best Family Video Games for Holiday Fun
Super Mario Party (Nintendo Switch)
Few franchises capture the essence of family-friendly gaming like Mario, and Super Mario Party for the Nintendo Switch is a stellar example. With a collection of fun mini-games, easy-to-grasp controls, and the lovable characters from the Mushroom Kingdom, this game is a perfect fit for players of all ages. From competitive board game-style play to cooperative team-based challenges, Super Mario Party offers a variety of game modes to keep the entire family entertained.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC)
If you’re looking to add a dash of chaos and a heap of laughter to your holiday gaming sessions, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the perfect choice. Available on multiple platforms, this cooperative cooking game challenges players to work together to prepare and serve dishes in increasingly challenging kitchens. The game’s quirky characters and whimsical kitchen settings make it a delightful experience for family members of all ages, promoting teamwork and communication in the most entertaining way.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon when it was released for the Nintendo Switch. With its charming island life simulation, players can create their own paradise, interact with anthropomorphic animal villagers, and celebrate seasonal events. There’s so much hidden depth in the game – such as secret songs and golden tools – that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will last long beyond the holidays. However, the holiday season brings festive events to the game. This makes it a perfect title for family members to gather! Share your island creations and participate in heartwarming in-game festivities together.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
You can’t mention the best family games without Mario Kart. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a timeless classic that continues to bring joy to families around the world. The fast-paced racing action, colorful tracks, and iconic characters make it a must-play during the holidays. With its easy-to-grasp controls and a range of difficulty options, players of all skill levels can enjoy the thrill of the race. Whether you’re zooming across Rainbow Road or battling for supremacy on Battle Mode, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe i is guaranteed to generate smiles and friendly competition.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (VR)
In this cooperative game, one player wears a virtual reality headset and finds themselves trapped in a room with a bomb that needs to be defused. The twist is that the other players, who don’t wear the VR headset, become the bomb experts with access to a bomb defusal manual. The VR player must communicate the bomb’s components and follow the instructions given by the other players to successfully defuse it before time runs out.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes encourages teamwork, communication, and quick thinking, making it an excellent choice for a social VR party game. It’s easy to pick up, creates a sense of tension and excitement, and offers a unique and engaging multiplayer experience that can be enjoyed by both VR enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Party Animals (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC)
Party Animals stands out as an excellent family video game due to its engaging and inclusive gameplay that caters to a wide range of ages. Developed with a focus on lighthearted fun and multiplayer interaction, Party Animals provides a platform where family members can come together, share laughs, and create lasting memories. The game features colorful and quirky characters, each with unique abilities, adding an element of strategy and excitement to the gameplay. Its intuitive controls make it accessible for younger players, while the variety of game modes ensures that every family member can find something enjoyable. Whether it’s engaging in friendly competitions or working together in cooperative modes, Party Animals fosters a sense of camaraderie and wholesome entertainment, making it an ideal choice for family game nights.
Just Dance 2022 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC)
The holiday season is synonymous with festive music and dancing, making Just Dance 2022 a perfect addition to your family game lineup. Available on various platforms, this dance game challenges players to mirror on-screen choreography and compete for the highest scores. With a diverse playlist featuring popular hits and classic tunes, Just Dance 2022 turns your living room into a dance party, encouraging family members to get up and move in a joyous celebration of music and rhythm.
The holidays are a time to cherish moments with loved ones, and what better way to create lasting memories than through the shared joy of video games? The seven titles mentioned – from the cooperative chaos of Overcooked! All You Can Eat to the festive island life of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – offer a diverse range of experiences suitable for players of all ages.
Whether you’re racing through Mushroom Kingdom tracks or dancing to the beat of popular tunes, these family-friendly video games promise to bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to your holiday celebrations. So, gather around, grab your controllers, and let the festive gaming begin!
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