10 great new board games the whole family can get stuck into this Christmas

Trine Jensen-Burke

The best thing about Christmas, if you ask me?

Those long, lazy days in between Christmas and New Years, when all the stress of shopping and presents are over and done with, and all there is left to do is lower your shoulder, stay in pyjamas and just soak up beautiful time with everyone you love.

One of my family’s favourite things to do this week is not only watching every Christmas movie we can think of on TV (which we also do), but also play board games.

I love how my little ones are now at an age where we can all gather around the table and play board games, from Monopoly to the Paddington Game and lots more, they love nothing more than to gather parents, grandparents and cousins around for a game. And I love it too.

Want to get your family around the table for some good, old board games this Christmas too? Here are ten great new games to try:

1. The Crystal Maze Board Game

Teamwork is essential as players voyage through the four themed time zones in one of two teams competing against each other. Packed with an assortment of mental, mystery, skill and physical games, The Crystal Maze Board Game is sure to challenge and excite even the bravest of adventurers with success being rewarded in the shape of precious time crystals – just like in the hit Channel 4 show.

2. 5 Second Rule Game

It should be easy to name three capital cities in Europe; but can you do it under the pressure of five seconds twisting away? Time is precious, so just say whatever comes to mind – and be prepared for lots of laughs.

3. Pie Face Sky High

Much the same as regular Pie Face, except this time around, the squirty cream has way further to travel.

4. 30 Seconds

30 Seconds is the quick-thinking, fast-talking description game that is perfect for any group or family, big or small. It’s simple to play and is easily enjoyed by all age groups – it really is the game for everyone!

The names and topics that appear on the cards are those most people will be familiar with including, celebrities and film, music, sport, politicians, places, songs, bands, books, TV, movies, shops and brands and more.

5. Tension: The Top 10 Naming Game

With 200 different naming challenges, Tension Family offers hours of family fun. Can you name 10 popstars in 30 seconds? What about 10 famous TV show characters? You’ll find the answers on the tip of your tongue but can you shout them quickly enough?

6. Pictopia Harry Potter Edition – The Picture Trivia Game

Put your wizarding knowledge to the test with the Ravensburger Pictopia Harry Potter Edition. This fun picture trivia game captures the magic of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and the 1,000 trivia picture questions challenge the whole family to show what you all know about beloved characters, extraordinary places, magical creatures and enchanted objects from the epic world of Harry Potter.

7. Friends Monopoly

Could this BE any more fun? In Friends Monopoly, you play as either Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Joey or Chandler, and for anyone who loved the show – and had watched the re-runs on repeat for the past few years, this is about to be a trip down memory lane with some of the best moments from Friends.

8. Spy Code – Operation: Escape Room

Bring home the thrill of the escape room with Spy Code – Operation: Escape Room. Choose a teammate to wear the escape belt and work together to free them. This exciting game has players collect three keys in challenges of skill, strategy and luck, before time runs out. Test your spy skills and problem-solving nerve with three tasks designed to make players work as a team.

9. Harry Potter Magical Beasts Board Game

Calling all Wizards! Magical beasts have broken loose at Hogwarts. It’s up to you to collect clues to track down the creatures inside and outside of Hogwarts. Watch out though, moving between Hogwarts and the grounds can be treacherous and cost you valuable time. Be the first to collect all the clues and figure out which magical beast you have captured!

10. Strictly Come Dancing: The Board Game

The glitz and glamour of the TV treasure Strictly Come Dancing is perfectly captured in this multi-player board game that the whole family can enjoy. The game features questions about the show, dance and general knowledge and is designed for all the family, giving everyone the chance to take part in the fun and immersive game playing experience. The game includes a battery-operated revolving glitter ball speaker.