There’s something magical about the holiday season — a noticeable chill in the air, delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen, and the joyous sounds of togetherness echoing through every room. Looking back, I remember my cousins, sibling, and I always sneaking off to play while the adults either gathered in the kitchen to cook or around the TV to watch the football game. We would spend hours off in our own little worlds — pretending to be archeologists on a dangerous quest to find a missing diamond (the giant bauble adorning my grandmother’s bedpost) or trekking through the yard on a covert war mission. When we weren’t playing pretend, we were piecing together jigsaw puzzles or playing with our parents’ old board games with their taped-up box corners and well-worn cards. These moments have turned into lasting memories for me. As the years have passed, our traditions have changed, but the joy of playing games with family—especially with big groups—remains a part of how we create our holiday magic. To help make your gatherings just as memorable, we have put together a list of board games perfect for large gatherings of friends and family.

Tsuro

Tsuro is an elegantly designed strategy game wherein players lay tiles to build paths in order to guide their tokens on the twisting routes. The goal is to stay on the board longer than one’s opponents by avoiding collisions or accidentally leading your token off the edge of the board. On each turn, players will choose a tile from their hand, pick its orientation, and place it on the board before guiding all possible tokens down the newly created paths. Tsuro is a mix of balance, strategy, and a little bit of luck all rolled into one. The more the board fills up, the harder it will be to find safe spaces, and other players’ choices may send your token off in the wrong direction — or even off the board! With simple rules and games lasting only 15 minutes in length, Tsuro is ideal for family gatherings and big groups alike; especially during the holidays when you want something light and quick for the whole family (up to 2-8 players). By being easy to learn and being played at a relaxed pace, it is accessible for the whole family! We love bringing Tsuro out during the holidays because it brings everyone together with its light-hearted tension and tons of fun moments — be it a quiet evening at home as just the two of us or a boisterous game day with relatives.

King of Tokyo

King of Tokyo is a fun, fast-paced game in which players play as giant monsters — such as “Gigazaur”, a Godzilla-like kaiju — fighting for control of Tokyo. On their turn, players roll dice to attack other players, heal, or gain energy to buy powerful upgrades. The objective is simple: be the first player to reach 20 victory points or be the last monster standing. What makes King of Tokyo perfect for family gatherings is how easily it can be picked up and learned as you go. Its playful, almost cartoonish feel makes King of Tokyo more accessible to players of all ages, which makes it a hit with the kids and adults alike. Quick rounds mixed with the use of luck, strategy, and just a little bit of chaos in this game make it entertaining and competitive. There are even promos and expansion packs to add to the mix. Some, like “Kookie,” have a holiday vibe to them, while others — like “Pumpkin Jack” — also add new mechanics and cards into the game. Be it attacking one’s siblings, trying to hold on to Tokyo, or just trying to stay alive, King of Tokyo is an exemplary choice for any holiday gathering as it brings everyone together with energy and excitement.

Sentinels of the Multiverse

Sentinels of the Multiverse is a cooperative card game where players assume the roles of superheroes to do battle with powerful supervillains and protect the multiverse. Every player will have one unique hero who not only fights the villain but also needs to defeat environmental challenges. With so many different heroes, villains, and environments to use, no play session is ever the same. The goal is to defeat the villain before he starts destroying the multiverse. What really makes Sentinels of the Multiverse perfect for large groups is the cooperative gameplay it provides, with a lot of teamwork and strategizing involved, hence perfect for groups of 3 to 5 players. Everybody has lots to do, either because of the variety in heroes and abilities or simply because of the changing nature of a game in progress. With powerful combos being executed, unexpected twists turning up, and racing against time to save the world, the Sentinels of the Multiverse game is immersive and full of action, surely energizing a group in search of a deep strategic challenge.

Cartographers

Cartographers is great both for family gatherings and large groups in general, perfectly mashing strategy and creativity without intense interactions between players. In this map-drawing game, players take turns exploring the lands surrounding the Kingdom of Nalos, charting different types of terrain based on the cards drawn each round. The game is easy to learn and accessible to players of all ages, even children. While there is not much interaction between players, it does heat up during the monster attacks/ambushes, thus giving the game another enjoyable twist. The flexible player count and quick playtime make it ideal for large groups, letting everyone enjoy light-hearted, low-stress fun while working on their own maps. It is a great way to bring the family together and build long-lasting memories.

Robo Rally

Robo Rally is an exciting, fast-paced board game that takes a mundane factory and turns it into a chaotic, high-stakes raceway full of peril and strategy. Players each control a robot by programming its movements using cards in order to navigate obstacles like lasers, conveyor belts, and pits while also trying to make it to all of the checkpoints first. Robo Rally is perfect for large groups and families because it encourages fast decision-making (no time for analysis paralysis!) and strategic thinking while remaining competitive and fun. In addition to the factory boards included in the base game, there are several expansions available to add to the mix. These factory boards allow for variety, but can also be used to adjust the length and difficulty of the race. Robo Rally‘s mix of planning, quick thinking, and playful sabotage makes it an excellent choice for group play, where laughter and excitement build as robots crash, get pushed off course, or face damage from lasers, all in pursuit of victory. With room for up to eight players, Robo Rally is the perfect game for large groups, family nights, or any gathering that thrives on chaotic fun and friendly competition.

Now Boarding

Now Boarding is a cooperative board game where players work together to manage a busy airline, helping passengers travel to their desired destinations before time runs out. Each player assumes a different role-from flight attendant to pilot. Players must manage routes, take care of passengers, and deal with unexpected challenges such as weather delays or mechanical issues. The game is really fast-paced and teamwork-oriented, making it perfect for big gatherings. In Now Boarding, playable up to 8 players, there is a high level of communication, coordination, and decision-making involved, ensuring that everyone will be in on the action. The lighthearted theme of the game, combined with the challenges and group-oriented gameplay, creates a rowdy atmosphere that keeps players constantly entertained. Now Boarding is great for family game nights, parties, or any social event, offering a dynamic, cooperative experience that shines with larger groups.

As we forge new memories and create traditions, the games we share with loved ones continue to stand the test of time as a way to bond, laugh, and relate. Whether it be through the thrill of friendly competition, the delight of teamwork, or simply sharing the joy of the moment, board games infuse any gathering with something special. This holiday season, as you gather your friends and family, throw a few of these games into the mix. These games are more than just amusement; they are a great avenue to make new memories, laugh a little louder, and most importantly, savor the company of people who make the holidays all so special.

All photos in the article were taken and edited by Krista. Featured image created in Canva by Krista.