Christmas Imposter Game

Updated 14 October 2026

The Christmas imposter game is a festive twist on the bluffing word game that works for everyone from Grandad to the teenagers on their phones. Everyone gets the same Christmas-themed secret word – except the imposter, who gets a slightly different one. Each player gives a clue, then the room votes on who doesn't belong. All you need is one phone and somewhere to sit after dinner.

The Holidays & Christmas word pack

The Holidays & Christmas pack has 40 festive pairs, mostly Christmas with a few other celebrations mixed in. Real pairs from the pack:

See all 40 on the Christmas word pack page. Want more variety? Mix it with Food, Movies or Family Night.

Play the Christmas pack

Picking good festive pairs

Some pairs are easy to separate and some are fiendish. Bauble/Tinsel is gentle: civilians say "Round" or "Shiny ball", and the Tinsel player's "Sparkly strands" stands out quickly. Rudolph/Frosty is trickier because both are famous from a song, so clues like "Song" or "Famous" prove nothing. Christmas Eve/Boxing Day is a favourite with families who argue about which day is better. If your group finds a pair too easy, just tap "Play again" for a fresh one – pairs never repeat in a session until the pool runs out.

Perfect for Christmas parties and family gatherings

• Family gatherings. Pass-the-phone mode handles 3–20 players, so the whole extended family can play. It works offline after the first visit – handy at a relative's house with patchy Wi-Fi.
• Christmas parties. With bigger groups, the app recommends 2 imposters for 8–12 players and 3 for 13 or more.
• Office parties. Use online rooms so everyone plays on their own phone. See the imposter game for office guide.
• Relatives far away. Join from another country over a video call with online rooms.
• On the big screen. Cast big-screen mode to the TV so everyone sees the reveal together.

A festive sample round

Seven players after Christmas lunch. Six get "Mince Pie"; Auntie Jo secretly gets "Christmas Pudding". In Undercover mode, she doesn't know she's the imposter.

• Dad: "Pastry."
• Jo (Christmas Pudding): "Brandy."
• Teen: "Bite-sized."
• Grandma: "Dried fruit."
• Uncle: "Left out for Santa."
• Cousin: "Icing sugar."
• Mum: "Twelve of them in a tray."

"Brandy" fits both, but when Jo adds, "You set it on fire, don't you?" the table goes quiet. She's voted out. On her last chance she has to guess the civilians' word. "Pastry… bite-sized… Mince Pie!" Correct – she steals the win and +1 point.

New players can learn the rules in two minutes on the how to play page.

Secret Santa evenings

The imposter game is a natural fit for a Secret Santa night, since both are about keeping a secret. Some ideas:

• Play a few rounds while you wait for everyone to arrive, then open gifts.
• Whoever ends with the top score picks their gift first – or swaps with someone, White Elephant style.
• Write a custom pack about your group (last year's worst present versus the best) in "My custom words", and share it as a link before the party.
• Share the result card image after each round in your group chat.

Festive house rules

• Loser adds a pair. Turn on this optional rule: the loser writes a new festive pair, like the family's own Christmas traditions.
• Imposter wears the hat. Whoever is caught wears the paper hat from their cracker for the next round.
• Carol clue. For one round, every clue must be a word from a Christmas song.
• Secret vote after a few drinks, so nobody gets railroaded.
• Kid-friendly. Younger children can play the Kids (Easy) pack. The "Party (18+)" pack is hidden behind a toggle and never on by default.

Hosting a family games night? See the family imposter game page for more tips.

FAQ

Is the Christmas imposter game free?

Yes. No login, no ads and no download. It runs in any browser.

How many people can play at a Christmas party?

Up to 20 on one phone, or up to 15 per online room.

Is the Christmas pack suitable for kids?

Yes. It is family-friendly – think Rudolph, snowmen and candy canes.

Can I make my own Christmas words?

Yes. Add pairs in "My custom words" and share them with your family as a link.