11 Must-Have Board Games for Family Game Night This Holiday

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, epic game nights! Here at BrycesDice, we know the joy a well-chosen board game can bring to a gathering. While we specialize in top-notch dice (the perfect companions to any game night!), we also love keeping our finger on the pulse of the board game world.

This year, we've compiled a list of 11 must-have board games guaranteed to bring laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories to your holiday table. Whether you're a seasoned game group or a crew just looking for a fun way to connect, there's a game on this list for you. So grab your favorite snacks, gather your loved ones, and get ready to roll (the dice and the laughter) with these fantastic board game options!

And hey, don't forget that perfect set of dice to elevate your game night even further! BrycesDice.com has a vast selection of high-quality dice in every color and style imaginable, so head over there to check out what might be the finishing touch to your holiday game night fun!

Throughout the rest of this post, we'll dive into the details of each of our recommended games, giving you a quick overview of what makes them so much fun. We'll cover a variety of genres and difficulty levels, so there's sure to be something that piques your interest (and maybe sparks a little friendly competition!).

That Sound Game A Noisy Game for Weird People. Award Winning Party Game!

Get ready to laugh out loud with That Sound Game! This hilarious party game is perfect for family and friends of all ages. The objective is simple: use sounds and movements to convey clues to your team, who must guess as many answers as possible within a minute.

With over 325 category cards covering everything from incidents and actions to people, places, and things, there’s no shortage of creative challenges. The catch? You have to keep your hands behind your back, making for some truly comical performances.

Whether you're a seasoned game night pro or a casual player, That Sound Game is sure to bring the fun. So gather your friends and family, and prepare for a night of laughter, creativity, and friendly competition. Secure your game here

Doomlings Classic Card Game (Base Game) Fun Family Card Game

Doomlings is a unique and engaging strategy card game that has taken the gaming world by storm. This game, kindly shared with us by the creators themselves, is a blast to play and offers endless fun.

In Doomlings, you'll take on the role of a budding civilization, striving to survive the impending apocalypse. To achieve this, you'll need to strategically play cards to evolve your species, gain powerful abilities, and outsmart your opponents. We have played this game a number of times at home and it is a ton of fun. The concept is a little differt, allowing the imagination to go on a bit of a ride. It did take two play throughs to fully get the hang of it, but we quickly mastered it from there. 

There is a fantastic tutoriral on their website here

What makes Doomlings so special?

  • Strategic Depth: While the rules are easy to learn, the game offers a surprising level of strategic depth. You'll need to balance resource management, card selection, and tactical planning to emerge victorious.
  • Unique Art Style: The game's vibrant and imaginative artwork brings the world of Doomlings to life, making it a visual delight.
  • Engaging Theme: The end-of-the-world theme provides a fun and exciting backdrop for your strategic endeavors.
  • Perfect for All Ages: Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the hobby, Doomlings is a great choice for family game nights or casual gaming sessions.

If you're looking for a fun, challenging, and visually stunning card game, Doomlings is a must-have. So gather your friends and family, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey to the end of the world! Get yours here today! 

HUES and CUES - Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game 

How about an actual BOARD-game, Hues and Cues is a vibrant and engaging board game that challenges players to connect colors with words. Using just one or two-word clues, players must guide their teammates to guess a specific hue from a vast array of 480 colors.

This unique game sparks creativity and communication as players work together to decipher the hidden meanings behind each clue. With every guess, you'll discover the surprising ways that colors can be associated with words, leading to lively discussions and plenty of laughter.

Hues and Cues is perfect for family game nights, parties, or any gathering of friends. It's a great way to bond, stimulate your mind, and have fun while doing it. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to dive into a world of color and creativity with Hues and Cues! Get yours here.

Various Stacking Games 

The group and I have been low-grade obsessed with stacking games. It started by playing the cat stack fish balance game at a party... that they purchased for their 3 year old daughter... Anyway, we ended up making it a competative game nearly to the death. Below are af ew exmaples of the game. Although, I was unable to find the exact game, which was stacking small wood cats on a fish! 

If you need to feel like you are playing a bit of an adult game, fine, this tetris feeling stacking game may just be for you. It can be found here

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Now this is more like it! A stacking tabletop game, clearly made for children, but ripe for adult takeover. This game is sure to rock your next tabletop gaming night. The only issue with this option is that it does not come with enough dinos. Still, not a bad option that can be found here.

Clue: The Classic Mystery Game

It would not be a BrycesDice post if we did not highlight an oldie-but-a-goodie. 

Unleash your inner detective with Clue! This classic mystery game has captivated players for generations.

In Clue, you'll take on the role of a detective, tasked with solving a murder at a mysterious mansion. You'll need to gather clues, interrogate suspects, and eliminate possibilities to uncover the killer, the murder weapon, and the room where the crime took place.

With its iconic characters, suspenseful gameplay, and strategic deduction, Clue offers endless hours of fun for families and friends. Whether you're a seasoned detective or a newcomer to the world of mystery, Clue is a timeless classic that will keep you guessing until the very end. Get your copy here

Horrified: Greek Monsters - A Mythical Adventure

Horrified: Greek Monsters is a thrilling cooperative board game that transports players to the heart of ancient Greece. As heroic figures, you must work together to defeat a host of terrifying mythological creatures, including the Minotaur, Cerberus, Chimera, Medusa, Basilisk, and Siren.

With its stunning miniatures, immersive gameplay, and strategic depth, Horrified: Greek Monsters offers a truly unique gaming experience. Each monster presents a unique challenge, requiring players to adapt their strategies and work together to overcome obstacles.

Whether you're a seasoned board game enthusiast or a newcomer to the hobby, Horrified: Greek Monsters is a must-play. Gather your friends and family, and prepare to embark on an epic adventure that will test your courage and cunning. You can find this awesome game here.

Mansions of Madness Second Edition: A Haunting Adventure

Mansions of Madness Second Edition is an immersive, cooperative horror game that plunges players into a world of darkness and mystery. Set in the Lovecraftian universe, this game challenges players to explore the haunted mansions of Arkham and Innsmouth, facing terrifying creatures and solving intricate puzzles.

As investigators, you'll work together to uncover ancient secrets, battle otherworldly beings, and escape the clutches of madness. The app-driven gameplay provides a unique and dynamic experience, guiding you through each scenario with stunning visuals and atmospheric sound effects.

Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, Mansions of Madness Second Edition offers a thrilling and unforgettable adventure. So gather your friends, brave the darkness, and see if you have what it takes to survive the horrors that await you. You can get yours here.

Mysterium: A Haunting Cooperative Mystery

Mysterium is a captivating cooperative game that immerses players in a world of ghostly intrigue. As a group of psychics, you must work together to unravel a chilling murder mystery by deciphering cryptic visions from the ghost.

Each player takes on a unique role, either as the ghost or a psychic. The ghost, using a deck of vision cards, must subtly guide the psychics towards the correct solution. The psychics, in turn, must interpret these visions and make educated guesses about the killer, the weapon, and the location of the crime.

With its stunning artwork, engaging gameplay, and cooperative spirit, Mysterium offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned board game enthusiast or a casual gamer, Mysterium is sure to captivate your imagination and challenge your deductive skills. You can buy yours here.

Rock Hard: 1977 - Your Journey to Rock Stardom

Rock Hard: 1977 is a high-energy board game that puts you in the shoes of a rising rock star in the iconic year of 1977. As you navigate the tumultuous music scene, you'll write songs, rehearse, perform gigs, and promote your band to outshine your rivals.

Designed by legendary musician Jackie Fox, this game immerses you in the authentic 70s rock culture. With its dynamic worker placement mechanics, you'll strategically allocate your time to improve your band's skills, boost your reputation, and earn valuable bonuses.

The game's unique components, such as amplifier-shaped player boards and guitar pick tokens, enhance the rock 'n' roll atmosphere and bring the 70s music scene to life. Whether you're a seasoned board game enthusiast or a casual gamer, Rock Hard: 1977 offers an exciting and replayable experience. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and let the music take you on a journey to rock stardom! Get yours here.

River Valley Glassworks: A Colorful and Strategic Board Game

River Valley Glassworks is a delightful strategy game that invites players to become skilled glassmakers. In this colorful and tactile experience, players draft glass pieces from a shared bag, aiming to create the most valuable combinations on their player boards.

The game's uneven distribution of glass colors adds a layer of strategic depth, forcing players to adapt their plans as the game progresses. The simple rules and quick gameplay make it accessible to players of all ages, while the clever scoring system rewards thoughtful planning and tactical decisions.

With its beautiful components, engaging gameplay, and replayability, River Valley Glassworks is a must-play for families and board game enthusiasts alike.Get your here.

Scout: A Thrilling Circus Showdown

Scout is a fast-paced and strategic card game that puts you in charge of a circus troupe. As the leader, you'll need to carefully recruit performers and plan your show to outshine your rivals.

The game's unique chain reaction mechanic adds an exciting layer of strategy, as you can trigger powerful combos by combining the right performers. With its simple rules and engaging gameplay, Scout is a great choice for families and game nights with friends.Get yours here

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2 comments

Bryce @BrycesDice

Bryce @BrycesDice

Thanks for the kind words, Carla! I have been at the mercy of a friend of mine to play Hues and Cues, so I really need to add that one to my personal collection soon. Having a lot of fun with Doomlings right now. Card games seem to go over best with the SO.

Carla M.

Carla M.

EEEEEE!!! Was so excited to see this post as I am a big hobby board gamer! Hues and Cues goes over great with larger groups and those who don’t want many rules. Horrified is an absolute fave, especially with all the variability with all the different monster combinations. Friends just pulled that one out last game night & bravely took on 3 at the same time. And who can argue with River Valley Glassworks, look at those cool “glass” pieces, Andrew Bosley art, and interesting grid placement. Fantastic post!

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