We've all had our fair share of family rows over board games like Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit, so how about choosing some more unusual and interesting games to play over the festive season this year? If you're still pulling out those tired old favourites and recycling questions that have been asked half a dozen times already, maybe it's time to invest in something more exciting?
Luckily, we've got you covered. Take a look at our pick of 15 games for all ages and abilities, including funny games, cult favourites, pop culture-inspired options, and child-friendly ones too, and then start planning out your perfect festive season. These are perfect for warming up after a visit to a Christmas market [1], or for playing on Christmas Eve [2] before the festivities get too hectic.
Colour Brain
Test your family's knowledge and memory while having plenty of fun with Colour Brain [3] (£25) which requires you to answer each question using a coloured card. Kids can battle parents, or teams can play along making this a great one for big groups.
Who Knows Where?
Who Knows Where? [4] (£29) is the "global location guessing game" that challenges players on their geography knowledge with over 1,000 questions across five categories, including capitals, cities and towns, events and facts, famous tourist sites, and iconic landmarks. Suitable for two to four players or teams; recommended for ages 12 years and up.
Pointless
Pointless [5] (£22) brings the hit BBC TV show to your games table. Players have to find the "pointless" answer that nobody else thought of. This new edition includes a free app to have the electronic scoreboard on your tablet or smartphone. Suitable for two to four players or teams, ages 12 years and up.
Carcassonne
In Carcassonne [6] (£28), players use one tile at a time to build the areas surrounding the city, placing "followers" (who become farmers, thieves, knights, or monks) on fields, monasteries, roads, and cities to score points. Suitable for two to five players, ages 7 years and up.
5 Second Rule
5 Second Rule [7] (£15) involves quick thinking and fast talking, as you have to "Name 3 . . ." of something in a five-second time limit. Suitable for three to six players, ages 8 and up.
Catan
Catan [8] (£31) is a race to settle the island of Catan. Set during the era of discoveries, the players' ships have arrived at the coast of an uncharted island, and now they have to use the natural resources to build settlements. Suitable for three to four players, ages 10 and up.
The Logo Board Game
The Logo Board Game [9] (£18) is a trivia game that tests players' knowledge of the UK's most well-known brands through images of and questions about their logos, products, and packaging. Suitable for two to six players, ages 12 and up.
Pandemic
In Pandemic [10] (£30), players are skilled members of a disease-fighting team, racing across the world to keep four deadly diseases at bay and discover their cures. Suitable for two to four players and recommended for ages 10 and up.
221b Baker Street Detective Game
For Sherlock Holmes fans, 221b Baker Street Detective Game [11] (£19) involves solving 75 intriguing cases as players travel through the alleys of London collecting clues. Suitable for two to six players, ages 10 and up.
Qwirkle
In Qwirkle [12] (£23), players match colours and shapes, but it's not as simple as it sounds, as successful play requires strategy and tactical manoeuvres. Suitable for two to four players, ages 6 and up.
Harry Potter Labyrinth
Harry Potter Labyrinth [13] (£25) is perfect for fans of the wizarding world, and takes you on a journey through an ever-changing Hogwarts maze. It's suitable for 2 to 4 players, ages 7 and up, and there are also Star Wars, Disney, and Jurassic World-themed versions if you prefer.
Colt Express
Colt Express [14] (£24) players are groups of ruthless bandits with the aim of grabbing loot, attacking rivals, and running along the roof of 3D locomotive and train cars. Suitable for two to six players, ages 10 and up.
Rummikub
Rummikub [15] (£20) is a tile-based mash-up of rummy and mah-jong, with players laying down their tiles in runs of matching colours or sets of the same number. Suitable for two to four players, ages 8 and up.
Game For Fame
In Game For Fame [16] (£22), players work in teams against others to make their way round the board on a journey to stardom, with bad reviews and paparazzi lying in wait. Take part in challenges like putting on convincing accents, mastering tongue-twisters, imitating animals, and gargling tunes. Suitable for four to 16 players, ages 12 and up.
Ticket to Ride Europe
Ticket to Ride Europe [17] (£31) is the European version of the original board game. Players make their way through European cities of the 1900s, collecting points as they travel on a train adventure. Suitable for two to five players, ages 8 years and up.