Bring the holiday spirit to life with a fun-filled relay game perfect for Christmas parties! The Snowball Relay Race is a winter-themed twist on the classic egg-and-spoon race. Designed especially for kids, this game is a delightful indoor activity using soft cotton balls instead of real snow—ideal for classrooms, home parties, or school events. Explore even more festive ideas in our collection of Christmas party games, perfect for adding magic and movement to any holiday celebration.
How to Play the Snowball Relay Race
Set up the space with a starting line and a finish line. If you want to make the game more challenging, place a few light obstacles along the path.
- Divide the children into two teams.
- At the starting line, place a container filled with cotton balls.
- At the finish line, place an empty container on a table.
- Give each team one spoon.
Gameplay:
- The first child from each team places a cotton ball on their spoon.
- They must carry it to the finish line without dropping it.
- Once at the end, they place the ball in the empty container.
- Then, they run back and hand off the spoon to the next player.
If the cotton ball falls off the spoon, you can choose from these rule variations:
- The child restarts from the beginning.
- They pick up the ball and continue.
- The dropped ball is left, and the child goes to the end of the line.
- Deduct one ball from the team’s score.
- Award 20 extra seconds of play to the opposing team.
Winning:
- After 5 minutes, count how many cotton balls each team moved successfully.
- The team with the most wins!
You can repeat the game with the same teams or mix things up for a second round.
For a quiet yet festive activity, try this Christmas alphabet game for kids that’s both educational and entertaining.
Game Sheet
This quick overview will help you set up the game easily:
- Number of players: 6 or more children
- Ages: From 5 years old
- Supplies: Cotton balls (or cotillion balls), spoons, and two containers per team
- Setting: Indoors
- Play time: 10–15 minutes
This game can be adapted to different ages and spaces, offering a perfect mix of excitement and simplicity.
Looking for a ready-to-play printable adventure? Discover our Christmas Treasure Hunt for kids aged 6–7 — The Lost Gifts is a festive mystery game filled with clues, surprises, and holiday cheer.
Why Kids Love It
The Snowball Relay Race is full of laughter and movement. It adds holiday magic to any gathering while offering a fun, competitive spirit. Kids enjoy the challenge of balance, the thrill of racing, and the teamwork involved in reaching a shared goal.
Add excitement to your event with this spinning Christmas challenge game—perfect for kids who love surprises and fast-paced fun.
Educational Benefits of the Snowball Relay Race
This festive game isn’t just fun—it supports key developmental skills:
- Improves Balance and Coordination: Carrying a cotton ball without dropping it enhances fine motor control.
- Builds Team Spirit: Relay format encourages communication and cooperation.
- Boosts Focus and Patience: Kids must concentrate to move carefully and wait their turn.
- Encourages Rule-Following: Clear rules help reinforce structure and discipline.
- Fosters Positive Group Interaction: Shared goals create a sense of community and shared success.
Try this North Pole obstacle adventure to get kids moving and laughing during your next holiday party—it’s festive, active, and full of cheer!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this game be adapted for older kids or adults?
Yes, simply increase the challenge with added obstacles or smaller spoons. - What if we don’t have cotton balls?
You can use soft pom-poms, ping pong balls, or even paper balls as substitutes. - Is it safe for very young kids?
Yes, just adjust the course difficulty and spoon size based on their age.
This relay is great for group settings and easy to set up, making it a go-to Christmas game for all kinds of events.
The Snowball Relay Race adds festive cheer and friendly competition to any Christmas gathering—no snow required!
Christmas escape room kits and mystery games offer a fun and festive way to keep kids engaged throughout the holiday season.
