Christmas is just around the corner, and that means spending some quality time with friends and family. Here at Gibsons we believe that time with those we hold dearest is the most precious gift, and we want to help you form magical memories to last a lifetime.  

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of our favourite ways to connect with loved ones is through a little friendly competition. Our range of family games have been designed to delight players of all ages, delivering fun and thrills for all. So here are our four top picks for the best family board games to play in the approaching holiday season. We hope it provides some inspiration for your first Christmas board game night! 

Fast Track 

Enter the UK's vibrant capital with Fast Track. The aim is to match iconic London Landmarks and TfL lines presented on the cards. Everybody plays at once, so speed is essential! After flipping a 'Go To' card the race begins. Will you spot the matches before everyone else? 

Fast Track is perfect for young kids, with speedy gameplay that's accessible in its simplicity. And there are two ways to play, providing endless entertainment. While the ultimate goal of matching icons remains the same, in one version you are aiming to get rid of all of your cards, whereas in the other you're trying to gain as many as possible. Simple right! 

For fun an thrills for the whole family, give Fast Track a go this Christmas!

221B Baker Street 

The game is afoot! Set in the world of literature's most beloved detective, Sherlock Holmes, 221B Baker Street is sure to test your skills of detection and deduction.  

2-6 players race to solve one of 75 original mysteries. There’s nothing like a bloodcurdling murder to titillate the mind on a cold winter’s night! 

You’ll be scouring the back alleys of London for clues, building your case as you go. It’s a contest of wits and wills… with a little luck thrown in for good measure. This game has a slightly longer duration of 60 – 90 minutes, so it’s best for kids aged 10+.  

If pondering a mystery while swirling a glass of mulled wine on a stormy winters night sounds like something you’d enjoy, don’t miss out. Try 221B Baker Street this holiday season! 

Out of Order 

Out of Order is our answer to the classic trivia game. It requires a little more brain power so is best for players aged 14 and over. Needless to say, your teenage and adult kids will have a blast with this one.  

Out of Order comes with a twist – you provide answers with a one question delay. Essentially, you have to hold on to the answer to the previous question and can only provide it after hearing the next question.  

The result is a perfect blend of memory and general knowledge which provides both a crystal and fluid element to gameplay, meaning that neither young nor old holds a clear advantage. While the kids might have an easier time keeping their place in the question order, grandparents have had more time to amass the general knowledge crucial to victory. Who wins? Put it to the test and let us know! 

Kingmaker 

And finally, there’s Kingmaker. This one is for our real board game junkies. Kingmaker is a complex tactical board game set in the tumultuous Wars of the Roses of the 15th Century.  

You will play as a faction vying for political and military power to control the board and ultimately win the game. With the 2023 re-release, there are a variety of game modes and win conditions. These include a shorter version of the game and a solitaire version. We’ve packed a lot into this epic strategy game! 

Kingmaker is perfect for anyone who loves history, immersing its players in the rich and volatile world of 15th Century warfare and strategy. It’s a tactical game which is sure to test the intellects of even the most seasoned gamers. Try your hand at Kingmaker this Christmas!  

 ...

So, there you have it. Our top four family games to get your teeth into this Christmas. We hope there’s something here to bring people of all ages and interests together for some festive fun.  

From our family to yours – enjoy!