Video Game Advent Calendars for Family Fun While You Wait

The wait for Christmas can feel endless, especially for the little ones. Every year, finding an original advent calendar becomes a major undertaking for many parents. What if, instead of traditional chocolates, you started a daily ritual that brings the whole family together and creates lasting memories? The video game advent calendar is emerging as the ideal solution, turning each day of December into a new opportunity to play together.

Our guide is here to help you find the perfect game for your winter evenings. We'll cover titles designed for sharing, accessible to all ages, and perfect for creating a fun atmosphere in your living room, whether you're on a PS5 or Nintendo Switch.

How to Choose the Right Game for the Holidays

Finding the perfect Christmas gift idea for a console that will please the whole crowd isn't always easy. To help you make the right choice, here are a few criteria to keep in mind.

1. Compatibility and Local Multiplayer Mode

First things first: check the game's compatibility with your console (PS5, Nintendo Switch, etc.). The main appeal of these titles is bringing the family together in front of the screen. So, make sure the game offers a local multiplayer (or "couch co-op") mode, whether on Switch or another platform, so several people can compete on the same TV. Also, remember to take stock of your controllers—nothing is more frustrating than running short on the big day!

2. Content Suitable for Younger Players

To ensure gaming sessions remain fun for everyone, the content must obviously be appropriate. Rely on the PEGI age rating (ideally 3 or 7). A good video game for a 5-year-old and up should tick several boxes: no violence, crystal-clear rules, and a colourful, friendly visual style. In this category, mini-game compilations are often a safe bet.

3. The Concept: Mini-Game Compilation or Single Adventure?

A family party game in the form of a mini-game compilation is the king of variety, with its short and fast-paced activities. It's the ideal format to capture the attention of younger players and allow gamers of all skill levels to have fun without feeling frustrated. The icing on the cake? An "Advent Calendar" mode that unlocks a new challenge every day, keeping the magic alive until Christmas.

Our Selection of Games to Play While Waiting for Christmas

Here is our selection of titles perfect for livening up your winter holidays and sharing special moments as a family.

Winter Games Collection + Advent Calendar - PS5 Version

What sets it apart

This title has a dual purpose: an "Advent Calendar" mode to unlock one game per day from December 1st to 25th, and a "Winter Games" mode that gives you immediate access to all 25 mini-games. This flexibility makes it an excellent PS5 Christmas game to keep the entire holiday season entertaining.

Key Features

• 25 varied mini-games?: Races, skill challenges, puzzles, and action (sleigh races, penguin parade, curling, etc.).
• Multiplayer for up to 4 players?: Ideal for wild local sessions on the couch.
• Festive atmosphere?: The graphics and sound immediately immerse you in the magic of winter and Christmas.
• Charming characters?: Choose your champion from 10 colourful avatars.

Who is it for?

For families with a PlayStation 5 looking for a fun theme to animate the month of December. It's the ideal candidate to bring together young and old for short, fun, and accessible challenges.

Winter Games Collection + Advent Calendar - Nintendo Switch Version

What sets it apart

This Nintendo Switch version offers the same experience as the PS5, with the added bonus of the console's portability. The game can go with you anywhere! Please note, this is a download code in a box: there is no physical cartridge. This is a crucial detail to check before you buy.

Key Features

• Identical content?: Enjoy all 25 mini-games and both game modes (Advent Calendar and immediate access).
• Perfect for on-the-go multiplayer?: Ideal for bringing Switch winter games along on visits to grandparents or friends.
• Accessibility?: The controls, designed for the Joy-Con, make local multiplayer on Switch particularly intuitive.

Who is it for?

For Nintendo Switch owners who are comfortable with digital downloads and are looking for a festive title to share, whether on the living room TV or in handheld mode.

An Off-Screen Alternative: EPOCH Games Super Mario Bros. Adventure Game DX

What sets it apart

For those who want a break from screens, this mechanical board game is a brilliant alternative. It perfectly captures the spirit of a family party game with a 100% manual approach. The goal? Guide a marble through a treacherous obstacle course straight out of the Super Mario universe.

Key Features

• Manual and interactive game?: No batteries, no setup. Everything is manually operated with buttons and levers that the player must use with precision.
• 7 challenges to overcome?: The course is littered with iconic obstacles, like the fearsome Piranha Plants.
• Playable solo or with others?: You can practice alone to master the course or challenge friends to see who can be the fastest.

Who is it for?

For families looking for a fun activity away from screens, as well as all fans of the Super Mario universe, young and old. Recommended for ages 5 and up, this game will test the dexterity and coordination of the whole family in a fun and cheerful atmosphere.

Looking for Other Types of Adventures?

Are these festive games not quite your cup of tea? If you'd rather embark on other kinds of epic journeys, the world of video games is full of gems to share with your family.

Discover our complete collection of adventure games to find the gift that will hit the mark with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Video Game Advent Calendars

What is a video game advent calendar?

It's a video game designed to make the wait for Christmas more exciting. The principle is simple: every day from December 1st to the 24th or 25th, a new surprise (a mini-game, a level, a character, etc.) is unlocked. It's a great way to establish a fun daily ritual for the whole family.

What type of video game should I choose for family play at Christmas?

Mini-game compilations (or party games) are a safe bet. With their simple rules, quick rounds, and lighthearted tone, they allow everyone to have fun, from the youngest kids to the grandparents. The focus is on conviviality and laughter rather than fierce competition, which perfectly matches the holiday spirit.

Are these games suitable for young children?

Yes, the games in our selection are aimed at a family audience and are generally rated PEGI 3 or PEGI 7, making them suitable for children aged 5 or 7 and up. They are guaranteed to be free of violence and focus on fun challenges. In any case, be sure to check the PEGI rating on the box or product page to ensure the content is appropriate for your children's age.