As we gather around the Christmas dinner table, connecting with family is (usually) one of the highlights of the holiday season.
However, sometimes getting the conversation flowing can be a challenge, especially with larger or more reserved groups. This guide is packed with Christmas conversation starters to help you bring warmth, laughter, and meaningful exchanges to your family gathering.
There’s nothing worse than sitting and eating with awkward silence when you should be celebrating and feeling festive! Below we’ve created some categories followed by a list of Christmas-themed conversation starters.
Who knows what tangents your conversations might take you off on but, whenever you return back to awkward silence, simply return back to our list of ideas and choose a conversation starter to help to get those words and ideas flowing again!
Festive Icebreakers to Get the Party Started
Icebreakers are a great way to kick off conversations in a fun, relaxed manner. These light-hearted questions help everyone ease into the holiday spirit and shake off any nerves they may have about being at the table.
- What’s your favorite Christmas tradition, and why?
- If you could relive any Christmas from your past, which one would it be?
- What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received?
- If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- What’s the funniest Christmas story you remember?
Nostalgic Questions to Share Memories
Christmas is a perfect time to reminisce about cherished memories. Encourage your family to share stories of holidays past with these questions.
- What was your most memorable Christmas as a child?
- Did your family have any quirky Christmas traditions?
- What’s the best Christmas meal you remember having?
- Who gave you the most surprising Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
- What’s a Christmas song that brings back the most memories?
Heartfelt Questions to Share Gratitude
The holiday season is all about appreciation and joy. These questions will help everyone express what they’re thankful for this year, fostering a deeper connection around the table.
- What’s something you’re grateful for this Christmas season?
- Who in the family helped make your year special, and how?
- What’s one lesson you learned this year that you’d like to carry forward?
- Is there someone you’d like to thank or honor this Christmas?
- What’s a Christmas miracle or happy memory you’d like to share?
Fun, Whimsical Questions for a Good Laugh
Lighten the mood with some fun and quirky questions that add laughter and amusement to the event.
- If you were Santa, what’s one Christmas tradition you would change?
- What’s your funniest Christmas mishap or cooking fail?
- If you could invite any fictional character to Christmas dinner, who would it be?
- What would you want as your “signature” Christmas dish if you were a famous chef?
- If Christmas had a theme song other than the classics, what would it be?
Kid-Friendly Christmas Conversation Starters
Involving children in conversations can be tricky but rewarding. These simple, fun questions are ideal for younger family members and will bring out adorable answers that everyone will enjoy.
- What’s the coolest gift you’re hoping to get (or already received) this Christmas?
- If you could be one of Santa’s reindeer, which one would you be?
- What would you ask Santa if you could have a conversation with him?
- If you were a Christmas cookie, what kind would you be?
- What’s the best Christmas movie you’ve ever seen?
Dream Christmas Scenarios
Invite your family to dream big about their ultimate holiday experience with these creative questions:
- If you could decorate a Christmas tree with any theme, what would you choose?
- If you could spend Christmas with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
- If you could create a new holiday tradition, what would it look like?
- What would you add to the North Pole if you were an elf?
- If you could have any animal as a reindeer substitute, what animal would pull your sleigh?
Family Traditions and Values
Get everyone talking about family values and traditions that have become meaningful over the years. These questions can inspire a sense of togetherness and reflection.
- What’s one family tradition you hope will continue for generations?
- What’s your favorite Christmas tradition that has been passed down in our family?
- What’s one thing you remember doing every Christmas as a child?
- If you could bring back one tradition that we used to do, what would it be?
- What’s one new tradition you’d like us to start next year?
Food Favorites and Cooking Fun
For families who enjoy the holiday feasting, talking about favorite dishes and kitchen memories can be a delicious way to bond.
- What’s your favorite Christmas dish or dessert, and why?
- Is there a holiday recipe you’ve always wanted to try?
- What’s the funniest kitchen mishap you’ve witnessed during the holidays?
- If you could choose only one Christmas dish to eat forever, what would it be?
- What’s one food you think is overrated during Christmas?
Christmas Around the World
For a global twist, explore how Christmas is celebrated in other cultures, or talk about what it might be like to celebrate Christmas somewhere unique.
- If we could celebrate Christmas in another country, where would you want to go?
- What’s one Christmas tradition from another culture that you’d love to try?
- If you had to explain Christmas traditions to someone from another country, how would you describe them?
- What’s the most interesting holiday custom you’ve ever heard of?
- Which Christmas dish from another country would you like to try?
Gift-Giving Questions for More Personal Stories
Talking about gifts can be a fun way to uncover stories and share laughter about holiday surprises.
- What’s the best homemade gift you’ve ever received?
- What’s one gift you wanted as a child but never got?
- Have you ever given a gift that turned out to be a funny or unexpected surprise?
- What’s one gift you’d love to receive if money were no object?
- What’s your go-to last-minute gift idea for Christmas?
Holiday Movie and Music Favorites
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without holiday movies and music! Use these questions to bond over shared favorites and new discoveries.
- What’s your favorite Christmas movie of all time?
- If you could only listen to one Christmas song for the whole season, what would it be?
- What holiday movie scene do you think perfectly captures the Christmas spirit?
- What’s the most underrated Christmas movie or song?
- Is there a Christmas song that drives you crazy, and why?
Christmas Wishes and Goals
As the end of the year approaches, encourage everyone to think about their dreams, goals, and wishes for the year to come.
- What’s one new thing you want to try in the coming year?
- If you could accomplish one big goal next year, what would it be?
- What’s a holiday wish you have for someone else this year?
- If you could make one wish for yourself this Christmas, what would it be?
- What’s one small, everyday thing you’d like to do more of in the new year?
Christmas Past, Present, and Future
Get creative with questions that compare Christmas memories from past to present and even imagine holidays of the future.
- How do you think Christmas will be different 20 years from now?
- If you could experience Christmas in any other time period, when would you choose?
- What’s a Christmas trend from the past that you’d love to bring back?
- What’s one modern Christmas tradition you think will last?
- What’s the biggest way your Christmas celebrations have changed over the years?
Holiday Humor and Jokes
Add some laughter to the table with these light-hearted, funny questions that don’t take themselves too seriously.
- If you were Santa, what kind of cookies would you want left out for you?
- What’s the silliest Christmas tradition you’ve heard of?
- What’s one thing you hope Santa never puts in your stocking?
- If Santa had to recruit a new reindeer, what would you name it?
- What’s a Christmas pun or joke that always makes you laugh?
New Year Reflection Questions
As dinner winds down, ask questions that help everyone reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. This can be a meaningful way to close out your Christmas gathering and look forward to new possibilities.
- What’s a personal highlight from this past year?
- What’s one thing you hope to achieve in the coming year?
- Is there something you’d like to do more of next year?
- What’s the best piece of advice you received this year?
- If you could go back in time to the beginning of the year, what would you tell yourself?
Tips for Keeping Conversations Flowing
Encourage Inclusivity – Make sure everyone has a chance to speak, especially quieter family members, but don’t force everyone to have a turn, some people prefer to listen.
Stay Positive – Keep conversations light and steer clear of divisive topics to maintain a joyful atmosphere.
Keep It Short – If a conversation feels like it’s winding down, move on to another topic to keep everyone engaged.
Mix Up the Questions – Feel free to skip around between light-hearted and heartfelt questions to balance the mood.
Wrapping Up Your Christmas Conversations
With these conversation starters, your family dinner is sure to be filled with warmth, laughter, and memorable moments. Whether you’re exploring cherished memories, future dreams, or simply sharing a laugh, these questions will keep everyone engaged and feeling the holiday spirit.
Looking for some more fun ideas for the Christmas dinner table? Why not play a game of Christmas Themed ‘Would You Rather?’
