Funny Reindeer Names: A Family Game (60 Ideas + How to Play)
Everyone knows Dasher, Dancer and Rudolph. The fun starts when kids and grandparents invent new ones. The Name a Reindeer game is simple: one player describes a reindeer (it's afraid of heights, it only eats pizza), and everyone else races to give it the funniest name. Below are 60 ideas to get you started and a few ways to turn it into a real party game.
Practical tips
- How to play: take turns describing an imaginary reindeer in one sentence. Everyone writes a name on scrap paper, the describer reads them out and picks a winner. First to 5 wins.
- Grandparents vs. grandkids: split into two teams by generation. It works because the two sides find completely different things funny.
- Food names: Snickerdoodle, Gingersnap, Cocoa Puff, Meatball, Pancake, Waffles, Pickles, Nugget, Marshmallow, Cinnamon Roll.
- Silly names: Sir Sniffles, Captain Fuzzbutt (for older kids), Wobbles, Sneezy McSnowflake, Kevin, Gerald, Barbara, Tiny Steve, Professor Antlers, Lord Jingleton.
- Names that sound like the real ones: Prancer becomes Dancer's cousin Chancer, Comet becomes Vomit (kids love this one), Blitzen becomes Glitzen, Cupid becomes Stupid-o, Donner becomes Gonna-Be-Late.
- Personality names: Grumpy Gus, Sleepy Sue, Snack Thief, Mr. Too-Many-Questions, Lost-Again Larry, Fancy Pants, Big Sneeze, Wrong-Way Wendy, Nap Champion, The Complainer.
- Christmas names: Tinsel, Twinkle, Jingle, Mistletoe, Snowball, Frosty Jr., Candy Cane, Sugarplum, Holly, Garland, Stocking, Chestnut, Eggnog, Sleigh-ter, Northpole Nate.
- Little-kid names (ages 3-6): Sparkle, Boop, Puddles, Fluffy, Giggles, Mittens, Button, Sprinkles, Jellybean, Socks.
- Make it a printable round: have each player draw their reindeer and name it, then vote. Tape the drawings to the fridge for the rest of December.
- Keep rounds under ten minutes and stop while people are still laughing; pair it with a second quick game so the energy holds.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the Name a Reindeer game for?
Any age that can talk. Little kids can name reindeer out loud while older kids and adults write theirs down.
What are the 9 real reindeer names?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.
How many players do you need?
Three or more. With a big group, play in teams of four to six.
Is there a printable version?
The Christmas Kids Party Games Pack linked on this page has printable games you can set out alongside it.