Festive Fun: Christmas-Themed PE Games for Schools

Festive Fun blog banner from Sports Directory featuring PE games with a Christmas twist. Outdoor school activity scene with children exercising under winter skies.

Sports Directory Festive Fun banner promoting creative PE games for schools with a Christmas theme. Outdoor setting with pupils participating in physical activities.

Blog banner for Sports Directory’s Festive Fun post, highlighting school PE games with a seasonal twist. Outdoor exercise scene with winter trees in the background.

Festive Fun: PE Games with a Christmas Twist

The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness, and your PE lessons can reflect that! As the term winds down, students often need something fresh and exciting to keep them motivated. Adding a festive twist to classic games is a great way to maintain physical activity while embracing the holiday spirit. These activities encourage teamwork, creativity, and plenty of fun, making them perfect for the last few weeks before the break.

Below are five fun, easy-to-set-up games that will bring seasonal cheer to your PE sessions. Each one includes instructions and products you can use to make the setup quick and simple.

Snowball Relay

Turn your sports hall into a magical winter wonderland with this high-energy relay that feels just like a snowball fight without the cold! It is perfect for getting students moving and working together during the festive season.

Bean Bag Bucket (Set of 60)

£50.00

£50.00 ~~£50.00~~

Choose options

20cm Foam Sponge Ball

£5.00

£5.00 ~~£5.00~~

Sondico Mini Space Marker Cones (Set of 60)

£8.00

£8.00 ~~£8.00~~

What You’ll Need:

Soft balls, beanbags, or crumpled paper “snowballs”
Cones or markers for the course
Optional: festive music to set the mood

How to Play:

Divide the class into teams of 4–6 players. Line them up at one end of the hall.
Give each team a “snowball”—this can be a soft ball, beanbag, or even a rolled-up piece of paper.
Set up a target zone at the opposite end of the hall. This could be a hoop, a bucket, or simply a marked spot on the floor.
The first player runs to the target zone, drops the snowball inside (or on the spot), and races back to tag the next teammate.
The next player retrieves the snowball and brings it back to the start line for the next runner.
Continue until all players have had a turn. The first team to finish wins!
The first player runs to the target zone, drops the snowball inside (or on the spot), and races back to tag the next teammate.
The next player retrieves the snowball and brings it back to the start line for the next runner.
Continue until all players have had a turn. The first team to finish wins!

Bean Bag Bucket (Set of 60)

£50.00

£50.00 ~~£50.00~~

Choose options

20cm Foam Sponge Ball

£5.00

£5.00 ~~£5.00~~

Sondico Mini Space Marker Cones (Set of 60)

£8.00

£8.00 ~~£8.00~~

The first player runs to the target zone, drops the snowball inside (or on the spot), and races back to tag the next teammate.
The next player retrieves the snowball and brings it back to the start line for the next runner.
Continue until all players have had a turn. The first team to finish wins!

How to Play:

Divide the class into teams of 4–6 players. Line them up at one end of the hall.
Give each team a “snowball”—this can be a soft ball, beanbag, or even a rolled-up piece of paper.
Set up a target zone at the opposite end of the hall. This could be a hoop, a bucket, or simply a marked spot on the floor.
The first player runs to the target zone, drops the snowball inside (or on the spot), and races back to tag the next teammate.
The next player retrieves the snowball and brings it back to the start line for the next runner.
Continue until all players have had a turn. The first team to finish wins!

What You’ll Need:

Soft balls, beanbags, or crumpled paper “snowballs”
Cones or markers for the course
Optional: festive music to set the mood

What You’ll Need:

Soft balls, beanbags, or crumpled paper “snowballs”
Cones or markers for the course
Optional: festive music to set the mood

How to Play:

Divide the class into teams of 4–6 players. Line them up at one end of the hall.
Give each team a “snowball”—this can be a soft ball, beanbag, or even a rolled-up piece of paper.
Set up a target zone at the opposite end of the hall. This could be a hoop, a bucket, or simply a marked spot on the floor.
The first player runs to the target zone, drops the snowball inside (or on the spot), and races back to tag the next teammate.
The next player retrieves the snowball and brings it back to the start line for the next runner.
Continue until all players have had a turn. The first team to finish wins!

Child holding a bright red sensory ball, preparing to throw during a PE activity. Ideal for sensory play and physical education, promoting motor skills and coordination in school sports environments.

Bean Bag Bucket (Set of 60)

£50.00

£50.00 ~~£50.00~~

Choose options

20cm Foam Sponge Ball

£5.00

£5.00 ~~£5.00~~

Sondico Mini Space Marker Cones (Set of 60)

£8.00

£8.00 ~~£8.00~~

Christmas Tree Tag

Bring a festive twist to the classic game of tag with Christmas Tree Tag. Students will love pretending to be decorated trees while racing to stay free. It is a fun way to keep everyone active and laughing during the holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

A large open space such as a sports hall or playground
Cones or space markers to define boundaries
Whistle or timer for managing rounds.
Optional: festive music or decorations to set the scene

How to Play:

Choose one student to be the Christmas Tree. This player is “it” and will try to tag others.
The remaining students are ornaments. They run around avoiding the Christmas Tree.
When an ornament is tagged, they must freeze in place with arms outstretched like tree branches.
To free a frozen ornament, another player must “hang” on them by gently touching their arm or shoulder, pretending to place a decoration.
The game continues until everyone has been tagged or for a set time limit. Rotate who plays the Christmas Tree so everyone gets a turn.

Children playing Christmas Tree Tag with their arms raised in excitement during a festive PE activity. Fun holiday game promoting teamwork, movement, and physical education in a school sports setting.

Sondico Flat Space Markers (Set of 60)

£18.00

£18.00 ~~£18.00~~

Choose options

Fox 40 Whistle

£7.00

£7.00 ~~£7.00~~

Kenwood AS-P200BT 100w Portable Bluetooth Speaker

£130.00

£130.00 ~~£130.00~~

Sondico Flat Space Markers (Set of 60)

£18.00

£18.00 ~~£18.00~~

Choose options

Fox 40 Whistle

£7.00

£7.00 ~~£7.00~~

Kenwood AS-P200BT 100w Portable Bluetooth Speaker

£130.00

£130.00 ~~£130.00~~

What You’ll Need:

A large open space such as a sports hall or playground
Cones or space markers to define boundaries
Whistle or timer for managing rounds.
Optional: festive music or decorations to set the scene

How to Play:

Choose one student to be the Christmas Tree. This player is “it” and will try to tag others.
The remaining students are ornaments. They run around avoiding the Christmas Tree.
When an ornament is tagged, they must freeze in place with arms outstretched like tree branches.
To free a frozen ornament, another player must “hang” on them by gently touching their arm or shoulder, pretending to place a decoration.
The game continues until everyone has been tagged or for a set time limit. Rotate who plays the Christmas Tree so everyone gets a turn.

Sondico Flat Space Markers (Set of 60)

£18.00

£18.00 ~~£18.00~~

Choose options

Fox 40 Whistle

£7.00

£7.00 ~~£7.00~~

Kenwood AS-P200BT 100w Portable Bluetooth Speaker

£130.00

£130.00 ~~£130.00~~

To free a frozen ornament, another player must “hang” on them by gently touching their arm or shoulder, pretending to place a decoration.
The game continues until everyone has been tagged or for a set time limit. Rotate who plays the Christmas Tree so everyone gets a turn.

How to Play:

Choose one student to be the Christmas Tree. This player is “it” and will try to tag others.
The remaining students are ornaments. They run around avoiding the Christmas Tree.
When an ornament is tagged, they must freeze in place with arms outstretched like tree branches.

What You’ll Need:

A large open space such as a sports hall or playground
Cones or space markers to define boundaries
Whistle or timer for managing rounds.
Optional: festive music or decorations to set the scene

Santa's Sleigh Delivery

Turn your sports hall into the North Pole with this exciting relay game where students become Santa’s helpers delivering gifts across the gym. It is a fantastic way to combine teamwork, coordination, and festive fun.

Mini Ball Pack

£68.00

£68.00 ~~£68.00~~

Heavy Duty Lightweight Gym Mat With Hook & Loop

Choose options

Heavy Duty Lightweight Gym Mat With Hook & Loop

From £95.00

From £95.00 ~~£95.00~~

Skipping Ropes 7' (Set of 10)

£9.00

£9.00 ~~£9.00~~

What You’ll Need:

Beanbags or small balls to act as “presents”
A mat, hoop, or tray to serve as the “sleigh”
Ropes or skipping ropes for pulling the sleigh
Cones or space markers to create a delivery route
Optional: festive music and decorations for extra atmosphere

How to Play:

Place all the “presents” at one end of the hall.
Divide students into teams and give each team a sleigh (a mat or hoop works well).
The first player loads a few presents onto the sleigh and pulls it along the route to the other end of the hall.
Once they reach the finish line, they unload the presents, race back with the sleigh, and tag the next teammate.
Continue until all presents have been delivered. The first team to finish wins.

Mini Ball Pack

£68.00

£68.00 ~~£68.00~~

Choose options

Heavy Duty Lightweight Gym Mat With Hook & Loop

From £95.00

From £95.00 ~~£95.00~~

Skipping Ropes 7' (Set of 10)

£9.00

£9.00 ~~£9.00~~

How to Play:

Place all the “presents” at one end of the hall.
Divide students into teams and give each team a sleigh (a mat or hoop works well).

The first player loads a few presents onto the sleigh and pulls it along the route to the other end of the hall.
Once they reach the finish line, they unload the presents, race back with the sleigh, and tag the next teammate.
Continue until all presents have been delivered. The first team to finish wins.

What You’ll Need:

Beanbags or small balls to act as “presents”
A mat, hoop, or tray to serve as the “sleigh”
Ropes or skipping ropes for pulling the sleigh
Cones or space markers to create a delivery route
Optional: festive music and decorations for extra atmosphere

What You’ll Need:

Beanbags or small balls to act as “presents”
A mat, hoop, or tray to serve as the “sleigh”
Ropes or skipping ropes for pulling the sleigh
Cones or space markers to create a delivery route
Optional: festive music and decorations for extra atmosphere

How to Play:

Place all the “presents” at one end of the hall.
Divide students into teams and give each team a sleigh (a mat or hoop works well).
The first player loads a few presents onto the sleigh and pulls it along the route to the other end of the hall.
Once they reach the finish line, they unload the presents, race back with the sleigh, and tag the next teammate.
Continue until all presents have been delivered. The first team to finish wins.

Primary school girl lying on a green foam football during a PE activity. Soft foam football ideal for safe play and physical education, promoting balance, coordination, and fun in school sports environments.

Mini Ball Pack

£68.00

£68.00 ~~£68.00~~

Choose options

Heavy Duty Lightweight Gym Mat With Hook & Loop

From £95.00

From £95.00 ~~£95.00~~

Skipping Ropes 7' (Set of 10)

£9.00

£9.00 ~~£9.00~~

Snowball Dodge

Give the classic dodgeball game a frosty makeover with Snowball Dodge. Students will love the fast-paced action as they dodge and throw “snowballs” in this festive challenge.

Choose options

Slazenger Match & Training Dodgeball

From £8.00

From £8.00 ~~£8.00~~

Sondico Height Adjustable Training Hurdles (Set of 6)

£15.00

£15.00 ~~£38.00~~

Slazenger Safety Soft Foam 15cm Dodgeball

Choose options

Slazenger Safety Soft Foam 15cm Dodgeball

£9.00

£9.00 ~~£9.00~~

What You’ll Need:

Dodgeballs or soft foam balls to act as “snowballs”
Cones or space markers to define the play area
Mini hurdles – to create fun obstacle courses
A whistle or timer to manage rounds
Optional: festive decorations or music to set the mood

How to Play:

Divide students into two teams and place them on opposite sides of the hall.
Scatter the foam balls evenly across the center line.
On the whistle, players rush to grab a snowball and start throwing at opponents.
Players aim to hit opponents below the chest for safety.
If a player is hit, they are out. If they catch a snowball, the thrower is out and the catcher stays in.
The first team to score 10 hits or eliminate all opponents wins.

Choose options

Slazenger Match & Training Dodgeball

From £8.00

From £8.00 ~~£8.00~~

Sondico Height Adjustable Training Hurdles (Set of 6)

£15.00

£15.00 ~~£38.00~~

Choose options

Slazenger Safety Soft Foam 15cm Dodgeball

£9.00

£9.00 ~~£9.00~~

Players aim to hit opponents below the chest for safety.
If a player is hit, they are out. If they catch a snowball, the thrower is out and the catcher stays in.
The first team to score 10 hits or eliminate all opponents wins.

How to Play:

Divide students into two teams and place them on opposite sides of the hall.
Scatter the foam balls evenly across the center line.
On the whistle, players rush to grab a snowball and start throwing at opponents.

What You’ll Need:

Dodgeballs or soft foam balls to act as “snowballs”
Cones or space markers to define the play area
Mini hurdles – to create fun obstacle courses
A whistle or timer to manage rounds
Optional: festive decorations or music to set the mood

What You’ll Need:

Dodgeballs or soft foam balls to act as “snowballs”
Cones or space markers to define the play area
Mini hurdles – to create fun obstacle courses
A whistle or timer to manage rounds
Optional: festive decorations or music to set the mood

How to Play:

Divide students into two teams and place them on opposite sides of the hall.
Scatter the foam balls evenly across the center line.
On the whistle, players rush to grab a snowball and start throwing at opponents.
Players aim to hit opponents below the chest for safety.
If a player is hit, they are out. If they catch a snowball, the thrower is out and the catcher stays in.
The first team to score 10 hits or eliminate all opponents wins.

Primary school children running towards Slazenger dodgeballs at the start of an intense PE game. Fun and active dodgeball session promoting fitness, teamwork, and physical education in school sports environments.

Choose options

Slazenger Match & Training Dodgeball

From £8.00

From £8.00 ~~£8.00~~

Sondico Height Adjustable Training Hurdles (Set of 6)

£15.00

£15.00 ~~£38.00~~

Choose options

Slazenger Safety Soft Foam 15cm Dodgeball

£9.00

£9.00 ~~£9.00~~

Wrapping Up the Festive Fun

Adding a holiday twist to your PE lessons is a fantastic way to keep students active, engaged, and full of seasonal cheer. These games encourage teamwork, creativity, and plenty of laughter while still promoting physical literacy. Whether it’s racing to deliver Santa’s presents, dodging snowballs, or stacking gifts, these activities will make your final sessions of the term memorable. So grab your beanbags, hoops, and foam balls, and let the festive fun begin!

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