Christmas Conversation Starters

Christmas is that magical time of year when family get together, cozy up our holiday sweaters, and enjoy a bit too much of everything, especially awkward silences around the dinner table.

Let’s be real, sometimes the conversations can get a little...stale. You’re sitting there, stuffing your face with mashed potatoes, wondering how to keep things merry and bright without diving into “how’s the weather?” territory for the fifth time.

Well, worry no more! I have juggled holiday chaos and plenty of family get-togethers, and have picked up a few tricks along the way. I’m sharing my go-to Christmas conversation starters to keep things warm, engaging, and maybe even hilarious. Whether you’re chatting with Grandma or trying to break the ice with that cousin you only see once a year, these will help you keep the festive spirit alive.

printable christmas conversation starter cards

How to Use Conversation Starters

Sometimes holiday gatherings can hit a lull. You’ve got everyone together, but between catching up and trying to avoid the same old small talk, the conversation can feel a little flat. That’s where conversation starters come to the rescue!

Conversation starters help break the ice, especially if you’ve got a mix of relatives and friends who may not see each other often. Plus, they take the pressure off coming up with the “perfect” topic, so you can relax and just enjoy each other’s company.

Using conversation starters is as simple as slipping them into your regular chit-chat. You can casually toss one out when the room goes quiet, or even plan ahead and ask one during dinner to get things going.

Here are a few fun ideas on how to use conversation starters at your Christmas gathering:

Print and Scatter on the Table:
Print out your conversation starters on cute little cards (maybe with some festive designs) and scatter them across the dinner table. You can place them near each plate or in a little jar for people to pick from as they please. This adds a fun element of surprise and makes it easy for anyone to jump in and ask a question without feeling awkward.
Make Them Part of the Place Settings:
Want to get fancy? Incorporate conversation starters into your table décor! You can tuck a card under each guest’s napkin, tie it with a little ribbon, or even attach one to their name cards. It gives everyone something to talk about right from the start, and it feels special and personalized.
Use Them in a Christmas Game:
Turn the conversation starters into a game! You can make it a rule that after each person answers, they get to choose the next person to answer another question. Or, create a "Christmas Conversation Bingo" where each person has to get someone to answer certain types of questions (like funny or sentimental stories).
Add to the Dessert Round:
During dessert, pull out a jar or bowl filled with conversation starters. Pass it around the table, letting everyone draw one and answer the question they pick. It’s a sweet way to keep the chat flowing while everyone’s enjoying their pie and cookies!
Conversation Starter Ornaments:
For a unique twist, write your conversation starters on Christmas ornaments (paper or DIY ornaments work great for this!). Hang them on the tree, and during the party, each guest can take turns picking an ornament and reading the question. It’s festive and interactive!
Use Them for Kids' Table Fun:
If you’ve got a kids' table, print out some fun, age-appropriate conversation starters and let the kids pass them around. They’ll have a blast sharing their favorite Christmas memories or debating the best holiday movie.

Fun Christmas Conversation Starter Ideas

"What's Your Favorite Christmas Memory?"

This one always gets the warm fuzzies going. Asking someone to share a favorite holiday memory is like inviting them to unwrap a little piece of their past. You’ll get everything from heartwarming stories of Grandma’s famous cookies to laugh-out-loud moments involving a disastrous Christmas tree incident (we all have one, right?).

"If You Could Spend Christmas Anywhere in the World, Where Would It Be?"

This question is like a little window into someone’s dream holiday. Are they craving a snowy Christmas in a mountain cabin? Or maybe a sunny escape on a tropical beach with no snow in sight? You’ll get some creative answers and maybe even some vacation ideas for next year!

"What's the Worst Christmas Gift You've Ever Received?"

Okay, this one is pure fun. We’ve all gotten at least one gift that made us wonder, “What were they thinking?” Whether it’s a pair of socks with reindeer on them or a weird kitchen gadget no one knows how to use, sharing these stories will have everyone laughing.

"What’s Your All-Time Favorite Christmas Movie?"

Everyone has that one holiday movie they just have to watch every year, whether it’s “Home Alone,” “Elf,” or “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This question is an instant icebreaker, and you might even find out some hidden favorites you’ve never heard of. Bonus: it’s a great way to get some movie marathon ideas for after dinner.

"What’s One Christmas Tradition You’d Love to Start?"

This one gets people thinking about the future and what they’d like to do differently. Maybe someone’s been dying to try a holiday cookie bake-off, or maybe they want to start a Christmas morning pajama party tradition. It’s a sweet way to learn what makes the season special for everyone and maybe even pick up some new traditions yourself.

"If You Could Invite Any Celebrity to Christmas Dinner, Who Would It Be?"

This one’s a total wild card and can lead to some pretty funny answers. From famous chefs who could whip up a gourmet meal to actors who could entertain everyone with stories, the possibilities are endless. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to have Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson passing the mashed potatoes?

"What’s the Best Christmas Song of All Time?"

Cue the Mariah Carey sing-along. Seriously, nothing gets a Christmas gathering buzzing like a debate over which holiday tune is the best. Is it the classic “White Christmas,” or is your crowd more into Jingle Bell Rock? Be prepared for an impromptu karaoke session.

"What’s Your Go-To Christmas Day Outfit?"

We’ve all got our favorite holiday get-up—whether it’s cozy pajamas, an ugly Christmas sweater, or something a little more fancy for the dinner table. This one’s light and playful, and people love sharing their Christmas fashion (or lack thereof).

"What’s Your Favorite Christmas Food?"

Food is the centerpiece of any Christmas gathering, and everyone has that one dish they look forward to every year. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous stuffing, Aunt Linda’s cookies, or your own homemade ham, this question is sure to spark some delicious conversations.

"What’s the Funniest Thing That’s Ever Happened at a Family Christmas?"

End the night with a good laugh by asking everyone to share their funniest Christmas moments. Whether it’s a kid who unwrapped everyone’s presents or that one year the cat climbed the Christmas tree (oh yes, it happens), this question will have everyone reminiscing and laughing together.