Host a Christmas themed Bunco party with these 9 ideas

Celebrate Christmas Bunco-style with these holiday ideas. Bunco takes minutes to set up and it's a great way to spend some fun time with friends and family.

Swap the fuzzy dice for fuzzy elves

Fuzzy dice are sometimes used to pass around when people hold special records, like most Buncos, most mini-Buncos, or dubious honors like lowest score or "most times they rolled the dice off the table." Instead of fuzzy dice, bring out fuzzy elves.

Make it a Christmas pitch-in with guests

Replace the usual snacks and treats with holiday goodies and maybe a little eggnog for extra fun. Instead of pretzels and chips, bring out the cookies, fudge, candy canes, and mini pies.

Or, host a Bunco tournament during the appetizers for your holiday and save the meal for afterward.

Use Christmas Bunco scorecards

We've put together some free, printable holiday Bunco scorecards you can use this December

Replace the traditional bell with a Christmas chime

Instead of a little office bell that's typically used, bring out a holiday-themed chime or noise maker so people can really get into the spirit of shaking or ringing.Just make sure it’s loud enough and, if it plays music, is short. Otherwise, it’s likely to wear thin fast.

Setup your holiday decor and centerpieces

If your home has the space, set up multiple Bunco tables. But even if you have one or two kitchen tables, you can still set up the game for a traditional Bunco game. You can use centerpieces to act as dividers between teams.

Or, use wrapping paper as a makeshift table covering. It'll dampen the sound of the dice!

Replace the Bunco Baby with a Bunco Santa or snowman

If you're missing a player to round out a table of four, a doll or ghost seat is a traditional way to play. Instead of just having an empty chair, let Santa or Frosty sit in instead. They might need some help rolling the dice, but it's all in the holiday Bunco spirit to lend a hand.

Roll in the Santa Round

Add a special round at the start or end of the game that acts a wild card: everyone rolls until they roll a Bunco, then celebrate by awarding a special gift, prize, or Christmas treat.

Mash up a holiday playlist

Bunco is a social game, so make sure the music is to everyone's liking or has a variety to satisfy. And make sure it's not too loud. You'll want to hear when someone in the group or head table yells, "Bunco!"

Setup a holiday Bunco gift exchange

Bunco's long history as a game for swindlers and ne'er-do-wells is long gone. This holiday season, dial up the fun with a Christmas Bunco tourney with real gifts on the line. Instead of betting cash, ensure everyone brings a gift or item to exchange instead.

And if you'd like to do it in the spirit of the season, encourage guests to bring a canned good or toy for local food banks, animal shelters, or toy drives as a "buy-in" for the game night.