Christmas Guessing Jar Game
A jar of red and green candy on the table in December does half the decorating and all of the entertaining. The christmas candy guessing game is the easiest thing on your party list, and this version arrives already counted.
Why it works for Christmas
December parties are short on attention and long on small talk. A jar gives people something to do in the first awkward ten minutes, and it gives you a reason to gather everyone together later for the reveal — a natural high point that costs you nothing to plan.
Among christmas guessing jar ideas, this one travels everywhere: the office party, the classroom, the church hall, the family table on Christmas Eve. Add a custom label with the company name or the year and the jar becomes a small tradition people ask about again next December.
And because the jar is counted and sealed before it reaches you, the host gets to guess too. No one has spent an evening counting candy, and no one can be accused of tipping off a favorite — the number stays in the envelope until the reveal.
Candy we'd suggest
Jolly Ranchers
lower count — good for small groups
Jolly Ranchers are our red-and-green pick: the cherry and apple wrappers read as Christmas through the glass, and their lower count relative to the small candies keeps guesses close together, which is perfect for a smaller party where you want a real contest.
How to run it
- 1Order the jar with your candy and, if you like, a custom label with the company name, the family name or the year.
- 2Print the free kit and set out the table sign and entry slips where people put down their drinks.
- 3Collect guesses through the party, or all week if the jar lives in the office kitchen.
- 4Gather everyone, read the sealed number aloud, and send the closest guess home with the prize.
Get the jar
A one-gallon glass jar of the candy you choose, filled, counted and sealed by us. The official number ships in a sealed envelope, so nobody knows it — not even you — until it is opened at the reveal.
See the Guessing JarFree printable contest kit
Entry slips, a table sign, official rules, a host tally sheet and a winner certificate — customize them with your event name and prize, then print or download the PDF. Free, no account needed.
Get the free printable kitFrequently asked questions
Is this good for an office party?
It is one of the few party games that works without volunteers, a microphone or teams. Set the jar out, let people guess all week, and do the reveal at the party.
Can we add the company name or year to the jar?
Yes — add a custom label, then either upload your own artwork or fill in one of our templates with the name and date.
When should we order for a December party?
Jars are made to order and ship in about seven business days, so place the order a few weeks ahead of the party date.
More guessing jar ideas
Guess the count, drop your business card. It is the oldest trade show booth game there is, and it still works better than a bowl of branded pens — because a jar of candy stops people who had no intention of stopping.
The guess how many baby shower game is the one guests actually play. It waits on the gift table, it needs no host to explain it, and it gives the shy cousin in the corner something to do. All you do is set it down.