For family calls across the miles
Christmas video call games for family and friends
The best Christmas video call games run in a web browser, so everyone plays on their own phone or tablet while the call stays open. Punchline is a free meme caption game that works this way: send one link, there’s nothing to download or sign up for, and it takes 2 to 16 players with a family-friendly setting.
By SidewaysDuck, maker of Punchline. Last updated 26 October 2026.
What works on a family video call
- Everyone on their own screen. Games where each person plays on their own device beat anything that relies on a shared screen, which is hard to read on a phone.
- A second device helps. Keep the call on the laptop or TV and play on a phone. Doing both on one phone is possible, but fiddly.
- No apps or accounts. The fewer passwords involved, the fewer relatives you lose before the first round.
- Something for every age. Writing captions suits teenagers and grandparents alike, because nobody needs to know the latest memes to write a good line.
- Short games. About 15 minutes, so you can fit one in between the King’s speech and the cheeseboard.
How to set it up
- One person (usually the cousin who fixes everyone’s printer) opens punchline.party, picks a name and presses start.
- In the lobby, tick Safe memes only if there are younger players or anyone you’d rather not explain a meme to.
- Paste the invite link into the family group chat, or into the chat on the call.
- Everyone opens the link, types a name and picks a cartoon character. No downloads, no sign-up.
- Start with three rounds so everyone gets the hang of it, then play a proper game.
Tips for mixed ages
- Team up. Put a grandparent and a grandchild on one phone. One has the jokes, the other knows where the buttons are.
- Give slow typists more time. The host can set the caption timer anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes.
- Let people just watch. Anyone who’d rather not write can open the link and choose Just watch and vote. They see every meme and still get a say.
- Read them out. On a call, have someone read each caption aloud as it’s revealed. It’s the best bit.
Which video call app?
Any of them. Punchline runs in the browser, separately from the call, so it works the same alongside Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp video, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Discord. Everyone keeps the call open and plays on their phone or in another tab. There’s more on hosting in the guide to video call games.
Other things to try on the call
Mix the meme game with a few traditions that need nothing but the call: a quick quiz about the year, judging everyone’s Christmas jumper, or guessing what’s in each other’s presents before they’re opened. The round-up of free browser party games has drawing and word games too, if your family likes variety.
Questions
What games can you play on a Christmas video call?
Browser games where everyone plays on their own phone work best. Punchline is a free meme caption game you can start with one link: everyone writes a caption for a random meme, then the family votes. Drawing and word games that run in the browser also work well.
Does it work on FaceTime, WhatsApp and Zoom?
Yes. Punchline runs in the browser alongside any video call app. Keep the call open and play on a phone or in another tab.
Is it suitable for children?
The host can tick Safe memes only for a gentler set of templates, and the darker Unhinged memes are off by default. Captions are written by the players, so it is as tame as your family makes it.
Do grandparents need to download an app?
No. They open the invite link, type a name and play in the browser. Nothing to install and no account to make.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 16 players in one room, and up to 50 more can watch and vote as the audience.
Is it free?
Yes. Punchline is free with no ads and no sign-up.