New Year’s Countdown Categories
Take this game to the party.
Download the instructions and game materials in your preferred edition. Each PDF is 3 pages. Print only the pages you need.
US Letter • Single-sided • For A4, choose Fit. Browse all printables
Choose a category and give everyone a sheet of paper. Start with 60 seconds on the clock. Each round gets a slightly shorter timer.
What you need
- Paper
- Pencils
- Timer
A phone timer is handy for timed rounds. Set out supplies before guests arrive, and give the group one practice turn if the rules are new to them.
How to play
- In round one, players list as many different answers in the category as they can in 60 seconds.
- Compare lists. Give one point for each valid answer, even if another person wrote the same answer.
- Choose a new category for a 45-second round, then another for a 30-second round.
- Add all three scores. Decide questionable answers together and accept reasonable interpretations consistently.
Prompts and round ideas
- Foods served at parties
- Things that sparkle
- Places to celebrate
- Songs with a color in the title
- Things you can do in a minute
- Words that describe winter
Make it work for your group
For a mixed-age group, play in adult-child pairs. Keep all rounds at 60 seconds for a relaxed game.
A host’s note
Avoid categories that depend on expensive travel or niche knowledge unless everyone enjoys that topic.
Plan your party flow
Explain the aim before handing out supplies, then demonstrate one turn. Let guests join as a player, helper, or spectator. Stop while the group is still enjoying the game rather than adding extra rounds just to fill time.