When it gets dark early, there’s nothing better than gathering around a table with a great board game. These top picks prove that there’s plenty of fun to be had while staying indoors.

As winter settles in and you spend more time inside, you can’t go wrong by passing some evenings with an old-fashioned game night. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get away from screens and spend some quality time with your loved ones. If you’re looking for some games to play on a cozy night in, there is no shortage of fantastic options out there.

Classic Comforts

Classic titles are always a good place to start when it comes to picking board games to play. Tried and true games like Monopoly, Clue, or The Game of Life are all familiar, easy to learn, and spark just enough competitiveness to keep things exciting for hours at a time.

Or, if you feel like you’ve played the originals too many times, then consider some modern variations. Monopoly Deal, for example, turns the sometimes plodding original into a card-based showdown. Clue: Harry Potter Edition adds a magical twist to the classic whodunit, while The Game of Life: Super Mario Edition swaps carpool lanes for power-ups and boss battles.

Winter-Themed Adventures

Lean into the weather with games that match the scene outside of your window. A Game of Thrones, a strategy board game inspired by the books and TV show, allows you to take over the vast expanse of the North (as well as the rest of the Seven Kingdoms).

For something a little cozier, Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries offers a beautifully themed experience where you connect snowy railways across Scandinavia. Or, if you appreciate standout storytelling, the atmospheric survival game Dead of Winter, which takes place during a zombie apocalypse, is sure to impress.

Strategy and Slow Burns

For games that take longer and require strategic thinking, classics like Catan and Risk are a perfect choice. Catan invites players to build settlements, trade resources, and outwit opponents for control, while Risk offers world domination in board game form. Both are ideal for players who enjoy a bit of planning, patience, and playful competition.

While a little more relaxed, Carcassonne also requires planning and strategizing as players take turns building medieval landscapes of roads, cities, and fields. The Winter Edition adds a charming seasonal touch, blanketing the board in snow-covered tiles.

Lighthearted Picks

When you’re looking for a game that’s fast and fun, Exploding Kittens will deliver. This popular and chaotic card game combines luck, bluffing, friendly sabotage, and offbeat humour into a game that is sure to keep everyone laughing. Each round lasts only around 15 minutes.

For a similarly fast-paced option with a bit more strategy and a wintery theme, Hey, That’s My Fish! is a charming penguin-themed game where players compete for fish as the ice underneath them breaks apart. The 30-minute play time ensures that it never feels like a drag.

A fun board game can transform an otherwise boring evening into a social and enjoyable affair. It’s a great reminder that the winter season is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect.