Top Tips for Organising a Christmas Backyard Sports Day

Christmas is the perfect time to gather family and friends for some fun, and what better way to celebrate than with a backyard sports day? Whether you're playing cricket, having a tug-of-war, or tossing water balloons, a Christmas sports day is a great way to keep everyone entertained. 

In this guide, we'll share simple tips on how to plan, set up, and make the most of your backyard for a fun and festive day. From choosing the right games for all ages to the essential gear you'll need, we'll help you create a Christmas celebration full of fun and cheer.

Planning your Christmas sports day

Organising a Christmas backyard sports day requires a bit of planning to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone has a great time. From setting up the space to choosing the right games, a well-thought-out plan can turn your backyard into the perfect venue for a festive day of fun. In this section, we’ll cover how to get your space ready, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and create an atmosphere that’s both safe and festive.

Setting up the backyard for sports

Setting up your backyard properly is key to making your Christmas sports day both fun and safe. First, you’ll need to ensure there’s enough space for everyone to play and move around comfortably. Marking out boundaries for each game, such as a cricket pitch or volleyball court, will help keep things organised and prevent accidents. If you're tight on space, you can always use cones or markers to define the play areas.

Safety should be a priority when setting up. Make sure to clear the yard of any potential hazards, like rocks, garden tools, or tripping hazards. It's also important to think about comfort for both players and spectators. Consider creating a shaded area with a pop-up canopy or setting up a few foldable chairs where people can take breaks, hydrate, and watch the action.

Finally, think about the flow of the day. Having snack tables or hydration stations set up near the playing area ensures people can easily grab a bite or a drink between games, keeping the energy levels high throughout the day.

Choosing the right games for all ages and skill levels

When planning a Christmas backyard sports day, it’s important to choose games that everyone, from kids to grandparents, can enjoy. The key is to balance classic sports with lighthearted activities that can be easily modified for different skill levels. By mixing competitive games with fun, inclusive options, you ensure everyone can join in, whether they're seasoned athletes or just in it for some holiday fun.

Start by selecting games that are simple to understand and don’t require complex rules or intense physical exertion. Classic sports like cricket, soccer, or touch football can be adapted for all ages by simplifying the rules or making smaller teams. For example, you can reduce the field size or make soccer a non-contact, low-stakes game.

In addition to the classic sports, mix in some easy-going and fun games like sack races, water balloon toss, or tug-of-war. These activities not only add a festive touch, but they also give everyone a chance to get involved, no matter their fitness level. Tailor the difficulty by adjusting the game’s pace or making it more lighthearted to ensure everyone has a good time.

Top backyard games and activities for Christmas day

Now that your Christmas backyard sports day is all planned out, it’s time to dive into the fun part – the games! This section will cover a variety of backyard games that are perfect for everyone, from energetic kids to relaxed adults looking to join in the festivities. Each game can be tailored to suit different ages and skill levels, ensuring a good time for all.

Cricket

Cricket is a favourite for many backyard sports days in Australia and New Zealand, making it an essential game for your Christmas event. It’s simple to set up and can be played by everyone, regardless of age or experience level.

To set up a backyard cricket game, all you need is a bat, a ball, and a set of stumps—or if you don’t have stumps, you can easily use objects like chairs or a tree as a target. Make sure the playing area is clear of obstacles, and if possible, choose a flat surface for running and fielding. For a fun festive touch, try using a bright red or green ball to match the holiday spirit.

The rules can be as simple or as competitive as you like. A popular option is "Australian rules," where batters can hit the ball anywhere around the field, and runs are scored by running between makeshift stumps. If you have younger players, consider using a soft ball or making the game shorter to keep things fun and safe.

Soccer or touch football

Soccer or touch football is another fantastic game for a Christmas backyard sports day, as it's easy to set up, requires minimal equipment, and is perfect for all ages. You don’t need a full-sized pitch—just clear a bit of space, set up makeshift goals (you can use cones or even large items like boxes), and you’re ready to go.

For a simplified version, opt for touch football, which eliminates the need for tackles, making it safer and more inclusive for younger or less experienced players. You can divide players into two teams, with the goal being to pass the ball and score by crossing the opposing team’s goal line. If you’re playing soccer, adjust the rules to accommodate younger children by making the goals smaller or using a softer ball to reduce the chance of injury.

To add a festive twist, you can use red and green balls or create teams based on Christmas colours. Everyone can join in the fun, from toddlers to grandparents, making this a highly versatile game that brings plenty of energy and excitement to the day.

Volleyball

Volleyball is another excellent option for a Christmas backyard sports day, providing a fun, competitive game that’s simple to set up and perfect for all skill levels. If you don’t have a traditional volleyball net, a portable pop-up net is a great solution. These nets are lightweight, easy to set up, and can be adjusted for different heights, making them suitable for kids and adults alike.

The rules for backyard volleyball can be adapted to suit your group’s skill level. For younger players or beginners, you can play with a softer ball and set up a smaller court. For those with more experience, keep the full rules for a more competitive match. To make it more festive, decorate the volleyball with red and green colours or even add Christmas-themed team names.

Volleyball is ideal for large groups, as it encourages teamwork and is a great way to get everyone moving. Whether you're playing a casual game or a more competitive match, it’s an exciting way to burn off energy while having fun in the sun. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated, and if needed, use shaded areas or pop-up tents to take breaks between games.

Sack races and relay races

Sack races are a classic and hilarious addition to any Christmas backyard sports day. They’re easy to set up and fun for all ages, making them an ideal choice for families and friends. To make it even more festive, you can use Christmas-themed sacks—like red and green or even ones with holiday prints. If you’re feeling extra creative, encourage everyone to wear Christmas-themed outfits or hats to add to the fun.

To set up, all you need are large sacks (or pillowcases for smaller kids) and a clearly marked racecourse. You can have players hop to a finish line or make it into a relay race where teams take turns. The beauty of sack races is that they require little space and minimal preparation, making them perfect for smaller backyards or larger outdoor spaces. For younger participants, you can keep the course short and add fun obstacles like cones or other easy challenges to make it more exciting.

Water balloon toss

Water balloon toss is a perfect game for a hot Christmas day, offering both fun and a refreshing way to cool off. You’ll need plenty of water balloons (go for red and green ones to keep things festive!) and a large open area for everyone to spread out.

To play, pairs of participants toss a balloon back and forth, with each successful catch allowing them to take a step further apart. As the game progresses, the distance increases, making it more challenging to catch the balloon without it bursting. The last team standing with an unpopped balloon wins the game!

Water balloon toss is an excellent way to involve everyone in a bit of friendly competition, and the splashes add a fun and refreshing element to your sports day. You can also add twists, like using only one hand to catch or tossing the balloon underhand. Just be sure to have plenty of balloons on hand—things can get wet and wild quickly!

Tug-of-war

Tug-of-war is a classic game that’s always a hit at Christmas backyard sports days. It’s simple, competitive, and a great way to get everyone involved, no matter their age or skill level.

To set up, all you need is a sturdy rope—consider using a red-and-white striped one to give it a Christmas twist—and mark a centreline on the ground. Divide your guests into two teams of equal strength and line them up on opposite sides of the rope. The objective is for each team to pull the rope past a designated point on their side, testing their strength and teamwork.

This game is ideal for groups, as it encourages both physical effort and cooperation. You can make it even more festive by having team members wear matching Christmas hats, team bibs, or even reindeer antlers to add a touch of holiday cheer.

Get everything you need for the ultimate Christmas

With these fun and festive backyard games, your Christmas sports day is sure to be a hit! Whether you’re organising a competitive game of cricket, a water balloon toss to cool off, or a tug-of-war with a holiday twist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember, the key to a successful Christmas sports day is creating an inclusive, fun atmosphere where everyone—young and old—can participate and make lasting memories.

Now that you’re ready to set up your ultimate Christmas backyard sports day, don’t forget to check out Rebel Sport for all the equipment and accessories you’ll need.