Christmas Bowling Game: DIY Rules and Setup

Christmas bowling turns cups or bottles into snowman pins that players knock down with a ball. It is easy to build and works on any smooth floor.

How to Set Up

1. Decorate each cup. Draw a snowman, a Santa or a reindeer face with markers. Tape paper hats on top if you like.
2. If you use bottles, put 1 inch of water or sand in each so they stand up.
3. Set up the pins in a triangle. Put 4 in the back row, then 3, 2 and 1 in front.
4. Mark a roll line with tape about 8 feet from the pins. Move it closer for little kids.
5. Keep a pencil and paper by the scoreboard.

How to Play

1. The first player stands behind the line.
2. They roll the ball along the floor at the pins. The ball may not be thrown in the air.
3. Count the pins knocked down. Write the number on the scoreboard.
4. Stand any fallen pins back up only after the player’s second roll.
5. The player gets a second roll at the pins still standing.
6. After two rolls, the player’s turn ends. Reset all 10 pins.
7. The next player takes a turn.
8. Play 5 rounds. Each player gets one turn per round.

Scoring and Winning

Each pin knocked down is one point. If a player knocks all 10 pins down on the first roll, give them a bonus of 5 points. The player with the highest total after 5 rounds wins.

Tips for a Fun Game

• Pick a soft ball so nothing breaks. A rolled-up pair of socks also works.
• Play on a hard floor or a table runner for the best roll.
• Name the pins after family members and call out who got knocked over.
• Use a chair as a gutter guard on each side if the ball keeps veering off.

Variations

• Little kids: Use 6 pins, place them close and let kids roll from 3 feet away.
• Team bowling: Add up scores for two-player teams.
• Trick roll: Roll the ball with the non-dominant hand or while sitting down.