How to play Pakkeleg, the Danish Christmas gift and dice party game

What is the Danish dice and present game called?

Pakkeleg (pronounced something like “packer-lie” and meaning “package game) is a traditional Danish party game played at Christmas. Suitable for grownups as well as kids, it is perfect for those families who enjoy a good-natured festive bicker, especially after a couple of drinks! Each guest brings a small wrapped gift (usually something cheap and cheerful like sweeties or a joke present) and you will also need dice and a timer.

Fancy some  more hygge family after dinner games for Christmas? Try our greedy dice game, Mia liar dice or find some more great free Danish printable fun and games here!

How to play

Round 1. Everybody starts by placing a small wrapped gift in the centre of the table. Players each take a turn each to roll the dice once; if a 6 is thrown, they may take a gift, then the play moves on until all the presents have been removed.

Round 2. Set a time limit (we generally go for 1 minute). Each player now has that amount of allotted time to roll the dice continuously and score as many 6s possible. Every 6 entitles them to steal a gift from another player. If a 3 is rolled, all gifts are passed to the person seated to the left, and if a 1 is rolled, you can steal a gift from anyone around the table and give it to someone else (you would think that everyone would be generous and give it to the person who has nothing, but that rarely happens!).

Once everyone has had a turn, all the presents are opened. Held og lykke (good luck!).