Last updated: October 26, 2026
The solo cup Christmas tree punch game is a prize board where guests punch through tissue paper to win whatever is hiding in each cup. You can build it in about an hour with a poster board, plastic cups, and a handful of small prizes.
It works for kids, adults, and mixed crowds, and the board doubles as party decor. Here is exactly how to build it, fill it, and play it.
What You Need For A Solo Cup Christmas Tree Punch Game
Start with a large white foam board or a trifold poster board so your tree has a sturdy backdrop. You also need plastic cups in green for the tree itself, a few red cups to act as ornaments, and a brown cup or a scrap of brown cardstock for the trunk.
Gather tissue paper or plastic wrap to cover each cup, along with a hot glue gun or strong double sided tape and a bag of rubber bands. Choose bright tissue paper so every cup looks like a tiny wrapped gift.
Cut your tissue into squares a couple of inches wider than the mouth of a cup so you have extra to pull snug and secure. A gold paper star for the top and a marker for any labels will finish the look.
Finally, collect the prizes that will go inside the cups, which we cover in a moment. Having everything laid out before you glue a single cup keeps the build fast and stress free.
How To Build The Cup Tree
Lay the board flat and lightly sketch a triangle tree shape in pencil so your rows stay straight. Build from the top down, with one cup at the point and one extra cup in every row below it.
A tree with seven rows uses 28 cups, which fills a large poster board nicely. If you want a smaller tabletop version, drop to five rows and use 15 cups instead.
Fill each cup with its prize before you attach it. Cover the opening with a square of tissue paper pulled snug and hold it in place with a rubber band around the rim, or with tape if you prefer a cleaner look.
Glue the base of each cup to the board with the opening facing outward, so players punch straight into the prize. Work in rows, mix in your red cups as ornaments, and let the glue set fully before you stand the board up.
Add the brown trunk at the bottom and the gold star at the top. Lean the finished tree against a wall or tape it to a door at a height where everyone can reach the top rows.
How To Play The Solo Cup Christmas Tree Punch Game
Gather your guests in front of the tree and decide the turn order, whether that is going around the circle or drawing names from a bowl. Each player picks one cup and punches through the tissue paper to claim whatever is inside.
Have players use a light punch or a finger poke since there is a board behind each cup. A gentle jab tears the tissue just as well and keeps knuckles safe.
Whatever a player pulls out is theirs to keep. Leave the empty cup in place after it is opened so the tree keeps its shape and everyone can see which cups are still waiting.
For a bigger group, give each person one turn per round and run extra rounds until the cups are gone. Younger kids can go first while the prizes are still full and exciting.
If you want a little suspense, let players shake or study the tissue before choosing. Some guests will take a full minute deciding, and that hesitation is half the entertainment.
Prize Ideas To Hide In Every Cup
The best tree mixes a few big prizes with plenty of small ones, so every punch feels like a win. Candy, stickers, mini erasers, and dollar store trinkets work well for the bulk of your cups.
Tuck folded cash into a few cups for a bigger payoff, using small bills so the prizes stay fun at any budget. Gift cards, scratch-off tickets for adult parties, and small ornaments also make exciting top-row rewards.
Add a few silly surprises like a joke slip, a dare card, or a single piece of coal candy to keep the mood light. Skip small hard items such as coins or tiny toys when toddlers are playing, since they can be a choking hazard.
Plan your prizes before you start gluing so you know how many cups hold something special. Placing the best prizes in the top rows or on the red ornament cups gives players something to aim for.
Fun Ways To Change Up The Game
Turn the board into a bingo game by writing numbers on slips and placing one in each cup, then giving every guest a bingo card to match. Whoever completes a row first wins a bigger prize from the host.
For a gag gift version, fill the cups with funny small gifts and let players keep or trade them at the end. This is a great fit for office parties and friend groups where laughter matters more than prizes.
Family nights work well with a kids only tree filled with candy and stickers, built at a lower height on a table. Use a task or dare cup for older groups, with slips like sing a carol or tell a holiday joke before collecting the prize.
You can also run a team version where each team shares the winnings and a scorekeeper adds up the points written on slips. The setup stays the same, and only the way you hand out rewards changes.
Why This Game Works So Well At Holiday Parties
This game earns a spot on holiday party lists because anyone can play it without learning a single rule. The torn tissue, the surprise inside, and the cheering crowd create a small moment of excitement with every turn.
It also serves as decor before and after the game, since the finished tree looks cheerful on a wall or table. You can build it ahead of time and let it stand as part of your holiday setup until the party starts.
Because each cup holds a different prize, the game stays interesting even for guests who watch for a while before playing. It also scales easily, since a bigger tree or a second board handles a larger crowd.
The cost stays low too, since cups, tissue paper, and a poster board are cheap and you control how much goes into the prizes. Set a budget per cup and the whole tree can fit almost any party, from a small family night to a big office gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cups do I need for the tree?
A seven row tree uses 28 cups, and a five row tabletop tree uses 15. You can add a few extra cups for the trunk and for backups in case one tears during the build.
What should I use to cover the cups?
Tissue paper is the most popular choice because it tears easily and looks festive. Plastic wrap also works if you want guests to see a hint of the prize, but it can be harder to punch through.
Can I reuse the board for another party?
Yes, you can reuse the board by replacing the torn tissue and refilling the cups with new prizes. Gluing the cups firmly means they stay in place through many rounds.
What are good prizes for kids?
Stickers, candy, small toys, and erasers all work well for children. Keep any small items away from toddlers and little ones who might put them in their mouths.
Does the game work for adults?
Absolutely, and adults often get the most competitive. Gift cards, scratch-off tickets, small bills, and funny gag gifts keep grown up guests just as excited as the kids.
Try The Solo Cup Christmas Tree Punch Game At Your Next Party
The solo cup Christmas tree punch game turns a handful of cups and a poster board into a prize wall your guests will remember. Gather your supplies, hide a mix of treats inside, and let everyone take a turn at the tree.
Set it up before the party starts and you will have an easy, festive game ready to go the moment people arrive.
For more holiday fun, check out How to Play the Left Right Christmas Game (Rules, Story, and Prizes).
You might also like 21 Christmas Party Games for Adults That’ll Keep Everyone Laughing.
