Christmas Mystery Game: Easy Whodunit Rules

In this Christmas mystery game, a plate of cookies has vanished from the North Pole, and players must work out who took it. The story is ready to use, and the host knows the answer.

How to Set Up

1. Choose a host who will read the story and answer questions. The host does not play a suspect.
2. Copy each suspect card below onto a slip of paper. Fold them and put them in a bowl.
3. Each player draws a card and keeps it secret. Extra players are detectives.
4. Give everyone paper and a pencil.

How to Play

1. The host reads the story aloud: “On Christmas Eve, the big plate of 24 gingerbread cookies for Santa disappeared from the workshop table at exactly 7:00 pm. Only six people were nearby. Someone took the cookies.”
2. Each suspect reads their card aloud in turn. They must tell the truth, except the one thief, who may lie about one detail.
3. After all cards are read, players ask each other questions for 10 minutes.
4. The host gives a hint at minute 5: “Santa’s room had crumbs on the floor leading to the window.”
5. Each player writes the name of who they think took the cookies.
6. Everyone reveals their guess. Count the votes.
7. The host reads the answer.

The Suspects

• Elf Juniper: “I was wrapping gifts in the next room. I heard the window open once. I was alone.”
• Elf Pip: “I was feeding the reindeer and got hay on my hat. I did not go into the workshop.”
• Mrs. Claus: “I was in the kitchen making milk. I had flour on my hands. I saw a figure near the window.”
• Reindeer Comet: “I was in the stable. I smelled ginger in the air at 7:00.”
• The Snowman: “I was outside by the window. I saw no one. It is warm, and I was melting a bit.”
• The Toy Maker: “I was at the workbench with glue on my hands. I left once to find a ribbon.”

The Answer for the Host

The thief is Elf Pip. Pip said the hay was from the reindeer, but crumbs led to the window, and Pip is the only suspect who claimed not to go near the workshop. The Snowman saw no one because Pip came and went through the stable side. Elf Pip was hungry and left a ginger smell in the stable. Read this out and ask Pip to admit it.

Scoring and Winning

Every player who guessed correctly wins a point. The player who correctly guessed first, or with the best reason, becomes the Head Detective and wins the prize.

Tips for a Fun Game

• Dim the lights and read in a spooky but silly voice.
• Let suspects add small made-up details that are not in the card, as long as they do not change the answer.
• Take a short break before voting so players can think.
• Print a second story or change the names to match your family.

Variations

• Little kids: Skip the suspects and give three simple picture clues, such as crumbs, a hat and a window.
• Make your own: Change the stolen item to the star for the tree or the last cookie.
• Teams: Work in pairs to solve the case and share one vote.