Santa Says: Christmas Game Rules and Commands
Santa Says is a Christmas twist on Simon Says. Follow Santa's moves only when he says so. Get easy rules, 30 command ideas and tips for toddlers to adults.
Players3+Ages3+Time10 minutes
What You Need
Santa Says is a no-prep action game. One player is Santa, and everyone else only does a move when Santa says it first.
How to Set Up
- Pick a player to be Santa. Give them a hat.
- Have everyone stand in a line or a loose group facing Santa.
- Make sure there is room to hop and wiggle.
Command List
Santa says…
- Hop like a reindeer.
- Shake like a snowman in the wind.
- Wrap an invisible present.
- Ring a jingle bell.
- Pull the sleigh.
- Stand still like a tree.
- Put on your mittens.
- Make a snow angel on the floor.
- Ho-ho-ho three times.
- Tiptoe like an elf.
- Pat your belly like Santa.
- Eat a cookie.
- Fly your sleigh with your arms.
- Shiver like it is very cold.
- Throw an invisible snowball.
- Climb down a chimney.
- Hang a star on the tree.
- Spin like a snowflake.
- Jump over a snow pile.
- Hug yourself to stay warm.
- Sing the first line of a carol.
- Wave to the neighbors.
- Pat your head.
- Tie your boots.
- Pretend to drink cocoa.
- Wiggle your nose like Rudolph.
- Roll a big snowball.
- Stretch up to the sky.
- March like a toy soldier.
- Tuck yourself in bed.
How to Play
- Santa gives a command. If it starts with “Santa says,” everyone does the move.
- If Santa gives a command without those words, no one should move.
- Anyone who moves by mistake sits down for one round, or does a silly dance.
- Santa can speed up or trick players, like doing the move while saying a different one.
- Play until one or two players are left, or until time is up.
Scoring and Winning
The last player standing becomes the next Santa. For little kids, skip eliminations and cheer for every move.
Tips for a Fun Game
- Start slow and speed up.
- Santa should do the moves too, then try to trick players.
- Sit-out players can be “elves” who help watch for mistakes.
- Keep rounds short for toddlers.
Variations
- Little kids: Skip being out and give a high-five to everyone who tries.
- Freeze dance: When music stops, everyone freezes. Anyone who moves is out.
- Adults: Use harder commands like “Santa says touch your left ear with your right hand.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Santa Says?
The leader gives commands. Players only do an action if the command starts with 'Santa says.' If they move without it, they are out or lose a turn.
What are good Santa Says commands?
Use actions like hop like a reindeer, shake like a snowman or wrap an invisible present. This page has 30 ideas.
Can adults play Santa Says?
Yes. Speed up the commands and add tricky ones to make it harder.
