The Santa Says Game is a Christmas twist on the classic Simon Says activity, perfect for kids who need movement, laughter, and clear listening rules. Santa gives holiday-themed commands—some real and some tricky—and players must react quickly without getting caught making the wrong move. As an early-childhood educator creating playful group activities since 2013, I design Christmas games like Santa Says to support attention, teamwork, and confidence. If you need an easy, high-energy idea for your classroom, family gathering, or winter party, this page explains how to set up the Santa Says Game and keep kids fully engaged.
How to Play the Santa Says Game
The Santa Says Game works in any open space where kids can move safely. One child (or an adult) becomes “Santa” and leads the round by calling out commands. The rule is simple: kids should only follow directions that start with “Santa says.”
Basic commands
To get started, try these easy prompts:
- “Santa says march like a toy soldier.”
- “Santa says tiptoe like an elf.”
- “Santa says freeze like a snowman.”
Follow up with a tricky command to test listening skills:
- “Jump like a reindeer!” (without saying Santa says)
Players who move at the wrong time are “out” for the round. After a minute or two, choose a new Santa to keep the energy fresh. This rotation helps all children feel involved and maintains enthusiasm throughout the game.
For a complete story-driven challenge, check out The Christmas Mystery investigation game where children must find Santa’s missing reindeer.
Santa Says Commands and Ideas
Adding different Christmas-themed actions keeps the Santa Says Game exciting and unpredictable. Below are commands you can mix into your rounds:
- Pretend to wrap a present
- Act like you’re carrying a big sack of toys
- March in place like toy drummers
- Pretend to decorate a tall Christmas tree
- Walk slow like a sleepy polar bear
To transition toward variations, remind kids that Santa can change movement tempo, gestures, and silly challenges at any moment.
If your group loves hidden rules and surprise challenges, try our Santa’s Secret Instruction listening game for another fast-paced Christmas activity.
Variations to Keep the Game Fun
You can easily adapt the Santa Says Game for different age groups, energy levels, or holiday settings. Here are simple formats that work well:
- Speed Santa: Commands arrive faster every round.
- Freeze Round: Anyone moving after “Santa says freeze” is out.
- Team Santa: Two Santas give mixed directions.
- Holiday Props: Add hats, bells, or paper snowflakes.
- Silent Santa: Use gestures instead of words.
These twists improve replay value and help children practice flexible thinking and quick reactions.
To mix movement and quick reactions, check out the Christmas Switcheroo circle challenge — perfect for large groups and parties.
Why Your Kids Will Love the Santa Says Game
Children enjoy the Santa Says Game because it combines movement, humor, and predictable rules with surprise moments. It’s easy to understand and perfect for mixed-age groups.
- Kids love fast holiday movement challenges
- Listening turns into a game instead of a rule
- No waiting—everyone participates at once
- Encourages imagination and festive energy
- Helps shy children join in without pressure
- Works indoors, outdoors, and in classrooms
End each round with claps and cheers to keep motivation high throughout the session.
Looking for a brain-boosting holiday activity? Kids will love our Christmas trivia quiz for families, ideal for classrooms and gatherings.
Educational Benefits of the Santa Says Game
The Santa Says Game supports essential skills in a playful Christmas setting. It strengthens focus and encourages cooperation.
Skills developed include:
- Listening and attention control
- Gross-motor coordination
- Reaction time and movement planning
- Group cooperation and turn-taking
- Cognitive flexibility
- Confidence and leadership
- Following structured rules
These benefits make Santa Says ideal for teachers, families, and holiday group organizers who want activities that mix fun with development.
Looking for more festive ideas? Browse all our group Christmas games for kids in our holiday activities category.
FAQ – Santa Says Game
Before starting the Santa Says Game, here are quick answers to common questions from parents and educators.
It’s a Christmas version of Simon Says where participants follow holiday commands only when they begin with “Santa says.”
The game works well from age 5 and up, and can be adapted for older kids.
Most groups enjoy 10–15 minutes of active play per round.
No special supplies are required—just space to move safely.
Yes, it’s perfect for winter classroom movement breaks and Christmas parties.
These short responses help adults prepare quickly and encourage confident gameplay.
Designed for Learning and Fun
At Party Games for Kids, we provide group activities that blend creativity, movement, and learning. With more than ten years of experience as an early-childhood educator, I focus on games that are simple to organize and meaningful for children.
- Fast and stress-free setup
- Works for families, classrooms, and large groups
- Encourages focus, teamwork, confidence, and listening
- Adaptable holiday variations
- True screen-free play
If you want ready-to-play holiday adventures, explore our Christmas printable mystery and treasure hunt kits created by Treasure Hunt for Kids.
