Bring mystery and laughter to your holiday party with Where’s Santa?, a Christmas twist on the classic Wink Murder game. Perfect for kids ages 5 and up, this fun indoor or outdoor game blends observation, quick thinking, and a festive touch—ideal for Christmas parties, classroom games, or family gatherings.
Game sheet
Before diving into the action, here’s what you need to know at a glance:
- Number of players: From 6 children
- Age range: 5 years and older
- Supplies needed: None
- Location: Indoors or outdoors
- Play time: 10–30 minutes
This setup makes Where’s Santa? the perfect low-prep activity to play anywhere, anytime—at home, at school, or during a winter celebration.
Discover our ready‑to‑print “Christmas Detective Adventure” for kids aged 4‑5 on Treasure Hunt for Kids.
How to Play Where’s Santa?
Get ready to spread some holiday suspense with this cheerful Christmas guessing game. Here’s how to play:
- Ask all players to sit in a circle.
- Choose one child to be Rudolph. That player temporarily leaves the room.
- While Rudolph is out, secretly choose another child to be Santa.
- Rudolph returns and stands in the center of the circle to begin their mission: find out who is Santa!
- Santa starts winking discreetly at other players. When a child is winked at, they shout “Ho, Ho, Ho!” and are out of the game.
- Rudolph must observe closely without rushing. Once they identify the real Santa, they name them.
- If correct, Santa becomes the next Rudolph. If not, the game continues until Rudolph figures it out.
This game works best with good lighting and lots of giggles. Encourage children to bluff by pretending to look suspicious or misdirect attention—it makes the game even more fun!
Bring even more festive laughter to your celebration with our A to Z Christmas Holiday word challenge, a fun vocabulary race that gets everyone thinking fast.
Game Variations
To make the game even more exciting, here are some easy-to-apply variations:
- Double Santa: Choose two Santas instead of one to increase the challenge and confusion!
- Time challenge: Give Rudolph a countdown (e.g., 1 minute) to find Santa or the role passes to another child.
- Christmas sound twist: Instead of saying “Ho, Ho, Ho,” the winked-at players must make a specific sound effect like jingling bells or a Christmas song lyric.
These versions help adapt the game to different group sizes or energy levels—perfect for large parties or smaller classroom activities.
Kids who love acting games will enjoy the Christmas Charades guessing game, where players mime holiday scenes, songs, and characters for hilarious moments.
Why Your Kids Will Love Playing Where’s Santa?
Where’s Santa? is more than just a holiday game—it’s a festive mystery full of laughter and surprises. Here’s why kids love it:
- They get to play secret roles like Santa or Rudolph.
- It’s a fast-paced, fun game that gets everyone involved.
- No materials or setup needed—just a circle of friends and some holiday spirit.
- The playful guessing keeps them engaged and giggling.
- It’s perfect for both small and large groups, making it great for school parties or family fun.
This game brings joy and energy to any Christmas celebration—and keeps kids coming back for more.
For something more active, try the Decorate the Tree relay challenge, a fast-paced team race to “dress up” a Christmas tree with creative twists.
Educational Benefits of Where’s Santa?
Beyond the fun and laughter, Where’s Santa? also supports child development. Here’s how:
- Boosts observational skills: Kids must watch others carefully to detect the wink.
- Encourages focus and memory: Rudolph has to recall who’s been winked at and analyze body language.
- Develops social intelligence: Children practice subtle cues, facial expressions, and reading emotions.
- Teaches patience and turn-taking: Every child gets their moment to play Santa or Rudolph.
- Promotes rule-following: Everyone must follow clear instructions to make the game fair and enjoyable.
This makes Where’s Santa? a smart, engaging activity that blends learning with festive fun.
If you’re looking to test your group’s knowledge, the Christmas Trivia Quiz for kids is the perfect way to combine fun, laughter, and learning.
FAQ – Playing Where’s Santa? with Kids
- Can I play Where’s Santa? with younger children (under 5)?
It’s best for ages 5+, but with simpler rules (e.g., no bluffing), younger children can enjoy it too. - How many players is ideal?
6 to 10 players works great, but it’s adaptable to larger groups. Just make sure Rudolph has enough time to observe. - Can we play this outside during a winter event?
Absolutely. Just ensure players are seated safely and warmly dressed. You can even play around a campfire or under a tent. - Is this game suitable for classroom parties?
Yes! Teachers love it because it requires no setup and keeps the whole class engaged.
Add a touch of mystery with our Christmas Who Am I? identity‑guessing game, where players ask clever questions to uncover their festive persona.
Designed for Learning and Fun
At Party Games for Kids, we design games that create unforgettable moments:
- Story-driven action: Each game has a theme kids can step into
- Easy to learn, quick to play: Designed for instant setup
- Developed by a children’s activity expert with 10+ years of experience
- Perfect for classrooms, birthday parties, or family events
- Encourages creativity and cooperation in a playful way
Ready to bring joy to your Christmas gathering? Where’s Santa? is the perfect blend of fun and mystery for a festive celebration!
Looking for more fun ideas? Browse our full selection of classic Christmas group games for kids on Party Games for Kids — easy to organize, joyful, and ideal for festive gatherings of all sizes.
Designed for Learning and Fun
At Party Games for Kids, we believe classic group games are a fantastic way for children to have fun while developing essential skills. Each game is carefully selected for its ability to create joyful, inclusive moments—whether at a birthday party, in a classroom, or during family gatherings.
Our games are:
- Easy to explain: Clear instructions so kids can start playing right away
- Adaptable for all ages: Simple to tweak depending on the age group or setting
- Great for groups: Perfect for classrooms, parties, or playgrounds
- Encouraging social interaction: Build communication and cooperation through play
- Rooted in tradition: Rediscover the timeless games kids love across generations
We’re committed to making it easy for parents, teachers, and group leaders to bring active, screen-free fun to children—without any prep or special materials needed.
Discover our ready-to-play printable Christmas mystery and escape kits on Treasure Hunt for Kids — designed by an early childhood educator and perfect for magical holiday adventures at home or school.
