The Holiday Party Everyone Remembers

Most Christmas parties blur together: ugly sweaters, sugar cookies, and the same “Secret Santa” you regret every year. A murder mystery flips that on its head. Suddenly, Grandpa’s wearing a monocle, your best friend is a butler with secrets, and someone’s been dramatically poisoned by eggnog. It’s chaos—in the best way possible.

Why a Christmas Murder Mystery Works

• It breaks the small-talk curse. Even quiet guests have built-in conversation starters—clues, suspects, and over-the-top accusations.
• It feels like a movie night you get to star in. Everyone’s part of the story, and there’s no “audience”—just characters with questionable motives.
• It’s affordable. Printable mysteries from Megan’s Mysteries run around $30 for a full evening’s entertainment—less than ordering pizza for ten.
• It fits any crowd. Our kits are clean, funny, and family-friendly, so you can play with coworkers or cousins without cringing.

Choosing the Right Mystery Theme

Your Christmas mystery doesn’t have to be Santa-in-handcuffs (though that sounds hilarious). Choose a theme that matches your group’s vibe.

• Classic Adventure? Go with The Emerald Expedition—a jungle treasure hunt full of intrigue and danger.
• Western Christmas? Try Murder at Copper Gulch, a dusty frontier story where tempers flare faster than a campfire.
• Elegant 1930s Holiday? The Grand Gilded Express brings old-fashioned glamour aboard a vintage train. Perfect for fancy attire and cocoa served in teacups.

Set the Scene

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to make it magical. Dim lights, add candles or fairy lights, and cue up some background music.

• Décor: Mix Christmas with your theme—red poinsettias in whiskey bottles for the Wild West, garland-wrapped crates for the jungle, or gold accents and string lights for the train.
• Lighting: Warm and low. The goal is “cozy mystery,” not “interrogation room.”
• Music: Soft jazz, instrumental carols, or ambient tracks that fit the tone. (There are actual “1930s train ambience” playlists—yes, that’s a thing.)

Try It Out First

Want to test-drive the format before committing to a full 90-minute mystery? Try our free mini game! It’s short, simple, and guaranteed to get your group hooked.
“Play detective for fifteen minutes—no murder, no pressure, just laughs.”
Click Here

Food and Drinks: Make It Festive

You’re not catering the Met Gala. Keep it themed, cozy, and easy to eat between accusations.

• Snacks: Cheese boards, sugar cookies, cocoa, cider, or even a “poisoned punch” bowl for laughs (clearly labeled as safe to drink).
• Main course ideas: Chili and cornbread for a Wild West night, roast chicken with gold-wrapped chocolate coins for a train-themed dinner, or tropical skewers for an “expedition gone wrong.”
• Drinks: Hot cocoa bar, sparkling cider, or cranberry mocktails. Bonus points for themed names like “Sheriff’s Sarsaparilla” or “Detective’s Delight.”

How to Keep the Game Moving

Each Megan’s Mysteries kit comes with an easy-to-follow host guide, character envelopes, and evidence cards. Here’s how to nail the pacing:

• Round 1: Guests mingle, share their first clues, and size each other up. (It’s the small-talk round—but better.)
• Round 2: More secrets, plot twists, and a few shocking accusations.
• The Big Reveal: Everyone votes, awards are given, and the killer confesses dramatically. Cue the applause and dessert.

Dress Code: Half the Fun

Encourage costumes—it changes the energy completely.

• For The Emerald Expedition: Khakis, scarves, explorer hats, satchels.
• For Murder at Copper Gulch: Cowboy boots, vests, flannel, and a sheriff’s badge or two.
• For The Grand Gilded Express: 1930s glamour—suits, pearls, gloves, and maybe a fake mustache.
• For Christmas flavor: Add tinsel, red scarves, or a Santa hat to any of the above.

Bonus Tip: Combine It With a Gift Exchange

Instead of drawing names from a hat, hand out gifts based on in-game achievements. “Best Dressed” gets a holiday candle. “Most Suspicious” wins the last piece of fudge. Trust me—it makes the night legendary.

Wrap-Up

At the end of the night, take a group photo, reveal the winner (and the villain), and send everyone home bragging about their performance. You’ll probably hear, “We’re doing this again next year, right?” before you’ve even finished cleaning up.

Want to see how easy it is to host your own?
Play our free 15-minute mini mystery before your big event. It’s fast, funny, and family-friendly.
Click Here