The Christmas Party Game Your Guests Actually Want

The cookies are out, the playlist is on its third loop, and someone just suggested charades. Save the party with a murder case the whole room solves together — everyone on their own phone, no printing, no one stuck playing gamemaster.

This year's case is The Secret Santa: a CEO collapses mid-toast at the office holiday party, minutes before the gift exchange — and every coworker in the room has a motive. Can your party name the killer before the last gift is opened?

Start a Room — Try FreeGet the Christmas Case

First case free · No download · 40–50 minutes · 2–8 players

The case: The Secret Santa

It's the annual Ellison Digital holiday party, twelve floors up. Moments after raising his traditional eggnog toast — and minutes before the Secret Santa exchange — CEO Douglas Ellison collapses in front of the whole company. The office blames a catering mix-up with his famous nut allergy. The medical examiner blames murder: someone dosed the one drink at that party only the boss would ever touch, and made sure his EpiPen was gone when he reached for it.

Your group works the evidence together: the lab report, a keycard log with nine unexplained minutes, an intern's party montage video, a toast that was never finished, and a walnut-oil receipt someone hoped would stay buried. Six suspects from every office you've ever worked in. Figure out how it was done, catch the lie, and name the killer.

How it plays

One person starts a room in the browser and shares the link or QR code. Everyone joins from their own phone, tablet, or laptop — no downloads, no accounts. Evidence drops in stages, and different players catch different details, so the room fills with theories fast. Interview suspects, pin clues to the shared board, debate the timeline, and submit your answer when the group thinks it's solved.

Built for the holiday party

• 2–8 players — works for a cozy friends' gathering, family game night, or the fun table at the office party; 4–8 is the sweet spot.
• Fits before the gift exchange. A case runs 40–50 minutes — start it while the mulled wine warms and finish before anyone opens a present.
• An office full of suspects — a fictional one, thankfully: the ambitious VP, the passed-over manager, the intern with the stolen idea, the office gossip, and more, each with something to hide.
• Perfect for work parties too. It's set at an office holiday party, so the jokes write themselves — and small teams can race to crack the same case.
• Plays in person or apart. Gather around a TV, or share the link with friends and family celebrating in another city.

Frequently asked questions

What are good Christmas party games for adults?

The best Christmas party games for adults need zero prep, scale to whoever shows up, and don't make one person play host all night. A murder mystery you solve together checks every box.

How many people can play?

2–8 players per room. That covers a small friends' gathering, the fun end of an office party, or family game night after the presents — and it works over a video call.

Do we need to download or print anything?

No. It runs in any browser. One person starts a room and shares the link or QR code; everyone else taps in.

How long does a game take?

About 40–50 minutes — perfect between dinner and dessert, or before the gift exchange.

How much does it cost?

The first objective (Canvas of Death) is free for the whole group. The Christmas case, The Secret Santa, is a one-time $4.99 unlock for the host — everyone else plays free. Detective Club members get it at no extra cost.

Is it okay for a work holiday party?

Yes — it's set at an office holiday party, and it's a classic whodunit with motives, alibis, and office politics, not gore.