The North Pole Prankster | Printable Christmas Mystery Game for Kids

Someone is causing mischief at Santa’s workshop! Signs are pointing the wrong way, chairs are covered in bows, and the sleigh bells have disappeared. Can your junior detectives follow the clues and catch the North Pole Prankster?

This printable Christmas mystery takes children through three rounds of evidence as they investigate six elf suspects, compare clues, and decode a secret message. Finish the adventure by awarding each detective their own North Pole Prank Patrol certificate!

A festive activity for family game nights, holiday parties, homeschool gatherings, and classroom celebrations.

Game details

• Suggested ages 7–11
• Play individually, together, or in detective teams
• Approximately 20–30 minutes of gameplay
• Adult reading support recommended for younger children
• Cooperative investigation with no acting roles to memorize

What’s included

One 11-page PDF containing—

• Illustrated game cover
• Host instructions and setup guide
• Opening story and detective mission
• Six illustrated suspect cards
• Suspect reference sheet
• Nine clue cards across three evidence rounds
• Detective worksheet
• Solution and story ending
• North Pole Prank Patrol certificate

How to play

1. Download and print the PDF.
2. Cut out the suspect and clue cards.
3. Read the story and release the evidence one round at a time.
4. Compare clues, decode the message, and make your accusation.
5. Reveal the solution and award the certificates!

You’ll need a printer, paper, scissors, and pencils. Three envelopes are optional for organizing the evidence rounds.

Printing and delivery

• Digital PDF download
• US Letter size, 8.5 × 11 inches
• Print single-sided using “Fit to printable area”
• Certificate prints in landscape orientation
• Print additional worksheets and certificates for your group
• Finished PDF supplied as designed
• No physical item will be shipped

Usage terms

For personal use or use with your own classroom or group. File sharing, resale, redistribution, and commercial reproduction are prohibited. Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final once downloaded.