A Very Merry Mystery: How to Host the Ultimate Christmas Whodunnit

Christmas is the season for sleigh bells, secret Santas… and solving a sinister crime. If you’re ready to mix holiday cheer with thrilling intrigue, look no further than a WhoDunnit Dinners Christmas murder mystery. Whether you’re stepping into the sparkly, drama-filled world of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Murder”, or skiing into a frosty web of espionage in “The Spy Who Came In With A Cold,” we’ve got the tips to help you host a festive mystery that will sleigh your guests!

1. Set the Scene: A Winter Wonderland of Suspense

Transform your home into the perfect backdrop for murder, with just the right mix of holiday spirit and chilling intrigue.

• For “Have Yourself A Merry Little Murder”:
  Deck your space in the tackiest, most over-the-top Christmas sweater vibes you can muster—think tinsel, pom-poms, and glitter galore. Set up a mock “design studio” with sketchpads, measuring tapes, and fabric swatches to immerse guests in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Christmas sweater-making.

• For “The Spy Who Came In With A Cold”:
  Go for a luxurious ski chalet vibe—faux fur throws, snowflake decorations, and a roaring (or fake) fireplace. Scatter spy gadgets like old-fashioned briefcases and mysterious-looking envelopes around the room for a touch of Cold War-era mystique.

• For Other Themes:
  Add subtle Christmas touches like fairy lights, snow-dusted garlands, or festive table settings to any of our games. A Victorian lamp can add charm to “Murder on the Leyton Orient Express” or a sprig of mistletoe can add drama to “Murder in the League of Supergirls.”

2. The Menu: Festive Feasts with a Deadly Twist

Food and drink are the heart of any party, and a Christmas Whodunnit is no exception.

• Murderous Main Dishes:

  • Roast Turkey with “Suspicious Stuffing”
  • “Deadly Cranberry Sauce”
  • “Sinister Sprouts” (you know someone will hate them!)

• Killer Desserts:

  • Poisonous (but totally edible) “Murderous Mince Pies”
  • “Fatal Fruitcake” slices

• Themed Drinks:
  Serve “Holiday Espionage Punch” (a mulled wine with a hint of mystery) or a “Secret Agent Martini” for the spies among you.

3. The Plot Thickens: Adding Festive Flair to the Storyline

Each WhoDunnit game comes with a ready-to-go script full of twists, turns, and enough red herrings to keep your guests guessing. But don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of Christmas magic to the plot!

• For “Have Yourself A Merry Little Murder”, include clues hidden in wrapped presents or on Christmas sweater designs. Perhaps a suspect left a telling piece of evidence under the tree!

• In “The Spy Who Came In With A Cold”, why not add a festive spin to espionage? Hide a secret code in a Christmas cracker or use a bauble to conceal classified information.

• For "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightClub" you can put clues in Christmas cards that the friends might give to each other 

4. Flex Your Festive Creativity for Any Game

Even if your chosen mystery doesn’t scream “Christmas,” you can still sprinkle in holiday cheer. For example:

• Turn “Murder at the Down-at-Heel Abbey” into a Christmas Eve family feud gone wrong with all the Christmas decs and traditional carols playing
• Make “Bump Off At the Bake Off” into a festive edition of the show
• Add seasonal props like stockings, mistletoe, or snowflake patterns to any game.

With WhoDunnit Dinners, the possibilities are endless—and endlessly fun. So, gather your friends, don your tackiest sweaters, and get ready to deck the halls with crime-solving brilliance. Merry sleuthing, everyone!