The Grump Who Stole Christmas
A murder mystery party game for 6–14 players · For adults · 2.5 hours · Play on phones or print · From $34.95
Who put the 'slay' in sleigh bells?
The story
The annual Hootown holiday gala at The Mount Crumpit Lodge promised festive cheer, but beneath the tinsel, tensions simmered. Ebenezer Snoot, Hootown's universally disliked, iron-fisted mayor, was the guest of dishonor. Known for his extravagant vanity projects and a notorious habit of holding grudges against nearly everyone, Snoot had made many enemies. Whispers of illicit affairs, secret financial dealings, and long-held betrayals swirled among the guests. As the evening progressed, a shocking discovery plunged the Lodge into chaos. Now, an investigation must uncover which of the many resentful attendees finally snapped, silencing the grumpiest man in Hootown amidst a web of forbidden desires and bitter rivalries.
Setting: The Mount Crumpit Lodge, a precarious, over-decorated resort perched dangerously on a jagged peak overlooking the festive town of Hootown.
The characters
- Grizelda Greenskin, The Cynical Hermit: As a young hermit, you were once a productive member of society until a bad experience with a carolers' quartet drove you to the mountains. Now, you only…
- Cindy-Lou Whoops, The Fallen Star: Everyone remembers you as the little girl who caught the Christmas thief, but that was twenty years ago. Now, you’re a struggling influencer trying to keep…
- Officer Orville Overbite, The Bumbling Lawman: You’ve 'solved' three crimes this year, all of which involved inanimate objects 'stealing' people's keys. The town tolerates you because you look great in the…
- Professor Percival Pine-Needle, The Mad Botanist: A respected member of the Hootown Science Academy, though your recent lectures on 'The Secret Language of Ornaments' raised some eyebrows.
- Trixie Tinsel-Toes, The High-Strung Decorator: The woman responsible for the 'Glow of Hootown'. You are a local hero for your lighting displays, but your assistants tend to quit after three days.
- Barnaby Bell-Ringer, The Loudest Neighbor: Everyone knows Barnaby; you can hear him from three towns over. He is the official timekeeper and gossip-spreader of Hootown.
Optional characters for bigger parties
- Holly Mistletoe, The Scheming Socialite: You are the undisputed queen bee of Hootown's high society, famous for your impossibly lavish parties and your even more impossibly high standards. Everyone…
- Frosty Jack, The Washed-Up Ski Instructor: You're the resident ski pro at the Mount Crumpit Lodge, a local legend whose best days are behind him. You're known for your dazzling smile, your questionable…
- Carol Crooner, The Ambitious Lounge Singer: You are the sultry voice of the Mount Crumpit Lodge's 'Frostbite Lounge,' performing holiday classics with a jazzy, dramatic flair. Everyone knows you have a…
- Jingle Jangle, The Disgruntled Toymaker: You are Hootown's most famous toymaker, the creative genius behind this year's must-have toy. Everyone knows your workshop is the heart of Hootown's Christmas…
- Rudy Reindeer, The Jaded Reindeer Handler: You're the head reindeer wrangler for Hootown's annual Christmas parade, a job your family has held for generations. Everyone knows you can calm the most…
- Noel Knick-Knack, The Obsessive Collector: You are known throughout Hootown for your singular, all-consuming passion: collecting limited-edition 'Jolly Holly' ceramic reindeer. You are a walking…
- Cole Black, The Brooding Poet: You are Hootown's resident tortured artist, known for performing your gloomy poetry at the local coffee shop. You find the town's relentless cheer to be a…
- Angel Flake, The Overly-Enthusiastic Event Planner: You are the mastermind behind the Jingle-Bell-Brawl, Hootown's most celebrated event planner. You are a whirlwind of energy, known for your color-coded…
What's included
- The Game Room: run every round, clue, accusation and the final reveal from your phone, tablet or TV
- Invitations with RSVP, and a private character page sent to each guest
- Narrator audio for each round
- A host guide and a printable kit if you prefer paper
Price by party size
- 6 players: $34.95
- 8 players: $42.95
- 10 players: $50.95
- 12 players: $58.95
- 14 players: $66.95
Up to 200 people can play in large group mode, with detective teams and an event license: see murder mystery events for 15–200 guests.
Questions
How much acting is required for the characters in this adult murder mystery game?
This murder mystery party game is perfect for those who love quirky character work and lighthearted roleplay. From the cynical Grizelda Greenskin to the 'sweetheart' Cindy-Lou Whoops, the roles are designed to be fun and accessible for all comfort levels. Each player receives 'sordid details' and hidden motives, making it an ideal murder game for adults who want to lean into a Hollywood-style comedy. It is an immersive murder mystery game where the 'whodunnit' is driven by hilarious dialogue and absurd secrets like sentient tree projects and secret opera careers.
What makes 'The Grump Who Stole Christmas' the best murder mystery game for a festive holiday event?
This murder mystery party theme blends high-altitude hilarity with a classic holiday parody, making it a standout choice for any festive gathering. Hosting this adult murder mystery party at the 'over-decorated' Mount Crumpit Lodge offers a unique comedy twist on the season. Unlike a dark thriller, this mystery party uses ridiculous elements like a 'Heart-O-Meter' prop and a pudding vat to create an immersive murder mystery game experience that keeps guests laughing while they hunt for the 'pudding-cide' culprit in Hootown.
Do I need elaborate props or a specific venue to host 'The Grump Who Stole Christmas' murder mystery dinner party?
Not at all! While the story is set on a jagged peak overlooking Hootown, this murder mystery party kit is designed for easy hosting in any home or rented space. You can enhance the vibe with 'precarious' tinsel or a mock 'Golden Ornament' award, but the core of the murder mystery dinner party game is the sharp comedy and scandalous character secrets provided. It is one of the best murder mystery games for hosts who want a high-impact Hollywood/TV atmosphere without needing a professional stage setup.
How many people can play?
6 to 14 players. The 6 main characters are included for $34.95; add up to 8 more at $4.00 each ($42.95 for 8, $58.95 for 12, $66.95 for 14).
Can a large group play?
Yes. In large group mode some guests play the characters and everyone else joins detective teams, up to 200 people. Large group mode comes with a Non-profit or Business license.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Guests get their characters and clues on their phones, and the host runs each round, the accusations and the reveal from the Game Room, with narrator audio and a TV mode. A printable kit is included if you prefer paper.
How long does the game take?
About 2.5 hours, played over several rounds, usually alongside dinner or drinks.
How soon can I start?
Straight away. The game appears in My Games right after checkout, where you can send invitations and assign characters.
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