Game difficulty
Beginner-Intermediate
Costume suggestions
The ugliest sweater you can get your hands on! Bonus points for a thrifted monstrosity (we love sustainability!)
Time to play
1.5-2.5 hours
Game play
Detective style freeform game where the host can play along
Plot
Ugly Sweater Murder Mystery Introduction To The Theme
The annual Ugly Sweater Party was sure to be a hit... people had been excited for months, ready to finally get into the holiday spirit. And with more than a few surprises planned in addition to the ugly sweater contest that everyone would kill to win, the night was sure to be... interesting. Yet no one realized just how interesting it would really get. While all of the guests were getting into the holiday cheer, exchanging gifts, comparing sweaters, and snacking on Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, something sinister was going on... and just as the ugly sweater competition’s winner was about to be announced, Johnny Goodwin was found dead. Johnny was the host’s brother, and he was found dead in the kitchen. He had been stabbed multiple times when he went to grab another tray of cookies, yet in doing so, he was murdered. A few items were found by his body, including a candy cane that was sharpened into a point, a paper snowflake, a golden bell, and a piece of red ribbon. It is up to you to figure out who murdered Johnny Goodwin. It could be any of you, and remember, no one knows who did it-- not even the killer themself! It is now time to figure out who had the motive, means, and opportunity to murder. Good luck!
Sample Characters (Actual Characters Will Vary Based on Number/Gender of Players)
Jennifer is hosting the ugly sweater party, and she has been planning it for months.
She is a party planner, and while she normally plans parties for other people, this one is finally for herself. Jennifer’s party planning services are highly sought after and she has many very rich and powerful clients,
and throughout the years she has met some very interesting people.
Elias is Jennifer’s assistant. He has only recently started working for Jennifer, but
he is already regretting taking the job. Jennifer can be harsh and overly aggressive, and Elias has to do a lot of busy work. Elias just wants his independence, and it feels like he has to make a decision: his job, or his freedom.
Darla Singer is a celebrity stylist, and she loves her job. Darla has worked for some of
the most famous people in Hollywood, and she is well-respected and highly sought after. Her services are seen to be some of the best in the business, and Darla has worked hard to earn such a great reputation. She often attends different social events and gatherings with her clients, and because of it, she has scored invites to some of the biggest events in the business.
Michael is a businessman. He can be very serious at times, but when he does let loose, he has a reputation for going a bit overboard. Michael just liked to have fun, and he doesn’t mind indulging in luxuries. He loves traveling and meeting new people, and he tried very hard to be liked-- in truth, Michael just wants to make friends, which can sometimes be hard given the competitiveness of his job.
Jeffrey is a Santa impersonator. He volunteers at the mall to raise money for the children’s hospital, and he loves it. When he isn't Santa, Jeffrey is a lawyer, but he much prefers the holiday spirit. Everyone knows him as a friendly, kind-hearted man, and he genuinely loves spreading Christmas cheer and helping out kids who need him.
Alice is an entrepreneur. She has started multiple companies, and she normally sticks with them for a couple of months before switching to something new. Alice is easily bored, but she enjoys trying and experimenting with new things. Some people criticize Alice for lacking commitment, but in truth she just likes to live life to the fullest.
What's in the Digital/Printable Ugly Sweater Party Murder Mystery Kit
Everything you need to host an unforgettable murder mystery party
Host Guide
Complete instructions for hosting the perfect ugly sweater party mystery
Introduction
Set the scene with our engaging story introduction
Character Packets
Detailed character backgrounds and secrets for each guest
Name Tags
Printable name tags for all characters
Voting Forms
Let guests cast their votes for the culprit
Confession
The dramatic reveal of the murderer's confession
Autopsy Report
Forensic details to help solve the mystery
Extras
Bonus materials including invitations and decorations
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.