Every clue is in your hands
Each case is a dossier of replica documents — crime-scene photographs, autopsy notes, newspaper clippings, handwritten letters and witness statements. Spread them out, examine every detail and piece together what really happened. Stuck? Built-in hints keep you moving, and the full solution is there when you're ready.
Analyse the evidence · Follow the leads · Name the killer
A cosy Christmas whodunit for 1 to 4 detectives
Cold case files are self-paced detective casework rather than a scripted role-play, which makes them perfect for smaller groups. One person can play sleuth solo, a couple can put their heads together, or the whole family can pool their theories. Everything you need to investigate is in the file, so there's no host to prepare and no cast to organise. In "Where Is Santa?" a beloved figure has vanished on the most important night of the year, and only careful reading of the evidence will reveal what really happened.
How festive detective games work
You examine documents, spot the inconsistencies, connect names to motives and commit to your conclusion before you check the solution. There's no rush and no wrong pace. If you enjoy this style of puzzling, browse the wider Cold Case Files range for year-round casework, or explore our Christmas murder mystery games when you want a bigger, louder gathering around the table.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Christmas cold case game?
It's a self-guided detective game built around a festive unsolved case. You work through real evidence at your own pace and deduce who did it, making it ideal for a cosy night in rather than a big party.
How many people can play a cold case file?
Anywhere from 1 to 4 detectives. Play it solo, as a couple on date night, or as a family working the clues together over the holidays.
Can I play "Where Is Santa?" on Christmas Eve?
Yes. Choose the digital version and you can download and print it the same evening, then start investigating whenever suits you.
Do I need to be good at puzzles?
Not at all. The case rewards careful reading and a bit of teamwork rather than specialist knowledge, so it suits newcomers and seasoned armchair detectives alike.
Some mysteries don't need a full dinner party to solve. Pour something warm, spread the evidence across the kitchen table and settle in for a festive whodunit you work through at your own pace. Our Christmas cold case files hand you a genuine case to crack over the holidays: sift the witness statements, cross-reference the clues and follow the trail until the truth comes into focus. Whether it's a quiet date night by the tree or an afternoon with the family while the turkey rests, this is detective work you can lose an hour to and feel clever for finishing.
A cosy Christmas whodunit for 1 to 4 detectives
Cold case files are self-paced detective casework rather than a scripted role-play, which makes them perfect for smaller groups. One person can play sleuth solo, a couple can put their heads together, or the whole family can pool their theories. Everything you need to investigate is in the file, so there's no host to prepare and no cast to organise. In "Where Is Santa?" a beloved figure has vanished on the most important night of the year, and only careful reading of the evidence will reveal what really happened.
How festive detective games work
You examine documents, spot the inconsistencies, connect names to motives and commit to your conclusion before you check the solution. There's no rush and no wrong pace. If you enjoy this style of puzzling, browse the wider Cold Case Files range for year-round casework, or explore our Christmas murder mystery games when you want a bigger, louder gathering around the table.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Christmas cold case game?
It's a self-guided detective game built around a festive unsolved case. You work through real evidence at your own pace and deduce who did it, making it ideal for a cosy night in rather than a big party.
How many people can play a cold case file?
Anywhere from 1 to 4 detectives. Play it solo, as a couple on date night, or as a family working the clues together over the holidays.
Can I play "Where Is Santa?" on Christmas Eve?
Yes. Choose the digital version and you can download and print it the same evening, then start investigating whenever suits you.
Do I need to be good at puzzles?
Not at all. The case rewards careful reading and a bit of teamwork rather than specialist knowledge, so it suits newcomers and seasoned armchair detectives alike.
Cold Case Questions
How do I receive my cold case file game?
It's an instant digital download. The moment you check out you get access to play — nothing is posted, so you can start tonight.
Do I need to print anything?
No printing required — you can play entirely on a computer or tablet. If you'd rather spread the evidence out on a table, you're welcome to print the documents too.
How many people can play?
Play solo, or team up with a partner or a small group. They're ideal for date night or a quiet night in.
How long does a case take?
Most cases take around 1–2 hours, and there's no timer — investigate at your own pace and pick it back up whenever you like.
Can I play it more than once?
Each case has one solution, so the reveal lands hardest on your first play. Many detectives pass their solved case on to a friend afterwards.
What age are they suitable for?
Most cases suit teens and adults. A few — such as our Jack the Ripper case — contain mature true-crime themes; the product page flags anything stronger.