Christmas Lies
Christmas Lies is a Christmas-themed movie murder mystery party for 16-32 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Christmas Lies I will earn a small amount of commission.)
the story
Set in the modern day, Christmas Lies takes place during the Christmas party for Christmas Confidential, a fabulously successful holiday movie.
However, all is not well as the star, Tom Speed has died suddenly in a car crash last night.
Was it foul play?
(Go on - take a guess...)
(By the way, if this all sounds very familiar, it's because Christmas Lies is the same game as Hollywood Lies, but with a horror-movie theme. Hollywood Lies is included when you purchase Christmas Lies.)
how Christmas lies works
Christmas Lies is an interactive murder mystery game, so all the players receive complete details of their character, including a detailed backstory, objectives that they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.
They also have item cards (that represent scripts, awards, and so on), and abilities (that let them detect secrets find out information about other people).
In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back to any other style.
the plot
Christmas Lies has a number of different plots to keep everyone busy.
For example, there is mysterious dealings of the Post-Modern Freeform Movement, a motor racing club needing a new president, affairs - plus of course a murder to solve.
On top of all that, Christmas Confidential's producers are all looking to make the next big movie - so they will be wheeling and dealing and need directors, actors and screenwriters for their movie.
At the end of the party, the producers and their crew act out a scene from their movies for everyone to enjoy - and vote for the next winner of Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress.
the cast
The cast of Christmas Lies includes:
- Movie producers
- Movie stars
- Screenplay writers
- Bit-part actors
- Agents
- Journalists
- A hypnotist
- A detective
- A private eye
And more...
All of the cast are gender neutral and can be played by either men or women.
and kids can play too!
Christmas Lies is suitable for kids aged twelve and over.
I suggest that an adult is host, but Christmas Lies is suitable for kids parties.
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, Christmas Lies is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.
Everyone needs to be able to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.
Chrtistmas Lies needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game. They play the Master/Mistress of Ceremonies.
I really enjoy being the host - you know what's going on and can watch your friends scheme and plot and be devious to one another. (Note that if you're playing Christmas Lies with kids then I recommend that an adult hosts the party.)
Non-seasonal versions included
Christmas Lies includes, free of charge, Hollywood Lies (the non-Christmas version) and Halloween Lies (the Halloween-themed version).
how to Purchase Christmas Lies
Click here to purchase Christmas Lies from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase Christmas Lies.
Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!
Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy Christmas Lies.)
Does Christmas Lies come with a money-back guarantee?
Does Christmas Lies come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes!
Freeform Games offer a cast-iron guarantee on all their murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with Christmas Lies then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Christmas Lies suitable for?
What age is Christmas Lies suitable for?
Freeform Games suggests Christmas Lies is suitable for anyone aged 12+. You can play it with kids or adults - or a mixture of both!
How long does Christmas Lies take to play?
How long does Christmas Lies take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Christmas Lies. While the game itself takes 2.5-3 hours to play, I recommend allowing time to introduce the game and wind down after.
Where's my download?
Where's my download?
Shortly after buying Christmas Lies you should receive an email from Freeform Games explaining how to download the game files.
If you haven't received this, please first check your spam filter - sometimes the emails end up there.
If that fails, please get in touch directly with Freeform Games - with the details of which game you bought, when you bought it, and which email address you used. Or contact me (with that same information) and I'll get in touch for you.
How many guests will I need?
How many guests will I need?
You need at least 16 guests and no more than 32.
If you have fewer than 16 guests you will have to drop a character (which may affect the plot), or play a character yourself (not ideal, but I talk about it here), or even ask a guest to play two characters at once.
If you have more than 32 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Christmas Lies.
Can I host Christmas Lies and also play a character?
Can I host Christmas Lies and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Christmas Lies. The organize and coordinate the party. They also act as an impartial "referee" - so it's important that they have read the game and understand what is going on.
So I recommend not playing a character and hosting the game.
But if you still want to host a game and play a character (or you have to because a player cannot attend), I have advice on doing that here.
New game
The Show Must Go On! - an English amateur dramatics themed themed murder mystery for 9-13 guests.
Don't know where to start?
Here's my suggested quick route through the site:
Step 1 - Go to Choosing a Game to choose the game that suits your party best.
Step 2 - Review the Tips for Hosts for helpful advice.
Step 3 - If you want to keep up to date with the latest murder mystery game news, click on my What's New page.
Step 4 - Once you've had your party - tell me how it went! Click here to tell me your murder mystery party story.
Got a question? Click here to go to the FAQ.
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