the night before christmas

The Night Before Christmas is an interactive murder mystery party for 12-15 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.

(Note that if you click on the link below and buy The Night Before Christmas, I will earn a little commission.)

the story

It is Christmas Eve, 1948.

The socialite Evington-Browne family (“E-B” to their friends) and guests are preparing for their annual cocktail party, held at the family’s hunting lodge in the White Mountains north of Boston.

A fierce storm has now set in, and the party finds itself cut off from the rest of the world.

This is unfortunate, as the valet of one of the guests has been found dead in the kitchen...

how the night before christmas works

The Night Before Christmas is an interactive murder mystery game. All the players receive complete details of their character, including a detailed backstory, objectives they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.

They also have item cards (that represent paintings, poison and even the fabulous “Dazzling Diamonds”) and abilities (that let them detect secrets and 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

The Night Before Christmas has different plots to keep everyone busy. For example, there is a cat burglar, the bestowing of the diamonds themselves, various family secrets - and the murder to solve.

The cast includes:

John Evington-Browne III: Respected businessman and head of the family.

Rose Evington-Browne: John’s much-loved wife.

Patrick Evington-Browne: John and Rose’s 20-year-old son.

Evie Evington-Browne: John and Rose’s 21-year-old and wilful daughter.

Tracy Evington-Browne: John and Rose’s youngest (16 years old) and mischievous daughter.

Priscilla Evington-Browne: John’s elderly and often forgetful aunt.

Agatha Marbles: Priscilla’s elderly English friend and allegedly famed detective.

James Pemberton: Rose’s brother. Art dealer and traveller.

Charles Pemberton: James’s son, a student at Harvard.

Dr. Bruisyard: Retired family doctor and friend.

Miles Earnshaw: Unexpected guest, friend from Rose’s youth.

Soames: Butler/Housekeeper.

Dinah Peters: Cook (temporary stand-in for usual cook).

Reggie Haven: Young socialite friend of Evie’s.

Christy Crompton: Young fellow-student friend of Patrick.

the details

IInstead of a formal dinner party, The Night Before Christmas is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.

Everyone needs to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.

The Night Before Christmas needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game.

how to purchase the night before christmas

The Night Before Christmas is available from Freeform Games.

Click here to buy The Night Before Christmas for $29.99 USD.

You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - just follow the instructions to purchase The Night Before Christmas. You will then be emailed the location of the main The Night Before Christmas pdf files and password (to unlock it) almost immediately.

Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!

or download the free intro file

For more information about The Night Before Christmas, click here to download the free introductory pdf file , which includes more details: background, a full cast list, costume guide and invitations.

Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy The Night Before Christmas.)