How to Host Merry & Bright’s Holiday Heist The Complete Holiday Mystery Party Guide
Transform your holiday gathering into a cozy winter whodunit at Snowhaven Chalet. This guide shows you exactly how to set the mood, print your materials, assign characters, prep your space, and run one of the most unforgettable parties of the season—stress-free.
- Theme: Festive holiday mystery at Snowhaven Chalet
- Players: 12–22
- Format: Printable, mingle-style, easy to host
- Best For: Families, friends, coworkers, Friendsmas
- Prints On: 8.5 x 11 US Letter
“Very simple to manage for a fun evening. Prep time is only a few hours at most… The characters are great!”
— Rebecca, Host of Merry & Bright’s Holiday Heist
What You Get in Merry & Bright’s Holiday Heist
Host Playbook & Setup Guide
You’ll receive a clear, easy-to-follow host guide that walks you through printing, character setup, Stage One mingling, Stage Two accusations, and the final reveal. Perfect for first-time mystery hosts.
Character Packets for 12–22 Guests
Every guest becomes a quirky Snowhaven Chalet character with their own motives, secrets, and festive backstory. Flexible casting lets you host with 12–22 players without changing the story.
Printable Objectives, & Accusation Sheets
You’ll get printable prompts, accusation sheets, and supporting materials to guide the mystery naturally. These give even quieter guests something fun and structured to do.
Two-Stage Mingle-Style Gameplay
Stage One gets everyone chatting and uncovering secrets. Stage Two focuses on accusations, theories, and the big reveal. No scripts—just natural interaction.
Print-Friendly 8.5x11 PDFs
Designed for home printers (color or black & white). Print exactly what you need for your guest count. Can also be printed at Staples, Office Depot, or any copy shop.
Instant Download & Host Support
Files are available immediately after purchase. Have questions? Our support team replies within 24 hours—even on weekends during peak holiday season.
How Merry & Bright’s Holiday Heist Works (In 3 Simple Steps)
You don’t need acting skills, improv experience, or hours of prep. If you can print pages and read from a host guide, you can run this game. Here’s how the holiday heist flows from start to finish.
Step 1: Download Your Files
After purchase, you’ll get instant access to your PDFs. Open the host guide first—it gives you a quick overview of the story, characters, and how the heist plays out.
Step 2: Print & Assign Characters
Print the character packets, objectives and any signage you want to use. Assign characters before the party or hand them out as guests arrive—both options work great.
Step 3: Host the Heist at Snowhaven Chalet
Follow the host guide through Stage One (festive mingling and secret-sharing) and Stage Two (accusations and reveal). Guests chat, laugh, and try to piece together who’s behind the missing jewel.
You can run this in a living room, office, Airbnb, or clubhouse—no stage, props, or complicated tech needed.
Cozy Holiday Costume Ideas for Your Guests
Guests don’t need full costumes to enjoy the game. Simple layers and accessories are enough to feel like they’ve just checked in at Snowhaven Chalet.
• Cozy sweaters or cardigans
• Dark jeans or leggings
• Wool socks or slippers
• Scarves or beanies
• Simple winter jewelry (snowflakes, stars)
• Jewel-tone dresses or button-ups
• Blazers, shawls, or faux-fur wraps
• Sparkly earrings or statement necklaces
• Holiday ties or bow ties
• Dress shoes or boots
• Name tags from the game kit
• Reading glasses or sunglasses indoors
• Mismatched winter prints
• Santa hat, reindeer antlers, or elf accessories
• A “signature item” (clipboard, notebook, cocoa mug props)
Tip: Encourage guests to “shop their closet” instead of buying costumes. Most looks can be pulled together with cozy layers and a fun accessory or two.
How to Set Up Snowhaven Chalet in 15 Minutes
You don’t need elaborate décor or a giant space to pull this off. A few simple touches will make your living room, office, or rental feel like a cozy chalet hosting a slightly chaotic holiday gala.
Pick one main space for guests to mingle—a living room, open office area, or dining room. Make sure people can move around and chat, not just sit in rows.
2. Set Up a Simple “Host Station”
On a small table, keep your host guide, extra character sheets, pens, and any clue cards you’ll need for Stage Two. This is your control center during the game.
3. Lay Out Character Packets & Name Tags
You can either place character packets at each seat with name tags, or keep them at the entrance and hand them out as guests arrive at Snowhaven Chalet.
4. Create a Cozy Holiday Atmosphere
Add a few easy touches: fairy lights, battery candles, a simple garland, and soft background music. You don’t need to transform the whole house—just one main area.
5. Designate a Spot for the Reveal
Make sure you have a space where everyone can gather for the accusation and final reveal moment—a living room seating area, around the dining table, or near a faux “fireplace”.
Décor Ideas for an Instant Chalet Glow-Up
You can fake a beautiful chalet look with:
String lights and battery candles
A neutral tablecloth + a plaid runner
One small artificial tree or a bowl of ornaments
A stack of wrapped “gift” boxes as props
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Holiday Heist FAQ
Is this a digital download or a shipped game?
This is a digital, printable game. After purchase, you’ll receive instant access to PDF files you can print at home or at a copy shop. No physical items are shipped.
How many people can play Merry & Bright’s Holiday Heist?
The game is most comfortable with 12–22 players. You can play with fewer by doubling up parts, or with a few extra guests as “non-essential” characters who still join in the fun.
How long does the party take?
Most groups finish in about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on how much guests like to chat, snack, and linger between stages.
Do guests have to act or memorize lines?
No memorization needed. The game is mingle-style, guided by character prompts and objectives. Guests can lean into their roles as much—or as little—as they want.
Is there an actual “murder,” or is it just a heist?
This version focuses on a holiday jewel heist and cozy chalet intrigue, making it a great option for families, workplaces, or groups who prefer a lighter mystery theme.
What if I’ve never hosted a mystery game before?
You’re exactly who this is designed for. The host guide breaks everything into clear steps so you always know what’s happening next.
Ready to Host Your Own Holiday Heist at Snowhaven Chalet?
Print your game, pour the cocoa, and get ready for secrets, accusations, and a lot of holiday laughter.


