Mystery Max and the Manger Mishap

This year’s Christmas mystery is finally here… and it might be my coziest Clubhouse case yet.

Mystery Max and the Manger Mishap takes place on the morning of the clubhouse’s big Christmas luncheon. The room is decorated, the nativity scene is almost complete, and the kids are buzzing with excitement—until someone notices that Baby Jesus is missing from the manger.

Instead of a dark or scary mystery, this game leans into the heart of the season: curiosity, friendship, teamwork, and that familiar habit of jumping to conclusions when we don’t have all the facts.

This printable, role-based mystery game is perfect for homes, co-ops, clubs, or classrooms. There are 6 essential characters plus 4 optional roles, making it flexible for small or larger groups. Play time is typically 30–60 minutes, depending on how talkative your detectives are.

• Work together to solve the mystery
• Practice listening, speaking, and sharing what their character knows
• Think critically about clues and assumptions
• Learn a bit about a Christmas tradition woven into the final reveal

There’s no villain in this story, only a holiday misunderstanding that becomes a fun chance to learn and laugh together.

Get the Printable:

I hope your kids have as much fun solving this one as I had writing it.