How to Play Dirty Santa

Rules Full of Fun and Mischief!

Dirty Santa, also lovingly known as the game where holiday cheer meets ruthless strategy, adds a wicked dash of fun to your gift-giving traditions.

It’s all about trading, stealing, and scoring the best goodies in the gift pile while keeping the holiday spirit alive (and maybe plotting a little with a side of laughter). Here’s how to play this delightfully cheeky game:

Rule 1: Bring a Wrapped Gift

Before the party kicks off, each player needs to show up with a wrapped gift. Keep it within the agreed budget—whether that’s $10, $25, or “whatever you found on sale last Black Friday.”

The fun lies in the mix of gifts—some might be genuinely awesome, some might be ridiculous, but it’s all game for Dirty Santa.

Rule 2: Draw Numbers (aka Your Fate)

Each participant draws a number from a hat. The number you draw decides the order of who picks a gift and when. Player 1 gets the honor of going first and selecting from the gift pile. But don’t worry, the first won’t necessarily finish first—you’ll see why!

Rule 3: Unveil or Steal

When it’s your turn, you have two choices:

1. Pick a still-wrapped gift: Go on, choose one that catches your eye. Will it hold the newest gadget or some light-up reindeer socks? Time to find out.

2. Steal from someone else: Ah, the savagery of the season.

If someone nearby unwrapped something too cool (or hilariously awful), you can swipe it right out of their hands. If this happens, they’ll have to pick another unopened gift or steal from someone else. Yes, the thievery is contagious.

Rule 4: Stealing Rules

(To Keep It Somewhat Civilized)

While stealing is central to Dirty Santa, there are a few limits to keep the game from total chaos:

• A single gift can only be stolen three times during the game, after which it’s “locked” and can’t be stolen anymore. Looks like someone’s sticking with that foot-shaped candle!

• You can’t immediately steal a gift back from the person who just stole it from you. (Strategize, my friend. Strategize.)

Rule 5: Player 1 Gets the Last Laugh

After everyone has had their turn, the first player gets the final say. Yep, Player 1 can choose to swap their gift with anyone else’s—assuming that their desired prize isn’t already “locked” out of reach.

It’s a sweet and sneaky way to end the game. And there you have it—laughs, grudges, alliances, and some unforgettable holiday memories. Whether you walk away clutching a glorious prize or an ironic gag gift, Dirty Santa is sure to make your gathering a festive tale to tell.

Happy stealing.