Reindeer Scramble: One of Our Favorite Christmas Reindeer Games (Printable)
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I originally made this Reindeer Scramble Game for my kids to play over winter break. I love finding Christmas games that get everyone around the table together, and this one turned into some pretty fierce competition!
It was so much fun watching the kids work in teams, trying to remember all nine reindeer names while scrambling through their letter tiles to spell each one. They were so proud when their team finished first! The trick is giving each team its own complete set of letters so everyone can race at the same time.
Although we played it at home, I would absolutely have taken this into my classroom as a Christmas party game. It’s a fun, seated team activity that doesn’t need much space. I’ve updated the printables into one game PDF, with a separate sign for the envelopes, to make setup easier.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Scramble Game
- A table game that doesn’t require running or much space
- A fun way to remember all nine of Santa’s reindeer names
- Easy supplies and printer-friendly letter tiles
- Flexible for a family game night or classroom Christmas party
What You’ll Need for the Reindeer Scramble Game
- Reindeer Scramble Game printable PDF (instructions, 54 letter tiles, answer key, and spare blank tiles)
- large Reindeer Scramble envelope sign PDF
- Scissors
- A large envelope for each team
- Glue or tape for attaching the sign to the envelope
Printing tip: Print every page of letter tiles in the game PDF for each team, and print the envelope sign as needed. The blank replacement tiles are optional.
Safety note: Always supervise children during crafts and activities. Adults should handle the scissors when cutting out the letter squares.
How to Make the Reindeer Scramble Game
Step 1: Print a complete set of the letter-tile pages for each team. Each set should contain 54 letters—enough to spell all nine reindeer names at once.
Step 2: Cut apart the tiles along the dotted lines, keeping each team’s set together.
Step 3: Cut out the large Reindeer Scramble sign and glue or tape it to the front of an envelope. Make one envelope for each team.
Step 4: Put a complete set of tiles inside each envelope and keep it closed until game time. Save the printable answer key for checking.
How to Play the Reindeer Scramble Game
- Divide the players into teams and give each team an envelope. Keep envelopes closed until the game starts.
- Explain that the goal is to use the scrambled letters to spell all nine reindeer names.
- Say “Go!” Teams open their envelopes, spread the tiles across the table, and assemble the names.
- The first team to correctly form all nine names using every letter wins. Check the answers against the key.
Santa’s Reindeer Names (Answer Key)
The nine names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph. The game PDF linked in the supplies section includes the letter tiles, instructions, and a printable answer key.
Using the Reindeer Scramble as a Christmas Classroom Game
For Christmas classroom games, prepare one envelope for each table or small group ahead of time. That allows everyone to play at the same time without needing much floor space.
You can adapt this reindeer names game for different ages: younger players can use the answer key as a guide while matching letters, and older students can race without clues or use a timer.
Melissa’s Tips for the Reindeer Scramble Game
- One set per team: Print all of the letter-tile pages for every team; don’t split one set between groups.
- Count the tiles: There should be 54 letters per envelope. The blank replacement page is extra.
- Keep the answer key handy for checking all nine names.
- Adjust the challenge: Allow a reference list for younger children, or hide it for older players.
- Try a timed round: See if teams can beat their own times on a second attempt.
Reindeer Scramble Game FAQs
How many people can play the reindeer scramble game?
You can play with one group or multiple teams. Just print one complete set of 54 letter tiles for each team.
What ages is this game best for?
Kids who recognize letters and can spell words can help. Younger children may enjoy matching tiles to the answer key with assistance, while older kids and adults can play without clues.
How long does the game take?
The timing depends on the ages and number of players. For a scheduled party activity, set a timer and see how many names each team can finish.
Is this one of the best reindeer party games for a big group?
It’s a practical option for bigger groups because everyone can play at the same time while seated. Prepare enough envelopes and letter sets for the teams.
How do you spell all of Santa’s reindeer names?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph. The printable game packet also includes an answer key.
printable 4 are 5 are missing letters???
Right. I included some blank cards, just in case some letters are missing or some cards get messed up in transport, etc… You should still have all of the letters needed for Santa’s reindeer. Please, let me know if there are some missing, and I will get right to work.
Hi Melissa thank you for the reply. I double checked and the only one missing is an “E”. There are 6 but 7 are needed. We want to play this on Saturday. Thank you!
Thank you for double checking. I will add another “E” within the hour! You should be able to access it soon.
Looks fun and I did print it out. There are 49 letter given with one page only having Z, T, E, L. The Reindeers listed need 59 letters. I will figure out which letters I will need to play the game. Just letting you know that the game pieces are not complete.
Oh my! I will print it out and double check, as well. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll let you know if I add another printable to the mix. 🙂
I just printed them and double checked. They are all accounted for with a few extras. You might want to check that you have printed 7 pages of letters (that includes the one with Z,T,E and L). The blank spaces on that card are just in case some get lost and you need to make your own letter blocks at the last minute. Hope this helps. 🙂