Planning a New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party

Last Updated on November 26, 2023 by Canny Costumes

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection, and making memories with friends and loved ones. Hosting a New Year’s Eve murder mystery party can add an element of intrigue and excitement to your festivities. It’s a unique and engaging way to ring in the new year with a group of friends or family. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to plan and execute a memorable New Year’s Eve murder mystery party.

Step 1: Choose a Murder Mystery Game

The first step is to select a murder mystery game that suits the theme and size of your party. You can find a variety of murder mystery game kits online or at party supply stores. Consider the following when choosing a game:

• Theme: Select a theme that interests you and your guests. Common themes include the 1920s, Hollywood, or a classic “whodunit” in a mansion.
• Number of Players: Ensure the game accommodates the number of guests you plan to invite. Most games specify the ideal number of participants.
• Complexity: Some games are more intricate and challenging, while others are lighter and more suitable for casual players.
• Cost: Review the cost of the game kit and any additional materials you may need, such as props, costumes, and decorations.

Step 2: Send Invitations

Once you’ve chosen your game, create invitations that match the theme and set the tone for the party. You can send physical invitations, use digital invites, or even create a dedicated event page on social media. Make sure to include the following details:

• Date, time, and location of the party.
• Dress code or costume requirements, if any.
• A brief overview of the murder mystery theme and instructions for participants.
• Character assignments or a request for RSVPs to assign characters later.
• Any special requests, such as bringing a dish for a potluck dinner or a bottle of champagne for a toast.

Step 3: Prepare and Distribute Character Assignments

Before the party, assign each guest a character role, complete with a character description, background, and objectives. Ensure that everyone receives their assignments a few days before the party so they can prepare their costumes and familiarize themselves with their characters.

Step 4: Decorate the Venue

Transform your venue to fit the murder mystery theme. Decorations should create the right ambiance and add to the immersion. Depending on the theme, consider items such as:

• 1920s-style decorations, including jazz music and flapper-inspired decor.
• Crime scene tape, magnifying glasses, and detective props for a classic mystery theme.
• Hollywood-inspired decor with red carpets and faux movie posters.
• Appropriate lighting, music, and props to set the mood.

Step 5: Prepare Food and Drinks

Plan a menu that complements the theme and the preferences of your guests. You can choose to prepare the food yourself, have a potluck-style dinner where guests bring dishes, or even hire a caterer. Consider serving thematic cocktails and mocktails, as well as champagne for the New Year’s Eve toast.

Step 6: Host the Murder Mystery

On the night of the party, take on the role of the host or game master. You should guide the guests through the murder mystery game, introduce characters, and set the stage for the unfolding drama. Here are some tips:

• Start with an introduction that explains the rules and objectives of the game.
• Encourage guests to get into character by providing props and accessories if necessary.
• Keep the game moving by revealing clues, distributing information, and creating opportunities for interaction.
• Ensure the game stays on schedule, so there’s enough time for the mystery to unfold.

Step 7: Solve the Mystery

As the evening progresses, your guests will work together to solve the murder mystery. The game kit should include clues, evidence, and instructions for each character. It’s essential to keep the game engaging and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate in the investigation.

Step 8: Countdown to Midnight

As the clock approaches midnight, pause the murder mystery game to join your guests in celebrating the New Year. You can watch the ball drop on television, have a champagne toast, and enjoy fireworks or other festivities, depending on your location.

Step 9: Conclude the Game

After celebrating the New Year, resume the murder mystery game to reveal the solution and the identity of the murderer. This is the moment when all your guests can share their suspicions, alibis, and clues that led to their conclusions.

Step 10: Prizes and Awards

Acknowledge and reward the guests who correctly identified the murderer and those who played their characters exceptionally well. Prizes can include small trophies, certificates, or themed party favors.

Step 11: Enjoy the Rest of the Evening

With the mystery solved, you can continue the celebration into the early hours of the morning. Play games, dance, or simply relax and enjoy the company of your guests as you welcome the new year.

A New Year’s Eve murder mystery party is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and share a unique experience with friends and family. By following these steps, you can plan an unforgettable event that will have your guests talking about it long after the clock strikes midnight. Happy sleuthing and Happy New Year!