Don't Eat Santa – Free Printable Christmas Game for Kids

Inside: Free Printable Don’t Eat Pete Christmas game or as we like to call it Don’t Eat Santa Game.

When you were growing up did you ever play the game “Don’t Eat Pete”?

Don't Eat Santa is a fun game to play with all ages this holiday season. All you need to play this Christmas Game is this free printable and a little snack. #christmas #freeprintable #Christmasgame

This free printable Don’t Eat Santa game is the perfect Christmas twist on the classic Don’t Eat Pete game. It’s one of the perfect Christmas activities for kids to do at class parties, family gatherings, or cozy holiday afternoons at home.

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What Is Don’t Eat Santa?

Did you ever play Don’t Eat Pete as a kid? We’ve given it a holly jolly Christmas upgrade! Instead of Pete, you’ll find 9 jolly Santas on the game board, giving the game the name Don’t Eat Santa.

It’s simple, silly, and perfect for all ages, especially preschool and elementary-aged kids.

What’s Included in the Free Printable Christmas Don’t Eat Pete

Full-color Santa game board
Black and white version to color yourself
Printable in standard 8.5×11″ PDF format

Let your kids color the black-and-white version for some extra creativity before the game even begins!

What You Need to Play

Printable Don’t Eat Santa game board (download at bottom of post)
Small candies or snacks – M&Ms, mini marshmallows, fruit snacks, Skittles, Cheerios, etc.
At least 2 players, but the more the merrier!

How to Play Don’t Eat Santa

Print the game board and place one treat on each Santa.
Choose one player to be “It” and send them out of the room.
The remaining players silently choose one Santa to be the secret “Don’t Eat Santa.”
Call the “It” player back in.
They begin picking up and eating the candies one by one.
When they go to eat the candy on the chosen Santa, everyone shouts:
“DON’T EAT SANTA!”
That round ends, and another player becomes “It.”

Pro Tip for toddlers: Whisper-yell “Don’t Eat Santa” to avoid tears from jumpy little ones.

Goal of the Game: Try to eat as many treats as possible before picking Santa!

Why Kids Love This Game

It’s easy to understand
No prep required beyond printing
Sweet treats make it extra fun
Builds anticipation and laughter every round
Can be played over and over again

How to Get Your Christmas ‘Don’t Eat Pete’ Printable

Click the link below to download and print the PDF file.
Print it out on standard letter-sized paper.
(Optional) laminate the game board so it lasts for multiple games (this is my laminator I love!)
Gather your family and friends, and let the holiday fun begin!