Free Printable Pin the Nose on Rudolph Christmas Game

There’s an eight year age difference between my oldest and youngest kiddos.  That age gap comes in handy sometimes (the big one is old enough and responsible to stay home with the little one) but it can also be challenging at times.  One thing that doesn’t get old with any of them is playing games like this Pin the Nose on Rudolph Christmas game.  The boys like to try to show off and get the nose on Rudolph. Because it’s a pretty even playing field, my little one loves it when her nose gets closer than the boys.

Getting Ready to Play Pin the Nose on Rudolph

This Christmas game is great because it really doesn’t take a lot of prep work.  Print out the Pin the Nose on Rudolph game and cut out the little red noses.  These are what you’re going to “pin” on Rudolph’s face.  Make sure you’ve got some tape on hand to stink your noses to Rudolph’s face.  You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got a clear open space.  Blindfolds will also be helpful unless you can trust your players to keep their eyes closed. 

Here’s how to get started:

1. Print and Prepare: Download and print out our free printable Rudolph and the red noses. Use card stock for durability, ensuring the game lasts through several rounds of playful attempts.
2. Cut and Organize: Snip out the red noses and keep some adhesive tape handy for sticking the noses on Rudolph.
3. Set the Stage: Find a clear open space on a wall to hang Rudolph. Keep the height in consideration depending on the age of the players; lower for little ones and higher for the older kids.
4. Blindfolds Ready: Have blindfolds on hand to ramp up the challenge and stir up giggles as players fumble their way to pinning the nose.

How to Play Pin the Nose on Rudolph

The objective is simple – players take turns trying to pin the red nose on Rudolph while blindfolded. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:

1. Blindfold the Player: Start with the first player, blindfold them, and hand them a red nose with a piece of adhesive tape on the back.
2. Spin it Up: For an extra dash of challenge, spin the player around a couple of times before setting them off towards Rudolph.
3. Guide and Giggle: Other players can shout warm or cold as hints, making the game more interactive and hilarious.
4. Stick the Nose: The player attempts to stick the nose in the right place on Rudolph’s face.
5. Take Turns: Continue with each player, and enjoy the laughter and competition that unfolds.

Who Gets to Go First?

Determining who gets to go first in a playful and fair manner can add to the fun and excitement of the game. Here are some creative suggestions:

1. Draw Straws:
   • Players draw straws and the one with the shortest straw goes first.
2. Name in a Hat:
   • Write each player’s name on a slip of paper, place them in a hat, and draw to see who goes first.
3. Oldest/Youngest First:
   • Allow the oldest or youngest player to go first.
4. Birthday Closest to Christmas:
   • The player whose birthday is closest to Christmas gets to go first.
5. Holiday Trivia:
   • Ask a holiday-themed trivia question and the first player to answer correctly goes first.
6. Spin a Dreidel:
   • Incorporate a Hanukkah tradition by spinning a dreidel; the player with the highest resulting letter goes first.
7. Toss a Coin:
   • Classic and simple, a coin toss can decide who goes first.
8. Roll a Die:
   • Each player rolls a die and the highest roll determines who goes first.
9. Rock, Paper, Scissors:
   • Players pair up for a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide the order.
10. Hot or Cold:
    • One player hides a small holiday object while others leave the room. Players return and search for the object. The first to find it goes first.
11. Holiday Charades:
    • Play a quick round of holiday charades; the player who guesses correctly first gets to go first.
12. Christmas Carol Challenge:
    • Challenge players to finish the lyrics to a Christmas carol. The first to get it right goes first.
13. Guess the Number:
    • Have a neutral person hold a small number of holiday candies in their hand. Players guess the number and the closest guess goes first.
14. Christmas Costume Contest:
    • Have a neutral party judge a quick Christmas costume contest; the winner goes first.
15. Gift Wrap Race:
    • Players race to wrap a small box; the fastest wrapper goes first.

These methods can add an extra layer of amusement and anticipation as players gear up to start the Pin the Nose on Rudolph game!

Other Tips for Playing Pin the Nose on Rudolph

• You can make this game a little tougher by spinning the players around a few times before they try to put their nose on Rudolph’s face. 
• If your players are starting to feel around to figure out where the nose belongs, put a small sticker or marker dot in place of the noses to make it a bit more challenging. 
• This is such a fun game you might want to play more than once.  To make sure you don’t have to reprint everything every time you want to play, print things on card stock to make them more sturdy. You can also laminate Rudolph and the noses. 
• Keep your players in mind when hanging up Rudolph.  When you’re playing with younger kids, he’ll need to be closer to the ground than when you’re playing with older kids.

Prizes for Pin the Nose of Rudolph Players

Offering prizes can add an extra layer of excitement to the game. Here are some prize ideas that would be suitable for kids and maintain the festive spirit:

1. Holiday-Themed Stickers or Stamps: Kids love stickers and stamps, especially with fun holiday designs.
2. Christmas Coloring Books: Encourages creativity and can provide hours of entertainment.
3. Holiday Puzzles: Engaging and fun, puzzles are also great for developing problem-solving skills.
4. Festive Socks: Cozy, fun, and in tune with the season.
5. Christmas Ornaments: Could be personalized with the winner’s name for a special touch.
6. Reindeer Antler Headbands: Keeps the festive spirit going even after the game.
7. Holiday Erasers or Pencils: Practical yet fun, especially with a Christmas design.
8. Baking Kits: Simple kits with cookie cutters and ingredients for making Christmas cookies.
9. Craft Supplies: Encourage creativity with some holiday-themed craft supplies.
10. Advent Calendars: A gift that keeps on giving throughout the season.
11. Christmas DVDs or Books: A classic Christmas movie or book can be enjoyed by the whole family.
12. Gingerbread House Kit: Offers a fun and creative activity for the winner to enjoy.
13. Plush Rudolph Toy: A soft and cuddly reminder of the fun game they participated in.
14. Hot Cocoa Mix: A delicious treat to enjoy during the chilly holiday season.
15. Holiday Puzzle Books: Crosswords, word searches, and puzzles with a festive twist.

These prizes are not only enjoyable but also help extend the holiday cheer. Remember, the idea is to keep the prizes age-appropriate and safe for all children participating. Mixing and matching different prizes or creating a prize bundle can also be a delightful surprise for the winner.