How to Host a New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Bash: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your New Year resolution is to spend more time with friends and family, consider kicking off the new year by bringing them together for a murder mystery game! A New Year’s Eve murder mystery party adds a fun and thrilling twist as you count down to midnight! Planning a mystery party may feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you in 6 easy steps! In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to throw the ultimate New Year’s Eve murder mystery bash your guests will talk about all year.

Step 1: Choose a Game

Pick a murder mystery game that aligns with the New Year's theme and the number of guests. Look for themes with a festive, upscale, or retro vibe that will suit the occasion, like a roaring 1920s Gatsby-style or retro Hollywood glamour. Make sure your game has the right number of characters to include all your guests, as some may want active roles while others may prefer to watch the mystery unfold from afar.

Sparkling starbursts on a glowing curtain with “Behind the Curtain: A NYE Murder Mystery Party” text.

Ring in the new year with a night of suspense and style! Behind the Curtain is the ultimate NYE murder mystery party game for an unforgettable celebration.

Step 2: Select the Venue

Once you’ve chosen your game, decide where to host your party. We’ve hosted murder mystery parties in one-bedroom apartments, meaning most homes will work! For virtual celebrations, platforms like Zoom or Discord are great options that allow everyone to join in the mystery no matter their location. Whether online or in-person, think about how your space can be transformed into a glamorous New Year's Eve setting so your guests can be immersed in the story!  

Guests sit in a vintage living room, chatting and playing characters during a murder mystery game night.

Choosing a venue for your New Year’s Eve murder mystery party is one of the first steps to planning your party!

Step 3: Send Out Invitations

Get your guests excited with invitations that hint at a mysterious night! Include all the crucial details: date, time, location, and dress code, depending on if you’re going for a formal or themed party. Online options like Evite or Facebook Events can help you coordinate and keep track of RSVPs, while platforms like Canva make it easy to design custom invitations!

Step 4: Assign Characters

One of the most important steps is assigning characters to your guests. New Year’s Eve is a perfect occasion for guests to dress up to the nines, so sending out character profiles (included in your Foulplay murder mystery game) prepares them to get to know their roles and think of a fabulous costume! We also have Pinterest boards for every murder mystery game and for the holidays to help prepare your guests with a few ideas.

Props for a new year's eve murder mystery party including a champagne glass, beads, headband, and party poppers

Props and costumes can really make your party pop!

Step 5: Prepare the Game

With roles assigned, it’s time to prep your game materials. For in-person gatherings, print all your files ahead of time, including character profiles, goals and objectives, evidence, items and play money, awards, and any handouts your guests may need. If you’re hosting virtually, organize files in an easily accessible folder to send out quickly at key points during the game. Be sure to keep the solution safely hidden – no peeking if you want to solve the mystery along with your guests!

Step 6: Add the Extra Touches

Set the mood with glamorous decorations, perfect for a New Year's bash. Use sparkling lights, festive balloons, and even props related to the mystery setting to create an immersive experience. Consider serving themed cocktails, champagne, and appetizers to keep guests refreshed throughout the night. And don't forget a New Year’s playlist to match the atmosphere and keep the energy up until the final reveal!

With these steps, you’re ready to host an unforgettable New Year’s Eve murder mystery bash! Enjoy the night, solve the mystery, and welcome the new year in style! Your guests will remember this unique celebration for years to come. Happy New Year and happy sleuthing!

Friends holding champagne gathered around a table with new year's eve party decor with "How to Host a New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Bash: A Step-by-Step Guide" in bold text overlayed on the image

If your New Year’s resolution is spending more time with friends and family, consider kicking off the new year by bringing them together for a murder mystery game! A New Year’s Eve murder mystery party adds a fun and thrilling twist as you count down to midnight! Planning a mystery party may feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you in 6 easy steps! In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to throw the ultimate New Year’s Eve murder mystery bash that your guests will talk about all year long.

Previous
Previous

Reflections from Running a Murder Mystery Company in 2024

Next
Next

Last-Minute Holiday Party Idea: Host a Murder Mystery Party!