What Did Rudolph Eat is a hilarious Christmas group game for all ages because, look, we all know holiday parties can take a weird turn — especially once Aunt KeeKee busts out her “special” eggnog.
This year lean into the weirdness and chaos with this hilarious reindeer droppings poop game — aka: basically a glorified excuse to taste test chocolate while watching Grandma try to sniff-test melted candy bars while yell-talking What’s this again?!?.
But really, this game works for all ages — a fun game for kids’ holiday parties, teen Christmas party games, or even funny adult Christmas ideas for reindeer games!
Definitely add this to your list of poo party games. (What? You don’t have one of those?!)
How To Play What Did Rudolph Eat Reindeer Droppings Game
The What Did Rudolph Eat? game, also called the reindeer poop Christmas game / reindeer droppings chocolate bar game, is an easy but fun holiday group game for kids and adults.
What is the What Did Rudolph Eat reindeer poo paper plate game?
The reindeer poop game is a melted chocolate bar game where you identify the melted chocolate candies or candy mars to win at prize.
Holiday party guests try to identify what the reindeer ate by observing the chocolate poo and even tasting it to see if they can identify what Rudolph ate.
Sounds gross, right? Just wait until you see granny tasting the reindeer droppings to identify the candy bar!
Most importantly, the party guest who guesses the most candy bars correctly WINS and not only earns lifelong bragging rights, but a special ribbon with as “Reindeer Poop Connoisseur” on it.
(I was just kidding about the ribbon part unless, you know, you want to have one custom made. I wouldn’t be mad about it.)
This is one of those games that gets everyone laughing and interacting, so it works well as an ice breaker game, too!
What Did Rudolph Eat Game Supplies
To play this DIY Christmas game, you'll need:
• 8-10 different kinds of chocolate candy bars or chocolate (I recommend more for larger groups)
• Paper plates (the same number as the number of candy bars you have)
• Black marker
• Pens or pencils
• Paper for each guest
What Did Rudolph Eat Reindeer Game Rules, Setup, and Game Play Instructions
Goal of the Game
Party guests try to guess which candy bars Rudolph ate based on looking, smelling, and even tasting the melted candy bars.
(If they want… but definitely make them! Heh.)
Each party guest writes their guess on their Christmas game paper.
The person with the most correct game guesses wins a prize (like a real reindeer, but it’s your choice what you give away…).
Game Setup
You can make this DIY game in just a few minutes of time — it’s a quick and easy game to setup and make ahead of time for your Christmas party.
1. Prepare the plates.
GET ORGANIZED: Start by spreading out single paper plates and then placing one type of candy bar on each plate.
One type of candy bar on each plate. For example, 3 Muskateers on one plate, Hershey's Bar on another, etc.
Then, turn each paper plate over and write the name of one candy bar on the back of each plate using a marker. This will be your answer key to identify the melted candy bars at the end of the game.
GAME TIP: Don't let players see the back of the plate when you play. I usually write the "answers" (candy bar names) in light pencil on the back of the plate. I also make my own answer cheatsheet to read at the party.
Flip the plate back over to the side you will melt the candy bar on and number each plate.
Place the candy back on top of the plate until you’re ready to melt it.
2. Melt the candy.
Unwrap each candy bar (or piece of chocolate candy) and place 1-3 pieces on each paper plate.
If you are using full sized candy bars, you will just need a small piece. (There’s no need to melt the entire candy bar!)
IMPORTANT GAME TIP: Make sure you get the correct candy bar on the correct plate. Check the name on the underneath of the plate before you melt the candy bar on it.
One at a time, heat each candy bar in the microwave (just for a few seconds!).
After melting, you may have to smash the candy down with a spoon a little to make them harder to recognize.
GAME TIP: Hershey's Kisses do not melt like you think they would! If you're using them for the game, heat them for 3-5 seconds in the microwave and them mash them down with the back of a spoon after.
Set aside and allow them to cool until holiday party time!
Playing The What Did Rudolph Eat Christmas Reindeer Game
aka: The fun part!
1. Set up the game area.
Have players sit around a table or a surface where they can easily write and pass plates.
Give each player a piece of paper and pen.
2. Explain the game to players.
Start by explaining that Rudolph has an upset stomach.
It’s the players’ job to help figure out what the reindeer ate by examining her the “reindeer poo” (the candy bars) so you can help Rudolph feel better.
Let them know that the “poo” is really candy bars and/or chocolate candy and the goal of the game is for them to identify the melted candy on each plate.
3. Play the Reindeer Poo game.
Players examine each plate.
They can look at the poo, sniff the poo, and even break off a tiny piece to taste it.
(Gross, I know, but kids LOVE that part and think it’s really funny!)
Then, once they have examined that candy bar on paper plate, they write their guesses of the candy bar on their paper – be sure they number the guesses that correspond to the paper plate number.
For example, if the melted candy bar was on paper plate 1 they would write 1. Milky Way, 2. Kit Kat, etc.
GAME TIP: Tell the players to keep their answers secret! No peeking or saying the names out loud to help others!
Players then pass the plate to the person on their left and then get a new plate.
Game play continues until every party guest has guessed all the “Rudolph poo” on plates and written their answers on the paper.
4. Reveal the chocolate bar answers.
The host then holds up each paper plate and announces the candy bar on the numbered paper plate.
Tell the players to put a check by the ones they got correct.
5. Winning the What Did Rudolph Eat Game.
The guest with the most correct candy bar guesses wins (most correct answers).
We usually have a small prize to give to the winner, but that’s optional and totally up to you.
GAME TIP: If you’re doing prizes, you may want to have several small prizes in case there is a tie, or a have a tie breaker game planned.
Game FAQ Section For Totally Real Questions That No One Asked
Q: Can I play this with little kids?
A: Yep! Just expect lots of sticky fingers, giggling, and the occasional child screaming “HAHAHA! IT’S REINDEER POOP!” at full volume. You’ve been warned.
But, seriously, the kids need to be old enough to recognize each candy bar type (or know candy bar names).
If you’re playing with younger kids, you may want to give them a list of candy bar names that they can match to the melted chocolate.
Q: Can I play without melting the candy?
A: I mean, sure. I’m not the boss of you.
But, then it’s just called “staring at regular candy bars” and is a whole different (unchallenging) game.
Probably best to melt them.
Q: Can this game be used in classrooms?
A: Technically yes — but check your school snack policy first unless you want to end up in the principal’s office and then explaining the “eat the reindeer poo game” to a bunch of confused parents.
Q: Is this game sanitary?
A: I guess it depends on who’s playing??? (Watch who doesn’t wash their hands before hitting the holiday snacks. That will give you some insight…)
BUT… players should only break off a small piece to taste (no licking or touching the whole piece of candy! Were you raised in a barn?!?!?).
Also — party pro tip — provide hand sanitizer and napkins.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope you have fun with this silly What Did Rudolph Eat game for your Christmas party or holiday party games!
