Christmas Guide Screen-free

Christmas Maths Mystery for Kids: Free Puzzle for Ages 8 and Up

Quick answer: Print the free sheet, then solve four mixed sums to crack Santa's four digit sleigh key code. It uses times tables, division, addition and subtraction, so it suits children aged 8 and up in Key Stage 2. Work the sums in order, read the digits across and you get the code. The answer is 9638.
Best for Ages 8 and up, Key Stage 2
Time 15 to 20 minutes
Group size 1 child or a small team
You need Printout, pencil, scrap paper
Cost Free to print

Download the free printable cards

On this page:
Christmas maths ideasHow to use itWays to playGifts and gamesBy ageSkillsFAQ

How can children practise maths over Christmas?

Turn practice into a code-breaking mission. Here are extra Christmas sums and puzzle ideas you can set alongside the printable, sorted by skill.

Times tables and division sums

  1. A sleigh has 8 reindeer. How many legs across 3 sleighs?
  2. Santa packs 6 presents in each sack. How many in 7 sacks?
  3. 48 mince pies shared between 6 elves. How many each?
  4. 9 rows of 4 baubles. How many baubles in total?
  5. Divide 72 candy canes between 8 stockings. How many per stocking?
  6. 7 lots of 7 snowflakes. How many altogether?
  7. 56 gifts loaded 8 at a time. How many trips?
  8. Multiply the days of Christmas by 12. What is the answer?
  9. 81 chocolate coins shared by 9 children. How many each?

Addition and subtraction sums

  1. Santa has 1000 presents and delivers 475. How many are left?
  2. Add 368 and 259 for the total number of lights.
  3. A tree is 240 cm tall, the star adds 35 cm. What is the height?
  4. Elves make 620 toys on Monday and 390 on Tuesday. Total?
  5. Take 148 away from 500 carrots left for the reindeer.
  6. Three sacks hold 125, 240 and 310 gifts. Add them up.
  7. The grotto had 900 visitors, 555 have gone home. How many stay?
  8. Add the digits of 9638 together. What do you get?
  9. 7050 snowballs minus 2825 thrown. How many remain?

Code-breaking extras

  1. Each answer gives one digit. Read them left to right for the code.
  2. Set a four letter word code where A equals 1, B equals 2, and so on.
  3. Hide the final sum inside a Christmas card for someone to solve.
  4. Make a grid where the correct answers spell a secret message.
  5. Turn the code into a treasure trail with a clue at each stop.
  6. Give a 'warmer or colder' hint after each wrong guess.
  7. Swap roles and let your child set a code for you to crack.
  8. Time how fast the team can solve all four sums.
  9. Add a bonus riddle that reveals which digit comes first.

How to play the Christmas Maths Mystery, step by step

  1. Print the sheet and grab a pencil and scrap paper.
  2. Read all four sums before you start.
  3. Solve each sum and write the digit in its box.
  4. Read the four digits across to reveal the code.
  5. Check against 9638 printed at the end of the instructions.

Ways to use the Christmas Maths Mystery

  • Quiet time on Christmas Eve. Print a copy to keep hands and minds busy while the grown-ups cook. It settles the excitement for a little while.
  • Team challenge. Split children into pairs and race to crack the code first. Give the youngest the addition sums so everyone can join in.
  • Follow it with a logic game. Once the code is cracked, keep the thinking going with a round of Code Breaking Board Game for more pattern spotting.
  • Festive maths station. Set it out with a dice game or dominoes so children can rotate through quick number activities. Try Deluxe Shut the Box alongside it.
  • Travel distraction. Pop the printout in a bag for the journey to the grandparents. Pencil in hand, no screen needed.

Games and gifts for maths loving children

If your child enjoys cracking the code, these games keep the number practice going long after the sheet is finished. They mix logic, counting and family fun for Key Stage 2 and up.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Code Breaking Board Game - Logic GamesCode Breaking Board Game - Logic GamesShop nowDeluxe Shut the Box - 9 NumbersDeluxe Shut the Box - 9 NumbersShop nowWooden Game - Shut The BoxWooden Game - Shut The BoxShop nowDominoes Set- Double Six DominoesDominoes Set- Double Six DominoesShop nowLiars Dice GameLiars Dice GameShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowLuxury Cribbage Set - Cribbage Board & CardsLuxury Cribbage Set - Cribbage Board & CardsShop nowAbacus for Kids - Wooden Counting ToyAbacus for Kids - Wooden Counting ToyShop nowMancala Game - Luxury Warra SetMancala Game - Luxury Warra SetShop nowMaths Game - Number CountingMaths Game - Number CountingShop nowFolding Draughts Set - 12" Board & PiecesFolding Draughts Set - 12" Board & PiecesShop nowClassic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoClassic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoShop nowWooden Family Games SetWooden Family Games SetShop nowWooden Backgammon Set - 15" Mahogany Backgammon BoardWooden Backgammon Set - 15" Mahogany Backgammon BoardShop now

Christmas maths by age and key stage

Age 7, lower Key Stage 2

Stick to the addition and subtraction sums and work alongside your child. Let them read out the final code.

Age 8, Key Stage 2

The printable is aimed here. Children can tackle all four sums with scrap paper for the trickier steps.

Age 9 to 10, Key Stage 2

Add a timer or set a second sheet with bigger numbers to stretch them. Ask them to explain each step.

Age 11 and up, Key Stage 3

Let them design their own code for a younger sibling, choosing the sums and the answer.

What children learn from the Christmas Maths Mystery

  • Number fluency. Mixing times tables, division, addition and subtraction keeps core number facts sharp.
  • Problem solving. Working out the order and reading the code builds logical thinking.
  • Accuracy. One wrong digit breaks the code, so children learn to check their work.
  • Focus. A single clear goal helps children stay with the task from start to finish.
  • Confidence. Cracking a mystery gives a real sense of success that makes maths feel fun.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsChristmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Charades CardsChristmas Charades CardsFree printableChristmas Eve Box PlannerChristmas Eve Box PlannerFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoChristmas BingoFree printableChristmas Scavenger HuntChristmas Scavenger HuntFree printableRainy Day Mini OlympicsRainy Day Mini OlympicsFree printableRainy Day Box City ChallengeRainy Day Box City ChallengeFree printableRainy Day Comic Strip MakerRainy Day Comic Strip MakerFree printableRainy Day Escape RoomRainy Day Escape RoomFree printableDesign a Board GameDesign a Board GameFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

Maths over the holidays does not need a worksheet every day. Make a small code-breaking moment part of the season, perhaps one sheet on Christmas Eve and another on Boxing Day. Let children take turns setting codes for the family so the habit feels playful rather than like homework. Over a few years it becomes a cosy tradition that quietly keeps number skills ticking over.

Frequently asked questions

What maths does the Christmas Maths Mystery cover?

Four mixed sums using times tables, division, addition and subtraction, suited to Key Stage 2 children.

What is the answer to the Christmas Maths Mystery?

The code is 9638. It is also printed at the end of the instructions so a grown-up can check.

What age is this printable for?

It suits children aged 8 and up, which is Key Stage 2. Younger children can join in with help on the easier sums.

How long does it take?

Most children finish in 15 to 20 minutes. Add a timer if you want a quicker challenge.

Do I need anything besides the printout?

Just a pencil and some scrap paper for working out the trickier sums.

Can several children do it together?

Yes. Split the sums between a pair or small team and read the code out once all four are solved.

How can I make it harder?

Set a timer, use bigger numbers, or ask your child to design a new code of their own.

What can we play next?

Try a logic or number game to keep the thinking going. See the gift ideas above for a few favourites.

Browse by age and type

Educational toys for 6 to 8 year oldsFamily gamesBoard gamesTraditional gamesDice gamesIndoor gamesTravel gamesGifts for kids

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.