Santa's Workshop (Second Edition)

Elf Creek Games, A-Z kiadó · Board game · 2023
10.0 Ludopedia 7.7 BGG 2–5 · best 4 30–60 min Weight 2.1/5
Buy · from US$ 34.99
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy Christmas-themed games with solid worker placement and set collection mechanics, 'Santa's Workshop' is a sure bet! It's a reimplementation that nails the theme and offers options for different player levels.

Highlights
  • Engaging Christmas theme
  • Accessible and fun mechanics
  • Modes for family and advanced
  • Replayability with reindeer and training
Keep in mind
  • Competition can be fierce
  • Focus on gift production
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About the game

What you do in a play session

The end-of-year rush at the North Pole is in full swing in 'Santa's Workshop'! Santa and his elves are hard at work ensuring everything is ready for the big night. Your job is to lead your own team of elves to gather materials, build amazing gifts, and take care of the world's most famous reindeer. But beware, the competition is fierce! Santa checks on your progress a few times during the game, and only the most efficient elves earn a special spot on his vacation.

This edition offers two ways to play: a standard mode, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, and an advanced mode that adds an extra kick for players aged 10 and up. The game unfolds over nine rounds, where you'll use worker placement mechanics to send your elves to tasks like collecting wood, metal, or fabric, assembling gifts, and even training your elves to gain permanent abilities.

An interesting twist is the option to use plastic as an alternative material for some gifts. This can speed up production but costs 'Christmas Cookie' points. And don't forget the reindeer! Each one offers a unique bonus, and letting them wait can yield extra points. Will your team be the one chosen to relax with good ol' Santa on a tropical beach?

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

7 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Creatures: Fairies / Elves / Pixies Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Holidays: Christmas
Publisher Elf Creek Games, A-Z kiadó
Designer Keith Ferguson
Artist Andrew Bosley, Jacqui Davis, Matt Paquette & Co.

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,267owners
870wishlist
161want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
A game of Santa's Workshop typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, making it ideal for families or small groups.
Is it a complex game? What age is it recommended for?
The complexity is moderate (BGG weight 2.12). The standard mode is great for families, and the advanced mode is recommended for ages 10 and up.
What does 'reimplementation' mean?
It means this is a new version of a previous game with the same name (released in 2017), featuring improvements and adjustments to rules and components.
What are the main mechanics used?
The core mechanics are Worker Placement (with different types of elves) and Set Collection, all wrapped in a Christmas theme.
Is there a lot of text on the components?
No, the language dependency is considered low, with minimal text on cards and components, making actions easy to remember.
Is it worth it for people who aren't big fans of the Christmas theme?
If you appreciate well-implemented worker placement and set collection mechanics, the theme can be a pleasant bonus, but the mechanics themselves offer a good strategic challenge.

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