If your kids love brain teasers, this festive twist on a 1,000-year-old logic puzzle is a brilliant low-prep Christmas STEM activity that will keep kids busy while you get on with the festive prep! It encourages logical thinking, sequencing, and problem-solving, and works as a fantastic printable worksheet or hands-on activity using small Christmas toys.
Santa, the Cheeky Elf, Rudolph and the Carrots
The Problem
Santa needs to transport a Cheeky Elf, Rudolph, and a Bunch of Carrots across an icy river on a toboggan to reach the elf workshop ready for Christmas Eve.
Santa’s toboggan can only carry Santa and one other character or item at a time, which leaves Santa with a big problem!
If the Cheeky Elf is left alone with Rudolph, the elf will jump on Rudolph’s back and fly off for a fun ride.
If Rudolph is left alone with the Carrots, he will gobble them all up!
(Note: The Cheeky Elf can safely be left alone with the carrots because elves only eat candy canes!)
How can Santa get the Cheeky Elf, Rudolph, and the Carrots across the river safely?
FREE Instructions, Template and Woksheet
Solution
- Santa takes Rudolph across the river first, leaving the Cheeky Elf safely behind with the carrots.
- Santa goes back alone to the other side.
- Santa takes the Cheeky Elf across the river to the workshop. Since he can’t leave the elf and Rudolph alone together, Santa brings Rudolph back with him.
- Santa leaves Rudolph behind and takes the Carrots across to join the Cheeky Elf.
- Santa leaves the Cheeky Elf and the Carrots together and travels back alone.
- Finally, Santa picks up Rudolph and brings him across to the workshop!
Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
