The elf made the locks
Meet Jingle: trainee elf, enthusiastic inventor and the reason Christmas is not quite going to plan. Determined to stop anyone opening their presents early, Jingle has fitted the Smith family’s gifts with his supposedly foolproof festive locks. He is so pleased with himself that he has forgotten where he put the unlocking instructions.
Now he needs your help before anyone notices.
Search the cosy Christmas sitting room, unravel his inventive security measures and open all ten presents. From musical passwords to cracker conundrums, every solved puzzle brings you closer to clearing up Jingle’s Christmas catastrophe.
Crack the clues, unlock every present and help one very worried elf save his first Christmas on the job. You have 45 minutes. A playful, low-fear room for families, friends and first-timers — no scares, no crawling, just a sitting room full of locked presents, a toy post box, a small piano and a lot of festive thinking.
45 minutes to save Christmas
Ten locked presents
Every gift under the tree has one of Jingle’s locks on it — and every lock needs a different kind of thinking.
Built for families
Low fear, difficulty 2/5, no crawling and no scares. Ages 7 and over — under-12s play alongside an adult, or add a Games Master in the room for £55.
A proper Christmas room
Tree, fireplace, stockings and snow at the window — with clues hidden in cards, cracker riddles, music, a small piano and a toy post box.
Always just your team
Every booking is private — only the people you came with. 45 minutes in the room, inside a one-hour slot.
The details
Everything you need to know before you book. Questions? Call us on 0330 122 8877.
- Venue
- Escape London Islington
- Address
- 89 Holloway Road, London N7 8LT
- Opens
- 13 November 2026
- Last date
- 31 January 2027
- Players
- 2–6
- Recommended age
- 7+ (under-12s with an adult)
- Duration
- 45 minutes in-room (1-hour slot)
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5
- Fear factor
- Low
- Price
- From £23 per person
- Games Master in the room
- Optional — £55 per team
- Private game
- Yes — always
- Crawling / tight spaces
- No
- Loud noises
- No
- Flashing lights
- Yes — some effects
- Wheelchair access
- No — first floor, stairs only
Who this room is for
89 Holloway Road, London N7 8LT
- –Underground: Holloway Road (Piccadilly line) is a short walk away.
- –Bus: Many routes run along Holloway Road.
- –Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and your briefing — your 45-minute game sits inside a one-hour slot.
- –First floor, stairs only — the room is reached by a flight of stairs and there is no lift. Call us if you would like to talk through access.
- –Flashing lights — some puzzles use flashing light effects. Please call us before booking if anyone in your group has photosensitive epilepsy.
Frequently asked questions
Is it scary?
No. The Great Christmas Lock-Up is a low-fear, family-friendly room — no jump scares, no darkness, no horror. Just a cosy sitting room, a very worried elf and ten presents that will not open.
Is it suitable for children, and from what age?
Yes — recommended for ages 7 and over. Players under 12 need an adult playing with them in the group, or you can add a Games Master in the room (£55 per team) to run the game with them. Players aged 12 and over can play without an adult in the room.
How long does it take?
45 minutes in the room, inside a one-hour booking slot that includes your briefing and photos. Allow around an hour in total.
Is it a private game?
Always — just your own group.
Are there flashing lights?
Yes — some puzzles use flashing light effects. If anyone in your group has photosensitive epilepsy, please call us before booking so we can advise.
Does it involve crawling or tight spaces?
No — there is no crawling and nothing to squeeze through.
When does it open, and when is the last date?
The Great Christmas Lock-Up opens on 13 November 2026 at Escape London Islington and runs until 31 January 2027. Bookings are open now.
How much does it cost?
From £23 per person. Prices are per group: 2 players £69, 3 players £90, 4 players £116, 5 players £128, 6 players £140 (Sunday to Friday). Saturdays are £75, £99, £128, £140 and £150.
Can we add a Games Master in the room?
Yes — for £55 per team a Games Master joins you inside the room for the whole game, in character from start to finish: welcoming the group, introducing Jingle’s story, explaining the rules and giving age-appropriate hints without giving the answers away. Popular with younger groups and birthday parties. Ask for it when you book, or call us on 0330 122 8877.
Can it be booked for a Christmas party or work do?
Yes. It works on its own as a 45-minute festive game, or as part of a Christmas party package with food, drinks and a private area. Larger groups can split across the other Islington rooms and play at the same time.
Is it suitable for first-timers?
Yes — it is one of our most beginner-friendly rooms. Difficulty 2/5, with clues that reward teamwork rather than experience.
Is the room wheelchair accessible?
No — the room is on the first floor, reached by a flight of stairs, and there is no lift. Please call us on 0330 122 8877 if you would like to talk through access.
