The GCHQ Christmas Challenge 2022

Thank you for taking part in the 2022 GCHQ Christmas Challenge. The solution is now available to download at the bottom of this page.

On Wednesday 14 December the #GCHQChristmasChallenge will return for its second year! Once again the annual Christmas card, sent by Director GCHQ Sir Jeremy Fleming, is packed full of puzzles which have been designed specifically for 11-18-year-olds. Only this year, there’s an added twist!

The puzzles will see students call upon a number of different skills: languages, engineering, codebreaking, analysis, maths, coding and cyber security - all key skills needed at GCHQ to help keep the country safe. As a twist, once they solve the puzzles, students will need to think outside the box, using the design on the front of the card to assemble the answers, forming three separate what3words locations. Locating the addresses and assembling the three placenames together will reveal the special festive answer.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to crack all seven puzzles to uncover our hidden festive message.

Ahead of the Challenge launching on Wednesday we’ve provided a number of resources below to help schools and colleges prepare. The resources include a digital copy of the Challenge, a hints sheet for teachers and printable certificates. Students can also choose to print a copy of the challenge to take home to challenge their families over the festive period.

Director GCHQ, Sir Jeremy Fleming has recorded video message, setting students their special festive mission.

Colin, our Chief Puzzler, gives an introduction to the Challenge.

We want to see how you get on with the #GCHQChristmasChallenge. On the 14 December, be sure to tag us in your posts and pictures (@gchq on Twitter and Instagram) and be sure to include the hashtag #GCHQChristmasChallenge. We’ll be sharing posts from schools and colleges throughout the day so be sure to share your top tips for other schools and let us know if you get stuck as we might have a hint or two for you! 

If your students enjoy the Christmas Challenge, take a look at the role problem-solving plays in our important work where you'll also find a host of additional puzzles for them to have a go at.