The GCHQ Christmas Challenge 2023

Today the #GCHQChristmasChallenge returns, pitting 11 to 18-year-olds against a series of tricky puzzles set by some of our finest minds. And this year is our trickiest Challenge yet! The Challenge is presented in the form of a Christmas card, sent by our Director, Anne Keast-Butler, to partners around the world.

The card, available to download below, contains a series of brainteasers, designed by GCHQ’s own puzzle volunteers, specifically for 11 to 18-year-olds.

Your special festive puzzle mission is to complete the 2023 GCHQ Christmas Challenge by solving the puzzles and uncovering the hidden final message

To help you prepare for Thursday’s Challenge, we’ve provided a number of resources below, including a digital copy of the Challenge, a teaching pack featuring KS3 and KS4 lesson plans, a hints sheet for teachers and printable certificates. Students can also choose to print a copy of the Challenge to take home to test their families over the festive period.

Our Director, Anne Keast-Butler has recorded a special message, setting students their festive puzzle assignment.

Colin, our Chief Puzzler, is back once again to show you how to get started with completing the GCHQ Christmas Challenge.

A BSL introduction to the Challenge is also available.

We’d love to see how you get on tackling the Challenge. Be sure to tag us in your posts and pictures (@gchq on X and Instagram). We’ll be sharing posts from schools and colleges throughout the day. Be sure to let us know if you get stuck on any of the puzzles as we might have some tips for you!

Puzzling at If your students enjoy the Christmas Challenge, why not try out the 2022 Challenge or take a look at the role problem-solving plays in our important work where you'll also find further puzzles for them to have a go at.