Looking for a quick boost to your festive brainpower? Our guide has you covered with all the answers to the New York Times Mini Crossword from Christmas Day, 2024! This bite-sized version of the iconic crossword is perfect for a holiday mental workout, blending its compact grid with the same clever challenges as its full-sized counterpart. Published daily in print and online, it’s the perfect puzzle to enjoy during your holiday downtime.
- 1A: With 6-Across, annual visitor dressed in red NYT Crossword Clue
- 6A: See 1-Across NYT Crossword Clue
- 7A: Tale that might you get you off the hook NYT Crossword Clue
- 8A: Harry Potter a.k.a. The Boy Who ___ NYT Crossword Clue
- 9A: Farm equipment brand NYT Crossword Clue
- 1D: Spill hot cocoa on, say NYT Crossword Clue
- 2D: Sports reporter LaForce NYT Crossword Clue
- 3D: Easily duped NYT Crossword Clue
- 4D: Crop that grows underground NYT Crossword Clue
- 5D: “All kidding ___ … NYT Crossword Clue
Whether you’re stuck or just want to double-check your work, scroll through our clue-by-clue breakdown below—but only peek at the ones you truly need!
Wishing you a merry, puzzle-filled Christmas!
1A: With 6-Across, annual visitor dressed in red NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- The renowned patron saint of children and a mythical figure believed to
Answer:
Hint 2: Dressed (adjective)
- To shape and smooth lumber or stone.
- Adorned or dressed, particularly in elegant clothing, often used in combination.
6A: See 1-Across NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:
CAULS
Answer:
Hint 2: Across (adverb) Transversely
7A: Tale that might you get you off the hook NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- An explanation or justification for offensive behaviour or a failure to fulfil a promise.
- In legal terms, a defence presented by an accused individual claiming they could not have committed the alleged crime.
Answer:
Hint 2: (verb)
- Exonerate by means of an alibi
8A: Harry Potter a.k.a. The Boy Who ___ NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Potter (verb)
- Engage in light tasks.
- Participate in unplanned activities or pass time aimlessly.
Answer:
Hint 2: Potter (noun)
- An artisan who moulds pottery on a potter’s wheel and fires it in a kiln.
9A: Farm equipment brand NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- An American industrialist (1804–1886) who produced ploughs designed for cultivating prairie soil.
Answer:
Hint 2: Equipment (noun)
- A tool or resource required for carrying out a task or providing a service.
1D: Spill hot cocoa on, say NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- An injury caused by hot liquid or steam.
- The process of being burned by hot water or steam.
Answer:
Hint 2: (verb)
- Subject to harsh criticism
- Burn with a hot liquid or steam
2D: Sports reporter LaForce NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Reporter (noun)
- A person who investigates and reports news stories.
- Someone who edits news stories.
Answer:
Hint 2: Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:
ILEAL
3D: Easily duped NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective)
- Characterised by genuine simplicity and a lack of sophistication or worldly knowledge.
- Devoid of knowledge or guidance.
Answer:
Hint 2: Easily (adverb)
- With simplicity or effortlessness (as “easy” is sometimes informally used instead of “easily”).
- Signifying a high probability; most likely.
4D: Crop that grows underground NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- The primary genus of the Tuberaceae family, consisting of fungi whose fruiting bodies are typically truffles.
- A thick, underground stem or root that serves both for reproduction and food storage.
Answer:
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:
BRUTE
5D: “All kidding ___ … NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adverb)
- Removed or set aside (particularly from one’s thoughts).
- In an alternate direction.
Answer:
Hint 2: (noun)
- A statement that strays from the main topic.
- A remark delivered by an actor to the audience, not meant to be heard by other characters on stage.


