Sleightful logoSleightful

Father Christmas by Wang Zhe and Bacon Magic

Created by: Wang Zhe, Bacon Magic

Father Christmas is a stunning close-up card magic effect with a holiday twist. The spectator is given a genuinely free choice to name ANY card from a standard 52-card deck. The magician then reveals that the entire deck has ordinary backs, except for one single card—which features a beautiful, custom Christmas-themed back design. That one special card is, miraculously, the spectator's freely named selection. This is a no-force, self-contained routine that comes with a custom deck of good quality cards and a durable, well-crafted gimmick. The reset is virtually instant, making it perfect for walk-around, table-hopping, or holiday performances. Buyers should note that the included custom deck is essential for the routine, and the effect is particularly powerful during the Christmas season but can be adapted to other themes with alternative custom decks.

Key features

  • No-force method: spectator has a genuinely free choice from all 52 cards

  • Instant reset time, ideal for table-hopping or walk-around magic

  • Includes a custom deck of good quality and a durable gimmick

  • Comprehensive online tutorial with basic handling and bonus tips

  • Christmas theme provides built-in presentation hook, adaptable to other occasions

  • Professional props and strong commercial potential, especially for holidays

Pros

  • Clever method that allows for a truly free selection

  • High-quality, durable gimmick and custom deck

  • Very quick reset, perfect for repeated performances

  • Strong presentation hook with the Christmas theme

  • Comprehensive tutorial with extra tips

Cons

  • Requires the included custom deck, limiting flexibility if lost or damaged

  • Presentation is key to maximize impact; may require practice to perform naturally

  • Theme is seasonal, though adaptable

Effect

A spectator names any playing card from a standard deck. The magician shows that all cards in the deck have a normal back design, except for one single card. This one card has a special Christmas-themed back. The magician turns this unique card over to reveal it is the exact card the spectator named.

Full details

The trick is called Father Christmas. It uses a custom deck of playing cards and a separate, durable gimmick. The method allows the spectator a free choice; no force is used. The spectator can name any of the 52 cards. The special card with the Christmas back is always the one that matches the named card. After the reveal, the trick resets instantly. The product includes the custom deck, the gimmick, and access to an online tutorial. The tutorial teaches the basic handling and includes bonus tips.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for magicians who perform walk-around or table-hopping magic. It is also suitable for performers who want a strong effect for holiday events or Christmas parties. Magicians who prefer tricks with professional props and a clear presentation theme will find it useful. It is a good choice for those seeking a quick miracle with a fast reset.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The handling is relatively straightforward. The method uses a gimmick, so the performer must learn a specific procedure. The online tutorial provides clear instructions. Performing the trick naturally and with confidence is important to maintain the illusion of a free choice. With practice, the mechanics become simple to execute.

What magicians say

Reviewer YinHoweMagic discussed the trick. They said the method allows a "genuine free choice from all 52 cards." They noted the "instant reset time" is good for table-hopping. They also said the props are professional, calling the gimmick "well-made and durable" and the custom deck "of good quality." They praised the "comprehensive online tutorial" and the trick's "strong commercial potential, especially for holidays." They concluded it is a "solid investment for a magician looking to add a powerful, quick-reset miracle."

What people are saying about Father Christmas

YinHoweMagic says...

The core effect is a spectator freely naming any card, and the magician reveals that the only card in the deck with a Christmas-themed back design is, in fact, the named selection. The method involves a clever gimmick that allows for a no-force premise, meaning the spectator has a genuinely free choice from all 52 cards.

Review videos