Santa Claus in Trouble ... again has the same premise as its predecessor: Santa Claus has lost all the presents. Now the player takes his role and has to retrieve them.

This game is a standard 3D platformer, meaning the player uses his keyboard to jump through the 12 levels. He has to avoid pits and enemies. Since Santa is a peaceful guy there is no way to kill them.

The basic goal of the level is to reach the exit alive. On the way the player finds the presents, for each one he collects he gets points - more challenging to get are more rewarding. There are also health boosts and reset points. But these are just temporary saves when the player dies - if all lives are lost or he ends the game he has to start all over.