Playboy Pulling a Willy Wonka, Plans to Hide 'Golden Tickets'

HOLMBY HILLS, Calif. — In a bid to ramp up magazine sales, Playboy Enterprises said on Wednesday that it plans on inserting 10 "golden tickets" inside randomly selected newsstand copies of Playboy's December issue.

Playboy says founder Hugh Hefner will party with the 10 winners — all will be able to bring a guest — alongside celebrities and a bevy of Playmates.

The winners will be shuttled to August's Midsummer Night's Dream Party after being flown into Los Angeles. Playboy also is throwing in two nights accommodation at the Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood and dinner at Simon LA at Sofitel Los Angeles.

"For the first time in Playboy's history, we're giving 10 readers the opportunity to go where few have gone before — the Playboy Mansion — and enjoy one of the best parties of the year," Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said. "I hope the winners are ready for the experience of a lifetime."

Playboy's promotion was dreamed up by Editorial Director Jimmy Jellineck, who was thinking about Willy Wonka, the eccentric candy maker of Roald Dahl's children's book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

Wonka, in the book, hides five golden tickets in the wrappers of chocolate bars. Children from around the world search for them in order to win a trip to his candy factory.

Apparently, Jellineck wasn't the only one trying to connect Willy Wonka-style golden ticket giveaways.

On Wednesday, Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon also announced details of a golden ticket giveaway. His promotion is to coincide with the release of his new book.

One hundred golden tickets will be placed randomly into copies of "Mr. Rotten’s Scrapbook," on sale Dec. 1.

Each lucky recipient of the golden ticket will win a 10-minute webcam conversation with the singer.

Playboy's December issue goes on sale Friday.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Svakom Featured on 'Naked Warm Up'

Svakom is featured in a new episode of “Naked Warm Up” on the Czech Republic's Óčko TV.

Orion Debuts 'RC Strapless Strap-On' Vibe From 'Javida' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the new RC Strapless Strap-On With Flicking Tongue vibrator from its Javida line.

Woodhull Survey Reveals Concern Among Sex Educators Over AV Laws' Impact on Access

A national survey of sex educators by the Woodhull Freedom Foundation found that a majority of sex educators and sexual health professionals are concerned that age verification (AV) laws will negatively impact access to information and resources.

Metro Distributors Taps Nancy Cosimini for Sales Account Manager

Metro Distributors has hired industry veteran Nancy Cosimini as its newest sales account manager.

OTouch Debuts 'YU-BattleHelm' Vibe Set

OTouch has introduced its YU-BattleHelm couples vibrator set.

Orion Debuts 'G-Spot Vibrator With Rotating Tickler' From Sweet Smile Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the G-Spot Vibrator With Rotating Tickler from its Sweet Smile line.

CalExotics Expands 'Connect' Line

CalExotics has expanded its app-controlled Connect line with three new products, Explorer, Warming Wand, and Advanced Probe.

JO Debuts 'Vitalize' Skincare Line

JO has introduced its new Vitalize collection of skincare products.

Group C CEO Helena Catoir Collaborates With Pierre Woodman on 'Woodman Casting' Game

Helena Catoir, CEO of board game company Group C, met with casting director Pierre Woodman to discuss the upcoming release, “Woodman Casting X — The Game.”

Blush Debuts 'Candice' From 'EnLust' Stroker Collection

Blush has introduced the new Candice stroker sleeve from its EnLust line.

Show More