Free Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Kids

If you’re looking for a great way to entertain kids for Christmas, or want to make Christmas morning extra special, a Christmas scavenger hunt is exactly what you need! Use these free printable Christmas scavenger hunt clues to set up a special surprise for your kids.

sample of Christmas Scavenger hunt printables

Christmas is over way too fast, and I always wish there was a way to make the holiday fun last a little bit longer. Here’s a fun idea: start a new Christmas tradition and set up a scavenger hunt to make new memories this year!

But scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids. Encourage the whole family to participate and get in the Christmas spirit. A Christmas themed scavenger hunt is one of the best free Christmas activities to do with the entire family. Spread a little holiday cheer!

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In This Post

Christmas Scavenger Hunt Ideas and Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your scavenger hunt is a fun activity for everyone involved.

Provide Clear Instructions

Provide participants with clear and concise instructions on how the scavenger hunt works. Clearly communicate the rules, objectives, and any specific guidelines they must follow. Depending on the size of your space and who is involved, you may want to create teams. Pair younger kids with older family members or other adults who can help them read the clue cards and find the prize.

Keep it Age Appropriate

Tailor the challenges and clues to the age group and interests of the participants. Ensure that the tasks are neither too easy nor too difficult for the intended audience. Again, having a mix of teams is the perfect way to ensure everyone has a good time and a chance to win.

Plan a Route

If the scavenger hunt covers multiple locations, plan a logical and efficient route. Consider how participants will move from one clue to the next. You might want to make it easy to move around–or make it a little bit more challenging to get to the next clue.

Use a Variety of Clues

Mix up the types of clues to keep the hunt interesting. Include riddles, puzzles, and physical challenges to engage participants and cater to different skills. Of course, this will also depend on the ages and abilities of the parties involved.

Safety First

Prioritize safety by selecting safe locations for the hunt, especially if it involves public spaces or outdoor areas. Clearly communicate any safety guidelines to participants.

Timing Matters

Consider the time it will take for participants to complete the scavenger hunt. Ensure that it’s neither too short nor too long, keeping in mind the attention span of the participants. Younger kids may not pay attention for long, while older kids may enjoy clues that are a little harder to solve and take longer.

Team Dynamics

If the scavenger hunt involves teams, consider the dynamics. Aim for a balance of skills and personalities within each team to encourage collaboration and teamwork.

Incorporate Surprises

Add an element of surprise by incorporating unexpected challenges, bonus clues, or small rewards along the way. This keeps participants engaged and excited.

Celebrate the Conclusion

Plan a fun and celebratory conclusion for the scavenger hunt. Whether it’s a prize ceremony, refreshments, or a group photo, create a memorable ending to the event. You may have one large prize for the winner, and small prizes for everyone else.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt Prize Ideas

Handing out little prizes at the end is a fun way to make sure everyone has as much fun as possible! The prize may be a small gift that’s personalized for each person. Or, get creative and make up a prize package with little Christmas presents everyone can enjoy.

Here are some creative ideas to consider:

Holiday treats basket
Christmas movie night kit
Ornament set
Cozy winter socks
Gift cards
Personalized holiday mug
Festive candle set
Board game or puzzle
DIY hot cocoa kit (add a candy cane, festive marshmallows, chocolate, etc)
Holiday-themed stationery set
Winter wonderland bath set
Mini Christmas tree
Holiday cooking utensils
Funky holiday sweater
DIY cookie decorating kit
Holiday scents kit (candles, essential oils, etc)
Movie gift card
Winter scarf and hat
Christmas puzzle game
Customized photo frame

Christmas Treasure Hunt Clues and Answers

Use these fun flues to lead searchers on a fun Christmas scavenger hunt that leads to fun prizes!

Clue: Where stockings hand in festive grace, your Christmas clue finds a hiding place.

Answer: Christmas stockings

Clue: Beneath the branches where gifts repose, your Christmas clue in mystery glows.

Answer: Christmas tree

Clue: In holly’s embrace, a clue so sly, uncover the secret where red berries lie.

Answer: Holly

Clue: In discarded paper, not all is waste, your Christmas clue finds a hidden space.

Answer: Waste paper basket

Clue: Behind the brew, where the hot drinks steam, your Christmas clue hides in aromatic dreams.

Answer: Coffee machine

Clue: Behind the drape, where secrets veil, your Christmas clue whispers a festive tale.

Answer: Behind a curtain

Clue: Beneath the desk, where workdays hum, a Christmas clue waits, a festive drum.

Answer: Under a desk

Clue: Behind the frame, memories shine so bright, your clue hides in the captured light.

Answer: Photo frame

Clue: In the kitchen, I spin and steam with cheer, find your next hint where dishes disappear.

Answer: Dishwasher

Clue: Beneath where you sit, where the legs find their place, a Christmas surprise hides, in this cozy space.

Answer: Under a chair

Clue: Behind the screen where the pictures glow, your Christmas clue puts on a show.

Answer: Television

Clue: Behind the art where the colors gleam, your next clue awaits the scene.

Answer: A painting or wall art

Clue: Where dreams find rest and stars align, a clue is waiting, so divine.

Answer: Pillow or bedside table

Clue: Amidst the blooms where fragrance sways, your Christmas clue in petals lays.

Answer: Toilet paper roll.

Clue: Behind the cleaner, where dust is unseen, your Christmas clue lurks, pristine and keen.

Answer: Vacuum cleaner

What to Do Next

Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit and start a new tradition in your home this holiday season? It’s easy to set up your own scavenger hunt with our free printables.

The Free Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt has everything you need, including

16 printable clues
16 blank cards to create your own clues
Clue card envelopes
Clues and answer key sheet
Scavenger hunt prize ideas
Scavenger hunt tips

More Christmas Ideas

Here are some more simple ways to create favorite traditions for your family: