Looking for a Christmas activity that’s just as exciting as opening presents? A Christmas scavenger hunt is the perfect way to add some holiday magic to your celebrations! Whether you play indoors or outdoors, kids will love following clues, spotting decorations, and finding a special surprise at the end.
We’ve made two fun versions for you to choose from, and both come with free printables to make setup quick and easy: a classic riddle-style scavenger hunt and a Christmas decoration checklist. Just download and print the version you like best (or try both!) for a simple, festive activity that brings extra joy to the holiday season.
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Classic Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Get ready for some festive fun! This Christmas scavenger hunt is a clue-based adventure that kids will absolutely love. Hide the riddle cards around the house — in a stocking, by the Christmas tree, or under their pillow — and let the clues lead to a special prize at the end. Add small treats or surprises along the way for even more holiday excitement!
Instructions for the Christmas scavenger hunt:
- Print the riddle cards and cut them apart.
- Hide each card in its proper location (the answer to the riddle leads to the next hiding spot).
- Continue hiding all the clues until you reach the final card (the one that says “You’ve followed the clues…”).
- Optional: Add small prizes or candy with each clue to make the hunt extra exciting.
- Place a prize at the last location. This can be a treat bag, small toy, or Christmas surprise.
- Read the first clue aloud to start the scavenger hunt!
The link and image below will take you to our free, printable Christmas scavenger hunt riddles! The PDF includes 2 pages of clue cards (to cut out and hide) and 2 pages of answer keys for parents or teachers to reference.
The answer pages don’t need to be printed, but they’re handy for knowing exactly where each riddle leads. Print the clue cards on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper, or use cardstock to make them sturdier.
>>> Christmas Scavenger Hunt Clues <<<
Christmas Scavenger Hunt Check List
The Christmas scavenger hunt checklist is a simple and festive way to get kids exploring and noticing all the magic of the season! Instead of following clues, children use a printable checklist to spot classic Christmas decorations like Santa, reindeer, gingerbread men, and bells.
As they check off each item, parents can set rewards — from a little treat after finding five things to a bigger surprise for completing the whole list. This version is perfect for a neighbourhood walk to admire holiday displays, but it also works indoors for classroom parties or family gatherings surrounded by Christmas decor.
Instructions for the Christmas scavenger hunt checklist:
- Print a copy of the checklist for each child.
- Take the list on a walk around your neighbourhood, or use it at a Christmas party with decorated rooms. You can even cut the images from the checklist and hide them around your space.
- Kids mark off items as they see them — reindeer, Santa, candy canes, and more.
- Decide on a reward system: for example, check off 5 items to get a piece of candy, 10 items for a larger treat, or complete the whole sheet for a bigger prize.
The links and images below will take you to our free, printable Christmas decoration scavenger hunt checklists! You can choose between a bright full-colour version or a low-ink version that’s more printer-friendly.
Each checklist prints on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper, and you can use regular printer paper or heavier cardstock. To make the sheets reusable, laminate them or place them in plastic sheet protectors and use dry-erase markers.
>>> Christmas Scavenger Hunt Checklist (Full Colour) <<<
>>> Christmas Scavenger Hunt Checklist (Low-Ink) <<<
This Christmas scavenger hunt is such a fun way to make the holidays even more magical and memorable. Whether you choose the clue-based hunt indoors or the decoration checklist outdoors, kids will love the joy of searching, spotting, and discovering surprises along the way. Print your favourite version for a festive activity your family will look forward to every Christmas!
Here’s even more Christmas printables:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
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