Christmas Scavenger Hunt
scavenger hunt · ages 5-8 · easy
Editorial team · Published July 1, 2026
This is my go-to for that jittery week before Christmas when the kids have too much energy and it's too cold to go out. Everything on the list is something you can spot around a decorated house, so there's zero setup.
Two ways I run it: a quiet indoor version around our own tree, or the "drive around and look at the lights" version where they hunt from the back seat. Print on cardstock and it survives being clutched in mittened hands.
Download & print — it's free
US Letter (8.5×11"). Print at home, no sign-up needed.
Tip: set your printer to “Fit to page” for best results.
More printables you'll like
Frequently asked questions
How do I run this hunt for a group or party?
Print one copy per child (or per team of two) and add a clipboard and pencil each — the "official equipment" feeling doubles the engagement. First to finish calls out; everyone else gets five bonus minutes to complete their list.
Does my child need to read to play?
No — pre-readers do great with a partner reading items aloud, and matching a spoken word to a real object is early literacy in itself. Independent readers can take the clipboard and run solo, which is half the thrill.
What age is the Christmas Scavenger Hunt for?
It's aimed at kids ages 5–8 — enough detail to be interesting without being fiddly. Younger siblings can join in with help, and the range is a guide, not a gate: match the child, not the label.