Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable: 30 Clues for Kids, Families, and Parties
A Christmas scavenger hunt turns an ordinary afternoon into an adventure. Kids race from room to room, adults get surprisingly competitive, and the whole house suddenly feels like part of the game. Best of all, it costs almost nothing: a printed list, a few hidden items, and a prize at the finish line.
Below you will find a complete 30-clue scavenger hunt you can print and play today, plus setup tips and variations for different ages, group sizes, and spaces.
How to Set Up Your Scavenger Hunt
Pick your playing area first. Indoors works beautifully for winter weather: living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and hallways give plenty of hiding spots. Outdoors works for a yard or a neighborhood walk when the weather cooperates. Decide whether players hunt for real objects or simply check items off a list they spot — the spot-and-check version needs zero setup and is ideal for large groups.
Print one list per player or per team. Give each team a pencil and a bag if they are collecting items. Set a time limit — 20 to 30 minutes is perfect — and agree on the finish line: the first team back with a completed list wins, or the team with the most items found when the timer rings.
The 30-Clue Christmas Scavenger Hunt List
- Something red and round (an ornament)
- Something that jingles (a bell)
- A candy cane
- A stocking
- Something that smells like pine
- A snowman decoration
- A star on top of something
- Something wrapped in shiny paper
- A Christmas card
- Something soft and fuzzy (a blanket or stuffed animal)
- A reindeer picture or figurine
- Something that lights up
- A gingerbread man
- Something with stripes
- A Christmas song playing somewhere
- Something cold (from the freezer or outside)
- A bow or ribbon
- Something green
- A Santa hat
- Something that smells like cinnamon
- A snowflake decoration
- Something you can hang on a tree
- A plate of cookies (or a cookie picture)
- Something with the word “Merry” on it
- A candle
- Something that crinkles (wrapping paper)
- A toy that could be a gift
- Something with glitter
- A Christmas book
- Something that makes you smile
Make It Harder for Older Kids and Adults
For teens and adults, swap the simple list for riddle clues. Instead of “a candy cane,” write “I hang on the tree and taste like mint — find me.” Instead of “something that jingles,” write “Shake me and I sing, but I am not a phone.” Riddle hunts take longer to write but keep older players engaged, and they make a wonderful office party game.
Another twist: photo hunts. Players must photograph each item with their phone instead of collecting it. This works brilliantly for neighborhood hunts and means nothing gets moved or broken.
Team Variations
Relay Hunt
Teams send one runner at a time to find the next item on the list. It keeps the energy high and gives everyone a turn in the spotlight.
Timed Dash
Give teams just 10 minutes and the shortest list of 15 items. Fast, frantic, and hilarious with adults.
Neighborhood Lights Hunt
Take the hunt outside in the evening: spot a house with icicle lights, a yard inflatable, a nativity scene, a house with all-red lights, and a house with a projected snowfall. Drive slowly, stay safe, and bring hot cocoa for the ride home.
Prize Ideas for the Winners
Prizes do not need to be big to be exciting. A candy cane bundle, a small ornament, first pick of the cookie plate, or a silly paper crown for the “Hunt Champion” all work. For kids, a small treat bag with stickers and a mini toy is perfect. For adults, the real prize is usually bragging rights until next Christmas.
Hosting Tips
Walk the route yourself before the hunt starts so you know every item is findable and nothing fragile is in a risky spot. Hide a few decoy items for extra laughs, and keep one bonus item — a golden ornament or a special candy — worth double points. End the hunt with cocoa and cookies so the excitement settles into a cozy finish.
Want a Ready-to-Print Hunt Pack?
If you want a professionally designed scavenger hunt with printable clue cards, checklists, and bonus party games, visit the Fukroo shop on Etsy. The Black Friday Mega Sale is on now with 50% off storewide, so you can grab the full Christmas party games bundle and be ready for every gathering this season.
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