Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Rules and Clue Ideas

A Christmas scavenger hunt sends players around the house or yard to find holiday items from a list. It is a fun way to get everyone moving and works well for families with kids of different ages.

How to Set Up

1. Write a list of 10 to 15 things for players to find. Use items that you can safely share.
2. Make one copy of the list for each team.
3. Hide a few of the items, or just let players find things you already have around.
4. Choose which rooms are in the game and which are off limits.
5. Give each team a bag or basket.

Sample list: a red ornament, a candy cane, a bell, a Christmas card, a pine cone, something shiny, a ribbon, a Santa hat, a snowflake picture, a red sock.

How to Play

1. Split into teams of two or three. Each team needs one adult or older helper if kids are young.
2. Hand each team a list and a bag.
3. Say “go” and start the timer for 15 minutes.
4. Teams search for items and put them in their bag.
5. Players must walk, not run, and put everything back after the game.
6. When time is up, teams come back and show what they found.

Scoring and Winning

Each item found is worth one point. Give bonus points for finding something unusual, like a funny item that fits the clue. The team with the most points wins. If you want, make everyone a winner with a small treat.

Tips for a Fun Game

• Match the list to the age of the players.
• Say clearly which items can be touched.
• For kids who cannot read, use pictures instead of words.
• Hide small treats for the end of the hunt.
• Give older kids riddle clues, like “I hang on the tree and shine.”

Variations

• Photo Hunt: Players take a photo of each item rather than collecting it.
• Outdoor Lights Hunt: Walk the neighborhood and spot items like a wreath, snowman or reindeer.
• Little Kids Version: Hide 10 pom-poms around one room and let toddlers find them.