Christmas Scavenger Hunt Ideas for the Whole Family

Scavenger hunt ideas for your family this Christmas for extra holiday fun.

Scavenger hunts give children something active to do and the riddles help them learn how to problem-solve, hone their cooperation and teamwork skills, and ultimately, give them the room they need (and want!) to explore.

If you don't want to do all the work involved in creating your own scavenger hunt, you have a few pre-made options to choose from. With Parade's Christmas Day Scavenger Hunt, we wrote up all the riddles (and places to put them!) for you. Just print out the downloadable below and cut each strip (each Clue) or copy each clue word for word on individual pieces of paper if that's easier.

Another option is heading over to Amazon for a Christmas Scavenger Hunt game, or Etsy for some downloadable Christmas Day Scavenger Hunt inspiration. Check out some of our favorites:

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Christmas Day Scavenger Hunt

Christmas Scavenger Hunt Ideas

1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game, $19.99 on Amazon

Ages six and up can enjoy this game—two to 10 players are each dealt 10 cards and then everyone gets to hunt around the house for the holiday-themed items on their cards! There is also a separate deck for an outdoor scavenger hunt if the neighbor kids want to play outside. Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game, $19.99 on Amazon

Related: Christmas Jokes

2. Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printables, $5 on Etsy

This printable Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt comes with everything your family needs for a hunt like no other indoors. Featuring 12 unique (and pretty!) clue cards, this holiday-themed scavenger hunt even comes with a few blank cards so that the adults can get in on the fun and write their own! Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printables, $5 on Etsy

3. Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt Cards, $4.25 on Etsy

With 14 different winter-themed clues, this printable hunt also comes with two different ending messages, as well as a few editable blank templates so that you can print your own. Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt Cards, $4.25 on Etsy

Related: Santa Quotes

4. Elf Christmas Scavenger Hunt, $3.50 on Etsy

With elf-themed clue cards and imagery, this Elf Christmas Scavenger Hunt features 12 pre-made, instant-download Christmas clues that will keep the kiddos busy while you finish up that last batch of cookies. Elf Christmas Scavenger Hunt, $3.50 on Etsy

Related: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: The Story and Trivia Behind the Beloved Classic Holiday Tale

5. Scavenger Hunt from the Elf!, $3.50 on Etsy

Just in time for parents to run out of Elf on the Shelf ideas, there's the Scavenger Hunt From the Elf. Here's how it works: The house elf brings the scavenger hunt on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day after moving to a new place overnight. He also brings two magnifying glasses—red and green, obviously—so that kids can check out each clue thoroughly. Scavenger Hunt from the Elf!, $3.50 on Etsy

Next up, 50 Best Elf Jokes