Christmas Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable for Indoors)
Print a free indoor Christmas scavenger hunt with 30 things to find around your own home. It is a cozy December game for a snowy afternoon, with no driving and no coats needed.
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The hunt list
All 30 items are loaded above. Remove any that do not match your home, and add a decoration your family has had for years.
- An ornament with a hook
- A ribbon in your favorite color
- A roll of wrapping paper (2 pts)
- A gift tag with a name on it
- A stocking hanging up (2 pts)
- A string of lights that is plugged in
- A paper snowflake (2 pts)
- A wreath on a door or a wall
- A Christmas card from a friend
- Something that smells like pine (2 pts)
- Something that smells like cookies or cinnamon (2 pts)
- A cookie cutter
- A mug for hot chocolate
- A cozy pair of socks
- A candle. Look but do not touch (2 pts)
- A bow on a present
- A decoration made by a child
- A decoration that is very old (3 pts)
- A star or an angel at the top of something
- A pair of scissors and tape together
- A Christmas song that someone is humming (3 pts)
- A picture of a past Christmas (3 pts)
- A blanket you could curl up under
- A tiny house or a village piece
- A bell
- A snow globe or a glittery thing (2 pts)
- A book about winter or Christmas
- A window with frost or a view of snow (3 pts)
- Something red and something green side by side
- A present with your name on it. Do not shake it (5 pts)
How to play at home
This hunt stays inside, so it fits the days when it is too cold, too dark or too busy to go out. If you want a drive to look at displays instead, try the Christmas lights scavenger hunt.
- Choose which rooms are open, and turn on the tree lights and a little music.
- Give each child a sheet and a pencil, or let a family team share one.
- Players walk through the rooms and tick what they see. For the smells, they follow their noses toward the kitchen.
- When the sheets are full, or the timer rings, gather around the tree and share the best finds.
- Finish with something warm to drink.
Holiday variations
- Memory hunt. Ask grandparents to tell the story behind each old decoration while children tick it.
- Wrapping station. Turn the wrapping paper and ribbon items into a job, and let each child wrap one small gift for a relative.
- Pairs race. Two players share a sheet and take turns fetching, so a younger child is never left behind.
Tips for cozy play
Play before the big wrapping day so the presents under the tree are still a surprise.
Some finds are only for looking. Say so out loud, so ornaments stay on the branches.
A short timer of fifteen minutes works well for younger children.
Safety around the tree
Keep candles lit only by adults and out of small hands. Glass ornaments and cords should stay on the tree, so remind players to look rather than pull. Walk on stairs, and keep small ornaments away from toddlers.
Printing for the holidays
Print on white paper, or on red or green sheets for a festive look. Two-column layout fits everything on one page. If you plan to play with several families, print a few spare copies and keep a pencil cup by the tree.
FAQ
How is this different from the Christmas lights hunt?
This one is played inside your home and is about decorations, wrapping and smells. The lights hunt is for an evening drive or walk.
Can we play it on Christmas morning?
Yes. A short round while the kitchen warms up is a nice way to fill the time before presents, as long as everyone leaves the gifts alone.
Does it work for other holidays in December?
Many finds, such as lights, blankets and cozy mugs, suit any winter celebration. Edit the list to match what your family does.