Christmas Scavenger Hunts: Setup and Printable Clues

So you’ve been searching for the perfect holiday activity for both kids and adults. You’ve followed various clues that have led you here. And now you’ve finally found what you’re looking for – an article with ideas and printable clues that allow you to run your own Christmas scavenger hunt.

In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, a scavenger hunt is a game where one or more players follow clues to locate a final prize. In the case of a Christmas scavenger hunt, the clues are typically holiday themed and the prize is a present to be opened. It’s a great standalone activity that also fits nicely into a Christmas party alongside White Elephant and other games.

Setup

In a scavenger hunt, one clue leads to another until players ultimately find their prize. The clues are printed or handwritten on scraps of paper that are hidden around the house (or wherever the scavenger hunt is taking place).

How many clues you need really depends on how large a space you’re working with. With a large space, you can go wild with as many clues as you want. However, with a smaller one, there’s a risk that players may accidentally stumble upon clues out of order while they’re scouring the place. In other words, only use as many clues as you can properly space out.

As for the prize, it should be appropriate for the number and type of searchers. That could mean having a separate prize for each person, or one prize that’s easily sharable.

Clues

The best scavenger hunt clues have two things in common: 1) they’re clever, and 2) they’re the right difficulty level for the group. As with Secret Santa clues and trivia questions, you don’t want to completely stump the players. That said, it’s fair for the clues to get more difficult toward the end, especially if you’re hiding the gift in a home or other location where there aren’t infinite hiding places.

Of course, for a holiday themed scavenger hunt, the clues should also feature a healthy dose of yuletide flavor. Here are 50 Christmas scavenger hunt clues for you pick from. To skip to the printable files containing these clues, click here.

Easy

A Christmas scavenger hunt? Oh what fun! To find your first clue, look where the dishes are done. (Dishwasher)

All is calm, all is bright. You’ll find your next clue when you turn on a light. (Lamp/Light Switch)

Rudolph’s nose never fails. It’s pointing to the place where we collect the mail. (Mailbox)

For the next holiday clue, just use your wits. Go to the spot where the computer sits. (Desk)

Santa Claus is coming to town. He left you a clue where you lay down. (Bed)

This Christmas clue isn’t so tough. Just look in the place where we heat stuff up. (Microwave)

Now that you’ve caught the scavenger hunt bug, find your next clue that was swept under the _ _ _. (Rug)

A visitor is coming in a big red sleigh. Your next clue’s in a room where our guests stay. (Guest Room)

December is a time to share warm wishes. Find your next clue where we keep the dishes. (Kitchen Cupboard)

Better not pout, better not cry. Santa put your next clue where the clothes get dry. (Dryer)

Wherever he goes, the Grinch leaves a stink. Now follow your nose to a place near the _ _ _ _. (Sink)

I promise your present will be quite a treat. You’ll find the next clue where everyone eats. (Table)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Out the front door is where you should go. (Front Porch)

This scavenger hunt has you busy as an elf. Find your next clue sitting on a _ _ _ _ _. (Shelf)

You’ve done a great job solving these clues. The next one is waiting where we keep the shoes. (Closet)

Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Stir up the next clue where you might find a blouse. (Clothes Closet)

You’ll find your Christmas present very soon. But first, look for a clue where we keep the spoons. (Silverware Drawer)

Santa fills the stockings of all the world’s tykes. But for you, he left something beside a _ _ _ _. (Bike)

Santa is your biggest fan. He left a present for you next to a bunch of cans. (Pantry)

I think I heard someone say “Ho Ho Ho.” It was in the direction of where the coats and hats go! (Coat Closet)

Medium

Christmas colors are green and red. Now look under the place where you lay your head. (Pillow)

To find the next clue, don’t be a fool. Just go to the place where Frosty stays cool. (Freezer)

Don’t just sit there saying “Bah Humbug!” Look for the next clue inside of a _ _ _. (Mug)

‘Tis the season for Christmas cooking. The place for seasonings is where you should be looking. (Spice Rack/Cupboard)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The next clue can be found in something you steer. (Car)

Quick while the Elf on the Shelf isn’t looking – find the next clue where we do the cooking. (Oven)

This search has more twists than a candy cane. Find your next clue behind a picture _ _ _ _ _. (Picture Frame)

The Gingerbread Man would be quick to crumble, if you put him in the place where the clothes tumble. (Dryer)

Be careful not to slip and slide, when you look for the next clue where we cook outside. (Grill)

This scavenger hunt is better than any reindeer game. Sadly, your next clue went down the drain. (Sink)

Like Rudolph on Christmas Eve, you must make haste. Find your next clue before it goes to waste. (Waste Basket)

Your next clue is not located at the North Pole. Instead, you can find it in a cereal _ _ _ _. (Cereal Bowl)

Reading Christmas classics is all the rage. Especially when there’s a clue on the page. (Book)

Final clue! Your present is awesome. I paid big bucks. You can find it near an appliance that sucks. (Vacuum Cleaner)

Solve this clue and a present you’ll win. Simply look near the place where Santa comes in. (Fireplace)

Hard

When you finally find the next Christmas clue that rhymes, you’ll think to yourself “it’s about time!” (Clock)

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock. For your next clue, look in a sock. (Stocking)

Eat, drink, and be merry. Now go to the place where we keep the dairy. (Refrigerator)

Now it’s time to wish yourself Happy Holidays. Simply go to the place where you meet your own gaze. (Mirror)

Here’s a Christmas clue that will put you to the test. If you figure it out, I’ll be im-pressed. (Ironing Board)

I’m thinking of a bag that holds the clue you seek. Unlike Santa’s bag, it’s taken away each week. (Trash)

You’ll land on the Naughty list if you’re mean. To stay on the Nice list, just keep your hands clean. (Sink)

If this holiday hunt is draining your pep… just remember to take it step by step. (Stairs)

Don’t be a bulb that’s dim. Find your next clue by going out on a limb. (Christmas Tree)

The clues are here, there, and everywhere in between. Look for the next one in a circle of green. (Wreath)

Christmas decorations are often showy. Look for the next clue under one that’s snowy. (Snow Globe)

Santa hid the next clue in a small space, but didn’t lock it. That’s because it’s no safe but actually a _ _ _ _ _ _. (Pocket)

If solving these clues has you feeling foul, get in the Christmas spirit – don’t throw in the towel! (Towel/Bathroom Cabinet)

Final clue! To find your present wrapped with a bow, look around a comfy place you know! (Couch)

Here’s your final clue, from Santa to you. You’ll find your present in a room with a view. (Television/Living Room)

Printables

Here are PDF files containing all the clues above. Simply click a link to download a file, print it out, and cut along the lines to separate the clues. Please note that these PDF files are for personal use only.

Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground in our search for the best Christmas scavenger hunt clues. If you’re looking for more holiday party activities, be sure to check out my articles on Christmas Pictionary and Charades. And whatever you do, have a Merry Christmas!