Christmas Guide Screen-free

Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Kids: Free Checklist and Ideas by Age

Quick answer: Print the checklist and send your child to find ten festive items around the house, from something red to a wrapped present. Tick each one off as you go. It takes about 20 minutes in one or two rooms and suits ages 4 and up, which is Reception and above. Always supervise, and use LED candles only.
Best for Ages 4 and up (Reception, EYFS)
Time About 20 minutes
Group size 1 to 6 children
You need Printed checklist and a pen
Cost Free to print at home

Download the free printable cards

On this page:
Hunt ideas and cluesHow to use itWays to playGifts and gamesBy ageSkillsFAQ

What should you put on a Christmas scavenger hunt?

Here are ready-made items and clues to find around the house. Mix easy spots with a few tricky ones to keep it fun.

Easy things to spot

  1. Something red
  2. Something that sparkles
  3. A Christmas card
  4. A bauble
  5. A pair of warm socks
  6. Something stripy like a candy cane
  7. A cuddly toy ready for a cuddle
  8. Something gold or silver
  9. A picture of Father Christmas
  10. Something green like a sprig of holly

A little trickier

  1. A wrapped present
  2. A bell that makes a sound
  3. Three fir cones
  4. Something with snowflakes on it
  5. A star shape
  6. An LED candle (never a real flame)
  7. Something that smells of Christmas, like orange or cinnamon
  8. A ribbon or a bow
  9. Something you would hang on the tree
  10. A book with a wintry story

Clues to read out

  1. I keep your toes warm by the fire. What am I?
  2. I twinkle on the tree but I am not a light. What am I?
  3. I come through the letterbox with kind words inside. What am I?
  4. I am waiting to be unwrapped. What am I?
  5. I ring when you shake me. What am I?
  6. I fell from a tall tree in the woods. What am I?
  7. I am sweet and striped and hooked at the top. What am I?
  8. I glow but I have no flame. What am I?

How to play the Christmas scavenger hunt, step by step

  1. Print the checklist and grab a pen each.
  2. Read the list together and point out the first item.
  3. Set your child off to search one or two rooms.
  4. Tick off each item as it is found.
  5. Count up at the end and share a festive treat.

Ways to use the Christmas scavenger hunt

  • Advent countdown. Run a short hunt each day in December with one or two items. It builds excitement without the mess of a big activity.
  • Party game for visitors. When cousins or friends arrive, split into pairs and race to tick off the list. It settles a busy room in minutes.
  • Quiet afternoon indoors. On a cold day, a hunt uses up energy without going outside. Pair it with a board game like Snakes and Ladders with Ludo afterwards.
  • Nursery and Reception circle time. Hide festive items first, then send small groups to find them. It supports listening and taking turns.
  • Travel version. Adapt the list for the car or train, spotting festive things out of the window. Our Scavenger Hunt Game works well for trips too.

Games and gifts for Christmas at home

These games and toys suit little ones from Reception and up, and make lovely stocking fillers. They keep the fun going long after the hunt is over.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Scavenger Hunt GameScavenger Hunt GameShop nowSnakes and Ladders with Ludo - Family Board GameSnakes and Ladders with Ludo - Family Board GameShop nowGiant Dominoes - Wooden Dominoes SetGiant Dominoes - Wooden Dominoes SetShop nowKids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyKids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyShop nowLearn to count - Number GameLearn to count - Number GameShop nowMaths Game - Number CountingMaths Game - Number CountingShop nowWooden Animal SkittlesWooden Animal SkittlesShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowWooden Activity Cube - Activity Cube for ToddlersWooden Activity Cube - Activity Cube for ToddlersShop nowGiant Playing CardsGiant Playing CardsShop nowWooden Family Games SetWooden Family Games SetShop nowEarly Years Letters - Kids Alphabet GameEarly Years Letters - Kids Alphabet GameShop nowWooden Kids Puzzle - Animal PuzzleWooden Kids Puzzle - Animal PuzzleShop now

Christmas scavenger hunt by age and key stage

Age 3 (EYFS)

Keep it to four or five big, easy items and read the list aloud. A grown-up can walk round with them and point.

Age 4 to 5 (Reception, EYFS)

Ten items works well. Children can tick their own boxes and sound out a few words with help.

Age 5 to 7 (KS1)

Add the clue cards so they work out the item first. Try a timer to make it a gentle race.

Age 7 and up (KS2)

Let them write their own list and set up a hunt for younger siblings. This supports planning and writing.

What children learn from a Christmas scavenger hunt

  • Vocabulary. Naming festive items and colours builds language and labels everyday objects.
  • Listening. Following read-aloud clues helps children listen carefully and hold instructions in mind.
  • Early reading. Ticking off a written list links words to things and supports phonics.
  • Observation. Searching rooms sharpens looking, matching and spotting detail.
  • Turn taking. Hunting in pairs or groups supports sharing, waiting and cheering each other on.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsChristmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Charades CardsChristmas Charades CardsFree printableChristmas Maths MysteryChristmas Maths MysteryFree printableChristmas Eve Box PlannerChristmas Eve Box PlannerFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoChristmas BingoFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

A scavenger hunt is an easy habit to repeat. Run the same list each December and your children will remember it from year to year. Let them hide items and make clues as they get older, so they take the lead. It costs nothing and turns a spare twenty minutes into a happy festive memory.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Christmas scavenger hunt take?

About 20 minutes for ten items in one or two rooms. It takes longer if you hide things first or add clue cards.

What age is the Christmas scavenger hunt for?

It suits ages 4 and up, which is Reception (EYFS) and above. Younger children can join in with help.

How many items should be on the list?

Ten works well for ages 4 and up. Use four or five for younger children so they do not lose interest.

Can we play without hiding anything?

Yes. Most items are already around the house at Christmas, so children simply find and tick them off.

How do I make it harder for older children?

Use the clue cards so they work out the item first, add a timer, or ask them to find three of a kind.

Is it safe to include candles?

Use LED candles only and never a real flame. Always have a grown-up supervise the hunt.

Can several children play at once?

Yes. Split them into pairs, give each pair a list, and let them race or work together.

What games go well afterwards?

A board game or a set of dominoes keeps the afternoon going. See the gift ideas above for ages 4 and up.

Browse by age and type

Educational toys for 3 to 5 year oldsEducational toys for 5 year oldsFamily gamesIndoor gamesGifts for kidsToys for 4 year oldsToys for 5+ year oldsWooden toys

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.