Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt + Free Printable

One of our favourite Christmas traditions each year is going out looking at Christmas lights around our city. We always make time to do this each December and it’s something the whole family looks forward to. Now that the kids are getting older, we started adding a little extra challenge to our annual Christmas lights drive by doing a Christmas lights scavenger hunt challenge.

As a special treat, I’m sharing the printable Christmas light scavenger hunt I created for my own kids plus a second version with pictures, that’s great for younger kids too! This activity is perfect for families looking to add a little extra excitement to your annual lights display drive!

How to Plan Your Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Having a few special holiday traditions are easily my favourite thing about December and this is just one of our family Christmas traditions that we do every year.

Some years we just stick to our city. Other years we go a little further to check out displays that we’ve never seen before. It’s always fun, whichever way you do it.

Here’s how to plan your own Christmas lights scavenger hunt:

1. Drive Or Walk

Decide whether you want to do your scavenger hunt by foot or car. Walking is great if you have a well-decorated neighbourhood nearby while driving can take you to the best light displays in your town or city. We always do both each December, but as there aren’t a lot of displays near our house, we save the scavenger hunt for our drive.

Pick a date that works for the whole family, perhaps as a Christmas Eve tradition or a weekend evening.

3. Set Your Rules

It’s up to you what rules you want to set for your scavenger hunt challenge. We sometimes work together and each tick off things as we see them. Other years we challenge each other to see who can get them all crossed off first (or who has the most ticked off at the end of the night).

While the main goal is to have fun, a little friendly competition can add excitement to the hunt. Consider offering prizes for the person or team that finds the most items. Prizes could include a gift card, a holiday treat, or even a night off from chores.

One rule you might like to have to make sure your hunt lasts a little while is ticking off just one item per house – otherwise, you might find your whole list done in one go if it’s a really impressive display!

3. Prepare For Fun

Get into the holiday spirit by wearing some festive attire, such as Christmas shirts or ugly Christmas sweaters. Don’t forget to pack some yummy snacks like homemade cookies to enjoy along the way.

Make Your Own Christmas Scavenger Hunt List

If you prefer to put together your own scavenger hunt, just grab a a pen and paper and write our a list of items to find instead. Great if you don’t have a printer and you can make it as easy or as challenging as you like!

Here are some ideas of things to include on a Christmas scavenger hunt list:

• Santa Claus
• Angel
• Nativity scene
• Candy cane
• Reindeer
• Snowflake lights
• Santa’s mailbox
• The Grinch
• Polar bear
• Gingerbread house
• Elf
• Giant inflatable
• Snowman
• Christmas tree with multicolor lights
• Toy soldier
• Train set
• Poinsettia
• Kissing under mistletoe
• Holly
• Yellow lights
• Gifts
• A giant inflatable
• Fake snow
• Flashing lights
• Snowglobe
• Moving displays
• Santa’s workshop