Best Holiday Scavenger Hunt Templates (2024)

Holiday scavenger hunt templates are lists of seasonal items that players compete to find in a scavenger hunt game. For example, you may have to retrieve stockings, old Christmas photos, and holly leaves. The purpose of these templates is to provide prompts and clues for holiday scavenger hunt exercises.

This article includes:

Christmas light scavenger hunt template
Christmas riddle scavenger hunt template
online holiday scavenger hunt template
online office holiday scavenger hunt template
holiday office scavenger hunt template
holiday treasure hunt for kids template

Let’s begin!

1. Christmas light scavenger hunt template

A Christmas light scavenger hunt can vary from a list of generic holiday items to specific objects among Christmas light displays. One great idea is to do a Christmas light tour by visiting a street with many elaborate houses or a community light attraction, and hunting for certain types of lights and decorations along the way.

For example:

Angel
Candle
Moving Santa
Inflatable snowglobe
Holiday music playing
Words spelled out with lights
Tropical Santa
Cartoon Character Christmas
Something riding on a reindeer
Nativity scene
Flamingo in a santa hat
Elf
Giant ornament
Other holiday decorations used in display
Christmas train
All lights one color
Lights change color
Whole front of house covered with lights
Penguins
Giant candy cane
Someone giving out candy or cocoa
Christmas movie light display

Feel free to also create your own lists of decorations to look out for!

2. Christmas riddle scavenger hunt template

In a Christmas riddle scavenger hunt, participants compete to find an item within a set time.

How to play: The leader will first gather all participants into one place, set a two-minute countdown, and then read out the first prompt. Players begin searching for the item once they get the clue and the timer starts. After finding the item, players return to show the object. Then, the first player to display the required item scores a point for that round. Players then repeat the process. Finally, the leader tallies the points, and the highest scorer wins the ultimate light scavenger hunt present.

Here are some fun Christmas riddle prompts to try at home:

Find the described item:

I am orange in color and great for salads. If you can find me, you can make a snowman’s face complete. (Answer: a carrot)

Rudolph’s nose can beam so bright. I beam here and there, in different colors so bright and nice. (Answer: Christmas lights)

Holiday movies are for the screens, but my holiday stories are on the pages. Can you find me? (Answer: a holiday story or book)

When you are thirsty I will give you a drink. Eggs, sugar, and malt, are part of me, but cinnamon sticks are a plus for you. (Answer: a glass of eggnog.)

Red and white are my common stripes. I am curved like the hockey stick, and so sweet am I when you lick. (Answer: a candy cane.)

I am shiny and glamorous, made of foil but for the kitchen. (Answer: a strip of tinsel.)

I grow on trees and droop above. Good luck I bring, and white berries I have. Kisses for you, I am a symbol of love. (Answer: Mistletoe)

I possess magical powers and have pointed ears. I give Santa my daily precious lists. Naughty deeds and nice kids, I see them all. (Answer: an elf)

I may be narrow or wide. If you jump onto me, I will give you a ride. Down the snow we shall slide. (Answer: a sled)

I come in many sizes and beautiful wraps. I have been waiting for you under a Christmas tree. If I have your name, then I am yours. (Answer: a boxed Christmas present)

The above list is appropriate for players of all ages. Since you can find most of the items around the home, you can play this light scavenger hunt with your family or neighbors.

3. Online holiday scavenger hunt template

Online holiday scavenger hunts aim to bring fun to remote groups of distanced students, colleagues, or family members.

How to play: Choose an appropriate video conferencing platform like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. Next, send out an invitation link to give participants access to the online conference. Finally, when participants join, the leader reads out the clues. Each player will look for the required item and race to show the object onscreen. Finally, players can use the chat section to share experiences and comments regarding the game.

4. Online office holiday scavenger hunt template

The purpose of online office holiday scavenger hunt templates is to bring Christmas fun to remote colleagues. This activity also enhances team bonding as colleagues interact virtually.

How to play: Select an appropriate video call tool like Webex, and then create a conference. Share the invite link with colleagues on a common work communication platform such as Slack. Define the game’s rules and begin playing when all participants log in.

Here is an engaging online office holiday scavenger hunt template:

a book with Christmassy content
a snack bowl you like to use when watching holiday movies
mini desktop Christmas tree
box of Christmas cookies
red ribbon
wreath for the door
Christmas table centerpiece
paper snowflakes
a neck scarf
a photo with Santa
striped red and white drinking straw
cocoa mug
artificial poinsettia
Tinsel
snowman hat
Santa toy
Christmas card
stuffed stocking
Balloons
popcorn bowl
teddy bear
paper angel
Christmas cupcake
matching pajamas
Christmas ornaments
large buttons

Another option for playing an online holiday scavenger hunt with colleagues is to do a photo scavenger hunt. In this case, team members will take a photo of the items in the template and compete to capture the highest number of items on the list.

Here is an example for inspiration.

Take a photograph of the following:

a snowman in your front yard
children playing in the snow
something cooking in the oven
Christmas desserts
Decorated Christmas trees
display of Christmas cards
a selfie in an ugly Christmas sweater
someone making snow angels
carolers singing in your neighborhood
reindeer
a flying dove
an elf on the shelf
a dancing nutcracker
Christmas lights around your house
a giant Christmas present
a huge Christmas tree
street Christmas lights
Santa’s sleigh
nativity scene
a church
selfie in holiday pajamas
folks watching holiday movies
kids Christmas decorating
a hanging door wreath
falling snow
selfie while ice skating

To make this photo scavenger hunt fun, consider mixing easy and challenging clues. Players can take photos in any order. The game’s goal is for players to find at least one photo of each prompt.

5. Holiday office scavenger hunt template

The holiday office scavenger hunt helps team members have fun at the office during Christmas. You can schedule this game during an office break, holiday party, or team building event.

How to play: First, gather team members and hand out lists of items. Next, set a ten-minute timer and let each employee collect the items on the list. When the time is up, players return and show their hauls. Count and record the number of objects each employee has. The team member with the highest number of required items is the winner.

Here is a holiday office scavenger hunt template with descriptions of items to locate in the office.

Find the item that fits the following description.

something that twinkles
something that jingles
something that reflects light
something that smells sweet
something you made from recycled products
something that can slide on snow
something you can wear on your feet during winter
something to put on the garland
something that reminds you of Childhood Christmas moments
something with a bow
something with red flowers
something you can wear on your neck during winter
something you can wrap the presents with
something you can make a Christmas card from
something you can wear on your head
something you would use when watching holiday movies
something you would give a colleague as Christmas gifts
something with a wrapper
something prickly
something to decorate a Christmas tree
something you can draw up a gift with
something you would use to write Santa a letter
something you might find in Santa’s sack
something Rudolph the reindeer could eat
something Charlie Brown might wear
something you would add to your hot cocoa
something you would make a Christmas stocking with
something you could sew onto an ugly Christmas sweater

Players can substitute the missing items with the most practical alternatives to make these prompts more interesting and easier to find.

6. Holiday treasure hunt for kids template

A holiday treasure hunt for kids helps keep them busy and having fun as they discover Christmas surprises.

How to play: First, identify fun spots to hide gifts, toys, and treats. Next, print the template and separate each clue by cutting it out. Then, hide each clue where the previous surprise was hidden, except for the first clue, which will be the starting point for the players. Participants can play in groups of three to five members or individually.

Below are location-based clues for a holiday treasure hunt for kids.

This holiday game is just for you, check your first surprise where you keep your Santa boots.
The fun just began, the next gift is in a cookie can.
Did you enjoy your treat? Now head to where you are likely to eat.
Your little surprises now count to three, the fourth is near the pantry.
Rudolph’s nose has an awesome flare! Have you considered what is under the chair?
The best team won’t separate. The next clue is near something you would decorate.
If the game gets tough do not get stressed, rather check where you get dressed.
This clue should not be hard, simply check out the backyard
The end of the hunt draws nearer, but there is something for you near the mirror
Great job, you found the last clue. Now check the closet to find a surprise waiting for you.

Here are the corresponding hints to the above questions

Check the shoe rack for the first clue
Find a treat inside a cookie jar
Find a surprise in the dining room
Check around the kitchen
A gift under the chair
Check around the Christmas tree
Check for gifts in the kids’ room
Check around potted plants or outdoor furniture
Check for items near the dressing table
Find the surprise inside a closet

If participants play in groups, it is best to ensure that each hiding spot has enough items for each child.

You could also opt for description clues templates. Here is an example template:

something ornamental
something with red and white stripes
something you can put on a snowman
something Santa likes to wear
something you could donate to the homeless
something baked
something frosty
something you can shovel snow with
something to decorate a gingerbread house with
something that goes well with baked Turkey
something you are likely to read during holidays
something that looks like Rudolph the red nose
something you place as a Christmas tree topper
something you can use to make a door wreath
something you could eat when watching holiday movies
something with red and green colors
something your friend might like as a Christmas gift
something you like to decorate a Christmas cake with
something shiny
something crunchy
something to keep you warm and cozy
something you would include in a pudding
something you could wear on Christmas Day
something you would love to keep forever
something white

If you wish to do a scavenger hunt for Christmas characters, then you can try the template below:

A white-bearded man with red clothes, black boots, black belt, and usually carries a sack of gifts. (Santa Claus)
An all-white man with a black hat who likes to carry a broom. (Frosty the Snowman)
A young reindeer with antlers and a conspicuous red nose. (Rudolph the Reindeer)
A mouse with big ears, white gloves, and red shorts. (Mickey Mouse)
A yellow-green, furry creature with a pot belly, famous for stealing Christmas. (The Grinch)
A soldier in bright colors, likely to be dancing in an orchestra to scare evil spirits away. (Christmas nutcracker)
A guy with pointed ears, who sits on the shelf to check on nice and naughty kids. (The elf)

These holiday scavenger hunt templates for kids will keep children engaged and entertained.

Conclusion

Holidays scavenger hunt templates are helpful tools for designing seasonal scavenger hunts. These games are among the most engaging Christmas activities at home, school, or work. Participants can play the scavenger hunt in teams or individually, and they can also participate virtually or in person. For better engagement, it is best to use simple clues templates for kids and tougher clues for older participants. Scavenger hunt games are versatile and players can alter general rules to spice up the game and make it more interesting.

FAQ: Holiday scavenger hunt templates

Here are answers to frequently asked questions on holiday scavenger hunt templates.

How do I do a holiday scavenger hunt?

The first step of a holiday scavenger hunt is deciding on the game’s theme. Next, create a template with a list of themed prompts and print it out. Or you can also download and print an online template. Then, split the group into teams or have participants play individually. Finally, give players the list, set the timer, and begin the game. When the timer runs out, count the objects each team found. The team with the highest number of items wins and gets a reward. Players should note that they can play by collecting the items, taking photographs, or identifying the location of the required object.

Where can I find holiday scavenger hunt templates?

You can find ready-to-use holiday scavenger hunt templates here on virtualholidayparty.com. These templates are free and printable, and you can use them as they are or modify them to suit your needs. You can also find other useful templates on Pinterest, team building websites, and holiday blogs.

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Author: Carly Hill

Arguably the #1 Christmas fan. I believe it’s never too early to get started decorating your next tree!

Carly Hill