Free December Word Search Printable
The December word search printable is a fun way for kids to explore winter vocabulary.
It includes words celebrating the season, from Christmas and Hanukkah to New Year.
Perfect for elementary students, this free word search printable combines spelling practice with holiday fun.
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December word search puzzle
This December word game brings a festive twist to learning.
It’s designed for kids to enjoy the challenge of finding winter and holiday-themed words within a fun letter grid.
My son looks forward to these puzzles each year, and I’ve found they’re a great mix of seasonal fun and learning.
What’s included:
Kids can search for words related to winter and holidays, hidden within a grid of letters. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons or quick brain breaks.
To make it easier for younger learners, the word bank at the side of the page lists each holiday word included in the puzzle.
For parents and teachers, the answer sheet makes it easy to check solutions and offer hints if needed!
Seasonal vocabulary list
The holiday word search includes the following words:
- Winter
- Christmas
- Snow
- Hanukkah
- Solstice
- Holiday
- Celebration
- Frost
- Eggnog
- Yule
- Lights
- Joy
- Cheer
- New Year
- Reindeer
- Cookies
- Tinsel
- Gifts
- Mistletoe
- Candle
These words reflect themes associated with winter, celebrations, and various December holidays.
Educational benefits of word searches
In our home, word searches have been a favorite, especially during the holiday season. I’ve found that these puzzles offer more than just entertainment, they genuinely support learning.
This holiday puzzle, for example, introduces kids to seasonal vocabulary they may not encounter in their regular studies.
Here’s how this puzzle supports development:
- Boosts Problem-Solving: Word searches require a little strategy. Kids learn to scan systematically, look for patterns, and think critically to spot each word.
- Seasonal Vocabulary Growth: By spotting words like “Yule” and “Solstice,” kids are exposed to winter and holiday terms that build cultural awareness and expand their vocabulary.
- Focus and Patience: I love how word searches encourage children to slow down and really concentrate, qualities that can be hard to cultivate but are so valuable.
- Spelling Practice in Disguise: Searching for each word reinforces spelling in a subtle, enjoyable way. It’s especially useful for children who may struggle with traditional spelling drills.
Tips for using the word search
This December word search is versatile and can be a fun addition to both classroom and home learning.
Words are hidden in all directions—horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forward, and backward! Rather than crossing out words, I recommend highlighting or circling them, as some letters appear in multiple words.
Here are a few ways to make the most of this word search:
- Teachers can use this puzzle to start the day with a festive, low-pressure activity. It’s a great way to get kids in the holiday spirit while reinforcing spelling and vocabulary.
- Parents can work through this word search with their kids for a cozy, seasonal vocabulary game. It’s perfect for keeping children engaged during winter break or as a quiet activity after holiday excitement. We like to make it a game to see who can find a word first.
- Beyond finding words, you can turn this into a spelling or writing exercise. Challenge children to create sentences with each word or even write a short story using all the holiday terms. It’s a subtle way to build language skills while keeping the holiday mood.
More December themed printables
If you’re looking to add variety to your holiday activities, these word games and printables are perfect for keeping kids engaged and expanding their seasonal vocabulary:
- A fun, Elf word search featuring holiday words associated with elves, making it a great activity for kids who love the magic of Christmas helpers.
- This Elf on the Shelf word scramble challenges children to unscramble elf-related words, adding a playful twist to the tradition. It’s perfect for building problem-solving and spelling skills.
- . A general Christmas word search with holiday vocabulary that kids of all ages will enjoy, from “Santa” and “Ornaments” to “Carols” and “Snowflake.”
- Christmas word scramble. This activity allows children to unscramble Christmas-related words, encouraging them to think creatively and reinforce their holiday vocabulary.
- A New Year’s word scramble that includes words associated with ringing in the new year, like “Countdown,” “Fireworks,” and “Resolution.” It’s a fun, educational way to end the year.
- This simple Hanukkah memory game printable introduces younger children to Jewish symbols and vocabulary, making it a perfect holiday learning activity for all ages.
Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Get the December word search free printable here!
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