Christmas Scavenger Hunt Clues and Answers

These free printable Christmas scavenger hunt clues include 12 festive riddles that lead kids around the house to find a hidden gift or surprise.

Each clue is inspired by a familiar Christmas song, with rhyming hints leading to places like the Christmas tree, bedroom, and bathroom.

We love using this Christmas treasure hunt on Christmas Eve, but it works just as well on Christmas morning to make opening presents a little more exciting!

Print the clue cards, hide them around your home, and let the kids follow the trail.

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How to Set Up Your Christmas Treasure Hunt

This Christmas scavenger hunt takes just a few minutes to prepare and works for Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

1. Print the clues. I use cardstock to make them sturdier, but regular paper works too.
2. Choose your clue order. The 12 rhyming clues are unnumbered, so you can arrange them to suit your home. Number the backs to keep track.
3. Hide the clues. Each riddle leads to the next hiding place. For example, if the first clue points to the Christmas tree, hide the second clue in the tree.
4. Hide the final surprise. The last clue can lead to a Christmas present, stocking, or small treat.

If you’re playing with multiple kids, have them work together and take turns solving the riddles. Or divide them into teams for a little friendly competition!

12 Christmas Scavenger Hunt Clues and Answers

These 12 Christmas scavenger hunt riddles are inspired by familiar holiday songs. Each clue leads to a different spot around the house, and I’ve included the answers to make setting up your treasure hunt easier.

• Santa Claus is coming tonight. Where will you leave him a tasty bite? (leave your clue where you will leave Santa’s treat)
• All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth….. If you already have them make sure you look after them… (where the children brush their teeth)
• I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write (where the children do their school work, or where they have seen you write cards)
• Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. The next clue is where you keep warm (either by a fire if you have one, or a heater)
• Jingle Bells, Batman smells. Oh no, where should he put his dirty clothes? (in a hamper, or washing machine)

• Silent Night, Holy Night. Where do you spend your silent nights? (Child’s bed)
• Baby, it’s cold outside – your next clue is where you left your coat (in their coat pocket)
• Step into Christmas, the next clue is in your shoes (in their shoes)
• Deck the halls with boughs of holly, the next clue is hiding there (either under the rug in the hall, or anywhere near there)
• Rocking around the Christmas tree…. (hiding in the Christmas tree)
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose. Have you got one? Go and have a look in a mirror (any bathroom mirror)
• We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, the next clue is by the phone (next to mommy’s cell phone, or home phone if you still have one!)

More Free Holiday Treasure Hunts

If your kids loved this Christmas scavenger hunt, here are a few more festive options to keep the fun going:

• Reindeer scavenger hunt clues – Track Santa’s reindeer with playful rhymes that lead to hidden surprises.
• Christmas photo scavenger hunt – Perfect for older kids and teens, this version uses phones or cameras to snap silly and festive finds.
• Printable Santa hunt – Follow clues from the big guy himself in this cozy indoor treasure trail.
• Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues – Let your elf lead the way with themed riddles and holiday mischief.

Want a ready-made option?
If you’d rather grab a scavenger hunt that’s already put together, we’ve used this one on Amazon and it was a hit, no prep needed!

Get Your Free Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free PDF.

Other Scavenger Hunt Ideas

If your kids love a good treasure hunt, here are more free printable scavenger hunts to try throughout the year:

• Halloween Rhyming Scavenger Hunt – Spooky clues perfect for October fun.
• Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Clues – A festive way to keep kids entertained before the big meal.
• New Year’s Eve Hunt List – Ring in the new year with a playful countdown challenge.
• Star Wars Scavenger Hunt – A galaxy-themed adventure for little Jedi.
• Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt – Great for getting outside and exploring your local area.

And if you’ve got older kids who like a challenge, check out our escape room clue ideas for even more puzzle-solving fun.

Last Updated on 26 October 2026 by Clare Brown