Holiday Scavenger Hunt Printable Pack

Use your browser’s Print command. Each player sheet starts on a new page, followed by three host answer keys. Preview the page numbers before printing only the sheets you need.

teambuilding.com · Template 1 of 10

Christmas scavenger hunt to find gifts

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: one gift recipient or one group searching together
Time: 15 minutes to set up; 10–15 minutes to play
Materials: Six clue cards, scissors, tape, a gift or location note, and one gift bag; access to shoes, a bookshelf, a mirror, a refrigerator, and a dining chair.

Host: cut apart the numbered clue cards below and set up the trail using the separate host key. Do not give the player the full sheet at once.

  1. With soles below and room for toes, look beside the pair you wear outdoors.
  2. Stories stand together, spine beside spine. Your next clue waits on their shelf, near a tale you might like.
  3. I show your holiday sweater without taking a photo. Look at the glass that copies each move you make.
  4. I keep party leftovers chilly inside. Your next clue waits beside my door, outside.
  5. At the holiday table, I give you a seat. Look where you sit when it is time to eat.
  6. I carry a present with handles on top. Look inside this paper bag for your final stop.

Use only easy-to-reach places. Do not hide cards inside appliances, behind heavy furniture, or among someone else’s belongings. If a clue location is missing, rewrite that card before printing.

teambuilding.com · Template 2 of 10

Holiday scavenger hunt for kids with clues

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: children who can read short clues, with an adult helper
Time: 10–15 minutes
Materials: Six printed or drawn object pictures, six clue cards, paper and a pencil.

Solve the six riddles below. Find the matching pictures your host has placed around the room, then point to each match and write its name. One point per match, up to six. You may work together.

  1. I have a thumb but no fingers of my own. On a cold hand is where I feel at home.
    Answer:  
  2. Give me a shake and hear me ring. I am a small, musical metal thing.
    Answer:  
  3. Five points spread out from my middle. Find my shape to solve this riddle.
    Answer:  
  4. I wrap around your neck, long and snug. I am a strip of cloth, not a hug.
    Answer:  
  5. I have a handle, but I am not a door. Cocoa fills me, then you ask for more.
    Answer:  
  6. I am a striped sweet with a hook at the top. Find my picture; no tasting at this stop.
    Answer:  

Use pictures instead of breakable decorations, hot drinks, or food. For younger children, show two possible pictures for each clue and let them choose.

teambuilding.com · Template 3 of 10

Christmas scavenger hunt for adults with clues

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: adults or teens in teams of 2–4
Time: 20 minutes, including the answer reveal
Materials: Ten supplied objects or pictures, clue sheets, pens, and a timer.

Use the answer key to supply all ten objects or pictures. Tell teams which room is in bounds and that the objects stay where they are. Give every team the ten riddles. Allow 12 minutes to write each answer and its location. A correct guess without a location earns no point. Reveal the answers, award one point for each correct answer-and-location pair, and share the win if teams tie.

  1. I have a heel and a toe, but my December job is holding surprises rather than a foot.
    Answer and location:  
  2. My branches keep their place while little lights and ornaments move in for the season.
    Answer and location:  
  3. I am a circle of greenery that hangs up to welcome visitors; nobody wears me as a ring.
    Answer and location:  
  4. I hide a gift in plain sight until someone tears me away.
    Answer and location:  
  5. I tell a present where it is going, though I never drive or walk.
    Answer and location:  
  6. My loops sit on top of the package, but I cannot tie anyone’s shoelaces by myself.
    Answer and location:  
  7. I look like a house, but my walls are baked and my mortar is icing.
    Answer and location:  
  8. Shake my tiny world and the snow falls indoors, without making your hands wet.
    Answer and location:  
  9. I am a very long decoration made to drape along a railing, mantel, or wall.
    Answer and location:  
  10. I carry a seasonal greeting, open like a book, and usually have only a few pages.
    Answer and location:  

For a harder round, provide the riddles without an answer word bank. For a mixed-experience group, list all ten object names in a shuffled word bank.

teambuilding.com · Template 4 of 10

Christmas scavenger hunt for kids

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: young children with an adult, or a family party
Time: 10 minutes
Materials: The checklist and ten objects or drawings placed in one room.

Arrange the ten objects or drawings where children can see and reach them. Tell everyone the room boundary. Read each item or hand out the whole list. Children point to a find and tick it off the list; decorations stay in place. Complete the hunt together. Each child can choose one find to describe at the end.

  1. A paper snowflake with at least one hole in it.
  2. A red-and-white Santa hat or a drawing of one.
  3. An ornament shaped like an animal.
  4. A toy train or a picture of a train.
  5. A gift wrapped in paper with a repeating pattern.
  6. A cookie-shaped decoration or drawing.
  7. A pair of mittens that match.
  8. A holiday book with a character on the cover.
  9. A paper chain with three or more loops.
  10. A reindeer toy or drawing with antlers.

Skip speed prizes. If a child cannot reach or see an item easily, move it or let the child direct an adult helper.

teambuilding.com · Template 5 of 10

Outdoor winter scavenger hunt

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: coworkers, friends, or families on an agreed walking route
Time: 20–25 minutes
Materials: One checklist per team, a pencil, and optional phone cameras.

Walk the route first and remove or replace unavailable items. Tell players the meeting point and return time. Work in pairs or small teams. Tick each sighting and write its location; photographs are optional. Leave everything in place. At the meeting point, award one point per checked item with a location. Most points wins, with shared wins for ties.

  1. An evergreen tree or shrub.
    Location:  
  2. A pinecone visible from the path.
    Location:  
  3. A seasonal decoration on a door.
    Location:  
  4. An outdoor display with three colors.
    Location:  
  5. A bird perched above the ground.
    Location:  
  6. A storefront window decorated for a holiday.
    Location:  
  7. A tree reflected in a window or puddle.
    Location:  
  8. A bench beside a decorated public space.
    Location:  
  9. A leaf with more than one color.
    Location:  
  10. A winter hat being worn by someone in your own group.
    Location:  

Stay on public paths and away from traffic; do not enter yards or photograph people without their permission. Swap to an indoor route if conditions make the walk impractical.

teambuilding.com · Template 6 of 10

Holiday scavenger hunt for the office

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: coworkers in teams of 2–4
Time: 15–20 minutes
Materials: A checklist, timer, pens, and supplied decorations or paper substitutes.

Place or confirm all twelve items in the agreed shared spaces. Leave desks, lockers, and private offices out of bounds. Give teams ten minutes to note each item and its location. Use a different object for each line, and leave the items in place. Check the lists together. Award one point per valid find, up to twelve; tied teams share the win.

  1. A paper snowflake on a shared noticeboard.
    Location:  
  2. A mug with a winter or celebration design.
    Location:  
  3. An invitation to this team’s holiday gathering.
    Location:  
  4. A reusable ribbon decorating a shared area.
    Location:  
  5. A blank thank-you card ready for someone to write.
    Location:  
  6. A bowl or tray intended for party snacks.
    Location:  
  7. A calendar showing December.
    Location:  
  8. A folded paper decoration made from office supplies.
    Location:  
  9. A gift bag large enough to hold a notebook.
    Location:  
  10. A sign with a seasonal greeting chosen for this gathering.
    Location:  
  11. A sealed hot-drink packet, such as tea or cocoa.
    Location:  
  12. A string of paper pennants or bunting.
    Location:  

For a company Christmas party, use a Christmas greeting on the sign. For a mixed group, choose a year-end or celebration greeting. Match the room to the list before starting.

teambuilding.com · Template 7 of 10

Virtual holiday scavenger hunt

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: remote coworkers or friends, individually or in equal-size teams
Time: 10–12 minutes
Materials: A video call or group chat, the ten prompts, and a timer.

Read one prompt at a time. Give 30 seconds to find, draw, or describe a match without leaving the immediate area. Ask everyone to show or type the answer together. Award one point for each valid response; there is no bonus for being fastest. Use a different object for each prompt. For teams, collect one answer per team per round. Ten rounds means a maximum of ten points for each player or team.

  1. Something you could use to decorate a gift.
  2. An object that could become a tiny snowman’s hat.
  3. Something striped that is not clothing.
  4. An item that makes a gentle jingling or rattling sound.
  5. Something shiny enough to catch the light.
  6. An object you could use as a pretend microphone for a holiday song.
  7. Something that could hold a small surprise.
  8. A soft item that makes a work break more comfortable.
  9. Something shaped like a circle that could inspire a wreath.
  10. An everyday object you could turn into a miniature party centerpiece.

Camera-off players can type descriptions. Keep searching within reach and accept a simple sketch; the game should not depend on who has the largest decorated home.

teambuilding.com · Template 8 of 10

Christmas photo scavenger hunt

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: 4–16 adults in teams of 2–4 at an office or party
Time: 20 minutes
Materials: Per team: a phone camera, paper, pens, tape, scissors, a small box, an ornament, and assorted desk supplies.

Set one shared play area and a 15-minute photo limit. Teams submit one new photo per prompt; each photo can score for only one line. Use objects, paper props, or willing teammates. Ask before including someone, and keep screens and private documents out of the frame. Award one point when the requested elements are clearly visible. Teams exchange phones with another team to check photos against the prompts; the host settles unclear matches. Most valid photos wins; ties share the win. Invite two teams to explain a favorite shot in 30 seconds each.

  1. A tiny paper tree photographed from below so it appears taller than an everyday object behind it.
  2. A gift wrapped only in scrap paper, with a handmade bow.
  3. Three everyday objects arranged as a snowman.
  4. A team-made star built from pens, pencils, or paper strips.
  5. An ornament reflected in something shiny.
  6. Two objects posed as if they are exchanging presents.
  7. A holiday film title acted out using only objects and a handwritten title card.
  8. A paper reindeer appearing to pull a desk-supply sleigh.
  9. A patterned decoration against a plain background, with its design clearly visible.
  10. A miniature party scene with a table, seats, and decorations made from available supplies.

No points for elaborate equipment or editing. Agree that the photos stay in the game’s private space unless everyone pictured approves wider sharing.

teambuilding.com · Template 9 of 10

Naughty & nice list scavenger hunt

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: adults or families who enjoy silly object stories
Time: 12–15 minutes
Materials: The eight prompts and harmless everyday props or drawings.

Read one prompt at a time and give players 30 seconds to choose or draw a prop. Everyone shows their prop or drawing together. Invite up to two players to explain it in 15 seconds each. Award one point for each clear match; both categories score equally. Use one new prop per round. Most points after eight prompts wins, with shared wins for ties. Do not label people or teams naughty.

  1. Nice elf: a tool that could repair a paper decoration.
  2. Mischievous elf: a prop for pretending to eat the last cookie.
  3. Nice elf: something that could help carry several gifts at once.
  4. Mischievous elf: something to give a toy a ridiculous disguise.
  5. Nice elf: an object that could keep a stack of greeting cards tidy.
  6. Mischievous elf: something to make a tiny pretend snowdrift on a desk.
  7. Nice elf: a prop for cleaning up after a craft party.
  8. Mischievous elf: an object that could stand in for a completely impractical present.

Use pretend mishaps only. Skip prompts about drinking, spending, personal IDs, charity, or whether someone’s food choices are “good.”

teambuilding.com · Template 10 of 10

Holiday color scavenger hunt

Name or team:     Score:  

Best for: mixed groups, seated teams, or a five-minute meeting opener
Time: 5–8 minutes
Materials: The six prompts and objects already in reach; paper and pens are optional.

Give everyone three minutes to find or draw matches for the six prompts. Label the intended color if drawing without colored pens. Keep searches to items in reach, or let a seated player direct a teammate. Use a different object for each line. Award one point for each match that fits both the color and the purpose. Invite up to four people or teams to share one surprising find in 20 seconds each. Highest score wins, or combine everyone’s answers into one shared celebration display.

  1. Something red that could hold a message.
  2. Something green that could decorate a table.
  3. Something blue that could be part of a party game.
  4. Something yellow or gold that could mark a winner.
  5. Something white that could become a paper decoration.
  6. Something with at least three colors that could inspire an invitation.

The purpose can be imaginative: a red notebook could hold a greeting, and a yellow sticky note could become a winner’s badge.

HOST ONLY · Template 1

Christmas scavenger hunt to find gifts: answer key

Give the player clue 1. The answer to each clue is where the next card goes. The answer to clue 6 is where the gift goes. Keep this page out of sight.

  1. Shoes: hide clue 2 beside a pair of shoes.
    Clue: With soles below and room for toes, look beside the pair you wear outdoors.
  2. Bookshelf: hide clue 3 beside the books.
    Clue: Stories stand together, spine beside spine. Your next clue waits on their shelf, near a tale you might like.
  3. Mirror: tape clue 4 beside a reachable mirror.
    Clue: I show your holiday sweater without taking a photo. Look at the glass that copies each move you make.
  4. Refrigerator: attach clue 5 to the outside or place it beside the appliance.
    Clue: I keep party leftovers chilly inside. Your next clue waits beside my door, outside.
  5. Dining chair: place clue 6 on the seat.
    Clue: At the holiday table, I give you a seat. Look where you sit when it is time to eat.
  6. Gift bag: put the gift or final location note inside one gift bag, visible and within reach in the dining-chair room. Remove other gift bags from that room.
    Clue: I carry a present with handles on top. Look inside this paper bag for your final stop.

HOST ONLY · Template 2

Holiday scavenger hunt for kids with clues: answer key

Supply an object, drawing, or printed picture for every answer before the game. Keep this page off the player sheets.

  1. Mitten.
    Clue: I have a thumb but no fingers of my own. On a cold hand is where I feel at home.
  2. Bell.
    Clue: Give me a shake and hear me ring. I am a small, musical metal thing.
  3. Five-pointed star.
    Clue: Five points spread out from my middle. Find my shape to solve this riddle.
  4. Scarf.
    Clue: I wrap around your neck, long and snug. I am a strip of cloth, not a hug.
  5. Mug or handled cup.
    Clue: I have a handle, but I am not a door. Cocoa fills me, then you ask for more.
  6. Candy cane.
    Clue: I am a striped sweet with a hook at the top. Find my picture; no tasting at this stop.

HOST ONLY · Template 3

Christmas scavenger hunt for adults with clues: answer key

Supply an object, drawing, or printed picture for every answer before the game. Keep this page off the player sheets.

  1. Christmas stocking.
    Clue: I have a heel and a toe, but my December job is holding surprises rather than a foot.
  2. Christmas tree.
    Clue: My branches keep their place while little lights and ornaments move in for the season.
  3. Wreath.
    Clue: I am a circle of greenery that hangs up to welcome visitors; nobody wears me as a ring.
  4. Wrapping paper.
    Clue: I hide a gift in plain sight until someone tears me away.
  5. Gift tag.
    Clue: I tell a present where it is going, though I never drive or walk.
  6. Gift bow.
    Clue: My loops sit on top of the package, but I cannot tie anyone’s shoelaces by myself.
  7. Gingerbread house or a picture of one.
    Clue: I look like a house, but my walls are baked and my mortar is icing.
  8. Snow globe or a picture of one.
    Clue: Shake my tiny world and the snow falls indoors, without making your hands wet.
  9. Garland.
    Clue: I am a very long decoration made to drape along a railing, mantel, or wall.
  10. Holiday greeting card.
    Clue: I carry a seasonal greeting, open like a book, and usually have only a few pages.