Have the Best Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable)

If you’re ready for a holiday night that’s full of laughs, hot cocoa, and festive fun, we’ve got just the thing—a Christmas lights scavenger hunt! Imagine you and your crew snapping pics, checking off challenges, and hunting for everything from reindeer to giant Santas.

And the best part? A little friendly competition to keep everyone in high spirits.

Just print out my handy dandy Christmas lights scavenger hunt printable, map out a route, and get ready for a night of memories with your favorite people.

It’s way better than just a drive around the neighborhood! But, you can’t just go off all willy-nilly. You need a plan.

But, I’m here to help you out with that

What You’ll Need for a Fun Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Getting ready for a Christmas lights scavenger hunt requires some essential items to guarantee everyone has a festive and enjoyable experience.

Here’s what you’ll need to pack (and don’t even think about skipping any of these):

• An awesome FREE Christmas scavenger hunt printable (I’ve got one RIGHT HERE)- you’ll want two versions, one for the little elves and another for seasoned hunters.
• Smartphones or cameras – because if you didn’t snap it, did it even sparkle?
• Flashlights or glow sticks – believe me, you don’t want anyone face-planting in the dark.
• Festive fuel: hot chocolate in thermoses and cookies in containers.
• A reliable vehicle or planned walking route – amateur hour is over, folks.
• Comfortable shoes – people’ll be hoofing it between displays.

Remember: Organization isn’t optional. Your success depends on having these items ready before you start.

Planning Your Route for the Scavenger Hunt

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to map out your festive adventure.

Start by scouting your local neighborhoods – yes, actually do your homework here.

Your perfect route needs to hit these key points:

• Target known holiday hotspots first – these neighborhoods go all-out every year
• Plot your course using Google Maps or similar apps – don’t wing it
• Mark specific houses with standout decorations as waypoints
• Plan for a dusk start time (usually between 4:30-5:30 PM in winter)

If you’re walking, consider these non-negotiables:

• Sidewalk availability
• Street lighting
• Weather protection options
• Distance between displays
• Safe crossing points

Don’t be the person who gets lost between candy canes. Your route planning will make or break this holiday adventure.

Choosing The Perfect Evening

When selecting your scavenger hunt evening, timing is everything. You’ll want that sweet spot when the weather isn’t trying to freeze your fingers off – aim for 40-60°F.

Here’s your perfect-timing checklist:

• Schedule between 5-7 PM – right when those twinkling lights start popping
• Check your local forecast – rain and Christmas lights don’t mix, believe me
• Scan community calendars for competing events (you don’t want your hunt competing with the town’s annual Santa parade)

If you’re lucky enough to live near a neighborhood famous for their displays, time your hunt to be at the same time as their peak showing.

Just don’t be that person who blocks traffic for 20 minutes admiring one house.

Getting Your Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable Lists Ready

Success on your Christmas lights hunt starts with the right lists in hand.

I’ve got two versions ready for you – pick what fits your crew:

• Kid-friendly version: Pictures and simple items perfect for your little elves
• Advanced version: More items and checkboxes for competitive teens and adults

Let’s make these lists last longer than your holiday cookies:

1. Print on white cardstock – typically regular paper’s too flimsy for outdoor adventures
2. Laminate those babies if you can (trust me, you’ll thank me later)
3. Grab some wet-erase markers – they’re your best friends for marking and cleaning

You’ll use these lists year after year, and Mother Nature isn’t always kind to paper during winter hunts.

Plus, you’ll save trees and cash – how’s that for holiday spirit?

Making It Extra Special

With your lists ready to go, let’s turn this Christmas lights hunt into an unforgettable holiday tradition.

You’ll need these extras to make it epic:

• Break out the hot chocolate and homemade M&M Sprinkle Cookies – because nobody hunts on an empty stomach (plus, they taste even better outdoors, just sayin’)
• Set up prizes that’ll actually motivate the troops (gift cards work wonders)
• You can let the kids add their own items to find – believe me, they’ll get more invested
• Do your homework: check local Facebook groups and websites for neighborhoods with the best displays

Create team challenges like:

• Racing to specific decorations
• Photo contests with silly poses
• First team to spot unique items

Don’t just walk around aimlessly – make it competitive.

Split into teams, set time limits, and watch everyone’s competitive spirit light up brighter than those inflatable lawn decorations.

Games and Competition Ideas

Three amazing competition ideas can transform your Christmas lights scavenger hunt into an action-packed adventure.

Let’s get serious about making this epic.

Start with timed challenges – they’re guaranteed to get hearts racing:

• Set a 60-minute countdown for teams to find specific decorations
• Award 5 points for common items, 10 for rare finds
• Keep teams moving with text message clues every 15 minutes

Turn it into a photo competition that’ll have everyone scrambling:

• Require creative poses with each decoration
• Make teams recreate classic holiday scenes
• Challenge participants to capture the most unique angles

Create a points-based system with clear rewards:

• 25 points for finding all items on the list
• Double points for discovering hidden decorations (if you happen to have any)
• Bonus points for most festive team outfits

End with awards – because bragging rights matter! My family still talks about who won which holiday hunt or escape room or whatever the next year.

Holiday Treats and Refreshments

Steaming mugs of hot chocolate and festive treats transform your Christmas lights scavenger hunt into a cozy winter celebration.

Pack those thermoses full – nobody wants to hear complaints about cold fingers halfway through.

Your hunt needs these essentials:

• Hot chocolate (the good stuff, not the watery kind)
• M&M Sprinkle Cookies or Snickerdoodles (homemade shows you care)
• Holiday popcorn mix for quick snacking
• Gingerbread treats (they’re basically mandatory in December)
• Finger foods for easy picnicking

Don’t forget small prizes to keep the competition fierce:

• Gift cards
• Special privileges (like picking tomorrow’s dinner)
• Holiday treats as rewards

Set up your refreshment station before the hunt starts. It’s also a great gathering spot to share stories afterward.

You’ll thank yourself when hungry hunters come searching for sustenance.

Capturing The Magic Moments

Packing your camera or smartphone isn’t just about snapping pictures – it’s about preserving the magic of your Christmas lights adventure.

Don’t let these glowing moments slip away into the winter night.

Here’s your photo mission checklist:

• Assign a designated family photographer (yes, someone has to do it)
• Challenge hunters to snap selfies with the most over-the-top displays
• Document specific decorations: reindeer, snowmen, or Santa sightings
• Catch candid shots of your group’s reactions and excitement

After the hunt, don’t let those photos gather digital dust. I have such a bad habit of doing this myself.

Create a holiday scrapbook or online album – you’ll thank yourself next December.

Remember: the best shots happen when people forget they’re being photographed, so keep that camera ready.

Those genuine smiles and wide-eyed wonder are what you’re really after.

Don’t Forget Your Super Awesome Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Printable! (It’s FREE!)