Being a mom, I've got to tell you, doing a Christmas lights scavenger hunt with the family is an absolute blast! It's like embarking on a magical journey filled with giggles and amazement.

Last Christmas, my family and I started a new tradition – a Christmas Lights scavenger hunt. We bundled up in our warmest coats and set out on a chilly winter night.

It was a sight to see as we found houses with twinkling reindeer, giant snowmen, and even a house covered in lights that danced to music!

My kids were thrilled every time they spotted a Santa Claus or a candy cane. We sipped hot cocoa and felt the holiday spirit all around. It's now a cherished part of our holiday season.

So, let me spill the beans on why we love this festive game.

And to make it easier, get this free printable Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt List. Along with our favorites, we have also included a blank sheet so you can write your own scavenger hunt ideas.

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What is a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt?

So what exactly is a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt? Oh, let me tell you, it's one of the coolest winter activities during the holiday season! It's perfect for those who want to soak up the festive vibes and take in the gorgeous decorations in your city or neighborhood.

You simply drive or walk around, on the lookout for the most dazzling Christmas lights. It's like diving into a real-life winter wonderland. So, let's dive in and find out how to do this scavenger hunt.

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Tips for a Successful Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Here are some tips to make sure your hunt goes smoothly:

Plan the Route

Choosing a safe and convenient route is essential. Consider your group's age and mobility. Avoid busy streets or places with heavy traffic. A residential neighborhood with beautiful decorations is often a great choice.

Set a Time Limit

To keep things exciting, set a time limit for your hunt. This adds an element of challenge and ensures you make the most of your adventure. It also prevents the hunt from dragging on too long, especially if you have young participants.

Make your List

But before you head out, take some time to make a list of all the things you might see on your drive. Things like Santa Claus, reindeer, elves, snowmen, etc.

Once you have your list ready, hit the road and see how many of those items you can find! You can even turn it into a competition to see who can find the most things on the list.

Bring Christmas Snacks

Don't forget to pack some tasty Christmas treats! Bring cookies, hot cocoa, or your favorite snacks to keep everyone fueled and in the holiday spirit. Enjoying these snacks while on the hunt adds an extra layer of coziness and fun to the adventure. It's like having a little picnic along the way!

Add Some Music

To make it even more festive, listen to some Christmas music while you're driving around. Sing along and get into the holiday spirit!

Decorate

And if you're feeling extra creative, you can even dress up the car with some holiday decorations of your own. After all, it is a scavenger hunt!

Give out Prizes

To make your Christmas lights scavenger hunt extra fun, consider giving out small prizes. This can be as simple as stickers, holiday-themed toys, or even a gift card for finding the most lights.

Prizes add a bit of friendly competition and make the hunt feel even more rewarding. 

Dress Up and Play Some Games

To make your Christmas Lights scavenger hunt even more special, consider turning it into a festive pajama party! Have everyone dress in their coziest holiday PJs, and play holiday-themed games along the way. You can try "I Spy" with Christmas decorations or "Name that Christmas Tune" as you explore the neighborhood.

Adding these fun elements can turn a simple scavenger hunt into a magical, memory-filled adventure that your family will treasure for years to come.

The goal is to have fun and enjoy all the amazing Christmas lights displays that are out there. So get creative and have a blast.

How to do a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Christmas lights scavenger hunts are very easy to set up. You just need to make a list of things you think you will see during your drive and set a goal for how many of them you want to find.

Assign Points

You can also assign points to each item on the list, giving more points for things that are harder to find. This will make it even more competitive! Once everything is ready, all that’s left to do is get out there and start looking for the best Christmas lights displays.

Give Different Lists

If you’re feeling extra creative, make your scavenger hunt more interactive by giving each family member a different list that they have to complete. This way, everyone will be looking for something different and sharing their discoveries with one another when you get back home.

Stop for Snacks

Remember to serve up some hot cocoa and holiday treats when you get home. After all, it’s important to refuel after a long night of scavenging. While you are enjoying your drinks you can take a look at everyone’s lists and tally up the points. Who will be crowned the champion this year?

Make it a Christmas Tradition

Make this a family tradition, do it every Christmas. Choose a date that works for everyone, and mark it on the calendar. This way, everyone knows it's something to look forward to, as Christmas Day approaches.

It becomes a special thing your family does together, creating happy memories and stories to share for years to com

Make it Suitable for Everyone

Adapting a scavenger hunt for different age groups and larger gatherings is a great way to ensure everyone has a blast. Here are some suggestions:

• Use picture clues or simple drawings instead of written lists.
• Keep the hunt short and focus on items that are easy for them to find.
• Offer lots of encouragement and help them along the way.

• Create a more challenging list with both easy and harder items.
• Add riddles or clues to make it more engaging.
• Consider themed hunts, like a nature hunt or a treasure map-style adventure.

• Make it tech-savvy with a smartphone app or digital clues.
• Add a time limit or a competitive element.
• Use more complex riddles or puzzles.

• Create teams with a mix of ages to encourage cooperation and bonding.
• Assign different roles to each team member (e.g., navigator, clue reader).
• Include a variety of clues and challenges that cater to different skill levels.

• Set up multiple starting points to avoid overcrowding.
• Use walkie-talkies or a group messaging app to communicate between teams.
• Consider a relay-style hunt where each team passes a "baton" (a clue) to the next team.

• Include clues or items that relate to different generations' experiences or hobbies.
• Encourage sharing stories or memories associated with the items found.
• End with a family game or activity that suits all ages.

By tailoring the scavenger hunt to the age group and size of the gathering, you can ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy a memorable and inclusive experience.

Make Your Own Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

If you need some ideas for your Scavenger Hunt list to get you started, here are a few. Remember you can also get our FREE Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Lists.

Things to Include on your Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt List

Here are some easy but still fun ideas to start off your Scavenger Hunt. You can pick out the ones that you want to find and put them on your list.

• Red Lights
• Blue Lights
• Green Lights
• Reindeer
• Santa
• Elves
• Snowman
• Jingle Bells
• Candy Canes
• Nativity Scene
• Star of Bethlehem
• Christmas Wreath
• Train

Harder Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Ideas

For those looking for a challenge, here are some harder items to find. Remember, you can always adjust the list to make it easier or more challenging!

• Gingerbread House
• Angel
• White Christmas Tree
• Santa Sleigh
• Gift Boxes
• Grinch
• Candyland Scene
• Snow Globe
• Toy Soldier

Unique Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Add in a few of these creative ideas and make your hunt even more exciting!

• Character from Frozen
• North Pole Sign
• Polar Bear
• Christmas Tree Maze
• Lighted Snowflakes
• House with 3 or more inflatables in their yard
• House with lights that flash to the beat of holiday music
• A string of lights with at least one bulb that is not working 
• Christmas lights wrapped around a tree 
• Lights in the shape of a star 
• Lights in the shape of a Christmas tree 

It's time to get out there and enjoy the season with a fun and festive Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for the whole family! With so many wonderful things to find, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

No matter who wins or loses, you’re sure to have a wonderful time out in the winter wonderland that is Christmas lights! So grab your family and head out for an unforgettable evening of festive fun!

More Fun Party Game Ideas:

It's that time of year again! Time for office holiday party games. Whether you're looking for something funny, competitive, or just plain cheesy, we've got you covered. Here are some of our favorite games to play at the office Christmas party this year.

Looking for a fun way to keep the family entertained this Christmas? Check out these ideas for a Christmas scavenger hunt! From traditional hunts to themed hunts, we've got you covered. Get ready to have some festive fun!