Looking for a super fun way to bring a little extra magic to your holiday season? Today we’re sharing one of our favorite festive traditions — a Christmas Car Ride Scavenger Hunt! This simple printable activity turns an ordinary drive around town into a cozy, memory-making holiday adventure the whole family will love.
Whether you’re headed out to look at Christmas lights, driving to Grandma’s house, or just trying to keep the kids entertained on the way to the store — this printable scavenger hunt is the perfect way to add a playful twist to your trip.
The best part? It’s LOW prep. Just print, grab a pencil or marker, and you’re ready to roll. Kids can check off their finds as you cruise through town, making it a great boredom buster for little ones who have trouble sitting still on longer rides.
Grab the printable page of 12 adorable, kid-friendly riddles that match common holiday decorations you’ll find around town — things like twinkling lights, giant inflatables, wreaths, snowmen, window candles, and more!
Each clue comes with a little checkbox so kids can track their progress along the way. You can even turn it into a friendly competition between siblings or play cooperatively as a family.
How to Use the Christmas Car Ride Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Print your scavenger hunt (grab it below!)
Hop in the car, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and pick a festive neighborhood to explore.
Read each riddle aloud and let kids try to guess what they’re looking for.
Spot the item outside the window and check it off!
Celebrate when you find them all — maybe with hot cocoa or a holiday treat on the way home!
This activity is perfect for family nights, classroom incentives, therapy sessions, or community events — and it’s a fantastic way to spark excitement and connection during the holiday season.
More Holiday Fun for Kids
If your kiddos love this activity, check out some of our most popular holiday ideas:
Easy Fine Motor Christmas Crafts
Movement-Based Interactive Gingerbread Game
Christmas Would You Rather Movement Game
Printable Holiday Pack
Silly Santa Movement Game
Christmas Car Ride Scavenger Hunt for Kids
1. I shine in the night with colors so bright, strung on houses to bring delight. [Christmas lights]
2. Round and green with a bow on top, I hang on doors and never drop. [wreath]
3. I’m jolly and plump in my red suit and hat, sometimes inflatable, sometimes flat! [Santa]
4. I stand tall outside or inside the home, with ornaments and sparkle wherever I roam. [Christmas tree]
5. I take off at night to help Santa deliver, glowing red nose and hooves that shimmer. [Rudolph]
6. I might wave, smile, or wobble around, a frosty friend that stands on the ground. [snowman]
7. I sparkle, I twinkle, I light up the sky—look for me glowing way up high! [star]
8. Sometimes I sparkle, sometimes I blow, I’m full of air and shaped like a holiday show. [snowglobe]
9. I’m striped red and white, sweet as can be—look for a giant version of me! [candy cane]
