Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt The Older Kids Will Love
The Christmas photo scavenger hunt has officially replaced our old holiday treasure hunt now that the kids are older. It’s still silly and festive, but with a bit more independence, and a lot more selfies.
We tried it last year with a group of teens and it was a hit. Phones in hand, they raced to capture everything from Santa hats to outdoor lights, and it turned into one of the most fun holiday activities we’ve done.
If you’re looking for something low-prep that actually gets older kids involved (without feeling too young), this might be your new favorite holiday tradition too.
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Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Teens
We used to run a Christmas treasure hunt with rhyming clues when the kids were little, but let’s be honest, that stopped being cool once they hit double digits.
This Christmas picture scavenger hunt is the perfect upgrade. It gives older kids more independence, adds a bit of friendly competition, and still keeps the holiday fun alive.
You can play as a family or just let the teens loose in teams of two or more. Make sure each group has at least one phone or camera, set a time limit (we usually do an hour), and go over the rules:
- Form teams of at least two
- Snap a photo of each item on the list
- Return by the agreed time
- Have fun and get creative
If you’re playing with mixed ages, add an older sibling or cousin to each group. You can also set location boundaries, especially if they’re heading out around the neighborhood.
We like using a clipboard with storage for holding the checklist, pens, and phones. You can adapt the game for younger kids too, just stay indoors and snap pics as the items show up around the house or on a holiday movie.
Photos to Take on the Christmas Hunt
There are 20 holiday-themed prompts on the list, some indoors, some outdoors, and a few that leave room for creativity. The goal is to get through as many as possible before the timer goes off.
Here’s what they’ll be hunting for:
- Favorite Christmas decoration
- Christmas book
- Christmas gift
- Someone wearing a Santa hat
- Something green
- Snowman
- Reindeer
- Santa sleigh
- Elf
- Christmas card
- Christmas star
- Christmas wreath
- Ugly Christmas sweater
- Something handmade
- Something red
- Poinsettia
- Christmas cookies
- Gingerbread man
- Lights outside
- Favorite Christmas inflatable
Decide ahead of time how you’ll choose the winner, fastest to finish, most original photos, or best overall creativity.
Small prizes add to the fun. We’ve used gift cards, phone accessories like popsockets, or even a holiday book (my son’s pick: A Christmas Carol).
And if the group still has energy afterward, try adding on a printable lights scavenger hunt or Christmas escape room game for even more holiday fun.
More Christmas Activities for Teens
If your teens enjoy this photo scavenger hunt, there are plenty of other festive activities that hit the right balance between fun and age-appropriate.
- Christmas Mad Libs – A quick win for laughs and creative storytelling. These work especially well in downtime between bigger activities.
- Holiday Scattergories – Add a seasonal twist to the classic word game. Perfect for parties or quiet afternoons.
- Christmas word search – Easy to set up and surprisingly calming. Perfect for morning work or winding down after a busy day.
- Advent activities for teens – A mix of thoughtful prompts and low-key fun to carry them through December with a little daily joy.
Pair any of these with hot chocolate and holiday music, and you’ve got a low-prep way to keep the Christmas spirit going strong.
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Other Free Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Teens
Looking for more seasonal fun? These themed scavenger hunts follow a similar format and are perfect for older kids:
- Easter photo scavenger hunt – Great for springtime with colorful, outdoor-focused prompts.
- Halloween scavenger hunt for teens – Spooky and silly clues that teens can enjoy with friends.
- Thanksgiving photo scavenger hunt – A fun way to break up the holiday meal with a little creativity.
Last Updated on 25 July 2025 by Clare Brown