Free Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Hunt Printable

The Elf on the Shelf candy cane hunt has become one of our favorite ways to add a little surprise and sugar to the holiday season.

It’s easy to set up, doesn’t take much time, and never fails to get kids excited first thing in the morning.

Whether you’re already deep into Elf antics or just looking for a quick win during a busy week, this simple printable scavenger hunt is a fun and festive tradition that kids look forward to year after year.

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Elf Candy Cane Hunt Setup

The Elf on the Shelf candy cane hunt is a simple tradition that kids genuinely look forward to each year. With just a little prep, you can turn a regular morning into something magical, no elaborate setup required.

This printable scavenger hunt is free for personal or classroom use (just scroll to the bottom of the post to get your copy).

To set up:

Print the hunt card on white cardstock to make it sturdy, or laminate regular paper if you prefer. Then grab 12 candy canes and hide them around your home or classroom, wherever your Elf might have been up to mischief.

On the big day, leave the printable note next to your Elf on the Shelf so your kids find it as soon as they wake up. The message reads:

“Guess what we’ve done while you were asleep? We hid 12 candy canes all around the house, just for you to find!”

The excitement builds fast as they hunt down every candy cane, and best of all, they get to keep the treats once the hunt is complete. This sweet surprise is always a hit and one of those little memories that sticks.

If you want to switch things up next time, we’ve got some Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt riddles you might like too!

Fun Extras to Pair with Your Candy Cane Hunt

If you want to add a little more magic to the Elf candy cane hunt, a few playful props can really bring the scene to life. Over the years, we’ve used everything from silly accessories to full-on mini adventures, and they always make things more memorable.

• Elf on the Shelf mates – These little companions are perfect if your kids love storytelling. Ours once helped “guard” a candy cane stash, and it turned into a whole spy mission the next morning.
• Cheer Check Up Set – Great for setting up a health-themed twist before the hunt begins. Your elf could leave a quick “exam report” before sending kids off to find the missing treats.
• Elf on the Shelf magi-freeze – We used this once to stage a scene where our elf was frozen mid-hide with a candy cane still in hand, lots of laughs that morning!
• In Case of Elftastrophe – If your elf’s prone to chaos (ours definitely is), this is a fun way to tie in a little backstory. Think: “Oops, I dropped candy canes everywhere, can you help me find them?”

These little touches aren’t necessary, but they can turn a simple scavenger hunt into a full elf adventure your kids won’t forget.

Looking for more festive fun? Try our Santa scavenger hunt, it’s another easy holiday activity kids love!

More Free Elf on the Shelf Printables

I know it’s not realistic to pull off a big Elf on the Shelf antic every night, which is why I like having a few low-effort ideas ready to go. These free Elf printables are quick to set up and always a hit:

Mini game printables – These elf-sized games add a playful touch to any scene. You can even print full-size versions for the kids to play too.

Elf hat printable – A fun little extra for family photos or to stick on your elf during the candy cane hunt.

Elf coloring pages – Leave a few pages with your elf so the kids wake up to a quiet, creative activity.

Get Your Free Elf on the Shelf Candy Cane Hunt Printable Here!

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free scavenger hunt.

Last Updated on 28 July 2025 by Clare Brown