Free Santa Scavenger Hunt Printable

We’ve used this Santa scavenger hunt printable for everything from classroom parties to snowy afternoons at home, and it always ends up being a favorite.

It’s quick to prep, just print, cut, and hide the Santas, and kids stay busy searching, counting, and checking them off the list.

Whether you’re trying to sneak in some learning before winter break or just need something festive that doesn’t involve glitter everywhere, this is one of those low-effort, high-fun holiday activities.

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Setting Up the Santa Claus Scavenger Hunt

Start by printing both pages of the free scavenger hunt worksheet. We like using cardstock to make the Santa cutouts a bit sturdier, but regular paper works fine too.

On the first page, you’ll find 12 numbered Santas, cut them out and set them aside.

Next, take a look at the second page. It includes a short rhyme to introduce the hunt and a checklist for kids to mark off each Santa they find.

Once everything’s ready, hide the Santas around your space. Try spots that are easy enough for younger kids to find, but still fun, like tucked into a bookshelf, peeking out from a stocking, or behind a curtain.

How to Play

Once the Santas are hidden, gather the kids and read the rhyme on the checklist to set the scene. Explain that their job is to find all 12 hidden Santas and mark each one off as they go.

Some kids like to race, others prefer to work as a team, it’s flexible enough to fit whatever energy level you’re working with.

As they search, they’ll naturally practice counting and number recognition, and if you’re using this in a group, it’s a fun way to encourage a little teamwork too.

This Santa scavenger hunt works well as a quick holiday brain break, a classroom center, or just a fun way to make a December afternoon feel a little more magical.

Want more holiday fun? Try our Christmas scavenger hunt clues for a festive twist with rhyming hints kids will love.

Educational Benefits of the Santa Scavenger Hunt

This Santa hide-and-seek activity isn’t just fun, it’s also a simple way to sneak in some learning during the holiday season.

Counting and Number Recognition: As kids search for the numbered Santas, they naturally practice early math skills in a hands-on way.

Teamwork and Social Skills: If you’re playing with a group, the hunt encourages kids to cooperate, take turns, and work together toward a shared goal.

Observation and Focus: Hunting down each Santa sharpens their attention to detail, something that carries over into other areas of learning.

Memory-Making Tradition: Simple traditions like this tend to stick. My son still remembers where we hid the Santas last year and insists on playing again every December.

Meaningful Connection: Whether you’re using this in a classroom or with your own kids at home, it’s a low-stress way to spend time together and make the season feel special.

Already found all the Santas? Keep the fun going with our free Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, perfect for adding a little mischief to your holiday countdown.

Books About Santa

After the excitement of the Santa scavenger hunt, we usually settle in with a cozy Christmas read. These Santa-themed stories have become part of our December rhythm. Sometimes we read one before bed, other times it’s just a nice way to wind down after all the holiday energy.

Santa’s Lost Reindeer – This one had my son giggling the whole way through. Santa’s on a mission to find his missing reindeer, and the ending always gets a smile. It’s a great mix of heart and humor, perfect for reading together.

How Santa Got His Job – We’ve read this one every year since preschool. It’s such a fun take on Santa’s backstory, and it always sparks conversations about what other jobs Santa could’ve had.

How to Catch Santa Claus – If your kids are full of questions about how Santa really works, this book is a hit. The imaginative “plans” kids come up with are half the fun, and the illustrations are really playful.

More Santa Fun

If your kids are still riding the Santa excitement, here are a few more festive printables we’ve enjoyed over the years:

Santa wish list printable – These have become a yearly tradition in our house. My son loves thinking through what to ask for, and I love tucking the finished lists away as keepsakes.

Santa handprint art – A quick craft that turns into a memory. This one’s always a hit with younger kids, and it’s perfect for homemade cards or classroom displays.

Coffee filter Santa craft – Super simple, surprisingly cute. If you need a last-minute holiday activity, this one uses supplies you probably already have on hand.

Get Your Free Santa Claus Scavenger Hunt Printable Here!

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Last Updated on 23 October 2025 by Clare Brown