Join our community to connect with fellow joy-choosers!
  • ABOUT
  • STORE
  • PRINTABLES
  • SPEAKING
  • BLOG
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Not Consumed

Christian Family » Christian Holidays » Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt (with Free Printable)

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt (with Free Printable)

November 4 By Kim Sorgius 29 Comments

4 Nov
christmas scavenger hunt
christmas-lights-scavenger-hunt
Looking for a simple, but meaningful way to celebrate the holidays? You’ll love this free Christmas lights scavenger hunt printable and family fun idea!

“Everybody in the car,” I shouted. “It’s time for our first annual Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt!”

My heart was giddy with excitement for what was to come. The kids had been neatly tucked into bed for about 10 minutes and I was poised to announce the thrill of the season.

I stood in the middle of the living room and shook the jingle bells as loud as I could.

christmas-lights-scavenger-hunt

They burst out of their rooms with excited bewilderment smeared all over their tiny faces. I’m fairly certain the older ones thought mom had gone crazy. I mean what kind of mother “wakes” up her kids after putting them to bed and throws them in the car for a night of fun?

I can answer that. She’s the kind of mom who wants to make a memory.

We piled in the van, which was freshly stocked with styrofoam coffee cups filled with hot chocolate. The radio blared our favorite Christmas carols and the sweet squeals of my precious children could be heard even outside of the van.

The plan was simple. We would drive around town and look at Christmas lights.

I made up this little Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt on scrap paper where my kids could check off popular Christmas decorations as they spotted them. We laughed, sang, and celebrated as we searched to check off the items on the list. I probably don’t have to tell you that it was a night we will never forget.

In fact, the kids talked about it for an entire year until the next Christmas came. And then they began wondering: Would Mom do it again? What night might she ring those bells?

I have to admit that my heart is full of joy just thinking about doing it again this year. It’s really a simple tradition. It’s even free. Which reminds me of the whole point of Christmas. It’s not about fancy packages, elaborate dinners, or perfect families. It’s about time together. It’s about giving each other the gift of love.

So are you in? I’d love for you to join us in the Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt tradition. In fact, I’ve even upgraded my little piece of scratch paper to a beautiful printable that I’d love to share with you!

christmas lights scavenger hunt

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Putting together your own Christmas lights scavenger hunt is simple. Of course, you’ll need to pick a night. I also recommend scoping out the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights. I often do this by asking my friends on Facebook. You can count on Facebook for a wide array of opinions. (Haha)

Next, download the free printable (links below) and print. I use cardstock for things like this because it will hold up better with little ones in the car. I also like to give them each a clipboard and something fun to write with.

As mentioned above, I stocked the car with hot chocolate in to-go cups, as well as some special treats. This isn’t required, but it sure made the atmosphere all the more exciting.

If you have older kids, have them help you get everything set before you “wake” up the younger kids. This is a great way for them to serve and it builds their excitement, too.

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Games

If you have all younger kids, just the scavenger hunt is plenty of fun for the evening. However, as my kids have gotten older, I’ve raised the bar for competition. I do offer a prize for the person with the most items checked off at the end of the night. I’ve also done these variations with teens:

  • Have kids take pictures with their cell phones instead of marking them off.
  • Have them take SELFIES with as many items on the list as possible.
  • Have them play in teams (boys vs. girls) to see who can get them marked off first.
  • Have them write the street address number down next to each item they find. The winner has to add up the address numbers to win.
  • Pick a color for the night and don’t allow them to mark off items unless they include that color.

I’m so excited just thinking about all the fun your family will have this year with the Christmas lights scavenger hunt! I pray that you will cherish each moment because long after the newest toy is shoved broken under the bed, these memories will be treasured in their hearts!

Download your Scavenger Hunt Printables today:

Love free printables? Me too! Your family will make some really FUN memories with this Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt! Click the image below to download!

kim sorgius
Kim Sorgius

Through practical tools & Bible-based resources, Kim Sorgius is dedicated to helping your family GROW in faith so you can be Not Consumed by life’s struggles. Author of popular kid’s devotional Bible studies and practical homeschooling tools, Kim has a master’s degree in education and curriculum design coupled with over 2 decades of experience working with kids and teens. Above all, her most treasured job is mother and homeschool teacher of four amazing kiddos.

Comments

  1. Peggy E says

    December 4 at 1:53 am

    I love the idea of this scavenger hunt. Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  2. janeen says

    December 12 at 11:00 am

    super cute! thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  3. Tamika C. Moore says

    December 13 at 1:04 pm

    I absolutely LOVE this idea! This will surely get my girls into the Holiday spirit.

    Reply
  4. Kelly says

    December 16 at 9:52 am

    I love that they were tucked in bed – completely unsuspecting of what was coming next! My girls are only 3 and 4 but I definitely plan to do this. I downloaded the scavenger hunt page to add to our night when they are a little older. Thank you so much for this idea. Can’t wait to hear more memory-making ideas!

    Reply
  5. Jennifer says

    December 16 at 1:03 pm

    We started this tradition two years ago. Only ours was slightly different. I sent them “up to bed” where they’d find a golden ticket to ride….which they’d come running out with and I’d yell, come on let’s go! My husband would be waiting in the car with popcorn and hot cocoa. Last year I found a scavenger hunt for lights, however, yours is way better! I love the idea of letting them actually get in bed and then ring the bell. That will be a lot easier than waiting and hoping for them to see the ticket at the same time haha! Can’t wait to do it again this year! Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Holidays 🙂

    Reply
  6. Melissa Donovan says

    December 17 at 10:54 am

    Thanks for the great idea. We do not celebrate Christmas but really enjoy all the pretty lights on display. We are going to use your list and go driving around our town and see how many things we can find on the list!!!

    Reply
  7. Wendy says

    December 20 at 6:50 pm

    Most darling ever! Just shared with my friends and printed up some copies. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  8. Mandy Majors says

    December 22 at 5:28 pm

    Thank you for putting this together!! We’re using it this week, and I just shared on my FB page. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!!

    Reply
  9. amber says

    December 23 at 1:51 pm

    I am totally doing this tonight! Thank you for sharing this great idea and the fabulous printable!

    Merry Christmas to you!
    Amber

    Reply
  10. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    December 24 at 12:37 am

    So cute! I linked to this page of yours in my blog post today. I hope you see some new visitors your way! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Kim Sorgius says

      December 26 at 11:08 pm

      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  11. kendell says

    December 28 at 9:02 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing your files, they are really appreciated

    Reply
  12. Katie Hornor says

    October 4 at 10:33 pm

    This printable is so pretty! Thank you. I am linking to it as a resource for my post on the history of electric Christmas Tree lights.

    Reply
    • Kim Sorgius says

      October 10 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  13. Jennie Sheppard says

    December 18 at 2:21 pm

    Thanks for the email this morning. I printed a different Christmas lights scavenger hunt last night without really looking at the list beforehand. After it printed, I realized it was strictly secular and that made me so sad! I’m excited to search for the things on this list tonight with our family. Yours is my favorite website/blog ever! Keep up the great work. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Reply
  14. Jamarys Hwang says

    December 18 at 5:03 pm

    What an awesome idea. It’s funny cause in our house I am just not stressed at all. I keep getting these msgs and emails asking whether Im ready for Christmas and frankly Im not sure what that means. What is there to be ready??? We celebrate Jesus we should always be ready for HIM 🙂 Anyway, We go to several Christmas services which we love most. we have dinner at home open gifts either 24th or 25th and play some board games. We love the quite and simple way to stay focus on what matters. no stress no fuss. i will definitely be adding the lights scavenger hunt this year. They’ll enjoy it for sure. Anything to get out of bed 😉 Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Kim Sorgius says

      December 18 at 5:08 pm

      Yes I agree. People are always asking if we are ready and sometimes it feels weird. I think the stress part comes from the many activities and things that need to get done this time of the year. Whenever things get busy, it’s always more difficult to get necessary things done. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Jenny Williams says

    December 19 at 10:01 pm

    Love the scavenger hunt. I posted about it on my blog for our 12 Days of Christmas with the Kids. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. Shannon Fox says

    December 23 at 8:34 am

    We used your scavenger hunt sheet last night and it was SO much fun! And as always, your printables are so lovely, too. Thank you for blessing so many with your talent and time.

    Reply
    • Kim Sorgius says

      December 23 at 1:56 pm

      Yay. So glad you guys had fun!

      Reply
  17. Toni says

    December 28 at 11:07 am

    We had so much fun! Grandparents, parents, and and children split in two cars to see who could find the most items. Our cross-country family participated too. When I asked , “Should we do it again next year?”the answer was “definitely”. Post-hunt prizes were Christmas bulb shaped cookies for all. Thank you so much for sharing. (We were already up….just as much fun I think)

    Reply
  18. Lauren says

    December 21 at 9:31 pm

    Thank you so much for this printable. We shared with friends and it was such a fun family time for us!

    Reply
  19. Joanna says

    December 22 at 1:47 am

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  20. Michelle Gutierrez says

    January 19 at 2:35 pm

    Love your printables. Do NOT love that immediately after I gave you my email address I began to receive crazy amounts of spam messages. I believe you sold my address and so don’t appreciate it.

    Reply
    • Suzanne says

      January 21 at 6:12 pm

      Hi Michelle,

      Don’t worry, we don’t EVER sell email addresses so you can rest assured that was not due to NotConsumed. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Aspen says

    April 28 at 10:09 am

    I wish I had seen this at Christmas!! I hope you post more of these! If you’re ever looking for a fun scavenger hunt idea here’s a site that creates riddles and clues to solve throughout the scavenger hunt!
    https://www.riddleme.com/category/christmas-scavenger-hunts/

    Reply
  22. Heather says

    November 25 at 11:03 am

    Awesome idea!

    Reply
  23. Carol Rhine says

    November 27 at 6:56 pm

    I love this idea! Sounds like so much fun! May I share with my page and my group?

    Reply
    • Suzanne says

      November 30 at 9:40 am

      Yes, please feel free to share!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Reader Favorites

Want help cultivating sibling relationships? Check out these resources. Helping kids develop devotional habits Want some help planning your homeschool year? Want to learn how to blog?

Some of our Favorite Printables

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer Policy
  • Terms of Service

Here’s What Others Are Saying about Not Consumed

profile-pic
Noel M.

Positive Impact in My Life

I've been following your blog for a couple years and I have enjoyed participating in your free bible studies/devotions as well as those I've purchased from you. I just wanted to let you know that you've made such a positive impact in my spiritual and home school life, as well as support and encouragement for motherhood. Thank you for being such a blessing to so many moms.

profile-pic
Kimberley

You're in my head, sister!

I just wanted you to know that I LOVE your blog. I can’t tell you how much the homeschooling posts have meant to me. It’s like you’re in my head, sister!! Thank you so much for taking the time in your busy life to minister to struggling moms and making me feel as if I’m not alone.

profile-pic
Brittany, mom of 2

Like Being With a Girlfriend

Thanks for sharing a piece of your family. Your blog is, honestly, the only one I have ever subscribed to. I feel like I'm on the phone with a girlfriend every time I read your words. I love it! I often find myself spending hours clicking from one post to the next telling myself, "okay, one more and then go to bed!" It's all just so helpful!

profile-pic
Paige L.

Lasting Impression on My Entire Family

I wanted to write to encourage you and say, "THANK YOU!" I've been following your blog for years, and you have made such a lasting impression on my entire family. We've purchased many of your Bible Studies and a few other wonderful homeschooling resources, all of which we absolutely love!!! Still, I believe the greatest compliment I can give you is that because of your Bible Studies that my children and I have completed together, my oldest daughter has been so inspired, she's started creating her own daily devotionals, modeled after the ones you've made. They are absolutely precious (in her own little 12-year old way), and she prints one off each morning for our entire family to complete during our quiet time. When she finishes her first "study" (which is on the Fruits of the Spirit by the way), she plans to print a set to hand out to her small group at church. To see my daughter take ownership of her faith in this way and to bless others with a deeper study of God's Word is a precious gift to me, and I can't thank you enough for your inspiration and positive influence!

profile-pic
Christi, single homeschooling mom of 7

Life-giving Words

What an encouragement your words have been to me! The practical tips and realistic systems that you share are so super helpful, but what I have appreciated the most has been your genuine heart for the Lord and for the things of the Lord. What I sense through your words is a heart submitted to the Lord, clinging to Him instead of to bitterness. Walking a path that you never signed up for, painfully aware of your brokenness and inadequacies, but keeping your eyes focused on the only Giver of Life. You have a testimony of victory, of overcoming, Kim. Your life-giving words boast of the faithfulness of a God who hears and sees and knows and provides and comforts. A God who doesn't change.

profile-pic
Laura, homeschooling mom of 6

Love everything you do!

As far as the other things, I LOVE my brothers keeper and we've done it twice over the past year or two. I recommend it all the time on so many groups online. I type notconsumed.com almost daily somewhere on something. At times I will come across another resource you have created and it's like you are in my head. So much of what you create is exactly what I want but am not techy enough to do! I had googled a checklist for homeschooling recently and yours popped up. It was exactly the simple thing I wanted. I told my husband that you "get me" when I found it. :) I ended up buying it then hearing about the course and did that too. Even as a veteran homeschool mom I learned a few things from your course. I really love how you foster independence in your kids in stages. Again, exactly what I want to do!

profile-pic
Cathy, homeschool mom of 2

Bible Studies are Incredible!

I just ordered and am in the process of printing out so many of your amazing resources and I can't wait to get started! Your bible studies are incredible and so thoughtful, your planner is wonderfully laid out and your breakfast and lunch stations will save me so much time!! I don't know how you do it all, but I'm thankful you do!

profile-pic
Tara, single homeschooling mom

Brings courage to my heart!

I want to thank you for your transparency and dedication to blessing families with resources. Thank you for the life giving words that I read over and over. I cling to the hope I see in your story. Not only did you help me work through things that had happened, you prepared me for a situation that could have consumed me. God used your encouragement to strengthen me. I was so beaten down, discouraged, and tired from the long and difficult path I had been walking. It was a refreshing rain in the middle of a weary road, and it made me hope for a future that is victorious.

profile-pic
Sheryl

Monthly Scripture Pages

Thank you for creating the monthly Scripture pages... especially the KJV one! It's the only Bible I use and hardly any bloggers use it on their stuff. I also really appreciate the products that you provide. I really appreciate the insights, laughter, and thoughtfulness put into your blog, emails, Facebook posts, etc.

profile-pic
Julianne

My daughter loves it all!

I just want to write and let you know that my 13-year-old daughter loves, love, loves everything I have ever ordered from you and says that she wants your entire inventory of bible studies for her next birthday!

Thank you for making a positive difference in our lives!

profile-pic
Ferne Downs

Fabulous, heart-felt resources for parents!

Thank you, Kim, for continuing to offer such fabulous and heart-felt resources to us parents! I was not raised in a Christian home and feel like I’m floundering in the dark trying to raise my children to know and love the Lord. Your emails and bible studies are my lifeline! You should write a parenting manual!

May God continue to bless you and your family abundantly!

Want to share how you’ve been blessed by Not Consumed ministries?

Blessed Assurance. This song has brought comfort a Blessed Assurance. This song has brought comfort and peace to many since it was written by Fanny Crosby in 1873! The story of how the words of this song came to be is fascinating! Have you heard the story?⁣
⁣
You can learn about the history behind MANY hymns in Still Singing-our music appreciation unit study curriculum. Your family will learn to appreciate the hymns of the faith even more once you know how they came to be! Link in bio.⁣
⁣
#notconsumed #biblestudy #biblestudymoments #devotionsforkids #christianparenting #homeschool #homeeducator #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #homeschoolmama
Teaching kids about how to handle money is a GREAT Teaching kids about how to handle money is a GREAT skill for them to learn as early as possible! Let's be honest, a lot of us are well into our adult life before we learn good money habits. However, you can't teach kids HOW to handle money unless they HAVE money to handle. 😉 ⁣
⁣
This post will help you take the steps for creating a chore chart system that will pay your kids and help them learn how to manage their money. I've even included a printable for you. 😀Link in bio.⁣
⁣
#notconsumed #biblestudy #biblestudymoments #devotionsforkids #christianparenting #homeschool #homeeducator #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #homeschoolmama #teachkidsaboutmoney #smartmoneysmartkids
Do you have a vision for your family?⁣ ⁣ #notc Do you have a vision for your family?⁣
⁣
#notconsumed #quotablequotes #thoughtfulquotes #thegoodquotes
If you've been waiting to take advantage of our de If you've been waiting to take advantage of our devotional sale, NOW is the time to act-don't wait any longer! This sale ends tonight and I don't want you to miss it!! Get Bible studies and devotional resources for your family at an amazing price, but hurry-do it now! Link in bio.⁣
⁣
#notconsumed #biblestudy #biblestudymoments #devotionsforkids #christianparenting #homeschool #homeeducator #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #homeschoolmama
It's in His presence that we find the strength to It's in His presence that we find the strength to face whatever comes in our lives!⁣
⁣
#notconsumed #scripture #Scriptureoftheday #faithinJesus #gratitude #godisalwaysgood
Developing any habit requires discipline and a pla Developing any habit requires discipline and a plan. Our Kids Devotional Method course is your starting point to teaching your kids how to have their own time in God's Word. This course gives you a game plan for helping your kids develop this vital habit and practical help and strategies for sticking to it!⁣
⁣
Get this course for free right now with coupon code: TIME4DEVOS. Link in bio.⁣
⁣
#notconsumed #biblestudy #biblestudymoments #devotionsforkids #christianparenting #homeschool #homeeducator #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #homeschoolmama
🌟⁣ #notconsumed #faithinJesus #gratitude #god 🌟⁣
#notconsumed #faithinJesus #gratitude #godisalwaysgood #hymnquotes #hymnsing
Load More... Follow on Instagram


OUR MINISTRY

About Kim
What We Believe
FAQ
How to Blog


GET CONNECTED

Contact Us
Visit our Blog
Get our Free Printables

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

WAYS TO HELP

Donate
Shop
Hire Kim to Speak
Affiliates

Copyright © 2021 · Not Consumed.

Not Consumed® is fully trademarked by Not Consumed Ministries, LLC.

All Rights Reserved.

Site Design by Visibilia Media