Symbols of Christmas Scavenger Hunt

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Download & play the Symbols of Christmas Scavenger Hunt this holiday season!  

During Christmas time I love to talk to my kids about Christmas symbols. There are many symbols of Christmas that we may not even realize!  

In this post, I have a really fun activity to help you teach your kids or students about the symbols of Christmas! I created a Christmas Symbols scavenger hunt.  Understanding the symbols of Christmas helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas and to think about Jesus’ birth.

Print copies of the Symbols of Christmas Scavenger hunt & story now!

About the Symbols of Christmas:

Most of our traditions and Christmas decorations revolve around different symbols that represent parts of the original Christmas story.  Following are some of the Christmas symbols and what they mean.

• Nativity Scene: This is an obvious one, but it represents the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, often featuring Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men, angels, and animals.
• Star: Symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to Jesus. This is the most common thing placed on the top of the tree. 
• Angels: Symbolize the messengers of God who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.
• Candles or Christmas Lights: Represents Jesus as the Light of the World and the hope of mankind.
• Christmas Tree: Evergreen trees symbolize eternal life; decorating them is a tradition originating in Germany.
• Ornaments: Originally used to symbolize blessings; today, they are decorative.
• Wreath: The circular shape represents eternity, and evergreen materials symbolize life.
• Holly: Its sharp leaves represent Christ’s crown of thorns, and red berries symbolize his blood.
• Poinsettia: Known as the “Christmas flower,” its red leaves symbolize the Star of Bethlehem or the blood of Christ.
• Candy Canes: Shaped like a shepherd’s crook, they represent the Good Shepherd; the red stripe symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice, and white symbolizes purity.
• Stockings: Based on the legend of St. Nicholas, who left gifts in stockings hung by the fireplace.
• Bells: Represent joy and the proclamation of Christ’s birth. 
• Gingerbread Men and Houses:  Originated in Germany. Spices are said to represent the gifts that the wisemen brought. Decorating the houses likely came from the Hansel & Gretel story.
• Red: Represents the blood of Christ and the spirit of giving.
• Green: Symbolizes eternal life and renewal.
• Gold: Represents royalty, light, and the gifts brought by the Wise Men.
• White: Signifies purity, peace, and the birth of Jesus.
• Silver: Associated with hope and guidance, like the Christmas star.
• Santa Claus (St. Nicholas): A symbol of generosity, inspired by the real-life St. Nicholas, known for his kindness and gift-giving.
• Gifts: Represent the gifts given to Jesus by the Wise Men and the spirit of generosity.
• Reindeer: Their symbolic roles reflect virtues such as strength, unity, joy, and service.
• Elves: Santa’s elves are not part of the traditional story, but their symbolic role aligns with many virtues celebrated during the season, such as generosity, joy, and humble service.

Symbols of Christmas Scavenger Hunt

I have taken a few of these symbols and turned it into a Christmas Symbols Scavenger Hunt for you.  I made a set of 15 printable clues that have riddles leading to the different symbols.   

The symbols I included in this scavenger hunt are:

• Star
• Angel
• Baby Jesus
• Shepherd’s Staff/Candy Cane
• Wise Men
• Christmas Tree
• Stockings
• Bells
• Wreath
• Ornament
• Gingerbread
• Presents
• Nativity Animals
• Christmas Lights
• Santa Hat
• Reindeer
• Elf
• Snowman

Each clue is a little riddle for kids to solve then figure out where to go to find the item referenced. Here are a few examples:

Clue #1:  I lit the sky to guide the wise, To find the newborn King who lies. Seek where light shines bright and clear, I’ll be waiting for you here.  (Star)

Clue #2: I brought good news to shepherds at night, A message of joy and heavenly light. Look where things soar or reach up high, I’m waiting near where angels might fly.  (Angel)

Also included are images to represent each of these symbols. They are on their own cards. These could also be set up as a matching game.  There is a set of blank cards included as well in case you want to create your own clues. 

I wrote out the clues with answers and suggested hiding places. Also I included an optional scripture verse for each clue.  This is for those of you that want to keep a religious focus to your holiday.  They are just in the answer key, allowing it to be used both ways. 

Hide the clues throughout your home, church or school. It is great when you can hide them within the Christmas decorations.  But, if you don’t have that option, you can use the included pictures or other props to represent the items. 

Make it extra fun and have a prize at the end with some candy canes to represent the shepherds. 

See More of My Christmas Ideas:

Free Printable Christmas Caroling Song Book

Guess the Christmas Carol: Worksheet & Charades

Printable Build Your Own Christmas Nativity

The Legend of the Candy Cane Craft

Christmas Eve (or Easter!) Bethlehem Dinner

12 Days of Christmas Printable Game