The holidays are a time for laughter, connection, and creating memories. Why not take it up a notch this season with a fun and interactive holiday photo scavenger hunt? Whether hosting a cozy family get-together, a lively holiday party, or making a fun activity for kids, this activity is perfect for bringing everyone together while capturing the festive spirit.
What Is a Holiday Photo Scavenger Hunt?
A holiday photo scavenger hunt is a playful game where participants search for specific holiday-themed items or moments and capture them in photos. It’s an engaging way to encourage creativity, teamwork, and a little friendly competition while documenting all the fun.
How to Plan Your Scavenger Hunt
1. Set the Scene
Choose a location for your hunt—your home, a holiday party venue, or even outdoors in a decorated neighborhood. Make sure the space offers plenty of opportunities for festive photos.
2. Create a List of Prompts
Compile a mix of easy, funny, and creative photo prompts that fit your gathering’s vibe.
Here are some ideas:
A sparkling holiday ornament
Someone wearing a Santa hat
A plate of cookies with one bite taken
A festive drink
The brightest holiday light display
A silly holiday sweater
Someone singing a holiday song
A creative pose with wrapping paper
A pet in a holiday outfit
A mistletoe moment (real or staged!)
A kid building a snowman (real or fake!)
Someone is making a funny face in front of the tree
A tower made of wrapped presents
A holiday drawing or craft project
A close-up of tiny hands holding a holiday cookie
A child dressed as their favorite holiday character (e.g., elf, reindeer, etc.)
A group photo of kids wearing matching PJs or holiday outfits
A “snowball fight” (use cotton balls or pretend!)
Kids pretending to "fly" like reindeer
A child’s reaction to opening a gift
3. Gather Supplies
Ensure participants have what they need to join the fun. Smartphones are ideal for snapping photos and sharing them instantly. For a nostalgic touch, you could also use disposable cameras or Polaroids.
4. Set the Rules
Define clear guidelines to keep the hunt running smoothly:
A time limit (e.g., 30-60 minutes)
Boundaries for where participants can search
Instructions on how to share completed photos. Here are some ideas:
Uploading photos to a shared digital folder (e.g., Dropbox).
Sending photos to a group chat or event thread.
For little kids using Polaroid cameras: Create a festive collection station, like a decorated box or pin board, to display their completed photos for everyone to admire.
5. Add a Competitive Twist
Offer prizes for categories such as:
Most creative photo
Funniest pose
Best use of props
Most completed prompts
Sharing the Memories
Once the scavenger hunt ends, the fun isn’t over! Keep the festive spirit alive by celebrating everyone’s creativity and the moments they captured:
Host a Photo Showcase: Gather everyone together and share your favorite shots in a slideshow or display them on a TV screen. Add some music or narration to make it extra fun!
Social Media Highlights: Post the funniest, most creative, or most heartwarming photos on social media. Use a unique hashtag for your event, like #HolidayHunt2024, so everyone can easily find and share the memories.
Create a Keepsake: Collect the best photos to make a digital album, holiday photo book, or even a set of custom postcards. These keepsakes can be shared with family and friends or saved as a treasured reminder of your gathering.
Set Up a Voting Contest: Let participants vote on the “best photo” in categories like funniest, most festive, or most creative. Award small prizes to keep the excitement going.
Decorate Your Space: Print out the best photos and use them to decorate your home or party space. Hang them as part of a festive garland or create a collage on a bulletin board.
Send a Holiday Newsletter: Include the scavenger hunt highlights in your holiday cards or emails. It’s a great way to share the joy with those who couldn’t attend.
These steps help turn a simple activity into lasting memories that everyone can enjoy long after the holiday season ends.
Why Try a Holiday Photo Scavenger Hunt?
Breaks the Ice: It’s a fantastic way to get people mingling, laughing, and connecting—perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties with guests who may not know each other well.
Encourages Creativity: Participants can let their imagination run wild with the prompts, making each photo as unique and fun as they want. From silly poses to artsy angles, the sky's the limit!
Creates Keepsakes: The photos from the hunt aren’t just for the moment—they become cherished memories you can print, share, or use in a holiday photo book.
Engages All Ages: It’s an activity that everyone can enjoy, from little kids to grandparents. Plus, everyone gets to shine with their unique take on the prompts.
Adds Festive Fun to Any Event: Whether hosting a cozy family gathering or a big holiday bash, a scavenger hunt adds a layer of excitement and interaction that makes your event unforgettable.
Encourages Teamwork: Forming teams adds a fun, collaborative element for larger gatherings. Teams can work together to brainstorm creative ideas and snap winning shots.
Gets Everyone Moving: Perfect for burning off some holiday energy! Guests can roam around, exploring the space while searching for the following prompt.
Add extra joy to your holiday gatherings with a photo scavenger hunt! This simple yet delightful activity is a perfect way to celebrate the season while creating unforgettable memories. Have you ever hosted or participated in a holiday photo scavenger hunt?
Drop a comment below with your favorite prompts or ideas—we’d love to hear from you!
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