Christmas Word Search Printable
Pick a word list or type your own, choose how hard it should be, and print. Every puzzle comes with an answer key, and extra copies get their own layout, so nobody can copy off the person next to them.
Picking the right Christmas word search for the age group
| Level | Best for | Grid | Words | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | Ages 5–7, early readers | 10 × 10 | 10–12 short words | 10–15 minutes |
| Medium | Ages 8–10, family tables | 12 × 12 or 15 × 15 | 15–20 | 10–20 minutes |
| Hard | Ages 11+, adults, office parties | 15 × 15 or 18 × 18 | 20–30 | 15–25 minutes |
A word search is one of the few puzzles that works across ages, as long as the level matches the reader. For the youngest players, use the Christmas for little kids list on a 10 × 10 grid: the words are three to five letters long and run only left to right or top to bottom, which is how they're learning to read anyway.
Ways people use a word search at Christmas
- Classroom on the last day before break. Print one per student; each copy has a different layout, so the race is fair. Swap in this week's spelling words if you want it to count as work.
- Kids' table at Christmas dinner. Easy level, crayons, and a candy cane for whoever finishes first buys the adults twenty minutes.
- Office party. Type the names of everyone in the team, set it to hard, and print it on the back of the menu.
- Advent calendar or stocking filler. Fold a puzzle into each envelope; the answer key goes in the next day's.
- Waiting rooms and church groups. The Nativity list keeps it on theme for Sunday school.
The word lists
Christmas: Santa, reindeer, sleigh, stocking, ornament, tinsel, wreath, mistletoe, candy cane, snowman, presents, carols, chimney, elves, gingerbread, North Pole, Rudolph, holly, star, cookies.
Winter: snowflake, mittens, scarf, icicle, sled, blizzard, igloo, hot cocoa, frost, skates, snowball, penguin, fireplace, boots, polar bear, snow angel.
Nativity: Bethlehem, manger, shepherds, angel, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, wise men, star, gold, frankincense, myrrh, stable, donkey, inn, Gabriel.
Questions
Can I use my own words?
Yes. Delete the list and type your own, one per line or separated by commas: spelling words, the names of everyone at the party, or inside jokes from the office. Spaces and punctuation are dropped inside the grid, so North Pole is hidden as NORTHPOLE but still listed as two words.
How many words fit?
As a rule of thumb, a grid fits about as many words as its width: 10 or 12 short words in a 10 × 10, about 20 in a 15 × 15. If a word doesn't fit, the maker tells you which one, so you can make the grid bigger, shorten the list or press Shuffle the grid to try another layout.
Which level should I pick for my kids?
Easy (across and down only) suits ages 5 to 7. Medium adds diagonals and is right for most 8 to 10 year olds. Hard hides words backwards as well, which keeps teenagers and adults busy for a good ten minutes.
Why does every copy look different?
When you print more than one copy, only the first one matches the puzzle on the screen; the others use the same words in a new layout. In a classroom or a party race nobody can copy the answers from the person next to them. Each copy prints with its own answer key.
How do I print it without the web address at the top?
In the print window, open More settings and untick Headers and footers. To save a PDF instead of printing, choose Save as PDF as the printer.
Is it free?
Yes, with no sign-up. The puzzle is made in your browser; your word list is only saved on your own device, so it's still there next time you open the page.