Press Make the puzzle again for a different layout from the same words.
About the Christmas word search
A Christmas word search is a quiet, happy activity for December: in class before the holidays, at the kitchen table on a snowy day, or in the car on the way to Grandma's. This page makes one for you. 20 Christmas words are ready — Santa, reindeer, sleigh, snowman, stocking, gingerbread and more — hidden in a 15 × 15 grid.
Press Download PDF to get a printable puzzle with a red title, holly and little Christmas pictures, and an answer key on the second page. Press Make the puzzle again for a new layout, so every child can get a different sheet.
You can change everything: the title, the words, the grid size and the directions. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing is uploaded.
Features
- 20 Christmas words ready — or type your own list
- A festive PDF — red title, holly, a green frame and a row of Christmas pictures
- An answer key — the same grid with every word highlighted, on page 2
- Easy or hard — choose the grid size and the directions, even backwards
- A new layout every time — one different puzzle per child
- US Letter, ready to print
The 20 Christmas words
Santa, reindeer, sleigh, snowman, stocking, chimney, presents, ornament, tinsel, wreath, holly, candy cane, gingerbread, cookies, mittens, carols, elves, star, bells and snowflake.
Two-word entries like candy cane are hidden without the space (CANDYCANE) and printed with it in the list, like in printed puzzle books.
Easy, medium or hard
- Easy (ages 5–7) — a 10 × 10 grid, only Across and Down, and 6 to 8 short words like star, bells, holly and elves.
- Medium (ages 8–10) — the ready 15 × 15 grid with Across, Down and Diagonal.
- Hard (older kids and adults) — a 20 × 20 grid with Diagonal up and Backwards too, and 25 words or more.
More Christmas word ideas
- Christmas Eve: cookies, milk, carrots, fireplace, pajamas, midnight, wish list
- Winter: snowball, sled, scarf, icicle, frost, blizzard, skates
- Decorations: garland, lights, angel, candle, bow, ribbon, nativity
- Treats: fudge, eggnog, cocoa, peppermint, pudding, mince pie, candy
Frequently asked questions
Is the Christmas word search free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Make and print as many puzzles as you like.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. The PDF has a second page with every word highlighted. Untick Answer key page in the PDF if you give the file straight to the children.
Can I make a different puzzle for each child?
Yes. Press Make the puzzle again and the same words get a new layout. Download a new PDF each time.
Can I make it easier for young kids?
Yes. Choose a 10 × 10 grid, keep only Across and Down, and use a short list of short words.
Can I use my own words?
Yes. Delete the list and type your own words, one per line — your family's names, your class's names, or words from a Christmas story.
Why was a word not placed?
The grid was too full. Choose a bigger grid, tick more directions or remove a few words. The page tells you which words did not fit.
Related tools
- Word Search Maker — a word search for any topic
- Christmas Bingo — picture bingo cards for the class party
- Letter to Santa — a letter for kids to fill in
- Christmas Countdown — how many sleeps until Christmas
- Crossword Maker — a crossword from your own words and clues
How to use it
- Keep the 20 Christmas words, or type your own — one per line
- Choose a grid size and tick the directions you want to allow
- Press Make the puzzle — press it again for a different layout
- Tick Show answers on screen to check where everything went
- Press Download PDF to get the printable puzzle and the answer key
