Free Printable Christmas Word Search for Kids
This free printable Christmas word search is an easy way to add a little holiday magic to a busy December day. I made it in three levels, so preschoolers, big kids and grown ups can all join in with a puzzle that feels just right.
Hunting for words like sleigh, reindeer and gingerbread is real spelling and reading practice, but it feels like a game. Every puzzle comes with a color coded answer key, and there is a lowercase version and a bright color version too.
Perfect for:
- a cozy snow day at home
- class Christmas parties and the last week before winter break
- early finishers in December
- kids’ tables at holiday dinners
- long car rides to visit family
Difficulty Level
| Level | Words | Grid | Directions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 10 words | 10 x 10 | Across and down only | Preschool to 1st grade |
| Medium | 18 words | 14 x 14 | Across, down and diagonal | 2nd to 4th grade |
| Hard | 30 words | 18 x 18 | All 8 directions, even backwards | 5th grade to adults |
The easy puzzle uses short, familiar words such as star, bell, gift and tree. The medium puzzle adds longer words like snowflake and stocking. The hard puzzle is a real challenge, with words like poinsettia and marshmallow hiding backwards and on the diagonal.
What’s Included
- Easy, medium and hard Christmas word searches in black and white
- Lowercase versions of the easy and medium puzzles for early readers
- A color version of the easy puzzle
- Answer keys for every puzzle, with each word highlighted in its own color
That is 9 pages in one PDF. The lowercase pages are great for little ones who know their lowercase letters better than capitals.
Ways to Use This Christmas Word Search
- Family race: print the same level for everyone and see who finds all the words first.
- Mixed ages: give each child a different level so the whole family can play together.
- Spelling list: pick five words from the puzzle and practice writing them after the search.
- Countdown activity: save the three levels for the last three days before Christmas.
- Gift tag fun: circle one word, then draw a small picture of it next to the grid.
Download and Print
Click the link below to open the PDF and print it. There is no email sign up. The pages print on US Letter paper, and A4 works too if you choose “fit to page”.
Tip: print the black and white pages to save colored ink, and let kids use crayons or highlighters to circle the words.
More Christmas Printables
- Free printable 2027 calendar to plan the new year
- January 2027 calendar with holidays marked
More Puzzles for Kids
- Free printable mazes for kids in easy, medium and hard
- Preschool mazes with extra wide paths for little hands
Answer Key
Each word is highlighted in its own color, so it is easy to check. The easy key also fits the lowercase and color easy pages. Answer keys for the medium and hard puzzles are inside the PDF.
Merry Christmas, and happy word hunting!