Printable Christmas Word Search for Adults: Hard Puzzles
This Christmas word search for adults is for the grown ups who want a quiet holiday break with a real challenge. Each puzzle hides 30 words in an 18 x 18 grid, and the words run in all 8 directions, even backwards.
There are two puzzles in this free printable. One is full of Christmas words like mistletoe, poinsettia and gingerbread. The other is a December puzzle with winter and New Year words, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and menorah, so it works for many kinds of celebrations.
Perfect for:
- a cup of cocoa after the kids are in bed
- waiting rooms, flights and long drives to family
- office holiday parties and secret Santa tables
- grandparents and the whole family on Christmas Eve
- a calm break in the middle of wrapping gifts
Difficulty Level
| Puzzle | Words | Grid | Directions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | 30 words | 18 x 18 | All 8 directions, even backwards | Teens and adults |
| December | 30 words | 18 x 18 | All 8 directions, even backwards | Teens and adults |
Both puzzles are hard level. The words are long, like marshmallow, thermometer and celebration, and a few of them cross each other, so slow down and scan the diagonals too.
What’s Included
- A hard Christmas word search with 30 words
- A hard December word search with 30 words
- Answer keys so you can check your finds
The puzzles print in black and white, so they are easy on your ink and easy to read.
Tips for Solving a Hard Word Search
- Start with the longest words. Words like decorations and marshmallow are easier to spot than short ones.
- Look for rare letters first. Letters such as Z, K and W often mark the start of a word.
- Check every direction. Many words go up, backwards or on a diagonal.
- Cross words off as you go. The list gets shorter and the grid gets easier.
Download and Print
Click the button 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: use a pencil or a bright highlighter so you can circle words without covering the letters.
More Christmas Printables
- Free printable Christmas word search in easy, medium and hard
- Printable Christmas activity pages for kids
- Free printable Christmas worksheets for counting, adding and subtracting
More Word Searches
- Free printable word search for kids with three levels
- Free printable mazes for kids for a different kind of puzzle
Answer Key
Each answer key shows where every word is hiding, so you can check a tricky one without spoiling the whole puzzle. Try to finish before you peek.
Happy holidays, and happy hunting!
