Fun Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for Family Adventure

Tis the season to have the kiddos put on their cozy PJs, tuck them in early, make some hot cocoa and treats/cookies to-go, then scream, “Everyone up, we’re going on a hunt, a Christmas/Holiday Lights Scavenger hunt!!!”! This has been a long-standing tradition in our family and something we look forward to each year! (yes, even my teenagers)

A festive setup for a Christmas lights scavenger hunt, featuring three clipboards with lists of items to find, pens, small flashlights, travel mugs, and bags of snacks. The scene is illuminated by jingle bells, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.

How it works:

1- Plan your route (see maps below)

2- Make or print off a scavenger hunt (see links below) and place it on clipboards ($1. 50 at Dollar Tree) with pens….small flashlights help ($1.50 at Dollar Tree;))

3- Grab travel mugs and fill them with hot cocoa & place cookies in a to-go bag

4- I like to have a fun prize at the end…gift card or book! (Shhhh 😉

Christmas Lights Maps:

A festive chart detailing Christmas light shows in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, listing locations, light counts, and hours of operation.

Map of the 2025 Winter Wonder Lights outdoor decorating contest driving route in Oregon, showing winter display locations.

A car driving under an arch of colorful Christmas lights at night, surrounded by festive light displays and snowy ground.

Archbold’s Festival of Lights- Ruihley Park, 401 W Holland St, Archbold, OH 43502 through January 1

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with Archbold’s most famous event of the year, The Festival of Lights display in Ruihley Park. Walk or drive through to admire themed light displays, including glimmering animated creations. Opens the evening after Thanksgiving and continues through January 1st. The Festival of Lights is free!

Willing to travel a bit further than NW Ohio…….