The whole season in one grid
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and this word search wraps up all of it. You'll track down the stars of the show — SANTA, his REINDEER and the red-nosed RUDOLPH — the decorations from TINSEL to a sparkling WREATH, and the treats that make the day, from GINGERBREAD to EGGNOG.
Each puzzle pulls a fresh selection from the list, so the stocking changes every time you play — gentle on Easy, and a Hard-mode challenge once the diagonals and backwards words appear.
Where the traditions come from
Christmas began as the Christian festival marking the birth of Jesus, celebrated on 25 December, but many of its best-loved customs were gathered from all over. The decorated Christmas tree came from Germany, and SANTA himself grew out of Saint Nicholas, a kind 4th-century bishop famous for secret gift-giving — his Dutch name, Sinterklaas, slowly turned into 'Santa Claus'.
Some traditions are surprisingly modern. RUDOLPH, the most famous of the REINDEER, was actually invented in 1939 for a US store's giveaway booklet, then made world-famous by a song ten years later. Hanging a STOCKING by the CHIMNEY, leaving out treats, kissing under the MISTLETOE — each has its own story, which makes the holiday a lovely topic to explore.
A festive classroom favourite
It's a holiday classic — perfect for advent activities, end-of-term parties and quiet December afternoons. Easy mode keeps the grid small with no diagonals or reverse words for new readers. Play online, print a PDF pack for the whole class, or use our Make Your Own tool to build a grid from your own festive words.