Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt Ideas: How to Run One at Your Party

Short answer: To run a Christmas photo scavenger hunt, write 10-15 festive prompts, set up a QR code so guests can upload photos to a shared album, and display the code where everyone can see it. Mention the game during your welcome and let guests complete challenges throughout the party.

• Write prompts that mix easy shots with creative challenges
• Use a QR code tool to collect all photos in one place
• Display the code on table cards, signage, or a TV screen
• Review and share the best photos after the event

Who this guide is for (and not for)

This guide is for:

• Hosts throwing a Christmas or holiday party at home
• Anyone who wants more candid photos without hiring a photographer
• Party planners looking for an interactive guest activity
• People comfortable with basic tech like QR codes and shared albums

This guide is NOT for:

• Large corporate events requiring professional photography
• Hosts who prefer formal, posed photos only
• Parties where guests will not have smartphones

What is a Christmas photo scavenger hunt?

A photo scavenger hunt is a party game where guests take pictures based on specific prompts. At a Christmas party, prompts might include “capture the ugliest sweater” or “snap a photo of someone under the mistletoe.”

Guests use their own phones to complete challenges. All photos go to a single shared gallery so you can view, download, and share them after the event.

How to set up a photo scavenger hunt for Christmas

1. Write your prompts

Choose 10 to 15 photo challenges that fit your party. Mix easy prompts (like “take a selfie with the Christmas tree”) with creative ones (like “capture a candid laugh during gift exchange”). Keep prompts short so guests can read them quickly.

2. Create a way to collect photos

The biggest challenge with photo scavenger hunts is actually getting the photos. Text threads get messy, and asking guests to email photos rarely works.

A QR code photo collection tool solves this. Guests scan a code, see the prompts, and upload directly. No app downloads, no account signups, no chasing people for their camera roll.

3. Display the QR code at your party

Print the QR code on table cards, add it to signage, or display it on a TV screen. When guests arrive, mention the scavenger hunt during your welcome and point them to the code.

4. Review and share the photos

After the party, you have all the photos in one place. With moderation tools , you can approve the best shots, hide duplicates, and download everything for sharing.

Christmas photo scavenger hunt prompt ideas

Here are prompts that work well:

• Someone wearing a Christmas sweater
• The best decorated corner of the party
• A candid moment during gift opening
• Two people wearing matching holiday colors
• The most creative holiday drink
• Someone caught sneaking a treat
• A group selfie with at least four people
• The Christmas tree or main decorations
• Someone laughing at a holiday joke
• Your favorite holiday snack at the party

Capture the hunt with shared photos

Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events that makes collecting guest photos simple. Its Interactive Scavenger Hunts feature is built for this. You add up to 15 prompts, guests scan a QR code to see the list, and photos upload automatically. Guests can track their progress, and you can moderate everything before it goes public.

No app required. Works on any phone with a camera and browser.

Frequently asked questions

How many prompts should I include in my Christmas scavenger hunt?

Stick to 10-15 prompts. Fewer than 10 feels too short, and more than 15 overwhelms guests who want to enjoy the party.

What if some guests do not want to participate?

Make participation optional. Some guests will complete every prompt, others will snap one or two photos. Both are fine.

Can I run a scavenger hunt without a QR code tool?

Yes, but collecting photos gets messy. A shared Google Photos album or group text works for small groups under 10 people.

How do I get guests excited about the scavenger hunt?

Announce it during your welcome, offer a small prize for completing all prompts, and place the QR code in visible spots throughout the party.

When should I share the final photo album?

Send the album link within a day or two while memories are fresh. Review and moderate photos first so you only share the best ones.

Make your Christmas party memorable

A photo scavenger hunt gives guests something fun to do and produces candid photos you would never get otherwise. Write your prompts, set up your QR code, and let your guests do the rest.

Create your free event and start collecting memories from your Christmas party.