A Magical Christmas Eve Tradition for Kids
One of our favorite holiday traditions is a Christmas Eve scavenger hunt for the kids! Over the years, it has evolved from a simple map for them to follow to harder riddles for them to figure out. Every year on Christmas Eve, they work together to follow clues around the house to earn one big gift at the end of the night!
This year, we decided to add a little extra magic by turning our scavenger hunt into a Disney Duck Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt. Each clue led to a new character duck hidden somewhere in the house. The kids were all in—reading clues aloud, guessing characters, and racing from room to room.
(And yes, before anyone asks… Shrek technically isn’t Disney 😅 but Donkey and Shrek both made the cut anyway—and the kids loved him just as much.)
Below is exactly how we set it up, in case you want to recreate it with your own tiny Disney fans.
How to Set Up a Disney Duck Scavenger Hunt at Home
What You’ll Need:
- 12 Disney Ducks (we chose Christmas Mickey, Christmas Minnie, Belle, Lotso, Toy Story Alien, Woody, Buzz, Donkey from Shrek, Maleficent, Christmas Angel, Christmas Stitch, Shrek)
- Printable file for Scavenger Hunt Clues found below
- Printer, paper, and tape
How Long It Takes:
- Total Prep Time: 10-20 minutes
- Total Hunt Time: 10 minutes
- Total Joy Time: Priceless!
Age Range This Works Best For:
- 8-10 years old
Disney Rubber Duck Scavenger Hunt Clues
Starting Duck: Christmas Mickey
Location: On the kitchen table
Clue to read aloud:
Ho ho ho! I’m dressed for the season so merry and bright,
With big round ears and cheer day and night.
To find your next friend, don’t make a peep—
Go where snacks disappear and treats safely sleep!
➡️ Next Duck: Christmas Minnie
➡️ Next Location: Refrigerator or pantry
Duck 2: Christmas Minnie
Location: Refrigerator or pantry
Clue:
I love polka dots and holiday cheer,
Baking and goodies are stored right here.
Your next clue waits where stories are read,
With pages and covers—go use your head!
➡️ Next Duck: Belle
➡️ Next Location: Bookshelf or reading nook
Duck 3: Belle
Location: Bookshelf
Clue:
I adore adventures found in a book,
But now it’s time for you to look
Where toys come alive when no one’s around,
A cuddly pink bear might there be found…
➡️ Next Duck: Lotso (Toy Story)
➡️ Next Location: Toy bin or playroom
Duck 4: Lotso
Location: Toy bin
Clue:
I smell like strawberries… or so I say,
But your next friend is small, green, and not from this day.
They come from the stars in a tiny big group—
Go look where you’d watch a movie or scoop!
➡️ Next Duck: Toy Story Alien
➡️ Next Location: Couch or TV area
Duck 5: Toy Story Alien
Location: Couch or TV area
Clue:
Ooooooh! We have been chosen, it’s true!
Your next pal wears a cowboy hat—how ‘bout you?
He’d tip his hat near boots or shoes,
Go check the spot where footwear snoozes.
➡️ Next Duck: Woody
➡️ Next Location: Shoe rack or entryway
Duck 6: Woody
Location: Shoe rack / entryway
Clue:
There’s a snake in my boot—but not today,
Your next space ranger is on the way!
He’d blast off near where things get clean,
With bubbles and towels and shiny sheen.
➡️ Next Duck: Buzz Lightyear
➡️ Next Location: Bathroom sink or tub
Duck 7: Buzz Lightyear
Location: Bathroom
Clue:
To infinity—and cleanliness too!
Your next clue waits where clothes go through.
A noisy place that spins all day,
Go find your friend without delay!
➡️ Next Duck: Donkey (Shrek)
➡️ Next Location: Laundry room or washer/dryer
Duck 8: Donkey
Location: Laundry area
Clue:
I talk a lot and I love parfait,
But your next stop is a darker way.
A powerful fairy, bold and grand,
Guards the place where dreams are planned.
➡️ Next Duck: Maleficent
➡️ Next Location: Parents’ bedroom or dresser
Duck 9: Maleficent
Location: Bedroom
Clue:
I’m fierce and magical, dressed in black,
But the next clue is cute—no horns, no tack.
With wings and peace and Christmas glow,
Go where the quiet lights are low.
➡️ Next Duck: Christmas Angel Stitch
➡️ Next Location: Nightstand, lamp table, candles
Duck 10: Christmas Angel Stitch
Location: Nightstand/Lamp
Clue:
I’m fluffy, blue, and full of cheer,
But my twin is festive and hiding near.
He loves to play and cause a little itch—
Go find my friend, Christmas Stitch!
➡️ Next Duck: Christmas Stitch
➡️ Next Location: Kids’ bedroom (Lilly’s room since she’s the ultimate Stitch fan!)
🎁 Final Duck: Christmas Stitch
Location: Kids’ bedroom
Final Clue:
You found us all—what a great team!
Your final surprise is not a dream.
Look where stockings or presents stay,
Your Christmas Eve gift is just that way!
🎁 Present Location: Under the tree (or wherever you choose!)
The Final Christmas Eve Surprise
This year, the kids’ big present was a 3D printer! You can see their excitement at the end of the video!
Here’s the 3D printer we ended up getting!
Why We Loved This Tradition
What I love most about this scavenger hunt is how customizable it is. You can swap characters, adjust difficulty, or theme it however your kids are obsessed at the moment (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, you name it)!
It keeps Christmas Eve magical without overwhelming little ones, and it creates a shared memory they’ll talk about long after showing off their new gift.
If you’re looking for a low-stress, high-magic Christmas Eve tradition with Disney flair, I can’t recommend a Disney duck scavenger hunt enough!
Check out the video of the magic happening in real time!