Free, no signup. The PDF has the puzzle on page one and the answer key on page two.
Christmas Around the World Word Search
11 words · 13×13 grid
How to play: click (or tap) the first letter, drag to the last letter, then release. Words go in any direction, including backwards. Or download the PDF to solve on paper.
Find these words
Many Italian children get presents on the night of January 5, when La Befana, a kindly witch on a broom, is said to fill their stockings. Every word in this grid is a tradition from somewhere else: a Mexican procession, a Swedish buffet, a Filipino star lantern, a Milanese bread. Words run across, down, backwards and up. The main Christmas word search sticks to the familiar symbols; this one travels.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries do these words come from?
Mexico (POSADAS), the Netherlands (SINTERKLAAS), Italy (BEFANA, PANETTONE), Austria and Bavaria (KRAMPUS), Sweden (LUCIA, JULBORD), Germany (STOLLEN), France (REVEILLON), the Philippines (PAROL) and Puerto Rico (PARRANDA).
Is this good for a Christmas around the world unit?
Yes. Each word belongs to one country, so the grid works as a starter: students find the word, then match it to the country on a map. It makes a quick word puzzle for the last week before break, and the answer key is on page 2.
Who is Krampus?
In Austria, Bavaria and nearby Alpine regions, KRAMPUS is a horned figure who travels with Saint Nicholas on the night of December 5 and, in the story, punishes children who misbehaved. Today the Krampus runs are mostly a costume parade.
