There’s something magical about piling into the car, sipping warm cocoa, and wandering through neighborhoods glowing with Christmas lights. For many families, it’s a treasured December tradition. But this year, you can bring a fresh twist. This Twinkling Adventure keeps kids engaged and turns your drive into a friendly contest with laughter around every corner.
North Texas is home to some pretty dazzling displays. Popular neighborhoods to visit include Deerfield in Plano, Highland Park in Dallas, Interlochen in Arlington, Frisco Square, and Vitruvian Park in Addison. Whether you’re exploring a popular spot or a quiet neighborhood, this simple challenge adds a new layer of excitement and gives kids (and adults!) something to focus on together.
Turning Light-Looking Into a Game
There might just be a few benefits to adding a challenge this year. Creating a game out of it:
Brings out each child’s strengths. Some kids scan quickly, others notice tiny details, and some remember which houses to revisit.
Creates shared moments. Everyone is looking out the window, commenting, shouting “I found one!” and celebrating each find.
Keeps the outing fun and engaging. Even teens tend to perk up when a competition is involved.
Gives families an easy, inexpensive, pressure-free way to connect. No cost, no prep, no right or wrong, just fun.
Makes it memorable. Switching up a tradition can cause it to create memories that stick.
Three Ways to Play
There’s no single “right” way to enjoy the Twinkling Adventure Challenge. Choose the version that best fits your group and the energy of the evening.
1) Cooperative Mode
Work together from one shared list and see if your family or group can spot all 25 items before the night ends. There’s no winning and no losing, just the joy of finding things as a team. This option is wonderful for very young children, kids who prefer low-pressure activities, or families who simply want a calm, connection-focused experience.
2) Challenge Mode
Divide the list into equal sections and assign each section to different players or teams. Everyone is responsible for their own set of items, and the group that checks off all the challenges on their portion first gets the win. This adds a little friendly competition, but still keeps the game manageable because everyone only has a handful of items to spot.
3) Blackout Mode
Perfect for families traveling in two separate vehicles. Each car gets the full list of 25 items, and the race begins! Whichever vehicle completes the entire list first earns bragging rights (or a fun treat). This version brings lots of honking, cheering, and hopefully good-natured competition. Enthusiastic camaraderie guaranteed!
The Twinkling Adventure Challenge List
Click HERE to download and print this list so you can take it on the road!
1. A house with all blue lights
2. A giant inflatable reindeer
3. A nativity scene
4. Candy-cane pathway lights
5. A house blinking to music
6. A red truck with a Christmas tree in the back
7. A star on the roof
8. Santa on a motorcycle
9. A yard full of penguins or polar bears
10. A Christmas train decoration
11. Wreaths on every window
12. Giant ornaments in a yard
13. Lighted snowflakes in a tree
14. Decorated mailbox
15. A Grinch-themed yard
16. Lights shaped into a tunnel
17. Projector lights on a house
18. A gingerbread house theme
19. A JOY, PEACE, or NOEL sign
20. Roofline dripping lights
21. Christmas Snoopy scene
22. Toy soldiers on the porch
23. A blow-up Santa AND Grinch in the same yard
24. A house with pumpkins still in the yard!
25. The house that loves Christmas the MOST!
A Tradition Families Look Forward To
Turning Christmas light viewing into a scavenger hunt adds sparkle to an already beloved tradition. It’s simple, joyful, and accessible for every family whether walking, driving, or bundling up for an evening stroll. This year, let the lights guide your adventure. Look closely, cheer loudly, celebrate together, and enjoy the moments of wonder that only December can bring.
