Winter Word Search
Snow, mittens, cocoa and blizzards — print a free winter word search PDF with answers or play online, from December through February.
Free printable winter puzzles
Curated puzzles — open any one to play, customize or download its PDF.
Printable winter word search with answers
Every winter word search on this page downloads as a free printable PDF: the puzzle with a frosty border on page one and the answer key on page two. Print on US Letter or A4, in color or ink-saving black and white, as many copies as you need.
Because the theme is the season rather than one holiday, these puzzles work all winter long — in December, after the holidays, and right through January and February.
Winter word search for kids
The kids’ winter puzzle uses a 10×10 grid with short words like SNOW, SLED, HAT and MITTENS placed only across and down. It suits kindergarten through 2nd grade. The snowman puzzle is another easy pick for young children, and you can type in your class spelling words in step 1.
Hard winter word search for adults
Looking for a challenge? The adult puzzle hides 22 words such as BLIZZARD, AVALANCHE, TOBOGGAN and POLAR VORTEX in an 18×18 grid, running in all eight directions, including backwards. For easier reading, try the large print winter puzzle with jumbo letters.
Winter activity ideas
Use a winter word search as an indoor-recess sheet on snow days, a quiet activity with hot cocoa, or a warm-up for a winter vocabulary unit. Teachers can print a class set in black and white; families can share a link and race on a tablet.
For December celebrations, see our holiday word search page, or warm up with the hot chocolate and Christmas food puzzles.
How to make a winter word search
Three steps, about a minute. Free, no sign-up, works on phone and computer.
- Add your wordsPick a ready-made word set or type your own — class names, party themes, family in-jokes.
- Choose a print styleCandy cane, holly, snowflake or classic border; letter boxes, circles or tiles. The preview updates instantly.
- Download, print, play or shareGet a PDF with the puzzle and an answer key, solve it here by dragging across words, or share a link.
What you get
US Letter or A4, color or ink-saving black & white, with a separate answer key page.
Festive borders and four grid styles — boxes and checkbox word lists make it easy for kids.
Easy (across & down) for preschool up to hard (diagonal and backwards) for adults.
Send the exact same puzzle to a class or family chat — no account needed.
Drag or tap to find words on phone, tablet or desktop. Show and hide answers anytime.
Everything runs in your browser. Your words are never uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
Are these winter word searches free to print?
Yes. All puzzles and the generator are free forever, supported by ads. Print and photocopy them for home or classroom use with no sign-up.
Does each winter word search PDF include answers?
Yes — the puzzle is on page 1 and the answer key is on page 2.
Is there a winter word search for kids?
Yes. The kids’ puzzle and the snowman puzzle use Easy difficulty, so words run only across and down.
Is there a hard winter word search for adults?
Yes. The adult puzzle uses an 18×18 grid with words in all eight directions.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Drag your finger from the first to the last letter, or tap the first letter and then the last.
How do I share a puzzle?
Press “Share puzzle” under the grid to copy a link that rebuilds the same puzzle.