Snap a Photo with a Baby Reindeer—Find the baby reindeer (it’s probably a dog or goat in a reindeer costume) and take a creative selfie with it.
Find the Elf on the Shelf—A cheeky elf doll is hidden near the Santa sleigh. You must locate it and re-create its pose for a photo.
Create a Christmas Fashion Statement—Assemble the most over-the-top holiday outfit using props from local vendors. You must wear it for the rest of the hunt—or at least until the next task.
Perform a Dramatic Reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”—Find a public spot (preferably a gazebo or fountain) and read the poem out loud with your partner. Bonus points for exaggerated gestures and voices.
Reindeer Ring Toss—Locate the game booth and land three rings on the inflatable antlers of a volunteer “reindeer” (probably another participant or a town local wearing antlers).
Decorate a Snowman in 90 Seconds—Using a kit provided at the town square, dress up a small snowman with three ridiculous accessories.
Find Santa’s Missing Mitten—Santa “lost” his mitten somewhere in the fountain. Bonus points for returning it directly to Santa and convincing him to give you a candy cane.
Sing a Carol to a Stranger—Pick a holiday tune and serenade an unsuspecting shopper in the square. Bonus points if the stranger joins in.
Balance the Christmas Package—Stack 5 wrapped gifts on your head and walk 10 steps without dropping them. Bonus points for an epic balancing photo.
“Should we go hold a gingerbread baby?” Connor asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face as he pointed at the scavenger hunt list.
“Wait, what?” I barely managed to get the words out, my breath catching in my throat.
Connor’s grin only widened as he tugged me closer. “You know I’ve got to start at the top. I can’t go out of numeric order. So let’s head to the bakery.”
He reached for my hand, but paused, his eyes softening. “We can head back if you’re not up for it. I just like spending time with you.”
I swallowed hard, trying not to panic. “No, yeah,” I said, my voice cracking. “Let’s… start from the beginning.”
His smile returned, and he laced his fingers through mine, guiding me toward the bakery, where the gingerbread baby guessing booth was set up just outside.
The scent of gingerbread and frosting hit me like a sugar-filled cloud as we approached the booth. Front and center, a giant gingerbread baby lay cradled in a display cradle, complete with icing eyes, a gumdrop nose, and a frosting bow on its head. A sign overhead read,GUESS THE WEIGHT OF CHERRYWOOD’S SWEETEST BABY!
Connor let out a low whistle. “That is… both impressive and terrifying.”
The baker behind the booth beamed at us, clearly enjoyingour reaction. “Careful now,” she said, wagging a spatula at Connor. “This is my pride and joy. Don’t let her hear you calling her terrifying.”
“She’s perfect,” I said quickly, desperate to avoid drawing more attention to us.
“You have to hold her to really get a feel for the weight,” the baker said, gesturing toward Connor. “Go ahead.”
Connor didn’t hesitate. He stepped up, carefully cradling the gingerbread baby in his arms like it was a real newborn. “Wow,” he said, rocking it gently. “She’s heavier than she looks.”
“You’re holding her like you’ve done this before,” the baker said with a wink. “Practicing for the real thing?”
I choked on my own breath. “Nope! Definitely not! No babies here!” My voice shot up an octave, and I cleared my throat.
Connor raised an eyebrow at me but didn’t say anything. Instead, he turned back to the gingerbread baby, frowning in concentration. “I’d say… twelve pounds.”
“Twelve pounds?” I hissed. “That’s absurd! No gingerbread baby weighs that much!”
“Okay, Ms. Expert,” he said, grinning. “What’s your guess?”
I glanced at the gingerbread baby, my palms sweating. “Uh… seven. Seven pounds.”
The baker laughed. “Well, one of you is closer, but you’ll have to wait until the end of the night to find out who wins. Don’t forget to take a photo with her before you go!”
Connor handed the gingerbread baby back to the baker, but not before holding it up to my face like Simba inThe Lion King. “Should we name her?”
I shoved him, laughing nervously. “Let’s move on.”
