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Christmas Number Order Puzzles: 40 Printables for Preschool and Kindergarten
Choose from 40 Christmas puzzles in four number sequences, with color and black-and-white versions for home or classroom practice.
These Christmas number puzzles turn number practice into a picture children can build. The set includes 40 puzzles for preschool and Kindergarten learners, with four number sequences and both color and black-and-white versions. Children cut out numbered strips, arrange them in order, then glue them onto a matching page to reveal a Christmas picture.
The activity can suit different stages of early number learning: children can start with numbers 1 to 10, move on to 11 to 20, or practice skip counting by 2s or 10s. Since each sequence has several pictures, adults can choose a familiar theme while keeping the number task at the child’s current level.
What’s in the printable set
The full collection contains 20 color puzzles and 20 black-and-white puzzles. Each version includes five puzzles for each of these sequences:
- Numbers 1 to 10
- Numbers 11 to 20
- Counting by 2s from 2 to 20
- Counting by 10s from 10 to 100
There are matching blank number pages for children to use as a guide and glue the strips in place. The pictures include Christmas trees, stockings, candy canes, gingerbread men, elves, Santa, ornaments, lights, presents and other seasonal characters.
Color and black-and-white files are available as separate downloads, and each includes all four sequences and the matching blank pages. You can print just one puzzle and its corresponding blank page instead of using paper for the entire collection. The black-and-white option can also help reduce color ink use.
Pick a sequence that fits the learner
For children beginning to recognize numerals, the 1-to-10 puzzles offer a contained way to practice naming and ordering numbers. Choices include a Christmas tree, candy cane, gingerbread man, nutcracker and ornament. As children place each strip, the picture gradually takes shape, giving them a visual cue if something seems out of order.
The 11-to-20 puzzles extend the activity to teen numbers, which children may find harder to distinguish and sequence. The pictures include a tree, stocking, elf and Santa. Working with one strip at a time gives children a chance to inspect each numeral and check where it belongs.
For children ready to count by intervals, one set uses the even numbers from 2 through 20. Saying the sequence aloud together before arranging the strips can help children hear the pattern, then match it to the numerals on the page.
The final sequence counts by 10s from 10 to 100. Its picture choices include trees, stockings, lights, presents and winter characters. This gives families or teachers a way to offer the same kind of hands-on task to children practicing different number patterns.
Prepare and complete a puzzle
You’ll need the printed picture puzzle, its matching blank number page, scissors and a glue stick. Regular printer paper works for the cut-and-paste version. For younger children, an adult can cut the strips in advance; children who are ready can practice cutting with supervision.
- Choose the picture and number sequence. Print the puzzle page and the blank page for the same sequence.
- Cut along the horizontal lines. Keep the strips together while cutting so they’re easy to arrange.
- Put the numbers in order. Place the strips on the blank page and check their sequence before gluing.
- Glue the strips down. Once the order is checked, attach the strips to complete the picture.
The task combines numeral recognition and number order with cutting and gluing practice. The emerging picture adds a visual check, while arranging the strips before gluing gives children a chance to correct their work without starting over.
Make it a reusable math center
For repeat use, print the puzzle on cardstock and cut the strips apart before laminating. After laminating, trim the pieces. Children can arrange the strips on a table or use a matching blank page as a guide without gluing them down.
Store each puzzle in its own bag or envelope so the pieces stay together. Offering one puzzle at a time can make the activity easier to manage, particularly for younger preschoolers. At home or in a classroom, there’s no need to work through every page: choose a picture and sequence that match the skill being practiced, and save the other options for another day.
Choose a version to download
Both downloads include all four number sequences and their matching blank pages. Select a picture and sequence, then print the two pages needed for that activity. You can print additional copies for children who are using the same puzzle.
Download the Christmas number puzzles in color.
Download the Christmas number puzzles in black and white.
For another seasonal activity, children can match Christmas pictures to their shadows with the free Christmas shadow matching printable. More printable activities are available in the free printables collection.
