New York Times Crossword: Clues and Answers (December 24, 2024)

Solve the Christmas Eve Strands puzzle with this comprehensive guide! Whether you're seeking subtle hints or the complete solution, we've got you covered. This guide avoids major spoilers until you choose to reveal them.

The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #296 (December 24, 2024)

Today's Strands puzzle features the clue: Who on Earth...? Seven words await – six themed words and one pangram.

New York Times Games Strands Clues

Need a nudge without spoiling the fun? These hints subtly point towards the puzzle's theme:

General Hint 1

Hint 1: Earthly inhabitants.

read more### General Hint 2

Hint 2: Common given names.

read more### General Hint 3

Hint 3: Names that are also natural elements.

read moreSpoilers for Two Words

Need a little more help? These sections reveal one word each, along with its placement in the puzzle. Proceed with caution!

Spoiler 1

Word 1: Brook

read more### Spoiler 2

Word 2: Willow

read moreThe Complete Solution

Ready for the full answer? This section reveals all themed words, the pangram, and their positions within the grid.

The theme is Nature Names. The words are Holly, Willow, Brook, Laurel, River, and Clementine.

read morePuzzle Explanation

Still stumped? This section breaks down the connection between the clue, theme, and words.

The themed words are all names that also represent things found in nature (e.g., River). The clue, "Who on Earth...?", refers to these earthly names.

read morePlay Strands today on the New York Times Games website! It's accessible on most devices with a web browser.