Can Minors Legally Enter Holiday Sweepstakes?
Learn which holiday sweepstakes allow teen entries and what parents must sign to claim a prize.
No, minors usually cannot enter holiday sweepstakes on their own. Most holiday sponsors require entrants to be 18 or older, or the age of majority in their home state. A sweepstakes is a prize drawing where winners are picked by chance.
That age cutoff lets a sponsor create a binding agreement for entry, prize acceptance, and releases.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.
Why most holiday sweepstakes require 18-plus
Valpak's $5,000 Holiday Haul Sweepstakes is open only to legal U.S. residents age 18 or older, or age of majority if older. It runs Oct.
26-Dec. 4, 2026, according to Valpak's 2026 official rules. It is a chance to win, not a guaranteed payout.
Hallmark sets the same bar for its seasonal game. Its Christmas Countdown Adventure Game Sweepstakes, Oct. 23-Nov.
23, 2026, requires entrants to be age 18 or older and at least the age of majority in their residence state, according to Hallmark Channel's 2026 official rules. Readers should check residency, age, and date limits in the rules before entering.
Can teens ages 13-17 ever enter?
Sometimes, but the parent or guardian becomes the legal entrant. Some sponsors permit ages 13-17 yet award the prize only through a parent or guardian, according to Keep America Beautiful's contest official rules. In that model the adult must claim the prize and sign the paperwork.
That usually includes an affidavit of eligibility and a liability and publicity release. A teen cannot complete those forms alone.
What should parents check before a child enters?
Read who is listed as the eligible entrant. If the rules say 18-plus, parents should enter themselves if they qualify rather than entering in a child's name. Use this quick check for each holiday drawing:
- Minimum age and whose age counts on the entry date
- U.S. residency, state exclusions, and entry start and end dates
- Whether a parent must enter, consent, claim, and sign for anyone under 18
- What personal information the entry form collects for the child
Who claims the prize and handles taxes?
When a minor is allowed to win, the prize goes through the adult. The parent or guardian claims it, provides identification, and signs tax and release documents. Tax reporting follows the claimant.
For prizes over $600, Air1 issues the IRS Form 1099 in the winner's name, or in a parent or guardian's name if the winner is a minor, according to Air1's 2026 official rules. Parents should verify minor eligibility before entry to avoid a disqualified win.