The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your kids. From festive crafts to holiday traditions, these 15 Christmas activities will keep the little ones entertained, engaged, and full of holiday cheer! Whether you’re looking for something simple to do at home or a fun outing, these activities are guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter to your family, while also teaching the joy of giving back.
1. DIY Christmas Ornaments
Get creative and make homemade ornaments together! You can use clear glass or plastic ornaments, glitter, and paint to create personalized decorations for your tree. Kids will love the chance to decorate and add their own touches to the holiday decor. Plus, each ornament will serve as a memory for years to come!
2. Christmas Movie Marathon
Make a cozy movie night by watching Christmas classics. You can set up a “home theater” with blankets, pillows, and hot cocoa. From The Polar Express to Home Alone, there’s no shortage of festive films to enjoy with the whole family. Make it a tradition by watching a different movie each year!
3. Build a Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are a fun and delicious Christmas tradition! You can buy pre-made kits or create your own from scratch. Let the kids decorate with colorful candies, frosting, and edible glitter. It’s messy but oh-so-fun, and they’ll be proud of their sweet creations.
4. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Create a festive scavenger hunt around the house or yard. Hide small gifts, candy canes, or holiday-themed clues, and have your kids search for them. You can even make it educational by including questions about Christmas traditions around the world!
5. Make Christmas Cards for Loved Ones
Instead of buying cards this year, why not make your own? Set up a craft station with paper, markers, stickers, and stamps, and let your kids create personalized Christmas cards for friends and family. This activity is not only fun but also a great way to teach kids about the joy of giving.
6. Christmas Light Tour
Take a drive or walk around your neighborhood to admire the Christmas lights. Some neighborhoods go all out, and it’s magical to see homes covered in twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Make it extra special with some Christmas carols playing in the background!
7. Bake Christmas Cookies
Baking Christmas cookies together is a time-honored tradition that’s always a hit with kids. Pick a simple recipe for sugar cookies or gingerbread, and let your little chefs help with mixing, rolling, and decorating. Bonus points for making a big batch to share with neighbors or friends!
8. Write Letters to Santa
Let your kids sit down and write letters to Santa! Not only is it a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, but it also helps with their writing skills. You can even leave out cookies and milk for Santa when they’re done. It’s a cute tradition that adds a little magic to the season.
9. Christmas Storytime
Gather the kids and read Christmas stories together. You can read classic books like The Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or choose a newer holiday favorite. Make it even more special by acting out the stories or using props to bring the tale to life.
10. Create a Christmas Countdown Calendar
Help your kids count down the days until Christmas with a homemade advent calendar. Each day, they can open a little door to find a piece of candy, a fun activity, or a sweet note. This is a simple and engaging way to build excitement throughout the month of December.
11. Donate Gifts to a Charity
Teach the kids the true spirit of giving by selecting a local charity and donating toys, clothing, or food. Involve your children in picking out the donations and teach them how their actions can help others. It’s a wonderful way to instill a sense of gratitude and kindness during the holidays.
12. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen or Shelter
If your kids are old enough, volunteering together at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a great way to give back to the community while teaching your children the importance of compassion and helping others in need.
13. Ice Skating
Take the family ice skating! Whether it’s at a local rink or a temporary outdoor rink during the holiday season, ice skating is a fun, active way to enjoy the winter weather. It’s a holiday tradition that’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit—and you can grab some hot cocoa afterward to warm up!
14. Create DIY Gift Wrapping
Before wrapping gifts, get the kids involved in making their own wrapping paper. You can use brown paper bags, stamps, stickers, and markers for a personalized touch. It’s a great way to express creativity and add that extra-special flair to your gifts!
15. Holiday Scavenger Hunt for Charity
Take the traditional Christmas scavenger hunt up a notch by incorporating items that can be donated. Create a list of items for the kids to find—like a pair of socks, canned food, or a toy—and take them to a donation center afterward. This not only makes the hunt fun but also teaches your kids the joy of helping others.
There’s no shortage of fun Christmas activities to do with kids, and these 15 ideas will make your holiday season extra special. Whether you’re baking cookies, donating gifts, or enjoying a festive outing, these activities will create lasting memories and bring your family closer together. Embrace the joy of the season, the fun of improvisation, and the true meaning of Christmas—giving, loving, and creating magic with your little ones.
Happy Holidays!
