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Christmas is the perfect time to keep little ones entertained with festive activities that make the holiday season even more magical. With school out and excitement in the air, having a lineup of fun things to do helps beat boredom and keeps spirits high. From creative crafts to cosy family traditions, here are 12 fantastic Christmas activities to fill their days with holiday joy!
Decorate the Christmas Tree
This year, add a personal touch by making your own ornaments! Use simple materials like paper, felt, or salt dough to create stars, snowflakes, or even little reindeer. Crafting decorations is not only super fun but your kids will also feel proud seeing their creations hang on the tree, adding charm and personality to your holiday decor.
Christmas Baking
Why not get the kids involved in some festive baking to fill your home with the sweet smells of Christmas? Baking is a fun, hands-on activity that everyone can enjoy. Let kids decorate their creations with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Not only does it keep little hands busy, but it also makes for delicious treats to share or gift. And who knows? You might even be inspiring future chefs or sparking a lifelong love for baking.
Gingerbread House Party
Gather the kids for a gingerbread house decorating party! Provide gingerbread pieces, icing, and plenty of colourful sweets for decorating. Kids can get creative with their designs, adding candy canes, gumdrops, and even a sprinkle of edible glitter. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that doubles as a tasty treat, bringing everyone together for some festive, sticky fun!
Christmas Fancy Dress Party
And if a gingerbread house party is way too much sugar, why not invite some friends to a Christmas fancy dress party? Encourage them to dress up as their favourite Christmas characters, from elves to reindeer (if you need ideas, explore boys and girls Christmas fancy dress options). Add festive games, a mini photo booth, and music to make it a memorable event full of laughter.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Did you know that you can turn the holiday season into an adventure with a Christmas scavenger hunt? Hide small treats, festive trinkets, or clues around the house or garden for kids to find. Create a list of fun items like candy canes, mini ornaments, or even handwritten notes from Santa. It’s a perfect activity for keeping the excitement going and adds a dash of holiday magic to their day!
Build a Snowman
Building a snowman is a classic Christmas activity, but if there’s no snow, don’t worry—get creative! Try making ‘snowmen’ indoors with white playdough, cotton balls, or even marshmallows. Decorate them with tiny hats, scarves, and buttons for a festive touch. Whether outside or indoors, kids will love bringing their snowmen to life, no matter the weather!
Preparing for Santa’s Visit
Nothing more fun to get your kids excited for Santa’s arrival than some fun preparations. Bake a batch of cookies to leave by the fireplace, and don’t forget a glass of milk. Make a special Santa key if you don’t have a chimney, and let the kids create drawings or cards to welcome him. These little touches make Christmas Eve magical and build anticipation for the big day.
Christmas Bingo
A game of Christmas Bingo is always sure to add some festive fun to the holidays. Create bingo cards featuring holiday-themed items like reindeer, snowflakes, candy canes, and Santa hats. Kids can mark off each item as they spot it around the house or in holiday movies. It’s a simple, entertaining game that encourages attention to detail and observation skills as they hunt for each festive item.
Book tickets to a Pantomime
Why not make a trip to a pantomime a holiday tradition? Kids will love the lively performances, colourful costumes, and chances to join in the fun. Pantomimes bring classic stories to life with a festive twist, creating memories the whole family will cherish. Don’t forget to book in advance to avoid disappointment!
A Tour Around the City’s Christmas Scenery
With Christmas taking over the city earlier each year, a magical tour of the city’s festive scenery offers a fun, free way to get the kids out and about. Enjoy beautifully crafted nativity scenes, watch the sparkle as street lights are switched on, and listen to enchanting Christmas carols. Many cities also host festive plays and pop-up markets, which is another wonderful way to soak up the holiday spirit together.
Watch Christmas Classics Together
Nothing says holiday season like curling up to watch classic Christmas films as a family. From animated favourites to heartwarming stories, Christmas films bring festive magic to your home and create wonderful shared memories. Grab some blankets, make a batch of hot chocolate, and let the seasonal magic unfold on screen!
Give Something Back
Lastly, embrace the season of giving by getting the kids involved in a charitable activity. From donating toys to volunteering at a local food bank, there are plenty of ways to spread joy and kindness. It’s a meaningful way for children to experience the joy of giving and understand the true spirit of the holiday season.