That magical time of year is here! The lights twinkle, the air smells like cinnamon, and kids—bless their hearts—are bouncing off the walls.
If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, or part of the festive fun, you know the challenge: keeping kids entertained while handling holiday prep.
But don’t worry! Whether you’re inside because of winter weather or just want family fun, I have 13 Christmas activities for you.
These will keep the kids busy and make unforgettable memories. Trust me, these ideas are kid-tested and parent-approved. Let’s dive in!
1. DIY Christmas Ornaments 🎨
Nothing says “Christmas cheer” like handmade decorations. Grab some craft supplies, and let the kids’ creativity run wild. You can use clear plastic ornaments and fill them with glitter, fake snow, or little Christmas trinkets. Or, if you’re feeling extra festive, you can make salt dough ornaments that will last for years to come. It’s a simple activity that doubles as a keepsake. Win-win!
Why It’s Fun:
- Personalizes the tree with the kids’ artwork.
- Great for building fine motor skills (seriously, it’s educational, too!).
2. Christmas Movie Marathon 🍿
Ever tried watching a Christmas movie with kids? It’s pure magic… or utter chaos—depending on the movie selection. But seriously, cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate and a classic like Home Alone or Elf is a must-do activity. You can even give each kid the chance to pick their favorite holiday film. Nothing says “family bonding” like screaming at the TV during The Polar Express.
Pro Tip:
If you’re short on time (or attention span), just focus on the 30-minute Christmas specials. You know, the ones that make you wish you lived in the 90s. 😏
3. Write Letters to Santa ✉️
Ah, the good ol’ Santa letter. Whether they believe in Santa or not, writing a letter is a great way to get kids excited and engaged. Let them get creative with their requests or ask them to include something fun about their year. It’s like a little time capsule of their childhood!
Fun Tip:
For extra magic, leave the letter by the fireplace with some cookies and milk. Bonus points if the kids catch a glimpse of “Santa’s” handwriting. 😉
4. Christmas Scavenger Hunt 🔍
Nothing burns off energy like a Christmas scavenger hunt. You can hide little holiday-themed items (like candy canes, ornaments, or tiny toys) around the house and give them clues to find them. Trust me, you’ll be shocked at how competitive kids get over this simple activity!
Make It Special:
Create a “Naughty or Nice” twist, where each item found earns the kids a nice (or naughty) reward. Maybe a sweet treat or a cheeky dare like singing a Christmas carol.
5. Bake Christmas Cookies Together 🍪
Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked cookies? (Answer: No, there isn’t.) Get the kids involved in baking and decorating Christmas cookies. You can make a whole batch of gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or even try something like snowman-shaped marshmallow cookies. And of course, the messier, the better. You’ll love it when frosting ends up on the ceiling, right?
Why This Works:
- The kids get to eat their creations. Need I say more?
6. Build a Gingerbread House 🏠
Speaking of cookies, let’s talk gingerbread houses. This is the Christmas activity that brings out everyone’s inner architect and decorator. Whether you buy a pre-made kit or go DIY, it’s a blast watching the kids decorate (and then sneak a few candy pieces for themselves). If it starts falling apart, well, that’s part of the fun, too!
Extra Fun:
Have a “gingerbread house competition” between siblings. The messier, the better!
7. Christmas Crafting Station 🎄
Set up a DIY crafting station in your home, and let the kids create their own Christmas-themed goodies. Think paper snowflakes, reindeer antlers, or even painted pinecones. The idea is simple: give them the materials and let them go wild. Who knows what they’ll come up with? Just make sure you’ve got a cleaning plan ready—crafts can get real messy!
Tip:
Use recycled materials for some eco-friendly crafting—old magazines, cereal boxes, or even scraps of wrapping paper can be transformed into something magical.
8. Christmas Bingo 🎯
If you’re looking for something a little less chaotic, Christmas Bingo is a fun way to get the kids involved without feeling like you’re losing control of the holiday season. You can make your own bingo cards with holiday-themed pictures or buy pre-made versions. First one to fill out their card wins—maybe a little extra holiday cheer in the form of a present?
Why It’s Awesome:
- Great for quiet time (finally, right?).
9. Create a Holiday Playlist and Dance Party 💃
Ever seen a group of kids break out into spontaneous dance moves? It’s a thing of beauty, trust me. Put together a Christmas playlist with all the classics, and let the kids get their groove on. You might even want to join in… but maybe save the Macarena for New Year’s.
Pro Tip:
If you’re really in the holiday spirit, teach the kids how to do the “Jingle Bell Rock” dance. It’ll be adorable.
10. Holiday-Themed Science Experiments 🧪
Okay, this might sound like something you’d have to spend hours preparing for, but it doesn’t have to be! Try simple holiday science experiments like making snow in a jar or creating a “magic” growing snowman. You can find tons of easy tutorials online, and the kids will love it—plus, they might actually learn something while having fun.
Why It’s Cool:
It combines creativity, fun, and learning all in one activity. (Yes, even science can be festive!)
11. Christmas Caroling (Indoors or Outdoors) 🎤
If your kids are up for it, why not spread some cheer by caroling around the neighborhood? (Or just in your living room, where it’s safe from cold weather). This is a fantastic way to get them involved in giving back and enjoying the true spirit of Christmas. Plus, it’s an easy way to tire them out for bedtime.
Fun Tip:
Make it a surprise and “carol” to a neighbor or a family friend. Trust me, the kids will feel like little stars!
12. Snowball Fight (Indoor or Outdoor) ❄️
Now, I know this activity depends on where you live (sorry to those in the tropics). But if you’ve got snow outside, let the kids have a snowball fight. If not, no worries—you can always use soft cotton balls or homemade “snowballs” made from socks for a friendly indoor snowball fight. Just make sure no one is left with a “snowball injury.” 😅
Bonus Tip:
Make it a full-blown competition with teams. You’ll have way too much fun watching them “strategize.”
13. Create a Christmas Countdown Calendar 🗓️
Nothing builds anticipation like a Christmas countdown. You can buy a pre-made advent calendar or get creative and make your own. Every day, the kids can open a new surprise—whether it’s a small toy, a sweet treat, or a fun activity to do together. It’s the perfect way to get them involved in the holiday countdown and keeps them excited each day leading up to Christmas.
Tip:
If you’re feeling extra crafty, make each day’s gift/activity personalized for each kid. Trust me, they’ll love the extra effort!
Wrapping It Up 🎁
And there you have it, 13 Christmas activities for kids that will keep them entertained, engaged, and maybe—just maybe—allow you to enjoy a few peaceful moments.
From crafting to movie marathons, there’s something on this list for every type of holiday mood.
Now, all that’s left to do is get started—and remember, it’s okay if things get messy, loud, or chaotic. After all, that’s what makes the holidays so special.
Happy holidays, and may your Christmas be full of joy, laughter, and kids who are (finally) tired enough to take a nap. 😜