35 Christmas Activities for Kids (So Fun!)

Last Updated on 12/07/2024 by Nell Marie

When my kids were little, Christmastime was pure magic.

There’s something so special about experiencing the season through a child’s eyes—the wonder of twinkling lights, the excitement of counting down to Santa’s visit, and the laughter that fills the house during holiday traditions.

Those years were filled with joyful chaos: sticky fingers from cookie decorating, endless renditions of “Jingle Bells,” and wide-eyed anticipation on Christmas morning.

These moments became cherished memories, woven into the fabric of our family’s story.

I loved creating traditions that made the season magical for my kids, and now, I’m thrilled to share a list of 35 fun and meaningful Christmas activities to help you do the same.

Whether it’s crafting ornaments, baking treats, or playing reindeer games, these ideas will bring joy to your home and make this holiday season unforgettable.

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35 Christmas Activities for Kids

I loved creating traditions that made the season magical for my kids, and now, I’m thrilled to share a list of 35 fun and meaningful Christmas activities to help you do the same. Whether it’s crafting ornaments, baking treats, or playing reindeer games, these ideas will bring joy to your home and create memories that last a lifetime.

Crafting Fun

1- Make Christmas Ornaments

Gather craft supplies like popsicle sticks, beads, paint, and glitter to create ornaments that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Kids can make snowflakes, mini Christmas trees, or even paint clear ornaments to hang on the tree.

This activity doubles as a memory-maker when you save their creations for future holidays. You can even write the year on each one to track their growth over the years.

2- Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Whether you use a store-bought kit or bake your own gingerbread pieces, assembling and decorating a gingerbread house is always a hit. Lay out bowls of candy, pretzels, and frosting for kids to use as “construction materials.”

Encourage them to get creative with designs, adding little candy canes, gumdrops, and other colorful treats. Not only is this activity fun, but the end result can be a cute display on the kitchen counter.

3- Christmas Card Making

Let kids unleash their creativity with markers, stickers, stamps, and even glitter glue to make festive cards. They can add heartfelt messages inside for family and friends, or even design cards for seniors at a local nursing home.

Personal touches make these cards extra special. You can even set up a “card exchange” among friends and family to make it feel even more festive!

4- Paper Snowflakes

Provide kids with square sheets of paper and show them how to fold and cut intricate patterns to create beautiful snowflakes.

Hang the finished snowflakes in windows or from the ceiling to bring a snowy feel indoors, even if you live somewhere warm.

This activity not only encourages fine motor skills but also adds a touch of winter wonderland to your home decor.

5- Pinecone Christmas Trees

Take the kids on a nature walk to collect pinecones, then bring them home to transform them into mini Christmas trees. Paint the pinecones green, add glitter for sparkle, and glue on small beads or sequins as ornaments.

These make adorable decorations or gifts. It’s a great way to combine outdoor play with crafting, and they’ll love having their creations displayed around the house.

6- DIY Wrapping Paper

Roll out plain butcher paper or brown kraft paper and let kids decorate it with holiday-themed stamps, handprints, or stencils. They can draw snowmen, Christmas trees, or use red and green paints to create patterns.

Wrap gifts in their handmade paper for a personalized touch. This makes the gift-giving even more special, and it’s a simple, creative way to get the kids involved in wrapping.

7- Salt Dough Ornaments

Mix salt, flour, and water to create a simple dough. Roll it out, use cookie cutters to shape the dough, and then bake the ornaments. Once hardened, kids can paint and decorate them to hang on the tree.

Add names and the year for a lasting keepsake. These ornaments are not only adorable but also fun to make, and they become cherished mementos each holiday season.

8- Christmas Countdown Chains

Cut strips of red and green paper and loop them into a chain, with one link for each day leading up to Christmas. Kids can remove one link each day as they count down to the big day.

Add fun tasks or jokes inside some links for extra surprises. This simple project adds an element of excitement and builds anticipation leading up to Christmas.

Creative Play

9- Christmas-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Grab the free printable here.

Create a scavenger hunt around the house or yard with holiday-themed clues and items like candy canes, small ornaments, or Christmas-themed toys.

Kids will love the thrill of solving clues and finding hidden treasures. It’s a great way to get them moving and thinking, all while enjoying the magic of the season.

10- Pretend Santa’s Workshop

Set up a “workshop” with art supplies, building blocks, and small trinkets. Let the kids pretend to be Santa’s elves, designing and “building” toys. You can also incorporate wrapping play gifts for added fun.

This imaginative play encourages teamwork, creativity, and hours of fun as they work together to bring their “toy creations” to life.

11- Reindeer Food Mixing

Give kids a bowl of oats, sugar, and edible glitter to mix together as “reindeer food.” Encourage them to sprinkle it on the lawn Christmas Eve to “guide Santa’s sleigh.”

It’s a magical tradition that adds excitement to the night before Christmas, and kids will love the idea of helping Santa’s reindeer find their way.

12- Holiday Dress-Up and Photoshoot

Provide costumes like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or elf outfits and set up a festive backdrop.

Kids can take turns posing for silly and sweet pictures. You can even use these photos for Christmas cards or gifts.

It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and capture adorable memories that will last for years.

13- Christmas Puppet Show

Use finger puppets or create your own from socks or paper bags. Kids can write and perform their own holiday story, such as a retelling of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

It’s a great way to encourage imaginative play, and they’ll have a blast putting on a show for the family.

Baking and Cooking

14- Bake Christmas Cookies

Mix up some cookie dough and let kids roll it out and cut festive shapes like stars, stockings, and gingerbread people. Once baked, provide colorful frosting, sprinkles, and candies for decorating.

The cookies make a tasty treat or a gift for neighbors. Not only do you get to bake together, but the kids will love customizing their own creations.

15- Hot Cocoa Bar

Set up a hot cocoa station with mugs, packets of cocoa mix, and toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and chocolate chips. Let kids customize their drinks and enjoy a cozy treat after a chilly day.

It’s a simple yet festive way to bring everyone together for a warm, delicious treat.

16- Make Peppermint Bark

Melt white or dark chocolate, spread it on a tray, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Kids can help break up the candy and spread the chocolate.

Once cooled and hardened, break it into pieces to enjoy or gift. This activity is fun, easy, and results in a treat that’s perfect for holiday snacking or sharing.

17- Decorate Cupcakes

Bake cupcakes together and let kids decorate them with holiday-themed sprinkles, colored frosting, and candies. They can create snowmen, Christmas trees, or other festive designs with their treats.

It’s a fun and creative way to spend time together, and everyone gets to enjoy their sweet creations afterward.

Learning and Reading

18- Read Christmas Stories

Gather holiday classics like The Polar Express or The Snowy Day and read them aloud. Let kids pick their favorites or take turns reading. Pair the activity with a cup of cocoa for added coziness.

It’s a wonderful way to wind down after a busy day and create a calming holiday tradition.

19- Write Letters to Santa

Grab the free printable here.

Set up a letter-writing station with paper, envelopes, and pens. Kids can write their wish lists and add drawings for Santa.

Send them through a “North Pole Express” mailbox or through an online Santa service.

This classic holiday activity sparks excitement and gives kids a chance to share their hopes for Christmas.

20- Learn Christmas Carols

Teach kids festive songs like “Deck the Halls” or “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” They can put on a mini concert for family or learn hand motions for songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Singing together is a joyful way to bond and share the holiday spirit.

21- Christmas Word Search or Crossword

Grab the free printables here.

Print out puzzles with holiday themes for kids to solve. These are great for downtime or when you need a quiet activity.

Word searches and crosswords are not only fun, but they help with spelling and memory, making them an educational holiday treat.

22- Holiday Science Experiments

Make fake snow using baking soda and conditioner, or grow crystals on a paper tree using borax and water.

These hands-on activities are educational and festive. It’s a fun way to mix holiday cheer with learning and spark kids’ curiosity in science.

Festive Fun

23- Watch Christmas Movies

Set up a cozy movie night with blankets, popcorn, and holiday favorites like The Grinch or Polar Express. Let the kids choose the lineup for a full family night.

This is a great way to relax and enjoy some holiday magic from the comfort of your home.

24- DIY Photo Booth

Check out the article here.

Hang a festive backdrop and provide props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or fake snow. Kids can take turns snapping fun photos. It’s a silly and fun way to capture holiday memories, and the photos can be shared or used in Christmas cards.

25- Decorate the Christmas Tree

Let the kids help by hanging ornaments, stringing popcorn garlands, or adding candy canes. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about family traditions.

Decorating the tree together is a special time that gets everyone in the holiday spirit and makes the tree even more meaningful.

26- Visit Holiday Light Displays

Take a drive or walk to see houses decked out in Christmas lights. Turn it into a game by spotting themed decorations, like inflatables or nativity scenes. This outdoor activity is a fun way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as a family.

27- Host a Holiday Talent Show

Check out the article here.

Encourage kids to sing, dance, or perform skits for the family. Record the show for a keepsake or to share with relatives. It’s a great way to showcase their creativity and bring lots of laughter to your home.

Outdoor Adventures

28- Build a Snowman

Building a snowman is a classic winter activity that never gets old! Grab some scarves, hats, and a carrot for the nose, and let your kids get creative with their frosty friend.

If you have a whole snow family in mind, encourage them to build mini snowmen or make snow art using food coloring in spray bottles.

The kids will have a blast making their snowman unique and maybe even start a whole snow sculpture village in the yard!

29- Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is a fun, festive activity that gets the whole family moving! Head to a local rink, rent some skates, and glide around to the sound of Christmas tunes.

Whether it’s your first time on the ice or you’re a pro, it’s a magical way to embrace the holiday season, especially when you’re surrounded by twinkling lights and the chilly winter air.

30- Have a Christmas Parade

Turn your front yard into the perfect holiday parade route! Have the kids decorate their bikes, wagons, or even themselves in festive colors, tinsel, and glitter.

You can make it extra fun by playing holiday music, so it feels like you’re all in your own little Christmas parade.

It’s a simple, creative way to get everyone outside and celebrate the season with a little family flair.

31- Winter Nature Walk

Read the article here.

Bundle up and head outdoors for a winter wonderland walk. Take the kids to a local trail or park and let them gather fallen pinecones, evergreen branches, or even holly berries along the way.

These natural finds are perfect for crafting projects back at home, and the walk itself is a great opportunity to talk about the beauty of winter and all the little things that make the season magical.

32- Play Reindeer Games

Get the kids moving with some festive outdoor challenges, like a sack race or a “reindeer toss.” For the toss, set up antler-shaped targets and let the kids throw rings or bean bags at them.

It’s a fun way to burn off some energy and keep the holiday spirit alive with laughter and a little competition in the snow or backyard.

Giving Back

33- Create Care Packages

Help your kids pack up small care packages filled with cozy treats, warm socks, or handmade cards, and deliver them to neighbors, friends, or anyone who might need a little extra holiday cheer.

It’s a thoughtful way to teach kids about kindness and sharing during the holidays. Plus, they’ll love knowing they made someone else’s day a little brighter.

34- Donate Toys

Giving back during the holidays is a great way to teach your kids the importance of generosity.

Encourage them to pick out some gently used toys they no longer need, or take them with you to pick out a brand-new toy to donate to a local toy drive.

It’s a heartwarming way to spread some Christmas cheer to children who may not have as much.

35- Volunteer Together

Volunteering as a family is a meaningful way to celebrate the season of giving. Sign up for a family-friendly event like wrapping gifts for a charity or helping serve food at a local shelter.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about empathy and the joy that comes from helping others, all while spending quality time together as a family.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season is such a special time to connect with your kids and create lasting memories together.

Whether you’re building a snowman, baking cookies, or giving back to those in need, these activities are all about embracing the joy and magic of Christmas.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy—what matters most is spending time with your little ones and making them feel the warmth and wonder of the season. So, grab some hot cocoa, crank up the holiday tunes, and dive into the festive fun.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of merry moments!

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