The Christmas holidays are a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and if we’re honest, the occasional “I’m bored” from your kids. Whether you’re looking to create lasting memories or simply keep the little ones entertained, planning the right activities can make all the difference. This guide is here to help, offering practical, fun, and sometimes budget-friendly ideas to ensure your family holiday is merry and bright.
From festive crafts to outdoor adventures, here are ten things to do with your children during the Christmas holidays.
1. Bake Christmas Treats Together
Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies and/or gingerbread throughout the house. Gather your kids in the kitchen, don the aprons, and whip up some holiday treats. Whether it’s classic gingerbread men, mince pies, or chocolate yule logs, baking together is a recipe for fun.
Pro tip: Let your kids decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, and all the festive toppings they can get their hands on. Sure, the kitchen might look like a snowstorm of flour by the end, but the memories (and the tasty results) are worth it.
2. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
Snuggle up on the sofa, grab some hot cocoa, and press play on your family’s favourite Christmas films. Classics like Home Alone, Elf, and The Polar Express are bound to keep everyone entertained.
Create a cosy atmosphere with blankets and fairy lights, and take it up a notch by having a popcorn bar with different toppings—because nothing screams holiday spirit like popcorn covered in chocolate drizzle.
3. Go on a Christmas Light Hunt
Turn a typical evening into an enchanting adventure by heading out to explore the festive lights in your neighbourhood. Load up the car, pack some snacks, and drive around looking for the most impressive displays.
Why not turn it into a friendly family competition? Who can spot the most reindeer, snowmen, or Santas? Bonus points if you find a house that’s gone full Clark Griswold!
4. Make Handmade Christmas Decorations
Unleash your children’s creativity by organising a craft day to make Christmas decorations. Whether it’s paper snowflakes, hand-painted baubles, or salt dough ornaments, handmade creations can add a personal touch to your festive décor.
This activity keeps little hands busy while also giving your Christmas tree a unique and sentimental twist. Plus, grandparents and relatives love these as keepsakes!
5. Visit a Christmas Market
If there’s a local Christmas market nearby, it’s worth paying a visit. They’re perfect for soaking up the festive spirit, browsing unique gifts, and enjoying seasonal food.
Many markets also have activities for kids, like face painting, carol singing, and—of course—a chance to meet Santa Claus himself.
6. Have a Christmas-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Get the kids moving with a Christmas scavenger hunt either inside your house or in your garden. Create a list of holiday-themed items to find, such as a bauble, candy cane, or wrapped present. Hide them in various places and watch as your little ones gleefully race to find them all.
For added fun, include small treats or surprises as rewards for each completed task. It’s a great way to combine exercise, excitement, and the magic of Christmas.
7. Host a Christmas Karaoke Night
Bring out the budding Mariah Careys and Michael Bublés by holding a family Christmas karaoke night. Belt out festive classics like Jingle Bells or Last Christmas. Even if you can’t carry a tune, the laughter alone will make it worthwhile.
Make it a contest with fun prizes for “Most Enthusiastic Singer” or “Best Dance Moves.” Warning: Expect Last Christmas to get stuck in your head for days.
8. Build a Gingerbread House
Building gingerbread houses is a quintessential Christmas activity. Arm yourselves with gingerbread kits, icing, and plenty of sweets to create your masterpiece.
Get everyone involved—from designing the house to decorating it with gumdrops and candy canes. Sure, somebody will eat more decorations than they use, but isn’t that part of the fun?
9. Have a Winter Picnic
If the weather isn’t too frightful, why not venture outdoors for a winter picnic? Wrap up in warm clothes and bring thermoses of hot chocolate, sandwiches, and festive treats. Parks, woodlands, or even your own garden make perfect spots.
Add to the experience by bringing along some simple outdoor games like frisbee or scavenger hunts for winter wonders like pinecones and holly.
10. Volunteer as a Family
Teach your children the true meaning of Christmas by giving back to the community. Whether it’s helping out at a food bank, donating toys to a children’s charity, or distributing blankets to the homeless, there are many ways to spread joy.
Volunteering fosters gratitude and shows kids the importance of helping others, which can be the most rewarding activity of the season.
Make This Christmas Unforgettable
The Christmas holidays are the perfect time to bond with your children, create cherished memories, and fill your days with joy. Whether you’re baking treats, going on a light hunt, or simply spending time together, these moments are what truly make the holiday season special.