We’ve been compiling this list of Christmas activities for kids for years! It’s now an epic guide to creating seasonal magic all December, from the early Christmas prep days to the post-Christmas cozy phase.
Explore Christmas activities for kids of all ages and all interests. This is the stuff memories are made of!
Activities for Early December
Let’s face it. Some of us start our Christmas prep immediately after Thanksgiving—and some of us like to leave it till the last minute.
Whatever your style, getting kids involved in these pre-Christmas activities benefits everyone. Participating builds their anticipation, helps them develop skills, and creates special memories.
Write Letters to Santa
Believing in Santa Claus is all part of the magic.
And there’s no Christmas activity that gets kids as excited as writing to Santa. Turn their Christmas wish list into a yearly tradition with a festive writing station.
Provide your little letter writer with colored pencils, markers, festive paper, scissors, and glue to jazz up their Christmas wish list.
Don’t forget to address it to:
123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888
Create a DIY Advent Calendar
An advent calendar is a special way to countdown the days to Christmas. And it’s fun!
This DIY version has all the steps and even a video to help you and your family create your own. By making it yourself, not only is it budget-friendly, but you get to choose all the goodies for the day!
Thinking of what to put in your advent calendar besides candy? We’re so happy you asked! Here are some ideas:
- Play-Doh minis
- Small toys
- A note from Santa & his elves
- Stickers
- Craft supplies
- Bows and hair ties
- Friendship bracelets
Handcraft Ornaments
Make time for this Christmas activity early so you can admire your handmade ornaments on the tree all month long.
Set up a crafting station with a variety of colorful ribbons, glitter, construction paper, and other crafting supplies you have on hand. Whether it's paper snowflakes, handprint angels, or popsicle stick reindeer, these DIY creations will not only adorn your tree but also become cherished keepsakes for years to come.
Here are 50 DIY Christmas ornament crafts for kids to get you inspired.
Since Santa’s helpers will be hard at work, don’t forget to have cookies, eggnog, hot cocoa, and Christmas music playing in the background. It’ll give your little elves the Christmas spirit they need to create beautiful ornaments.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Few Christmas activities capture the magic of the season like a trip to a Christmas tree farm. Whether you’re picking out the perfect tree to bring home or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, it’s a memorable experience for kids and parents alike.
At the farm, your little ones can marvel at rows of twinkling evergreens, breathe in the fresh pine-scented air, and maybe even spot some holiday decorations or friendly farm animals.
Many farms offer extras like hot cocoa, wagon rides, or DIY ornament-making stations to make the day even more special!
If you’re bringing home a tree, let your kids help pick it out. They’ll love feeling part of the decision and can take pride in decorating it later. That smell of evergreen trees will forever bring back memories of Christmas.
Even if you’re just there to explore, the farm provides a magical setting for snapping some family photos and soaking up the holiday spirit. It’s an easy way to start a tradition that feels like the perfect mix of holiday cheer and outdoor fun!
Here’s a roundup of some of the best Christmas tree farms across the country to give you some ideas.
Make Decorating for Christmas a Kid Thing!
Sure, you might be tempted to decorate while your kids are asleep… Like you get most stuff done! But when kids get involved, they feel even more excitement about the season.
Set aside an hour or so to deck out the house. You can make it feel extra festive by jamming out to holiday tunes while decorating your tree or your home. Get your little helpers to hang the ornaments and decorations.
Maybe it’s not too early for them to pull out their stockings and envision Christmas morning…
And remember, the decor doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. It just needs to be fun!
Go Wild with Wreath Making
Add a seasonal touch to your home when you handcraft Christmas wreaths.
With a little DIY and a whole lot of imagination, your little ones can help transform your home into a festive haven. Gather an assortment of greenery, pinecones, and ribbons to let your kiddos explore the world of wreath crafting.
Whether you opt for a classic evergreen wreath or get creative, this Christmas activity weaves together creativity and tradition—and it’s perfect for kids.
Here are 15+ easy wreaths to make with kids.
Make A Family Holiday Card
What could be better than a Christmas card with a personal touch?
A Christmas card made with little hands.
Get your kids involved in making homemade cards is a thoughtful and fun Christmas activity. They make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends!
All it takes is some cardstock and coloring materials. Get out the glitter, stickers or any other decorations that inspire your little one.
Rather share a family photo? Why not DIY that, too? Take a casual picture with your family (maybe throw on those ugly sweaters!) and run over to Target or Walmart to print them out.
The best part is there’s no fancy equipment needed! A smartphone, blank cards and a gluestick will work just fine. Of course, your little helper can always decorate the envelopes and practice their printing to finish off the cards.
Bake & Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Building gingerbread houses is a popular tradition that began in 1800’s Germany, inspired by the Grimms Brothers’ fairytale, Hansel and Gretel.
You can continue this tradition right in your kitchen. Not only is the sweet aroma of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen a quintessential Christmas memory, but it's also a delightful decorating adventure for your little bakers.
You can always buy pre-made gingerbread house kits to skip the baking and get straight to the fun. This is, by far, the easiest option. But if you want to start from scratch, gather your little helpers to create a homemade gingerbread house.
Try decorating with dried or fresh fruits instead of candy for a healthier alternative. Your dentist will thank you!
Get Creative with Christmas Cookies
Baking and decorating cookies is a must during the holidays; how else will Santa get his cookies?
Kids can get involved in every stage. Measuring and mixing are great learning opportunities. Using Christmas shape cutters makes it extra special and is a great activity for building dexterity.
Here are easy recipes you can try with kids.
Want to make your holiday baking healthier? Swap out some or all of the sugar in your holiday cookie recipes for monk fruit powder. These days, you can even find icing and cookie decorations that are dye-free!
Psst: If you’d rather have a virtually stress-free (aka busy mom-friendly) option, head to the supermarket and pick up a few cookie kits. Pre-made kits are a simple but fun way to treat your kiddos to the experience of decorating cookies without measuring, mixing or baking.
Most kids agree that the best part is decorating, anyway!
You can also get your kiddos excited for the giving part of Christmas by setting aside some of their special creations for family, friends, and neighbors.
Spread Joy with Handmade Gifts
The holidays are a perfect time to teach kids the joy of giving.
One fun and meaningful way to do this is by making simple, heartfelt gifts or packaging up treats for the special people in their lives, like teachers, bus drivers, coaches, grandparents, and neighbors.
Package up your DIY projects, including handmade ornaments, wreaths, or cookies together with handmade Christmas cards.
Encourage your kids to think about what each recipient would love and help them write a special message on every card.
Send Letters Overseas
Many of our Armed Forces Service Members can’t make it home for the holidays. And a kind letter from a child brings holiday cheer and encouragement to a deployed Service Member.
Operation Gratitude makes it easy to send letters overseas. They have all the steps, guidelines, and even printable coloring sheets for your kiddos.
This is another thoughtful Christmas activity for kids that reminds them of the true spirit of the season.
Declutter & Donate
Decluttering is a parent-approved Christmas activity!
Before Christmas, it’s a great idea to make space for the gifts that will soon fill shelves and closets. Letting go of those they’ve outgrown or no longer play with is a great way to minimize clutter and give unused toys a new home.
Bring them into the conversation and allow them to choose what they’d like to donate. This will likely bring them on board and get them excited to spread holiday cheer to other children.
If you don’t get around to this activity until after Christmas, that’s ok. Your kids might be more ready to let go of older toys when excited about their new gifts.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Fun with Kids
After weeks of anticipation, it’s finally here. There’s nothing like Christmas for kids. The twinkling lights, decorating the Christmas tree, sipping on hot cocoa, and, of course, eyeing those gifts under the tree.
And yet, with all its whimsical magic, there just might be something better. . .
Being a parent at Christmas. Now it’s our turn to create the magic and watch the joy on their faces. These activity ideas will help you get kids involved in the magic of the season.
Create Nature Confetti
Sure, Christmas dinner is exciting for kids. But while you spend hours preparing, they can feel a little left out. So, why not involve your child in decorating the holiday table?
No, we’re not suggesting they put out the crystal and light the candles! This activity is kid-friendly for all ages.
The idea is to send your kids on a nature scavenger hunt to bring seasonal beauty to the table. Send them outside to hunt for:
- Evergreen cuttings
- Acorns
- Pinecones
- Grasses
- Wildflowers
- Pine Needles
- Stones
Next, decorate the Christmas table with the treasures they found outside, but set aside half the leaves. You’re going to make 100% biodegradable Nature Confetti.
It’s easy. You just punch holes in the leaves with a hole punch or cut out small pieces with scissors. Next, sprinkle the “confetti” on the dinner table (before you put the plates and glasses down)!
Get Outside for a Christmas Light Walk
What would the holidays be without all the twinkling lights? Take the time to admire the festive beauty of your neighborhood by going on a Christmas Light Walk.
It’s a wonderful way to revel in the magic of the holiday — and a way to stay active.
Want to make it extra special? Prep and pack thermoses of healthy hot cocoa to keep your body warm and your heart full!
If it’s not a great night for walking, hop in the car for a ride through “the North Pole”–otherwise known as your local neighborhood.
Track Santa’s Flight on Christmas Eve
So, it’s the night before Christmas… and anticipation is high. Your little one might just be too excited to sleep. How do you end the day on a happy note?
You track Santa’s flight around the world using the Christmas Eve Santa tracker.
Remind kids that Santa can only leave the presents if they’re tucked into bed. It works like a charm.
Don’t forget to put out the milk and cookies! Then, tuck them into bed with a Christmas-themed story, like The Night Before Christmas.
Perform Christmas Carol Karaoke
Getting together with family or friends for a Christmas dinner? It’s the perfect opportunity for Christmas carol karaoke.
Hot tip: Introduce karaoke as an after-dinner activity. While the adults relax, the kids can belt out their favorite festive tunes.
For even more fun, bring out the tickle trunk. Let your kiddos dress up as elves, reindeer, miniature Santas, Elsa, or whatever gets them inspired to perform!
Host Movie Night Magic
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without our favorite Christmas movies. A festive movie marathon snuggled up on the couch with our kiddos is the perfect way to wind down on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Here are a few kid favorites:
- Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Klaus
- Elf
- Home Alone (yes, all 3!)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- The Polar Express
- Frozen
- Frosty the Snowman
- The Christmas Carol
Maybe this is the year you add a new addition to your family’s favorites. And like any other movie night, don't forget the popcorn!
Christmas Break & New Year’s Activity Ideas
The big day has come and gone… But kiddos are still off school for the winter break. Keeping them busy can be tricky during this stretch of the holidays. Especially if you’re trying to limit screen time.
That’s why it’s essential to have a few Christmas break activities in your back pocket. Here are a handful to try with your little ones this winter break.
Make a Winter Bird Feeder
This Christmas activity is a great opportunity to teach your kid all about the seasons and how animals survive.
Also, sometimes, you just need a good reason to get outside! Helping wildlife is an excellent reason and usually very persuasive for kids.
Winter can be a tough time for birds. Their natural food sources are depleted due to winter. And with limited food available, the competition (squirrels, raccoons, etc.) is fierce!
Bird feeders really do help our feathered friends make it through the winter. And making a bird feeder together can be a lot of fun.
Here are some tips for creating easy and eco-friendly bird feeders with kids. Of course, you can always choose a bird feeder kit for simplicity or buy a ready-made feeder. The birds will be grateful for whatever you choose!
Kids love to fill the feeders and watch the birds feast. It gives them a deeper connection to nature, and you can identify the bird species together to enrich the experience.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Did your parents teach you how to skate when you were a kid? If so, maybe you have memories of magical Christmas ice skating activities. There’s something so special about an ice rink lit up with lights.
It’s a great way to get outside during the holiday season and get your blood pumping.
Look for your local outdoor ice skating rink or explore this list of the very best outdoor rinks across the country.
Go for a Walk in a Winter Wonderland
Getting stuffy indoors? Round everyone up to explore your local winter wonderland. This is the simplest Christmas activity, hands down.
Winter is worth appreciating wherever you live! Snow or no snow. It’s a time when nature takes a rest, and there’s real beauty in the season.
Take it from the Scandinavians who say there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. When you bundle up, you might even find that you actually enjoy the season.
If you’ve got snow, embrace it. Pull the kids in a toboggan, catch some sledding, make snow angels…
Bonus: When you catch some winter rays on your face, you also get immunity-boosting vitamin D!
Make Hot Chocolate
Let’s say you just came inside from visiting your bird feeder or stomping in the snow. There’s nothing like getting cozy with a piping cup of hot cocoa. It’s our favorite low-energy Christmas activity.
Pre-made hot chocolate mix is nearly always packed with sugar. Instead, you can make your own with just a few ingredients:
- Warm milk
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (or carob powder)
- Sugar-Free Monk Fruit
- Vanilla extract
- And maybe a few marshmallows :)
Keep in mind this is a treat best served well before bedtime. Cocoa can be stimulating for some people. If your kid is sensitive, try carob powder.
Try Finger Knitting for Tiny Hands
Looking for a Christmas activity that’s both calming and creative? Finger knitting is a wonderful way to keep little hands busy while teaching a fun new skill. Plus, it feels really cozy, which is just the right thing for the holiday.
All you need is some yarn, patience, and easy instructions. There are tons of finger knitting tutorials online, like this one.
Start with chunky yarn that’s easy for kids to handle and guide them through making a simple chain. They’ll be amazed at how quickly they can create!
Finger knitting is great for fine motor skills and provides a sense of accomplishment when kids see the results of their work.
Ring in the New Year with a Kid-Centric Dance Party
Kids full of holiday energy? Turn on some music and let them boogie!
Dance parties are a great option during the Christmas holidays when it’s too chilly or wet to play outside. Movement burns off extra energy and lifts everyone’s mood. Plus, exercise is one way to build kids’ immunity, which is key at this time of year.
Hot tip: Dance parties are also a perfect activity for your NYE celebration with kids. Get out the sparkly stuff and get excited about 2025!
Merry Christmas from Renzo’s!
The holiday hustle can take a toll on busy parents. But with these Christmas activities, you can slow down, savor the moment, and create lasting memories with your little ones.
So, slip into your comfiest holiday jammies, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the magic of Christmas unfold.
From everyone at Renzo’s Vitamins, we wish you a Merry Christmas!