37 Exciting Christmas Activities for Kids This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of giving. It's also a fantastic opportunity to engage children in activities that spark creativity, learning, and fun. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply someone who loves to involve kids in festive cheer, these Christmas activities are sure to bring smiles to little faces. From crafting ornaments to learning about global winter celebrations, this list offers something for everyone. Let's explore the following delightful Christmas activities for kids to enjoy at home or at a festive gathering!
Christmas Activity Sheets
Activity sheets are designed to entertain and inspire creativity, making them perfect for kids and families looking to spread some festive cheer. Dive into a world of holiday-themed puzzles, crafts, and games that will bring joy to your celebrations!
1. Holiday-Themed Worksheets
Engage kids with educational worksheets that incorporate festive themes. From math problems featuring candy canes to word searches with holiday vocabulary, these sheets make learning fun. Teachers can use them as part of the curriculum, while parents can include them in holiday homeschooling.
2. Spot the Difference Sheets
Spot the difference sheets are ideal for developing children's attention to detail and focus. These engaging puzzles feature two similar holiday-themed images in which kids must find small differences. Look for festive scenes with elves, Christmas trees, or presents, and let the kids embark on a journey of discovery as they highlight the variations.
3. Connect-the-Dots with a Festive Twist
Connect-the-dots activities captivate young minds by combining both learning and fun. Create or find printable sheets with holiday themes, such as Christmas trees, snowflakes, or gingerbread men. As children connect the dots, they will not only practice counting but also reveal magical holiday images to color afterward.
4. Crossword Puzzles with Holiday Words
Crossword puzzles with holiday-themed vocabulary expand children's language skills and promote problem-solving abilities. Design worksheets featuring festive words related to the season, like "stocking," "tinsel," or "sled." This fun and educational activity challenges children while teaching them about various Christmas traditions and items.
5. Printable Coloring Pages
Coloring pages are a great way to keep little ones busy while boosting their creativity. Look for free printable holiday-themed sheets featuring Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and more. You can find these online or in holiday-themed activity books. Kids can use crayons, colored pencils, or markers to fill in the festive scenes, making for a perfect quiet time activity.
Fun Christmas Activities for All
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with a variety of fun Christmas activities! Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, these ideas will bring joy and laughter to your festivities. From creative crafts to festive games, there's something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!
6. Crafting Ornaments
Get crafty with homemade ornaments! Gather supplies like popsicle sticks, glitter, paint, and ribbon, and help kids make their unique decorations. Whether it's a snowflake or a reindeer, these ornaments can adorn the family tree or be gifted to loved ones.
7. Making Snow Globes
Create a winter wonderland with DIY snow globes. Use mason jars, water, glycerin, and glitter to craft these magical decorations. Kids will love choosing figurines to include inside, such as snowmen or Christmas trees. It's a fun activity that results in a keepsake treasure.
8. Building Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses are a holiday classic. You can buy kits with pre-baked pieces or make your own from scratch. Gather icing, candies, and other decorations, and have a blast assembling your gingerbread masterpiece. It's a sweet way to spend time together and ignite imagination.
9. Decorating Holiday Cookies
Unleash culinary creativity by decorating holiday cookies with kids. Use sugar cookies in festive shapes like trees, stars, and bells. Provide a variety of icing colors, sprinkles, and candies for decoration. It's a delicious way to engage children in a hands-on activity that doubles as a tasty treat.
10. Organizing a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Plan a Christmas scavenger hunt to keep kids entertained and active. Create a list of holiday-themed items to find around the house or yard, such as candy canes, ornaments, and wrapped gifts. Provide clues and riddles to guide participants, offering small prizes for those who find all the items.
11. Hosting a Festive Movie Night
Set up a cozy space for a Christmas movie night. Choose a selection of family-friendly holiday classics, like The Nightmare Before Christmas or Home Alone. Prepare popcorn and hot cocoa, and allow kids to snuggle up in blankets as they enjoy the magic of Christmas storytelling.
Christmas Activities for Preschoolers
The holiday season is a magical time for preschoolers, filled with joy and excitement. Engaging in Christmas activities not only sparks their creativity but also helps develop essential skills. Here are some fun and festive ideas to keep little ones entertained and learning during this special time of year!
12. Storytime with Christmas Books
Snuggle up with a stack of Christmas-themed books. Titles like The Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas offer delightful stories and illustrations. Reading together can spark conversation about holiday traditions and values.
13. Sensory Play with Fake Snow
Bring the magic of snow indoors with sensory play. Use materials like baking soda and conditioner to create snow-like textures. Preschoolers can shape snowmen or explore the feel of cold snow without the chill. It's a tactile experience that captivates young minds.
14. Simple Ornament Making
Introduce little ones to crafting with simple ornaments. Use paper, glue, and basic decorations like stickers or pom-poms. Preschool-friendly projects allow for creativity without the frustration of complex instructions. Proudly display their creations on the tree.
15. Christmas Sing-Along Sessions
Introduce preschoolers to the joy of Christmas carols with sing-along sessions. Choose simple and repetitive songs like "Jingle Bells" or "Frosty the Snowman" that are easy for young children to learn and remember. Singing together not only spreads holiday cheer but also helps develop language and memory skills.
16. Festive Dress-Up Play
Encourage imaginative play with a festive dress-up activity. Provide an assortment of holiday-themed costumes, such as Santa hats, elf costumes, and reindeer antlers. Preschoolers will love pretending to be their favorite Christmas characters, fostering creativity and enhancing social interaction as they play and role-play together.
17. Crafting Christmas Cards
Engage preschoolers in making handmade Christmas cards. Supply colorful construction paper, crayons, and stickers for decoration. Guide them in drawing festive images like Christmas trees or snowflakes, and help them write simple messages to wish loved ones a happy holiday. It's a heartfelt activity that encourages artistic expression and thoughtfulness.
Educational Christmas Activities
The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to engage students in fun and meaningful learning experiences. This section offers a variety of educational activities that combine festive cheer with valuable lessons, fostering creativity and critical thinking while celebrating Christmas. Get ready to inspire and educate with these exciting ideas!
18. Learning About Other Cultures' Winter Holidays
Expand kids' horizons by exploring how different cultures celebrate winter holidays. Learn about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other global festivities. You can read books, watch documentaries, or even cook traditional holiday dishes together.
19. Math and Science Activities with a Christmas Theme
Incorporate festive elements into math and science learning. Count Christmas cookies, measure ingredients for holiday baking, or explore the science of snowflakes. These activities make learning more engaging by connecting it with the excitement of the season.
20. Writing Letters to Santa
Encourage kids to write letters to Santa, sharing their holiday wishes and gratitude. It's a chance to practice writing skills while fostering imagination. You can even set up a special mailbox and have "Santa" send a reply, adding an extra touch of magic.
21. Christmas-Themed Science Experiments
Spark curiosity with simple Christmas-themed science experiments. Create a homemade snowstorm in a jar using water, oil, and glitter, or explore the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar by building a "fizzing" Christmas tree. These hands-on activities captivate young scientists, encouraging exploration and discovery while tying in with the holiday theme.
22. Holiday-Themed Story Writing
Encourage students to tap into their creativity by writing their own holiday-themed stories. Provide story prompts related to Christmas, like "A Magical Christmas Eve Adventure" or "The Mystery of the Missing Christmas Presents." This activity helps develop writing skills, encourages imagination, and can be shared with family and friends to spread holiday cheer.
Christmas Activities for Kids at Home
The holiday season is a magical time for families, filled with joy and creativity. Engaging kids in fun Christmas activities at home not only keeps them entertained but also fosters cherished memories. Here are some delightful ideas to celebrate the season together!
23. DIY Holiday Crafts
Set up a craft station with supplies like paper, felt, glitter, and glue so kids can make their own holiday decorations. Projects like making paper snowflakes or decorating picture frames with holiday motifs can provide hours of entertainment and creativity.
24. Baking Christmas Cookies
Have a fun afternoon baking a variety of Christmas cookies. Kids can help with mixing ingredients, cutting out shapes with cookie cutters, and decorating with icing and sprinkles. Not only is it a delightful activity, but it also fills the home with the sweet scent of holiday treats.
25. Creating a Christmas Playlist
Let kids explore music by creating a holiday playlist. They can choose their favorite festive songs, from timeless classics to modern tunes, and use technology to compile their list. This activity combines creativity with digital skills and spreads holiday cheer throughout the home.
26. Making Holiday Cards
Encourage kids to get creative by making their own holiday cards. Provide them with craft supplies like colored paper, markers, and stickers, and let them design personalized greetings for family and friends. This activity not only fosters creativity but also spreads joy through thoughtful handmade messages.
27. Decorating the Tree
Transform tree decorating into a fun family event! Allow kids to hang ornaments, string lights, and add their unique touches to your holiday tree. This activity promotes teamwork and creates lasting memories as everyone contributes to making the tree a festive centerpiece.
Christmas Party Activities for Kids
The holiday season is a magical time for children, filled with joy and excitement. Engaging in fun Christmas party activities can create lasting memories and bring the festive spirit to life. Here are some delightful activities to keep kids entertained and celebrate the season!
28. Christmas Piñata
Add excitement to your party with a holiday-themed piñata. Fill it with candies and small toys, and let kids take turns trying to break it open. It's a thrilling activity that adds a burst of energy and fun to any Christmas celebration.
29. Christmas Karaoke
Set up a karaoke machine with a selection of Christmas songs and let kids have a sing-off. Encourage them to dress up in holiday costumes for an added layer of fun. It's an entertaining way to get everyone in the festive spirit.
30. Holiday Dance Contest
Organize a dance contest featuring festive tunes. Kids can come up with their own choreography and perform in front of the group. Offer small prizes for creativity, enthusiasm, and holiday spirit, ensuring everyone joins in the joyous celebration.
31. Gingerbread House Decorating
Bring creativity to the forefront with a gingerbread house decorating activity. Provide kits with gingerbread pieces and plenty of colorful candies and icing for the kids to use. They can construct their houses and embellish them with imaginative candy designs, creating unique and festive masterpieces. This hands-on task encourages teamwork and creativity while filling the party with sweet holiday aromas.
32. Christmas Storytime
Create a cozy storytime corner with holiday-themed books. Gather the kids around and read classic Christmas tales such as The Night Before Christmas or excerpts from A Christmas Carol. You can even invite a special guest dressed as Santa or Mrs. Claus to read the stories. This activity fosters a love for reading and immerses children in the magical storytelling traditions of the season.
Christmas Activities for Families
The holiday season is a magical time for families to come together and create lasting memories. Engaging in festive activities can enhance the spirit of Christmas and foster joy and togetherness. Here are some delightful Christmas activities for families to enjoy this season!
33. Family Potluck Dinner
Host a holiday potluck where each family member contributes a dish. This involves everyone in the meal preparation, sharing favorite recipes and holiday treats. It's a wonderful way to celebrate togetherness and enjoy a varied feast.
34. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange among family members. Set a budget and draw names to see who will be gifting to whom. It's a heartwarming activity that encourages thoughtfulness and surprise during the holiday season.
35. Christmas Movie Marathon
Host a Christmas movie marathon for the entire family. Pick a selection of holiday classics and new favorites, and snuggle up with hot cocoa and popcorn. This cozy activity brings everyone together to enjoy festive films and creates a relaxed atmosphere for bonding during the holiday season.
36. Neighborhood Caroling
Organize a neighborhood caroling event for the family. Gather a group, practice a set of Christmas songs, and spread holiday cheer by singing door-to-door. This activity is a lovely way to connect with neighbors and share the joy of music and the spirit of Christmas with the community.
37. Virtual Christmas Get-Together
For families and friends who can't be together in person, a virtual Christmas get-together is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Set a time to connect over a video call, and plan festive activities to enjoy together online. This can include a Christmas trivia quiz, sharing holiday recipes and cooking in tandem, or having a virtual gift unwrapping session where everyone opens presents on camera. Encourage participants to dress up in holiday attire and decorate their backgrounds to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Festive Activities for All
The holiday season offers countless opportunities for creativity, learning, and joy, and these activities are designed to make the most of this special time. Whether you're crafting ornaments, exploring educational worksheets, or learning about winter holidays worldwide, each activity is a chance to create lasting memories with the children in your life. Gather your family and enjoy these festive experiences that capture the spirit of Christmas.
For more ideas and inspiration, gather family and friends to explore these activities together, creating wonderful memories and traditions that will be cherished for years to come.
For more creative inspiration check out these popular lists:
