25 Festive Things to Do on Christmas Day for Families
Christmas Day is a time for joy, celebration, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. However, sometimes the usual routine can feel a bit predictable. That's why we've put together a list of 25 things to do on Christmas Day, providing you with plenty of inspiration to make this year's celebration truly special. Whether you want to stick to traditional activities or try something new and unusual, we've got you covered with a mix of fun, indoor, outdoor, and creative ideas.
Delightful Christmas Day Ideas
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start planning for a magical Christmas Day filled with joy and celebration. Here are some delightful ideas to make your day memorable and enjoyable for you and your loved ones.
1. Host a Christmas Brunch
Start your Christmas Day with a delightful and festive brunch that sets the tone for the entire holiday. Gather your family and friends around the table and prepare a scrumptious spread featuring fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, and an array of seasonal fruits like pomegranates and persimmons. To elevate the experience, consider adding a hot cocoa station, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, and even a sprinkle of cinnamon or peppermint. This cozy setup will surely keep everyone warm and filled with holiday cheer as they enjoy good food and great company.
2. Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Make decorating gingerbread houses a fun and interactive holiday tradition that everyone can look forward to each year. Gather all the necessary supplies, including pre-baked gingerbread walls, a variety of colorful candy decorations, and plenty of icing for assembling your creations. Set up a decorating station where everyone can showcase their creativity and indulge their artistic flair while crafting delicious and festive masterpieces. You might even want to hold a friendly competition to see who can create the most impressive or unique design, adding a little extra excitement to the activity.
3. Watch a Holiday Movie Marathon
A holiday movie marathon is a perfect way to unwind and enjoy some classic Christmas films with your loved ones. Create a cozy viewing area with plenty of blankets and pillows, and prepare a selection of timeless favorites like "Home Alone," "Elf," and "A Christmas Story," ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. You can enhance the experience by providing a variety of snacks, such as popcorn, candy canes, and hot cider, to keep the festive spirit alive. This relaxed atmosphere fosters connection and laughter, making it an enjoyable way to spend the holiday together.
4. Write and Exchange Christmas Cards
Writing Christmas cards is a heartfelt and personal way to express love, joy, and gratitude to family and friends during the holiday season. Encourage everyone to take a moment to write personalized messages that reflect their feelings and memories shared over the year. Set aside time during your gathering to exchange cards, allowing for the sharing of warm wishes and heartfelt sentiments. This simple yet meaningful activity not only brings joy to both the sender and receiver but also strengthens your bonds, reminding everyone of the importance of love and connection during the holidays.
Fun Things to Do on Christmas Day
Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or enjoying some quiet moments alone, there are countless fun activities to make Christmas day memorable.
5. Organize a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Create a festive Christmas-themed scavenger hunt around your home or backyard, transforming your space into a winter wonderland. Hide small gifts, fun trinkets, and seasonal treasures throughout various locations, making sure to include a mix of easy and challenging hiding spots. Prepare clever clues that will guide participants from one location to the next, sparking excitement and anticipation with each discovery. This engaging activity is sure to keep everyone entertained and fully immersed in the holiday spirit, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy.
6. Have a Family Talent Show
Unleash your family's creative talents by hosting a lively Christmas talent show. Encourage each family member to showcase their unique abilities, whether it’s singing heartwarming carols, dancing to festive tunes, or performing impressive magic tricks. Set up a cozy stage area, complete with holiday decorations and festive lights, to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider providing fun prizes for various categories like "Most Creative Performance" or "Best Holiday Spirit." This engaging event not only celebrates each other's talents but also creates lasting memories filled with laughter and cheer.
7. Bake and Decorate Christmas Cookies
Baking and decorating Christmas cookies is a delightful activity that brings joy to people of all ages. Gather your family in the kitchen to roll out the dough, using cookie cutters in festive shapes like stars, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men. Get creative with a variety of icing colors and toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, and edible glitter. To make it even more special, consider packaging some of your delicious creations in festive boxes or tins to gift to neighbors and friends, spreading the holiday cheer and sharing the sweet flavors of the season.
8. Play Christmas-Themed Games
Gather everyone around for an evening filled with laughter and fun by playing Christmas-themed games. Choose from a variety of options like Christmas bingo, where players can mark off festive images, or Pictionary, where teams draw holiday-related prompts. Trivia games can also be a hit, featuring questions about holiday traditions, classic movies, and popular songs. Set up cozy seating, prepare some hot cocoa or snacks, and enjoy the friendly competition as you create unforgettable moments together, filled with joy and holiday spirit.
Unusual Things to Do on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is often filled with traditional celebrations, but there are plenty of unique ways to make the holiday unforgettable. Here are some unusual things to do that will add a twist to your festive celebrations!
9. Volunteer at a Local Charity
Spread holiday cheer by dedicating some of your time to volunteer at a local charity. Whether it's serving warm meals at a soup kitchen, helping sort donations, or delivering gifts to families in need, giving back to the community is a profoundly meaningful way to celebrate Christmas. Not only will you be making a positive impact on others’ lives, but you'll also experience the joy of generosity and connection that comes with helping those around you during this special season.
10. Take a Christmas Nature Walk
Explore the beauty and tranquility of nature by embarking on a Christmas day walk. Visit a nearby park, nature reserve, or even just your neighborhood, and immerse yourself in the serene winter landscape. Take in the sights of snow-dusted trees, the crisp air filling your lungs, and perhaps even the sound of crunching snow beneath your feet. This peaceful escape is a perfect opportunity to unwind, reflect, and appreciate the simple pleasures of the season while soaking in the beauty around you.
11. Create a Time Capsule
Capture the essence and memories of the year by creating a Christmas time capsule that you can cherish for years to come. Gather items such as letters to your future self, photos that represent key moments from the year, and small mementos that hold significance, like ticket stubs or holiday cards. Seal it up securely and decide on a meaningful future date to open it, perhaps on a significant anniversary or holiday. This delightful activity not only preserves your memories but also allows you to relive the joy and nostalgia of the past as you look forward to the future.
12. Have a Christmas Karaoke Session
Turn up the music and bring the holiday spirit to life with a Christmas karaoke session. Gather your family and friends, and prepare a playlist that includes everything from classic carols to modern holiday hits. Set up a cozy space with festive decorations and snacks, and encourage everyone to sing their hearts out, regardless of their singing ability. This fun-filled activity is sure to create laughter and unforgettable memories, as everyone gets into the holiday mood by enjoying the festive tunes and sharing the joy of music together.
Indoor Things to Do on Christmas Day
If you're looking for ways to celebrate indoors, check out these fun and engaging activities that will keep the holiday spirit alive! Here are some great indoor things to do on Christmas Day.
13. Host an Ugly Sweater Contest
Invite everyone to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing their most outrageous Christmas sweaters and host a lively ugly sweater contest. Set up a fun runway where participants can strut their stuff, complete with playful holiday music that sets the mood. Encourage guests to cheer for their favorites as they showcase their unique (and often hilarious) designs. To make it even more exciting, offer small prizes for the most creative, funniest, and ugliest sweaters. It's a fantastic way to spread laughter and cheer while creating unforgettable holiday memories.
14. Create DIY Christmas Ornaments
Get crafty this holiday season by creating your own DIY Christmas ornaments. Gather a variety of supplies like colorful felt, sparkling beads, and shimmering glitter, and let your creativity run wild. You can make classic shapes like stars and snowflakes or design something entirely unique that reflects your personality. These handmade ornaments will not only add a personal touch to your Christmas tree but will also become cherished keepsakes that you can display for years to come. Invite friends or family over for a crafting session, complete with hot cocoa and festive snacks to enjoy while you craft.
15. Read Christmas Stories Aloud
Gather around the fireplace or Christmas tree and take turns reading classic Christmas stories aloud, creating a cozy and magical atmosphere. Choose timeless tales, from The Night Before Christmas to A Christmas Carol, ensuring that each story captivates both the young and the young at heart. Enhance the experience by dimming the lights, lighting scented candles, or even acting out parts of the stories for added fun. This tradition not only fosters a sense of togetherness but also keeps the magic of Christmas alive through the power of storytelling.
16. Hold a Christmas Craft Workshop
Set up a festive Christmas craft workshop where everyone can unleash their creativity and create their own holiday decorations. From beautifully crafted wreaths to colorful garlands, the possibilities are endless and can be tailored to suit all ages and skill levels. Provide a wide range of craft supplies, including ribbons, paints, and natural elements like pinecones and holly. Encourage participants to explore different techniques and ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration and fun. As the workshop unfolds, everyone will leave with their unique creations, adding warmth and charm to their holiday celebrations.
Outdoor Things to Do on Christmas Day
The festive season is a perfect opportunity to embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories with friends and family, including the following exciting outdoor things to do on Christmas Day!
17. Go Ice Skating
Bundle up in your coziest winter attire and head to a nearby ice skating rink for some festive fun. Whether you're a seasoned pro gliding effortlessly across the ice or a beginner finding your balance, there's something magical about skating during the holiday season. The crisp air, cheerful music, and the laughter of friends create an atmosphere that will leave you feeling merry and bright. Don’t forget to warm up afterward with some hot chocolate at a local café to complete the experience!
18. Take a Christmas Light Tour
Explore your neighborhood or city to admire the beautifully decorated Christmas lights that bring the festive spirit to life. Load up the car with your loved ones, grab some snacks, and take a leisurely drive to see the twinkling displays. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the streets to soak in the ambiance up close. Bring along a notepad to jot down your favorite displays and even vote for the best-decorated house in your area. This delightful tour can become a cherished holiday tradition!
19. Have a Snowball Fight
If you're lucky enough to have a white Christmas, gather your family and friends for an epic snowball fight! Head outside, reveling in the joy of fresh snow, and create your very own winter wonderland right in your backyard. Build forts to protect yourself from incoming snowballs, make snow angels, and laugh together as you throw soft snowballs at each other. This playful activity will surely spark joy and create lasting memories, reminding everyone of the simple pleasures of winter.
20. Host an Outdoor Picnic
If the weather permits, why not consider hosting a delightful outdoor Christmas picnic? Pack a charming basket filled with delicious sandwiches, warm hot drinks in thermoses, and festive snacks like cookies and fruit. Find a picturesque spot in a local park or even your backyard to set up your picnic blanket and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. With the fresh air and holiday spirit, this unique twist on the traditional indoor festivities can make for a memorable celebration. Don’t forget to bring along some holiday music to set the mood!
Online Things to Do on Christmas Day
In today's world, we can also connect and celebrate with loved ones through technology, making it possible to enjoy these virtual things to do on Christmas Day.
21. Host a Virtual Gift Exchange
Send your family and friends gifts in advance and host a virtual gift exchange on Christmas Day. Set an appointed time for everyone to gather online through video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype. Take turns opening each other's gifts while sharing heartfelt messages of love and appreciation. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer, even if you can’t physically be together.
22. Join a Virtual Cooking Class
Sign up for a virtual cooking class that teaches how to create festive dishes and drinks, from holiday cookies to eggnog. Not only will you learn new recipes and techniques, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with others who share a love for cooking. It's a fun and interactive way to celebrate Christmas while learning something new.
23. Play Virtual Christmas Games
Get together with loved ones online for some friendly competition by playing virtual Christmas-themed games. From classic trivia games to virtual escape rooms, there are plenty of options available that allow you to connect and have fun with friends and family virtually. You can even create your own game using video conferencing platforms or online game websites.
24. Attend a Virtual Christmas Concert
Many musicians and performers now offer virtual concerts, especially during the holiday season. Purchase tickets to a virtual Christmas concert and enjoy the festive music from the comfort of your own home. You can even invite friends and family to join in on the experience for a shared celebration.
25. Have a Virtual Movie Night
Choose a holiday movie that everyone loves and schedule a time to watch it together virtually. Platforms like Netflix Party or Amazon Prime Watch Party allow you to sync up streaming services with others, so you can chat and laugh along while watching the film. Don’t forget to have some traditional movie snacks ready for an authentic cinema experience!
How to Find Christmas Activities in Your Area
If you're looking for more things to do on Christmas Day in your area, a great first step is to check local event listings and community boards. Many towns and cities host a variety of special holiday events, such as festive festivals filled with lights and decorations, cheerful parades featuring floats and performers, and enchanting concerts that celebrate the season's music. You might also find opportunities to visit local markets that offer unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats.
Additionally, don't hesitate to ask neighbors and friends for their recommendations as well. Engaging with your community can lead you to discover hidden gems, such as a charming local café hosting a Christmas brunch or a nearby park organizing a snowman-building competition.
Websites dedicated to local tourism or event planning often compile lists of happenings that include everything from Santa meet-and-greets to dazzling holiday light displays. Visiting nearby parks, museums, or other popular locations known for hosting special holiday events is also a fruitful strategy. These venues often schedule thematic activities and exhibitions that align with the festive spirit, providing fun and educational experiences for the whole family.
With a little effort, you can uncover exciting opportunities to make your Christmas Day even more magical and memorable!
Christmas Day Activities for All!
This Christmas, step out of the ordinary and try something new with family and friends. Whether you choose classic activities or something unconventional, the most important thing is to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
For more creative inspiration check out these popular activity lists:
