Christmas activities for kids can turn the holiday season into a magical blend of creativity, laughter, and family togetherness. Whether you’re planning fun classroom projects, weekend crafts, or Christmas Eve traditions, the right activities can keep children engaged and excited throughout December. In this guide, you’ll find more than 30 festive ideas inspired by top resources and holiday favorites – perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids alike. From sensory play to STEM challenges, these activities bring joy to every corner of the season
30+ Christmas activities for kids
These activities are designed to bring fun and creativity to your holiday celebrations, offering something for kids of all ages to enjoy. From crafts to games, there’s plenty to keep the Christmas spirit alive!
1. DIY salt dough ornaments
Kids love creating keepsake ornaments, and salt dough is one of the easiest ways to make them. Children can roll out the dough, use cookie cutters, and design shapes that reflect their personalities. After baking, they can paint and decorate the ornaments before hanging them on the Christmas tree. It’s a meaningful craft that families often save for years.
2. Christmas sensory bins
A sensory bin filled with pom-poms, bells, scoops, and fake snow offers toddlers a hands-on way to explore textures. Kids can practice scooping and pouring while engaging in imaginative play. Sensory bins also help develop fine motor skills and calm active minds. This quiet, open-ended activity works beautifully at home or in the classroom.
3. Candy cane science experiment
In this simple STEM activity, kids experiment by placing candy canes into warm water, cold water, and vinegar to see which dissolves faster. They make predictions, observe changes, and compare results as the stripes fade and the shape breaks down. It’s a fun introduction to scientific thinking with almost no prep required. The colorful transformations keep kids curious from start to finish.
4. Holiday scavenger hunt
A Christmas scavenger hunt turns any space into an adventure. Kids search for festive items like candy canes, stars, and ornaments using a list or clues. You can make it simple for little ones or add riddles for older children. It’s perfect for family gatherings, classrooms, or snowy afternoons indoors.
Download the Christmas holiday scavenger hunt worksheet here.
5. Christmas playdough mats
Printable mats featuring Christmas trees, stockings, and gingerbread houses invite kids to decorate using playdough. They can add ornaments, trim, or characters, all while developing fine motor skills. The activity encourages creativity and open-ended exploration. It’s especially helpful for keeping young learners engaged during holiday downtime.
6. Gingerbread house building
Building a gingerbread house is a beloved holiday tradition that sparks creativity and teamwork. Kids can design the structure, experiment with fostering “glue”, and decorate using candy. Whether using graham crackers or a full kit, the process is just as fun as the finished product. It’s a great activity for classrooms, parties, or family nights.
7. Christmas card-making station
Set up a table with paper, stickers, markers, and glitter, and let kids create personalized holiday cards. They can craft messages for teachers, friends, or family members. This activity encourages artistic expression and communication skills. Plus, handmade cards make heartfelt keepsakes.
8. Jingle bell toss game
Kids toss jingle bells into cups placed at different distances, turning it into a festive challenge. The game helps develop hand-eye coordination while keeping children active. You can add scoring or team play for extra excitement. It’s quick to set up and works for both small and large groups.
9. Pinecone bird feeders
With pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, kids can create simple feeders to hang outside. They love rolling the sticky pinecones in seeds and choosing the perfect spot to display them. The activity sparks conversations about winter wildlife and nature. It’s a wonderful blend of crafting and outdoor exploration.
10. Reindeer handprint art
Reindeer handprint art transforms kids’ hands into antlers for an adorable holiday craft. Children trace and decorate their prints, adding googly eyes and a red nose for Rudolph. It’s simple enough for toddlers yet still enjoyable for older kids. Parents love saving these as memories of their children’s growing hands.
11. Snowman marshmallows STEM challenge
Kids use marshmallows and toothpicks to build the tallest or most creative snowman possible. This activity teaches balance, structural design, and problem-solving as they experiment with different shapes. Children quickly discover which snowman stands strong and which collapses. It’s a tasty, hands-on introduction to engineering concepts.
12. Hot chocolate bar for kids
A kid-friendly hot chocolate bar lets children customize their drinks with marshmallows, sprinkles, and candy canes. They enjoy choosing toppings and watching them melt into the warm chocolate. It’s a cozy treat perfect for holiday movie nights or classroom celebrations. The experience feels festive and special, even with simple ingredients.
13. Christmas tree paper chain countdown
Kids create a paper chain countdown with colorful strips representing each day until Christmas. Tearing off a ring each morning builds anticipation and excitement. The craft also helps with patterning and simple sequencing skills. It’s a charming, low-cost way to mark the days.
14. Holiday bingo
Holiday bingo brings festive fun to classrooms, parties, or family gatherings. Kids match pictures of Santa, candy canes, stockings, are more while practicing listening skills. The game is easy to adapt for different ages by adjusting the difficulty of the cards. It’s an inclusive, cheerful activity for groups of all sizes.
Download the Christmas bingo worksheets here.
15. Christmas storytime corner
A cozy reading nook filled with holiday books invites kids to slow down and enjoy seasonal stories. You can rotate titles each day or allow children to choose their favorite. Storytime builds language skills and imagination while offering a quiet break from holiday excitement. It’s a warm, relaxing tradition for December.
16. DIY snow globe jars
Kids create magical snow globes using jars, glitter, and small figurines. They love shaking the jar and watching the snow swirl around the scene. The craft encourages creativity and attention to detail. It’s also a wonderful homemade gift idea.
17. Christmas light matching activity
This learning activity uses paper “light bulbs” with letters, numbers, or sight words written on them. Kids match pairs or string them together like real lights. It’s a fun way to reinforce literacy or math concepts during the holiday season. The bright colors and theme make learning feel festive.
18. Ornament sorting for toddlers
Toddlers sort plastic ornaments by color, size, or texture in this safe, hands-on activity. It supports early math and classification skills. Sorting also helps build focus and independence. Simple materials make it easy for parents and teachers to set up quickly.
19. Santa beard cutting practice
Kids practice scissor skills by cutting along lines on Santa’s long paper beard. Each snip helps build confidence and fine motor control. The silly haircut effect keeps children entertained and laughing. It’s a perfect pre-writing activity for preschoolers.
20. Christmas nature walk
Families head outdoors to look for pinecones, winter leaves, or animal tracks. Kids enjoy collecting nature treasures while exploring the quiet beauty of the season. The walk encourages mindfulness and observation. It’s a refreshing break from indoor holiday busyness.
21. DIY wrapping paper stamping
Kids create custom wrapping paper using kraft paper and homemade stamps from potatoes or sponges. They dip the shapes into paint and cover their paper with festive patterns. The process is messy, creative, and fun for all ages. The finished wrapping becomes part of the holiday magic.
22. Musical freeze dance – Christmas edition
Play upbeat Christmas songs and have kids dance, then freeze when the music stops. The surprise pauses always bring laughter and excitement. It’s a great way to burn energy during parties or indoor playtime. The game encourages listening skills and movement.
23. Christmas cookie decorating
Bake simple cookies and let kids decorate with icing, sprinkles, and candy. They enjoy experimenting with different designs and colors. The activity encourages creativity and collaboration if done in groups. Best of all, kids get to eat their delicious creations afterward.
24. Santa’s workshop pretend play
A pretend play station filled with toy tools, boxes, and “gifs” lets kids imagine they’re Santa’s helpers. They wrap presents, fix toys, and role-play holiday scenes. This activity develops social skills and storytelling. It’s especially popular in preschool and early elementary classrooms.
25. Christmas puzzles & memory games
Holiday-themed puzzles and matching games help kids strengthen focus and problem-solving skills. The familiar images – snowflakes, stockings, gifts – keep the activity festive. It’s easy to adapt for different age groups by choosing larger or smaller pieces. These games work well for quiet time or centers.
26. DIY reindeer hats
Kids craft wearable reindeer hats using brown paper, handprint antlers, and a bright red nose. They enjoy decorating and personalizing their hat before showing them off. Wearing the hats during songs or Christmas plays adds extra fun. This simple craft creates adorable photo moments.
27. Holiday kindness calendar
A kindness calendar encourages kids to complete one thoughtful act each day in December. The tasks can be simple – help a friend, donate a toy, or share a smile. It teaches empathy and gratitude during a sometimes overwhelming season. Families often find that it becomes a meaningful new tradition.
Download the Christmas kindness calendar here.
28. Christmas balloon stomp game
Kids tie balloons to their ankles and try to pop others’ balloons while protecting their own. This game is energetic, silly, and guaranteed to get kids laughing. It’s perfect for large groups or classroom parties. Make sure to clear space for safe movement.
29. Foam sticker ornament craft
Foam sticker kits allow kids to create ornaments without any mess. They peel and stick shapes to build snowmen, trees, or reindeer. This activity is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers because it requires no glue. Finished ornaments make sweet take-home souvenirs.
Need more ideas? Check out some Christmas crafts for kids that require minimal supplies and maximum fun!
30. Melted snowman craft
Kids create a whimsical “melted snowman” using felt circles, buttons, and a carrot nose. The craft encourages creativity because each snowman looks different. Children love arranging the pieces to design their own funny melting character. It’s simple, fast, and great for groups.
31. Build your own sleigh challenge (LEGO)
Using LEGO bricks, kids design and build a sleigh strong enough to carry Santa and presents. They experiment with shapes and structures while solving design problems. This hands-on STEM activity inspires creativity and engineering thinking. Kids enjoy racing or comparing sleigh designs afterward.
32. Christmas movie night fort
Kids build a cozy blanket fort and settle in for a holiday movie. They can bring pillows, stuffed animals, and snacks for extra comfort. The activity creates a magical experience that feels special even at home. It’s an easy way to unwind during the busy season.
Looking for some Christmas movie ideas to enjoy during your Christmas movie night fort? Check out our list of Christmas Movies for Kids for some festive viewing inspiration!
FAQs
1. What are some fun things for a Christmas family gathering?
Great options include Christmas bingo, cookie decorating, ornament-making, or a festive scavenger hunt. Families also enjoy watching holiday movies, singing carols, and playing board games together.
2. How to make Christmas less overwhelming for kids?
Keep routines consistent, limit overstimulating activities, and schedule quiet breaks. Choose simple crafts and predictable traditions, and avoid packing too many events into one day.
3. What is a fun family game to play at Christmas?
Try holiday charades, Christmas trivia, or a jingle bell toss game. For bigger groups, Christmas bingo or a gift-wrapping relay are guaranteed hits.
Final thoughts
Planning Christmas activities for kids doesn’t need to be complicated – what matters most is creating joyful, meaningful moments. From hands-on crafts to active party games, these ideas help children feel connected, creative, and excited throughout the holiday season. Whether you use them at home, in the classroom, or during family gatherings, these activities are designed to spark imagination and build lasting memories. Celebrate the magic, slow down when needed, and enjoy every moment with the kids you love.
