The holiday season is all about spending quality time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by making every day of December special? Whether you're looking for fun crafts, tasty treats, or meaningful traditions, this 25-day countdown of Christmas activities is designed to help you create lasting memories with your family.
Let the countdown to Christmas begin!
Kick off the holiday season by decorating the Christmas tree as a family. Let the kids hang ornaments, string garlands, and place the star on top. This is a great opportunity to share stories behind special ornaments and start a tradition of adding a new one every year.
Set up a cozy writing station with festive paper and crayons for your kids to write their letters to Santa. Encourage them to not only ask for gifts but also share what they’re thankful for this year. You can mail the letters or save them as keepsakes.
Create simple, homemade Christmas cards to send to friends and family. Provide kids with colored paper, markers, stickers, and glitter. Let them unleash their creativity and spread holiday cheer.
Pick a family-friendly Christmas movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up together for a cozy evening. Some kid favorites include The Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or Elf.
Make salt dough ornaments that your kids can paint and decorate. They’ll love creating something they can hang on the tree each year. Salt dough is easy to make with flour, salt, and water—just bake and paint!
Pile the family into the car, grab some hot cocoa, and drive around town looking for the best decorated houses. You can even make it a game by rating the decorations or searching for specific elements like a Santa or snowman.
Set up a gingerbread house-making station with icing, candies, and graham crackers or a gingerbread kit. Let your kids have fun decorating their houses, and don’t forget to take pictures before they sneak a bite!
Teach your kids how to make paper snowflakes. It’s a simple but magical activity that can turn your home into a winter wonderland. Let them decorate their bedroom windows with their creations.
Spend the day baking and decorating Christmas cookies as a family. Let the kids cut out shapes, decorate with icing, and sprinkle toppings. Don’t forget to set aside some cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve!
Put together a playlist of your family’s favorite Christmas songs and have a holiday dance party in your living room. It’s a great way to let off some steam and get into the festive spirit!
Make a family outing to visit Santa! Let your kids share their Christmas wishes with Santa and snap some photos to capture the moment. We offer an array of special sessions including Pet Parties, Pajama Parties, and Baby’s First. As part of our partnership with Autism Speaks, we also have sensory-friendly days. You can visit here to book your time slot and find a location near you!
Day 12: Make a Christmas Wreath
Create a DIY wreath using greenery, ribbons, and ornaments. Involve the kids in picking out decorations, and hanging it on your front door for a personalized touch.
Plan a Christmas-themed game night with fun activities like Christmas bingo, pin the nose on Rudolph, or holiday trivia. You can also enjoy classic board games with a holiday twist.
Involve your kids in giving back by selecting toys or clothes to donate to families in need. Explain the importance of generosity during the holiday season and let them help deliver the items.
Stay in your Christmas pajamas all day! Watch holiday movies, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy a relaxing day of family bonding.
If you haven’t already, make a simple DIY advent calendar with small daily surprises or activities. It can be as easy as filling small bags or envelopes with treats or fun tasks for the day.
Bundle up and go caroling around your neighborhood, or organize a virtual caroling session with friends and family. Sing your favorite Christmas songs to spread joy and laughter.
Read classic Christmas books as a family, such as The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Polar Express. Make it extra cozy with blankets and hot cocoa.
Help your kids create adorable reindeer using their handprints as antlers. This craft makes for a great keepsake and can be used as a decoration or gift for grandparents.
If possible, take a family trip to a local Christmas market or tree farm. The festive atmosphere, lights, and outdoor fun will surely get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Encourage your children to write thank you notes for their teachers, friends, or neighbors. It’s a simple way to practice gratitude and spread kindness during the holidays.
Spend the day creating personalized Christmas stockings for each family member. You can buy plain stockings and let your kids decorate them with fabric paint, glitter, sequins, and felt cutouts. Encourage everyone to design their stocking to reflect their personality. Hang them by the fireplace or on the wall, ready for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve.
Set up a festive hot chocolate bar at home with a variety of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Let each family member create their own custom hot chocolate masterpiece. You can even add fun stir sticks like cinnamon sticks or festive straws. Enjoy your drinks while watching a holiday movie or reading Christmas stories.
Make reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas a special Christmas Eve tradition. Snuggle up together and enjoy the magic of the classic tale before bedtime.
Wake up to the excitement of Christmas morning. Open presents, enjoy a special breakfast and spend the day playing with new toys and spending time together as a family.
With these 25 Christmas activities for families, the holiday season is sure to be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. Whether you're crafting, baking, or snuggling up for a movie night, these ideas will help you create a magical experience that your kids will remember for years to come.