15 Activities for Kids to do This Christmas

With the Christmas season here it feels that the magic of joy, warmth, and togetherness is in the air. For me and my family, it’s the perfect time when we all get together to create memories that we cherish forever. It’s also the perfect time to engage children in Christmas activities that they not only enjoy but also help them understand the essence of the festival. With schools closed and the holiday spirit in full swing, every day feels like an adventure waiting to unfold.

This Christmas, why not add a fresh twist to your celebrations? Whether it’s crafting handmade ornaments, baking festive treats, or planning a cosy family game night, these activities are guaranteed to spread cheer and keep everyone entertained. So, when your children wake up wondering what Christmas fun awaits, you’ll have just the thing to make their day merry and bright.

Here are some Christmas activities for kids that keep the Christmas magic going:

List of 15 Christmas Activities Ideas for Kids

1. Making Christmas Cards

Making Christmas cards is a creative and fun activity for children to express their love for their dear ones. Give them crafting sheets, some colourful papers, markers, and glitter, and let their creativity unfold. This is also one of the simplest yet most heartfelt Christmas activities that teaches children the joy of giving.

Check out our recent blog: How to make a Christmas card?

2. Write a Letter to Santa

One thing that children love most about Christmas is the idea of Santa Claus bringing in their presents on Christmas night. Ask your little one to write a letter to Santa which includes their wishes and expresses gratitude. Let them ask all the intriguing questions they have about how Santa goes about spreading cheer every Christmas in that letter. This activity is a magical experience that tops the list of Christmas activities for kids.

3. Decorate the Christmas Tree

One of the most cherished Christmas activities is decorating the Christmas tree. Right from the moment of installing the Christmas tree in the house to adding a star on top, children love the hands-on fun of making the tree sparkle. It’s an essential part of Christmas celebration ideas, bringing the family together and filling the home with festive joy.

Help your little one gather simple materials like paper, felt, beads, or recycled items, and let their imagination guide the designs—be it stars, snowflakes, or little reindeer. Once complete, these ornaments can take a special place on the Christmas tree, adding a personal touch to the festive decor. Later, they can be cherished as keepsakes to gift to loved ones or to revisit fond memories of a joyful holiday season. This activity not only sparks creativity but also leaves a lasting impression of togetherness, develops their fine motor skills and makes them aware of the value of handmade efforts.

4. Go on a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Notch up your Christmas celebrations by organizing a Christmas scavenger hunt. It is a perfect answer to what to do on Christmas day to keep everyone engaged and entertained. Hide small gifts, candy canes, or festive trinkets around the house and create excitement for kids to follow the clues to discover surprises.

Design your own Christmas scavenger hunt by choosing a starting point which is a safe, accessible area (indoors or outdoors) to hide clues or items. Write riddles or clues leading to each location. Gather small Christmas-themed items as mini gifts or rewards.

Gather your little elves and explain the rules. They’ll need to solve the riddles and follow the rules to collect treasures hidden along the way. Find all the items that lead to the final Christmas surprise!

A fun storytelling twist to the activity, e.g., Perhaps Santa “lost” something, and they’re helping him find it, might just make it merrier.

5. Singing Christmas Carols

A timeless Christmas tradition that never grows old is singing Christmas carols. This Christmas activity introduces children to the magic of music during the holidays. It’s one of the top things to do on Christmas day, whether at home, school, or in the neighbourhood. Carols spread joy and festive cheer, making it an essential part of Christmas celebration ideas.

6. Christmas Colouring Pages

One of the easiest yet festive fun activities, Christmas colouring pages are a hit among children. Give them Christmas-themed printed pages and let them colour it as they like. Let their festive cheer double up as they bring to life their coloured images of Santa, reindeer, and snowmen. This activity not only keeps them entertained but also supports motor skill development. It’s one of the easiest things to do at home on Christmas that sparks creativity and cheer.

7. Watch Christmas Movies

Watching Christmas movies is one of the most loved Christmas things to do with children. Classic movies that withhold the magic of Christmas like Home Alone or The Grinch transport them to magical worlds filled with holiday spirit. This cosy activity is perfect for answering what to do in the holidays while enjoying togetherness and creating warm family moments.

8. Christmas Story time

Story time with holiday classics like The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas or A Christmas Carol is a heart-warming way to enjoy Christmas with children. This activity is a great way to connect them with the Christmas season, traditions, and the warmth of togetherness during festivities. Story time not only keeps them engrossed but also develops their interest to know more.

Check out our latest book reading session of the Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, that dives into the world of Who-ville where the holiday spirit never ends.

9. Secret Santa Gift Exchange

One of the most exciting Christmas celebration ideas for children is to do a Secret Santa gift exchange. Create lucky draw with names of all the family members/friends and make your little one randomly pick a name. Let them pick a gift for the person whose name they picked. Picking and giving gifts adds an element of surprise and teaches the joy of thoughtful giving. You can encourage them to use their creativity and gift something that’s handcrafted. This Christmas activity not only boosts their creativity, but also their expression and imagination.

10. Make a Wish List

A classic activity that children adore is creating a list of Christmas things, where they can dream big and list their favourite gifts. Whether it’s toys, books, or something unique, listing an exciting way for children to express their desires. Beyond the fun, it’s also a great opportunity to teach gratitude to your little one. As parents, we can guide them to appreciate what they have while also helping them understand the joy of giving and the importance of being thankful for the season’s blessings. This activity not only brings excitement but fosters important life lessons, making it a cherished Christmas tradition.

11. Bake Christmas Cookies

Christmas festivities are incomplete without baked goods. The smell of fresh-baked cookies fills the house with warmth and excitement, making it a yummy surprise that children eagerly anticipate. Baking Christmas cookies is a delightful holiday tradition that beautifully blends learning with fun. This Christmas let your little one join the fun while preparing cookies, let them measuring ingredients, mixing dough, cutting out festive shapes, and decorating with colourful icing and sprinkles. This not only keep kids engaged but also provides you with an opportunity to teach them about following instructions, patience, and teamwork, all while making delicious treats to enjoy together. The sweet aroma of the cookies baking in the oven adds to the magic of the day, sparking joy and excitement as children wait for the moment they can taste their hard work. It’s a flavourful and memorable way to make Christmas extra special, creating lasting memories of family, love, and the joy of the season.

12. Hang Stockings

This Christmas activity for kids is beautiful blend of history, storytelling, and festive cheer.

Did you know why people hang stockings at Christmas? This tradition has its roots in folklore and the spirit of generosity. One popular legend links this tradition to Saint Nicholas, where he helped someone anonymously by dropped gold coins down the chimney, which landed in stockings that the daughters had hung by the fireplace to dry. This kind act sparked the tradition of hanging stockings in hopes of receiving small gifts or treats.

Over time, the tradition evolved, and today, stockings are a cherished part of Christmas celebrations. Let them pick their favourite stockings and hang them amongst other Christmas decorations and see their faces light up with joy when they discover little surprises inside their stocking.

13. Make a Christmas Cake

As a child, I remember, that Christmas activity that I loved the most was standing beside my mother while she baked a Christmas cake. I enjoyed every bit of it and I can say the same for every little one who loves the smell of a freshly baked cake. Be it just mixing batter, adding ingredients while the cake is being prepared or the cake decorations, your little one will enjoy every step of this activity. It’s one of the tastiest Christmas celebration ideas, bringing families together in the kitchen.

14. Do a Holiday Sewing Project

Thinking of the right Christmas activity for kids to keep them engaged? A holiday sewing project, is just what you need. Creating ornaments of different kinds using fabric or making stockings, is a hands-on activity perfect for things to do at home on Christmas. This activity helps develops patience, fine motor skills, and creativity in children. And once they are done with it they’ll feel proud to display their handmade creations during the festive season.

15. Take a Christmas Road Trip

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit by taking a Christmas road trip with your loved ones. This is one of the must things to do in holidays and it is a delightful way to enjoy Christmas time exploring nearby towns adorned with twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and vibrant holiday markets. Every trip with your loved ones become just as magical as the destinations, with loved ones singing favorite carols, sharing laughter, and enjoying holiday snacks like cookies and hot chocolate. This adventurous tradition would not only make Christmas special but also strengthens family bonds, leaving behind cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Christmas is the festival of warmth and togetherness, which brings together all the family members and loads of memories that you cherish throughout their life.

So what are you waiting for, get ready for a fun filled magical Christmas with your little one with these fun Christmas activities for kids.

KLAY Preschools and Daycare is one of the top premium preschools and daycare in India that brings Christmas festivities in classrooms for little pre-schoolers to make them enjoy this festive season with zeal. We extend the warmest of Christmas wishes to you and hope that you have a Merry Christmas this year.