40 Christmas Activities for Kids and Families

Nothing says family-time better than Christmas. Visiting loved ones and enjoying each other’s company is something money can’t buy. But you don’t have to fork out on expensive outings or pricey gadgets.

Let’s take a look at our list of Christmas activities for kids and families you can try out this year:

1.    Build a snowman

For those of us blessed with snow, wrap up warm and go build a snowman! Don’t forget to grab a hat, scarf, and a few odd-bits for facial features.

2.    Visit Father Christmas

This is a classic Christmas activity for all the family. Venture to your local town centre or tree farm where Father Christmas often visits. It’s a great way to keep the youngsters entertained this winter holiday.

3.    Attend a tree-lighting ceremony

Another activity you can do with the kids is attend a tree-lighting ceremony. Most town centres will host them and they’re often family-friendly.

4.    Make a Nativity scene

Crack open the crafts box and get those creative juices flowing. Try making a Nativity scene as part of your children’s Christmas activities. Not only is it a great art project to take on, it’ll help them understand the true meaning of Christmas.

5.    Start your advent calendar

Who said you only get boring chocolate in advent calendars? Get yourself one with toys, cheese, or even miniature perfumes.

6.    Have a family photoshoot

A great way to embody the Christmas spirit is by having a family photoshoot - pets and all! These photos are great to send as family Christmas cards or as keepsakes.

7.    Have a Christmas karaoke session

From Slash to Buble, everyone’s got a favourite Christmas song.  So, grab a microphone or hairbrush and enjoy a fun karaoke session—just remember to keep the volume neighbour-friendly!

8.  Pick a Christmas tree

Picking your own trees are perfect Christmas activities for families. Many nurseries allow you to visit and even grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate.

9.   Find the perfect Christmas jumper

What? You don’t own a Christmas jumper? Try and thrift a cute (or ugly) one you can wear every year. Or pick out matching sets for the whole family.

10.    Build a gingerbread house

Gingerbread house kits are great, especially if you're keen on baking. Why not make it a competition between your family and see who can build the funkiest house.

11.    Go sledding

Going sledding is never a bad idea. Head towards your nearest hill at the first sign of snow. Or if you can’t wait that long, visit your local indoor skiing slopes.

12.    Bake a traditional Christmas cake

From babka (Poland) to Bûche de Noël (France), there are many desserts linked to Christmas. Try your hand at baking a traditional cake or even an international one.

13.    Join a church service

Whether you're religious or not, it’s always worth understanding the origins of Christmas. Visit a church with the family as part of your Christmas day activities.

14.    Volunteer for charity services

For many people, Christmas can be a difficult time. They may go through financial troubles, addiction issues, or even loneliness. Volunteering with charity services can really make a huge difference to those suffering in silence.

15.    Wrap up your pressies

Love it or hate it - one task most of us do at Christmas is wrap up presents. For an eco-friendly version, why not design your own wrapping paper or recycle last year’s.

16.    Plan a festive dinner

Love it or hate it - one task most of us do at Christmas is wrap up presents. For an eco-friendly version, why not design your own wrapping paper or recycle last year’s.

17.   Make a light angel

If the snow is nowhere to be seen this winter, make a light angel indoors. Use battery-powered fairy lights and create a ‘snow angel’ from the comfort of your own home.

18.    Decorate Christmas cookies

Decorating cookies are great Christmas activities for children. You can even string them up as decoration. Just be sure to use a study biscuit recipe or else you’ll be hoovering crumbs all winter.

19. Give out festive manicures

Decorating cookies are great Christmas activities for children. You can even string them up as decoration. Just be sure to use a study biscuit recipe or else you’ll be hoovering crumbs all winter.

20.    Create a miniature Christmas village

Get the kids’ imaginations going by creating their own miniature Christmas village. It’s another keepsake to keep as a reminder of these precious times.

21.    Join a charity toy drive

A great way to teach children about gratitude at Christmas is through charitable acts. Ask them if they’d like to donate any of their old toys and plushies. Explain that they could make other children very happy this holiday.

22.    Check out your neighbourhood lights

Bundle up and enjoy the festive lights around your neighbourhood. Some homes are spectacular—just be sure to admire from afar

23.    Make Christmas-scented candles

Here’s a fun activity for the older kids; make your own Christmas-scented candles. All you need is wax, reeds, essential oils, and you’re good to go.

24.    Make Christmas hot chocolate

Now, a drink for the kids - Christmas hot chocolate. Don’t forget to include all the trimmings with this winter drink. Like, marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

25.    Watch Christmas movies

Home Alone, The Snowman, Die Hard (we’ll leave this one with you) - there are tons of classic Christmas movies to choose from. Snuggle up on the sofa and binge-watch your favourites.

26.    Join a secret Santa exchange

Secret Santa exchanges aren’t just for colleagues. Start your own swap with your family members. You could even make it more fun by creating presents from scratch or with things found in the home.

27.    Brew a batch of mulled wine

Mulled wine is arguably a drink that best represents Christmas. It’s made up of red wine and spices, like cinnamon and cloves. Try brewing a batch for the family (only for the elders, mind).

28.    Go carol singing

Warm up your vocal cords and round up your neighbours for a bit of carol singing. Why not visit nursing homes to share a little more Christmas joy.

29.    Design a Christmas wreath

Originating from Germany, wreaths are symbolic of Christmas festivities. They’re great decorations to put on your tree or on your front door.

30.   Make a Christmas bauble

Pop to a craft shop and pick up some clear baubles. You can then get together to design your own baubles for your tree. We guarantee these will become precious treasures.

31.    Visit the Christmas markets

Visiting Christmas markets is a lovely pastime for kids and families. They sell all kinds of things; from traditional foods and festive treats. You can even nab yourself a last-minute gift if needed!

32.    Look out for an ‘Elf on the Shelf’

‘Elf on the Shelf’ was ideally used to ensure kids behave themselves over the holidays. Instead, why not place the littlun around the house for an epic game of hide and seek.

33.    Design your own Christmas cards

There's nothing sweeter than receiving handmade Christmas card. Spend the afternoon by assigning cards to your kids. (Maybe sign the envelopes for those ‘abstract’ Christmas cards).

34.   Catch up with family and friends

Sometimes, you may not be able to celebrate Christmas with certain friends or loved ones. Give them a call - via telephone or video-calling. Wherever they are, they won’t be forgotten this Christmas.

35.   Write letters to Father Christmas

Continuing with gratitude, ask them to write a letter to Father Christmas thanking him for things they’re grateful for.

36.    Personalise your stockings

Put a little personal touch on your family’s stockings this year. Stitch on monogram letters; or iron on patches that best represent everyone.

37.   Make a Christmas cards display

It’s always lovely to receive Christmas cards in the post - from friends and loved ones. Display all your cards on a hanging mobile or prop them up on the windowsill.

38. Take up knitting

Knitting is all the range at the moment, including crocheting and quilting. However, it does require a lot of time and patience. That’s why it’s the ideal hobby for winter holidays.

39.   Put up your Christmas decor

Christmas always feels a little more cosy when the house is decorated. Get ready for the big day and spend the afternoon putting up your stockings, garlands, lights, and decor.

40.   Create a Christmas memory jar

Fill a decorated jar with notes about your favourite December moments as the month progresses. On Christmas Day, read them aloud together to celebrate your best family memories.

Save up for Christmas activities ahead!

Let Park Christmas Savings take the stress out of Christmas. Our Christmas Saving club allows you to save each month towards Christmas. For more information visit