Christmas Activities to Do With Kids

Simple, meaningful ways to create joyful holiday memories together

Christmas with kids is less about perfection and more about shared moments. The laughter in the kitchen, the glitter on the floor, and the quiet cuddles during movie nights are often what children remember most. If you’re looking for Christmas activities to do with kids that feel natural, fun, and genuinely heartwarming, this guide offers ideas that families actually enjoy, without the pressure. They’ll surely remember these for years! 

Christmas Crafts Kids Truly Love

Crafting is one of the easiest ways to slow down and connect during the holidays. Kids enjoy creating something they can proudly show or give away.

Try making:

• Handmade Christmas cards for family members
  
  

• Paper ornaments, snowflakes, or wreaths
  
  

• Painted pinecones or recycled decorations
  
  

These activities build creativity and fine motor skills while giving kids a sense of accomplishment.

Baking Together (Yes, Even With the Mess)

Christmas baking doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Let kids help measure, mix, and decorate, even if the cookies come out uneven.

Fun baking ideas include:

• Decorating sugar cookies
  
  

• Making simple no-bake treats
  
  

• Building a gingerbread house together
  
  

Beyond the treats, baking teaches patience, teamwork, and confidence.

Easy Christmas Games for Kids and Families

Games bring everyone together, especially during long holiday afternoons.

Family-friendly ideas:

• Christmas scavenger hunts around the house
  
  

• Charades using holiday movies or characters
  
  

• Musical games with Christmas songs
  
  

These games encourage communication and laughter without needing screens.

Cozy Christmas Movie Nights

Sometimes the best holiday moments are the quiet ones. A family movie night can become a cherished tradition.

Make it special by:

• Letting kids choose the movie
  
  

• Serving popcorn or hot chocolate
  
  

• Watching under blankets with Christmas lights on
  
  

After the movie, talk about the story and what it teaches about kindness or generosity.

Reading Christmas Stories Together

Reading holiday stories helps kids wind down and feel emotionally connected.

You can:

• Read aloud before bedtime
  
  

• Rotate who reads each page
  
  

• Let kids act out parts of the story
  
  

This is especially comforting for younger children and helps strengthen language skills.

Teaching the Meaning of Giving

Christmas is a powerful time to help kids understand kindness and empathy.

Simple ways to practice giving:

• Donating gently used toys
  
  

• Writing holiday cards for teachers or helpers
  
  

• Helping pack gifts for others
  
  

These small actions help children see that Christmas is about caring, not just receiving.

Outdoor Christmas Activities

If the weather allows, outdoor activities can break up the busy holiday routine.

Ideas include:

• Walking or driving around to look at Christmas lights
  
  

• Family caroling
  
  

• Playing outside or having a winter picnic
  
  

Fresh air and movement help kids stay balanced during the season.

Why These Moments Matter

Holiday activities don’t need to be expensive or elaborate. What children remember most is feeling included, heard, and loved. These Christmas activities to do with kids support emotional development, strengthen family bonds, and create memories that last long after the season ends.

The best Christmas activities are the ones that feel real. A messy kitchen, handmade decorations, shared laughter, and quiet togetherness are what make the holidays magical for kids. Focus on presence over perfection, and the memories will take care of themselves.