The holiday season is full of magic, and there’s no better way to create lasting memories than by enjoying screen-free activities with your kids. Whether you’re looking to get creative, move around, or just have some good old-fashioned fun, these 20 Christmas activities will keep your kids engaged, entertained, and full of holiday cheer!
1. Build a Snowman
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, get outside and build a snowman! Gather up your winter gear and let the kids get creative with accessories like scarves, hats, and buttons. If snow isn’t in the forecast, try building a snowman indoors using cotton balls, craft supplies, or even rolled-up socks!
Tip: Try adding accessories like a candy cane nose or a mini broom for extra charm.
2. Make Gingerbread Houses
Building gingerbread houses is a classic holiday activity. Use gingerbread kits, or make your own gingerbread pieces and royal icing. Set up a decorating station with candies like gumdrops, chocolate chips, and sprinkles, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild!
Tip: Have a “gingerbread house contest” to see who can decorate the most creative house.
3. Playdough Creations
Keep the kids entertained by giving them some holiday-colored playdough and let them create Christmas-themed items like candy canes, Christmas trees, and snowflakes. This is a fantastic activity for fostering creativity and fine motor skills.
Tip: Add sparkles or glitter to the playdough for some extra holiday sparkle.
4. Christmas Charades
Get the whole family moving and laughing with a game of Christmas charades. Use Christmas-themed actions like "opening a gift," "riding in a sleigh," or "building a snowman" and watch the kids guess each one!
Tip: Add a timer to keep the game exciting and fast-paced!
5. Christmas Puzzles
Gather a Christmas-themed puzzle to work on together as a family. Whether it’s a snowy scene, a Santa picture, or a festive tree, assembling a puzzle is a cozy way to spend time together indoors.
Tip: Choose puzzles with large pieces for younger children to help them feel involved.
6. Scavenger Hunts
Create a festive Christmas scavenger hunt around the house or yard. Hide items like ornaments, candy canes, and mini stockings and give your kids a list of clues to follow.
Example: “Find something red and white and sweet to eat!”
7. Board Games
Dust off some classic board games for family fun! Games like *Candy Land*, *Chutes and Ladders*, and *The Game of Life* are great for holiday downtime, and they help kids practice their patience and social skills.
Tip: Add a Christmas twist by playing with holiday-themed game pieces or making up your own holiday rules.
8. Christmas Bingo
Create Christmas bingo cards with festive images like Santa, reindeer, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. Use buttons, coins, or small candies to mark the spaces as the caller announces the items.
Tip: Offer small holiday-themed prizes for the winners, like a Christmas cookie or a mini ornament!
9. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Take the scavenger hunt idea to the next level by making it holiday-themed! Hide objects like a bell, a mitten, or a gift tag around the house or backyard and challenge your kids to find them.
Tip: Use a flashlight for an added challenge if the hunt takes place in the evening.
10. Christmas Trivia
Test your family’s Christmas knowledge with a fun trivia game! Prepare a list of questions about holiday movies, songs, traditions, and history. Kids can work together to answer, or you can make it a friendly competition.
Tip: Offer holiday-themed prizes for correct answers, like a festive bookmark or a small treat.
11. I Spy Games
“I Spy” is a classic game that can be easily adapted to a Christmas theme. Use objects around the house like ornaments, stockings, or snowflakes for a festive twist. Take turns giving clues and let the kids guess what you’ve “spied.”
Tip: Set a timer to add an element of excitement to the game.
12. 3D Christmas Tree Craft
Create a 3D Christmas tree using paper or cardboard. Cut out various sizes of tree shapes, and then fold and stack them to create a layered effect. Let the kids decorate it with stickers, glitter, or pom-poms for added flair!
Tip: Use glue or double-sided tape to help kids assemble the tree layers.
13. Bake Christmas Cookies
Get the kids involved in the kitchen by baking Christmas cookies together. Let them help measure ingredients, cut out shapes, and decorate their cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Tip: Try making sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or snowflake-shaped treats!
14. Baking Festivities
In addition to cookies, try other fun holiday baking projects. Bake a Christmas cake, muffins, or even a holiday bread. Kids love to help mix, pour, and decorate their delicious creations.
Tip: Let them choose their favorite flavors and toppings for a personal touch!
15. Christmas Family Feud
Create a Christmas-themed *Family Feud* game by coming up with holiday-related survey questions. Ask questions like “What’s the most popular Christmas movie?” or “What’s the best holiday treat?” Then let the kids guess the top answers.
Tip: Keep score and offer fun prizes for the team with the most points!
16. Christmas Mad Libs
Mad Libs are a hilarious way to get kids thinking and laughing. Download or create your own Christmas Mad Libs, filling in blanks with holiday-related words like “snow,” “elf,” and “mistletoe” for a fun twist on storytelling.
Tip: Read the finished story out loud for some holiday giggles!
17. Christmas Movie Drinking Game
While adults can enjoy a fun Christmas movie drinking game (with non-alcoholic drinks for kids!), create simple rules for the kids, like taking a sip of hot cocoa when a Christmas song plays or when a snowman appears.
Tip: Make it non-competitive and fun by focusing on activities like raising your cup when Santa shows up!
18. Christmas Tree Bowling Game
Set up a mini bowling alley in your living room using empty bottles or cans as pins and a soft ball as the bowling ball. Decorate the “pins” with Christmas wrapping paper or stickers to make it extra festive!
Tip: Have kids take turns rolling the ball to knock down the pins and see who gets the most strikes.
19. Disappearing Snowman
Create a fun game where you make a “snowman” out of marshmallows or cotton balls and slowly remove one piece at a time while the kids guess which part is missing. They’ll have to remember which body part was taken away!
Tip: Use different-colored marshmallows or other materials to make each snowman unique.
20. Go Sledding
If you live in a snowy area, nothing beats the classic outdoor activity of sledding. Bundle up, grab a sled, and head to your local hill for hours of fun. If you don’t have snow, a playground slide or even a homemade cardboard “sled” can work for some indoor fun.
Tip: Be sure to have warm blankets and hot cocoa waiting for the kids afterward!
These 20 Christmas activities are perfect for engaging kids in creative, interactive, and fun holiday traditions—without relying on screens. So gather the family, get crafty, and enjoy the holiday magic together!
Last updated on: December 4, 2024