44 Fun Christmas Activities for the Family

The holiday season brings with it a special kind of magic—one that's all about spending time together, making memories, and sharing joy with family and friends.

Christmas activities are a great way to bond with loved ones and create traditions that last a lifetime. From crafting and cooking to outdoor adventures and games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Here’s a festive roundup of 44 fun family Christmas activities that will fill your home with holiday cheer and laughter!

Creative Christmas Crafts

1. Make Your Own Wreath

Crafting a Christmas wreath is a fun and creative way to bring holiday cheer to your front door. All you need are some evergreen branches, ribbons, baubles, and perhaps a few pine cones. Get everyone involved in choosing decorations, and create a unique wreath that reflects your family's style.

2. Build a DIY Christmas Photo Booth

Set up a Christmas-themed photo booth at home! Hang a festive backdrop, gather props like Santa hats and reindeer antlers, and snap away. It’s especially fun during holiday gatherings or family movie nights.

3. Handcraft Holiday Cards

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a handmade card! Use coloured paper, glitter, stickers, and stamps to create personalised cards for family and friends. Kids love this activity, and it’s a lovely way to send a little extra love this season.

4. Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Pick up a gingerbread house kit or bake your own gingerbread. Then, decorate it with candy, icing, and edible glitter. Bonus: you get to eat any leftover candy!

Outdoor Winter Adventures

5. Go Ice Skating

Visit a local ice rink (or a frozen pond, if it’s safe), lace up your skates, and glide across the ice. Twinkling Christmas lights make this a magical experience and a great way to enjoy the winter chill.

6. Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

Make finding the perfect tree a family adventure! Many local farms offer the option to cut down your own tree, giving you that fresh pine scent and a memorable story to share.

7. Sledging or Snow Tubing

Find a safe hill, grab your sleds or snow tubes, and enjoy the thrill of racing down in the snow. It’s fun for all ages and a great way to spend a wintery afternoon.

8. Build a Snowman

Get creative and build your very own snowman. Classic snowman attire includes a carrot nose, scarf, and hat, but you can personalise your creation or even make a whole snow family.

Holiday Cooking and Baking

9. Bake Christmas Cookies

Gather in the kitchen to bake some classic Christmas cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and shortbread. Decorate them with festive sprinkles, icing, and candies.

10. Host a Cookie Swap

Invite friends and family to bake their favourite cookies, then exchange treats and recipes. Everyone goes home with an assortment of delicious goodies.

11. Create a Hot Cocoa Bar

Set out mugs, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, and other toppings. It’s a cozy way to end a chilly day or start a holiday movie night.

12. Try a New Christmas Dessert Recipe

Experiment with festive desserts like a Yule log or trifle. Baking something new together is a great way to bond and enjoy a sweet treat.

Festive Family Traditions

13. Advent Calendar Countdown

Count down to Christmas with an advent calendar filled with chocolates, small toys, or family activities. Make your own for a personalised touch.

14. Christmas Story Time

Gather for story time with Christmas classics like The Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s a relaxing and cosy way to spend an evening.

15. Gift Wrapping Races

Turn gift wrapping into a fun competition! Set a timer and see who can wrap a present the fastest or neatest.

16. Set Up a Nativity Scene or Village

Create a nativity scene or Christmas village display. Let the kids help with arranging figurines or adding their own creative touches.

Giving Back Together

17. Volunteer at a Local Shelter

Volunteering as a family is a beautiful way to give back. Help out at a local shelter, soup kitchen, or charity event. It’s a rewarding experience for everyone.

18. Donate to a Toy Drive

Encourage kids to choose a new toy to donate to a toy drive. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about the joy of giving.

19. Send Cards to the Elderly

Brighten someone’s holiday by sending cards to the elderly. Contact local care homes to see if they accept cards and get the kids involved in drawing pictures or writing messages.

20. Organise a Charity Drive

Work together as a family to collect food, clothing, or other donations for a local charity. It’s a great way to embrace the giving spirit of the season.

Fun Games and Indoor Activities

21. Christmas Movie Marathon

Christmas movies are a must! Pick a few classics—Home Alone, Elf, or The Polar Express—and make a marathon night out of it. Throw in some popcorn, hot chocolate, and blankets for the ultimate cosy experience.

22. Christmas Karaoke

Nothing gets a party going like a bit of Christmas karaoke. Sing along to classic carols or holiday pop hits—think Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You or Wham’s Last Christmas. It’s sure to bring laughs and festive cheer.

23. Play Christmas Charades

Get creative and act out Christmas-themed words and phrases. Think Santa, reindeer, elves, or scenes from popular holiday movies. Charades is a fun, interactive game that the whole family can enjoy.

24. Scavenger Hunt

Create a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt around your home. Hide holiday trinkets, candy canes, or mini ornaments, and give clues to lead kids to each item. It’s a fun way to burn off some energy indoors.

Decorating Together

25. Set Up the Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a timeless holiday tradition. Play Christmas music, bring out treasured ornaments, and let each family member hang their favourites. This is the perfect time to enjoy each other’s company and share holiday memories.

26. Craft Homemade Ornaments

Get crafty by making your own Christmas ornaments. Try making salt dough ornaments, painting clear glass balls, or creating popsicle stick snowflakes. These homemade decorations make your tree even more meaningful.

27. Create a Festive Tablescape

Decorating the table for Christmas can be a fun family activity. Lay out a table runner, candles, centrepieces, and maybe even add little Christmas figurines. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in preparing for Christmas dinner.

28. Decorate with Holiday Lights

Holiday lights add a magical glow to your home. Hang string lights indoors, decorate the bushes outside, or set up lighted decorations. Some families make it a tradition to drive around and look at neighbourhood light displays together.

Exploring Local Festivities

29. Visit a Holiday Market

Holiday markets are full of festive stalls selling handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and holiday decor. Enjoy browsing, sipping hot cocoa, and picking up a few unique gifts. Many markets also have live music and activities for kids.

30. Attend a Christmas Concert or Play

Many towns host holiday concerts, plays, or live nativity scenes. Supporting local talent is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit while introducing kids to performing arts.

31. Drive Through Light Displays

Some communities put up elaborate light displays that you can drive through, offering a magical experience from the warmth of your car. Many families make this an annual tradition, and kids love looking out for their favourite displays.

32. Go Caroling in the Neighbourhood

Caroling might feel old-fashioned, but it’s a joyful activity that brings people together. Warm up your voices, bundle up, and go door-to-door singing Christmas carols to bring cheer to neighbours.

Making Memories at Home

33. Build a Blanket Fort and Watch Christmas Movies

What’s better than a Christmas movie? Watching it in a cosy blanket fort! Build a fort with pillows and blankets, bring in some popcorn, and watch holiday movies from the comfort of your own little hideaway.

34. Sleep by the Christmas Tree

Have a family sleepover by the Christmas tree! Set up sleeping bags or air mattresses, turn on the tree lights, and drift off surrounded by twinkling lights. It’s a magical way to create memories together.

35. Write Letters to Santa

Writing letters to Santa is a classic activity. Have kids write down their wish lists, then mail the letters or leave them by the fireplace. Kids love this opportunity to dream and share their holiday wishes.

36. Have a Pajama Party

There’s something special about wearing Christmas pyjamas. Have a pyjama party complete with treats, games, and even Christmas-themed bedtime stories. It’s a relaxing way to bond and bring everyone together.

Heartwarming Family Traditions

37. Leave Treats for Santa and Reindeer

On Christmas Eve, don’t forget to leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa, and maybe even a few carrots for his reindeer. It’s a tradition that adds a little bit of magic to Christmas morning.

38. Exchange Handmade Gifts

Encourage family members to make small, thoughtful gifts for each other. These can be as simple as handmade ornaments, decorated frames, or even written notes of appreciation. Handmade gifts carry extra meaning and show thoughtfulness.

39. Enjoy a Festive Breakfast Together

On Christmas morning, start the day with a special breakfast. Pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and hot cocoa are always hits. You can even use cookie cutters to make Christmas-themed pancakes in fun shapes.

40. Open a Gift on Christmas Eve

Let everyone open one small gift on Christmas Eve to get into the festive spirit. Many families choose to make this gift a pair of Christmas pyjamas to wear for the night!

Unique Ideas for Family Bonding

41. Make a Time Capsule

Create a Christmas time capsule with mementos from the season, like photos, notes, and small trinkets. Seal it up and plan to open it next Christmas. It’s a lovely way to look back on your family’s holiday memories.

42. Create a Family Christmas Playlist

Music brings everyone together. Each family member can add their favourite Christmas song to a holiday playlist. Play it during dinner, decorating, or any festive family activity to create a soundtrack for your Christmas season.

43. Design Holiday-Themed Puzzles

Put together holiday puzzles or design your own using family photos. Puzzles are relaxing, especially during quiet Christmas evenings, and working on one together is a fantastic way to spend time as a family.

44. Capture the Season with a Family Photo Shoot

Gather your family and take holiday photos, either in matching Christmas jumpers or festive pyjamas. These photos make for great Christmas cards, decorations, or simply wonderful memories to look back on.

Conclusion

These 44 Christmas activities offer endless opportunities for fun, bonding, and laughter. By trying a mix of activities—whether you’re crafting indoors, playing games, or exploring local festivities—you can make this holiday season truly special.

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with warmth, joy, and the merriest of memories! ?