The Christmas season is here, and we know that finding activities to do with your little ones can be a bit of a challenge, especially finding activities that don’t cost you a fortune. To help, we’ve pulled together our favourite Christmas activities for the whole family, that will make even the Grinch-hearted among you feel like kids again!
1. Christmas Baking
There are so many simple and festive recipes out there that will fill your home with the smell of Christmas cheer! You may think your only option for a Christmas treat is cookies, but there are so many more treats you can make. Take a look at these festive recipes that the whole family will love. This is one of the best Christmas activities at home for families and makes a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
2. Ice Skating!
Gather up the family, bundle up and head out to your local ice rink for one of the best winter activities there is! Top tip – if you can, you may be able to prebook your ice rink trip which could see you saving some money. Take a look to see if your local rink has family tickets too as this often gives you a discount rather than buying tickets individually.
3. Matching PJs
There are few events in the year that call for matching pyjamas, but we think Christmas is one of them! Most clothing stores will have Christmas pyjamas in sizes for the whole family, so be sure to shop around to find your favourites. If you’re wanting to save some money, consider getting plain red or green pyjamas and customising them yourself – you can even personalise them with each family member's name using glitter pens!
4. Make your own festive photo booth
A DIY photo booth is much more fun than you may think, and the perfect way to create amazing memories for years to come! Head to your local craft store or garden centre and grab some props like signs or headwear, or repurpose some old decorations that you aren’t using this year! A festive tablecloth can make a great background for photos. Then all you need to do is set up your camera or phone and say “cheese!”
5. Go Sledding!
When the snow starts to fall, there is so much fun to be had – but after the snowman has been built, what do you do next?! Well, any hill, snow and a sledge will give you hours of fun. Bundle up, grab your sledge and head off. Make sure you’ve got your sledge ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any fun when the snow starts to fall. Thankfully, we have sledges available from just £9.99!
Advent Calendar and Holiday Countdown
An advent calendar is a wonderful way to build excitement in the days leading up to Christmas. Whether you choose chocolates, small toys, or little festive surprises, this is one of the simplest and most joyful Christmas activities for kids. Making your own version is also a fun Christmas activity to do at home, especially for preschoolers who love the daily countdown to Christmas Day. To make it even more engaging, you could include small toys like miniature cars or craft items in each window for a touch of surprise and creativity.
Decorating for Christmas
Get the kids involved in decorating the Christmas tree, hanging lights, or adding festive touches around your home. These Christmas at home activities are a great way to spend time together and let your little ones feel part of the preparations. Take the fun outdoors with some Christmas garden activities — decorate playhouses, climbing frames, or swings with garlands and fairy lights for a truly magical garden setting. It’s a perfect way for children to enjoy fresh air while feeling part of the festive fun.
Visiting Santa Claus and Festive Events
There’s nothing more magical for children than meeting Santa Claus! Visiting Santa, going to local parades, or attending Christmas festivals are perfect Christmas activities for kids that help make the season even more special. If you prefer to stay cosy, you can recreate the experience with your own Christmas activities at home by setting up a pretend Santa’s grotto using toys like mud kitchens or even a mini playhouse for imaginative fun.
Writing Letters to Santa
Writing to Santa Claus is a tradition loved by children of all ages. It’s one of the most heartwarming Christmas activities for preschoolers, helping them express their wishes and excitement. Pair it with some festive music and hot chocolate, and you’ve got one of the simplest yet most memorable Christmas activities at home. To make it extra special, little ones can deliver their letters to a play post box or leave them inside their playhouse for Santa to “collect.”
Indoor Christmas Activities
For those chilly winter days, keep the magic alive indoors with creative Christmas activities to do at home. Encourage imaginative play with toys like kitchen helpers for festive baking, scuttlebugs or ride-ons for “reindeer races,” or wooden toys for small-world winter scenes. These types of Christmas activities for kids help them stay active and entertained, even when it’s too cold to go outside.
