Make the most of your holiday season with our list of the best Christmas activities for kids and grown-ups alike. The holidays are a special time to reflect on the good things, celebrate annual traditions, and connect with friends and family. This year, we’re doing our very best to cherish every one of these special moments with our loved ones. With decorations to be hung, seasonal recipes to be followed, and Christmas cards to be put in the mail, there are plenty of holiday-themed experiences to keep us all entertained.
Christmas Activities For Families
From planning a family Christmas photoshoot to building gingerbread houses– the following Christmas activities are perfect for the whole family. Just choose your favorite from those below or use them to inspire an idea all your own.
1. Take A Holiday Card Photo
Get your family Christmas card squared away early in the season to give you plenty of time to enjoy the holidays. Stage family members in funny ways, include clever props, and experiment with wardrobes. Are there certain rooms or locations in your home that could create an interesting backdrop? The more creative the better! Feature the finished photo in your annual holiday cards, in text messages to friends, virtual backgrounds for video calls, and emails to extended family.
2. Bake Unique Christmas Cookies
This is one of those Christmas activities that evokes a lot of nostalgia and makes heart-warming memories. Depending on how old your child is, they may be able to help you make the cookie batter. Let them decide if they want to add in chocolate chips, coconut, cinnamon, and even food coloring. Pick out some holiday-themed cookie cutters and let your child play pastry chef. You can even plate the festive cookies on custom holiday plates.
3. Plan A Family Photoshoot
Need an excuse to get the whole family dressed in their holiday best? Plan a fun family photoshoot for an activity you’ll look back on for years. Just remember to bring hot cocoa and treats to keep the kids smiling through the end of the activity. If you’re looking for the perfect family photo idea to send to family and friends, use these pictures to create a custom photo Christmas card to share with your loved ones.
4. Host A Holiday Game Night
Round up your friends and family and get your competitive energy on! You can include an ugly sweater contest if you like, but we’ve compiled a great list of Christmas games for adults with a few kid-friendly options included, as well, that get everyone into a festive spirit. From secret Santa, white elephant, and jigsaw puzzles, there are plenty of Christmas games to start new tradition.
5. Enjoy A Drive-In Movie
Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback and just in time for the holidays! Check to see if any local venues will be hosting one of your favorite Christmas movies like Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, or Love Actually. We have even seen some large stadiums in major cities convert their parking lots into make-shift drive-in theater locations. This is one of those fabulous Christmas activities for kids of all ages, especially us grown-up elves!
6. Throw A Christmas Party
Christmas parties are a great way to spend time with friends and family during the holidays. For inspiration and decoration ideas, make sure to check out our guide on Christmas party themes.
7. Attend A Church Service
Many churches offer a special service on Christmas Eve, making it a great activity for religious families. It’s also a great excuse to dress the whole family in their best Christmas attire to celebrate the meaning of Christmas.
8. Volunteer
Looking to give back during the holidays? Take the family to a local shelter or other volunteer organization. This is also a good opportunity to teach the little ones about the spirit of Christmas.
9. Get Your Personalized Gifting Done
Finally, don’t let all of the Holiday activities leave you stretched for time and stressed about finding gifts for under the tree. Check out our holiday and Christmas gifts for a little inspiration.
