Christmas has been my favorite time to slow down, laugh, and make sweet memories with my niece and nephews.

I love the smell of cookies baking, the sparkle of lights, and the giggles that fill the house when we do something fun together.

Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not the big presents that make the holidays special, it’s the little moments we share.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of fun festive things to do with kids this Christmas.

From baking and crafting to movie nights and snow play, these ideas are simple, joyful, and perfect for creating family traditions.

So grab some cocoa, turn on the music, and let’s make this holiday season one your kids will always remember.

The Best Ways to Create Lasting Christmas Memories

The best part of Christmas has never been the gifts under the tree; it’s the moments spent together. Building snowmen, baking cookies, and laughing over fun crafts create memories that stay forever.

Kids don’t remember how perfect the decorations were; they remember how much fun they had with you.

So, slow down this season, let the wrapping paper pile up, sing off-key carols, and make space for those small, joyful moments.

Because the greatest Christmas memories aren’t made from things, they’re made from time spent with the people we love most.

Fun and Festive Activities to Do with Kids this Christmas

1. Decorate the Christmas Tree

There’s nothing like decorating the tree together to kick off the holiday spirit. Let kids choose their favorite ornaments and help place the star on top.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about the laughter, the sparkle, and the stories behind each piece. Watching their little hands carefully place decorations makes the season feel extra warm and alive.

Tips to make it more special:

• Play Christmas music while decorating for extra cheer.
• Let each child create one handmade ornament every year.

2. Bake Christmas Cookies

The smell of freshly baked cookies fills the house with warmth and joy. It’s a delicious and fun way to spend an afternoon together.

Kids love cutting out fun shapes, icing them with bright colors, and sneaking a few sprinkles when no one’s looking. Baking together is messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

Tips to make it more special:

• Set up a decorating station with frosting and toppings.
• Pack extras in little bags to share with neighbors or friends.

3. Write Letters to Santa

Help your kids write letters full of wishes, thanks, and imagination. It’s a wonderful way to build anticipation for Christmas.

Encourage them to thank Santa for the gifts they received last year. It’s a small lesson in appreciation wrapped in holiday excitement.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use colorful pens, stickers, and festive paper.
• Keep a copy of their letters each year as a keepsake.

4. Make Paper Snowflakes

Cutting snowflakes out of paper is a simple, creative craft that brightens up any home. Grab scissors, white paper, and imagination, and soon you’ll have a flurry of unique designs.

Every snowflake is different, just like your kids’ creativity. Hang them across windows or on the tree to watch them catch the light.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use glitter glue or metallic pens to decorate them.
• Hang them across windows or create a snowflake garland.

5. Build a Gingerbread House

Get messy and creative, building your very own candy-covered gingerbread house. Kids love using frosting as glue and decorating with candy canes, gumdrops, and sprinkles.

It’s a delicious art project that brings laughter and sweet chaos to your kitchen. Building a gingerbread house is all about creativity, teamwork, and sticky fingers.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use graham crackers if you don’t have a gingerbread kit.
• Host a friendly family decorating contest.

6. Watch Christmas Movies

There’s nothing cozier than a Christmas movie night in pajamas with popcorn and cocoa. Snuggle under blankets, sip hot cocoa, and watch family favorites that make everyone laugh or tear up.

Christmas movies create the perfect cozy night in. These movie nights become traditions that your kids will remember year after year.

Tips to make it more special:

• Let kids vote for their favorite holiday movie lineup.
• Build a pillow fort to make movie night extra cozy.

7. Go on a Christmas Light Tour

Take a walk or drive to admire holiday lights in your neighborhood. It’s a simple way to spark wonder. Walk or drive through decorated neighborhoods and let kids point out their favorites.

It’s a simple, low-cost way to spend time together while soaking in the festive beauty. Seeing Christmas lights twinkle in the cold night air is pure magic.

Tips to make it more special:

• Bring hot chocolate in travel mugs.
• Vote together for the “best decorated” house.

8. Make Handmade Christmas Cards

Crafting cards lets kids express creativity while making loved ones feel special. Let kids draw, paint, and paste stickers to create heartfelt messages for family and friends.

They’ll love the creative freedom, and you’ll love the joy it spreads. Handmade cards show thought and effort that store-bought ones can’t match.

Tips to make it more special:

• Add handprints or fingerprints to personalize them.
• Include a candy cane or tiny drawing inside each card.

9. Host a Family Pajama Day

Spend an entire day relaxing in cozy Christmas pajamas, watching movies, and enjoying comfort food. Stay cozy, play games, watch Christmas specials, and eat breakfast for dinner.

It’s a small break from the holiday chaos that helps everyone unwind and reconnect.A pajama day means no rushing, no chores, just laughter and relaxation.

Tips to make it more special:

• Wear matching family pajamas for cute photos.
• End the night with a movie and warm cocoa.

10. DIY Christmas Ornaments

Making ornaments together adds meaning to your tree and creates lasting memories. Use clay, felt, or even salt dough to craft pieces that reflect your kids’ personalities.

Each ornament tells a small story, turning your tree into a gallery of memories. Homemade ornaments become cherished keepsakes year after year.

Tips to make it more special:

• Write each child’s name and year on their ornament.
• Use recycled materials for a creative twist.

11. Make Reindeer Food

Kids love leaving something for Santa’s helpers! Make a mix of oats and sugar to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve. It’s quick, easy, and adds a touch of whimsy to Christmas Eve.

Mix oats with sugar or glitter, then sprinkle them outside on Christmas Eve to help guide Santa’s reindeer. It’s quick, imaginative, and full of wonder.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use edible glitter or colored sugar for sparkle.
• Read a reindeer bedtime story before heading out.

12. Read Christmas Stories Together

Slow down at night with a cozy Christmas story before bed; it’s the perfect quiet moment. Pick festive classics or bedtime tales about kindness and giving.

It’s a nightly ritual that slows time down and fills it with warmth. Storytime brings calm and connection amid the holiday rush.

Tips to make it more special:

• Create a “12 Days of Christmas Books” tradition.
• Let kids choose the story each night.

13. Sing Christmas Carols

Singing carols brings everyone together and fills the house with joy. Singing together instantly lifts the holiday spirit. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to traditional Christmas songs and the joy of sharing music.

I love it when kids start singing off-key, full of laughter and enthusiasm; those are the moments that make the holidays unforgettable.

Tips to make it more special:

• Print out lyric sheets or use karaoke videos.
• Record your caroling night to replay next year.

14. Create a Hot Chocolate Bar

Design a mini cocoa bar where kids can add their favorite toppings and flavors. Set out mugs, cocoa, whipped cream, and all the toppings like candy canes, chocolate chips, and cinnamon sticks.

Let kids mix and match flavors to make their dream cup. It’s easy to set up and makes any night feel instantly festive.

Tips to make it more special:

• Offer whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and marshmallows.
• Serve in festive mugs or mason jars.

15. Make a Christmas Countdown Chain

Tear off one paper link each day to count down the days until Christmas. A paper countdown chain is a simple craft that kids love. Each day, they tear off one link until Christmas finally arrives.

It’s a colorful, tangible way for children to track time while building anticipation. I love watching them race to the chain every morning, eager to see how close the big day is.

Tips to make it more special:

• Write a fun daily activity inside each link.
• Alternate red and green paper for a festive pattern.

16. Visit Santa’s Grotto

Let your kids meet Santa and share their wishes in person; it’s pure Christmas magic. Watching your child’s face light up as they talk to him, shyly hand over their letter, or pose for a photo is priceless.

Whether you visit a mall, a community event, or a local setup, the joy it brings makes it worth every second. Meeting Santa in person is one of those childhood moments that never fades from memory.

Tips to make it more special:

• Bring a small wrapped “gift from Santa” to give later.
• Wear festive sweaters or Santa hats for the photo.

17. Build a Snowman

Bundle up and build a snowman together! It’s classic, fun, and full of laughter. There’s something timeless about rolling snowballs, stacking them high, and creating your very own frosty friend.

Building a snowman encourages teamwork and creativity, plus it’s a great way to get some fresh air and laughter in the cold. Add scarves, sticks, and a carrot nose, then stand back to admire your work.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use scarves, buttons, and a carrot nose.
• Give your snowman a name and take a photo.

18. DIY Snow Globes

Turn jars into magical snow globes with glitter and tiny figurines. Kids love turning a plain jar into a mini winter wonderland filled with glitter and floating snow.

All you need are jars, figurines, water, glitter, and glue, and suddenly you have a beautiful keepsake. Shaking them up never gets old, no matter your age.

Tips to make it more special:

• Add a drop of glycerin for a slow snow effect.
• Use waterproof glue to seal the lid tightly.

19. Host a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Hide small gifts or clues around the house for a holiday treasure hunt. Hide clues, candy canes, or small gifts around the house for your kids to find.

Watching them giggle and race from room to room is half the fun. You can make it as easy or challenging as you like, and it’s a great indoor activity when it’s too cold to go out.

Tips to make it more special:

• Write clues in rhymes or riddles.
• Add small candies or toys as rewards.

20. Make Salt Dough Handprints

These ornaments are keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come. Pressing tiny hands into soft dough and baking them creates a memory you can hang on the tree for years to come.

Kids enjoy painting their finished handprints in bright colors and adding glitter or names. It’s a sentimental project that grows more meaningful each year.

Tips to make it more special:

• Paint them with metallic gold or silver paint.
• Write each child’s name and the year before baking.

21. Decorate Christmas Cookies

Let everyone show their creativity with colorful icing and sprinkles. Gather icing, sprinkles, and shaped cookies, and let everyone’s creativity shine.

No two cookies ever look alike, which makes the fun even better. It’s a wonderful way to bring family together while indulging in some holiday treats.

Tips to make it more special:

• Set up a decorating table with all the toppings.
• Turn it into a “cookie design contest.”

22. Set Up a Family Talent Show

Let each family member perform something fun songs, jokes, or dances. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about laughing together and celebrating creativity.

Family talent shows are a great way for kids to shine, build confidence, and create hilarious memories. Everyone, kids and adults, gets to perform something

Tips to make it more special:

• Record the show as a keepsake video.
• Hand out homemade “awards” for each act.

23. Make a Christmas Fort

Create a magical blanket fort filled with fairy lights, snacks, and Christmas music. Grab blankets, fairy lights, and pillows, and build a cozy fort with your kids.

Once it’s ready, crawl inside with snacks, books, or even a holiday movie. It’s the perfect way to slow down and enjoy quiet moments together away from the busyness of the season.

Tips to make it more special:

• Add pillows, popcorn, and a Christmas movie inside.
• Let kids decorate the fort with paper stars.

24. Create a Family Christmas Playlist

Collect everyone’s favorite Christmas songs into one fun playlist. Building a family playlist is such a fun way to blend everyone’s tastes and create your own holiday soundtrack.

Let the kids pick a few upbeat favorites while you add nostalgic classics. Soon, you’ll have a playlist that becomes a part of your Christmas traditions for years to come.

Tips to make it more special:

• Mix classics with fun modern kids’ songs.
• Play it on tree-decorating or baking days.

25. Have a Christmas Craft Afternoon

Spend time making festive crafts, such as paper wreaths or reindeer masks. A Christmas craft afternoon is the perfect mix of creativity and connection.

If you’re making paper wreaths, reindeer masks, or pinecone ornaments, it’s less about the finished product and more about the shared moments.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use recycled materials for eco-friendly fun.
• Display the finished crafts around the house.

26. Volunteer or Donate Toys

Show kids the true meaning of Christmas by helping others in need. Volunteering or donating toys helps children understand compassion and gratitude.

Let them pick out toys, clothes, or books to give to other kids. It’s such a powerful way to remind everyone that Christmas isn’t just about receiving, it’s about sharing love and kindness with others.

Tips to make it more special:

• Let kids pick toys or clothes to give away.
• Deliver donations together as a family.

27. DIY Christmas Wreath

Craft a wreath using pinecones, ribbons, and leaves to hang on your door. You can use real pine branches, paper cutouts, or even fabric scraps, whatever fits your style.

As you craft, talk about what Christmas means to your family and choose decorations that reflect that spirit. Hanging it on your front door feels like a small, proud “Welcome!” to everyone who visits.

Tips to make it more special:

• Personalize it with your family’s initials.
• Add small handmade ornaments or bells.

28. Bake and Gift Treats to Neighbors

Teach kindness by baking treats to share with neighbors or friends. Gather your little helpers and whip up cookies, fudge, or muffins to share with neighbors, teachers, or friends.

It’s a sweet and thoughtful way to show appreciation during the season. I love watching my kids carry the treat boxes with pride, smiling as they deliver each one.

Tips to make it more special:

• Include handwritten “Merry Christmas” tags.
• Deliver them together while singing carols.

29. Take Family Photos in Christmas Outfits

Capture the joy of the season with a festive photo session. Matching pajamas, Santa hats, or cozy sweaters, whatever you choose, the goal is to have fun and be yourselves.

These photos become precious memories to look back on each year. I always end up laughing at the outtakes more than the perfect shots because that’s where the real joy is.

Tips to make it more special:

• Use props like Santa hats or candy canes.
• Turn your photo into next year’s holiday card.

30. Read “The Night Before Christmas” Together

This classic story is the perfect Christmas Eve bedtime tradition. It’s the calm before the storm, that quiet, glowing moment when excitement fills the air.

Gather under the tree, dim the lights, and read it slowly, letting the words sink in. Even if your kids know it by heart, hearing it again feels like a hug from tradition itself.

Tips to make it more special:

• Dim the lights and light a candle while reading.
• Let each child take turns reading a line.

31. End the Day with Gratitude

End your day by sharing what each person is thankful for. It’s the perfect reminder of the season’s true meaning. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep Christmas grounded in love and appreciation.

Kids often surprise me with what they say, small, sweet moments that remind me how much joy is hidden in ordinary days.

Tips to make it more special:

• Write each thought on a paper star to hang on the tree.
• Keep them in a jar to read again next Christmas.

How to Keep Kids Engaged and Grateful This Season

Christmas can easily become all about gifts and excitement, but it’s also the perfect time to help kids slow down, appreciate what they have, and stay involved in meaningful moments.

Keeping them engaged doesn’t have to mean constant activity; it’s about balance, connection, and little lessons in gratitude woven through the fun.

Here are a few simple ways to do it:

• Involve kids in planning and decorating so they feel part of the celebration.
• Encourage them to make handmade gifts or cards for friends and family.
• Start a gratitude jar where everyone adds notes about what they’re thankful for.
• Volunteer together or donate toys to teach kindness and empathy.
• Set aside quiet time each night to talk about their favorite part of the day.

Let the holidays be less about getting and more about giving, learning, and loving together.

Conclusion

As I wrap up this list, I can’t help but smile thinking about all the cozy, laughter-filled moments that make Christmas so special.

For me, it’s never about perfect decorations or fancy gifts; it’s about slowing down, baking cookies that never quite look right, and hearing kids’ giggles echo through the house.

I’ve learned that when I spend time doing these small activities with little kids, I’m not just keeping them entertained, I’m building memories that feel like home.

So this year, I’m choosing more togetherness, more gratitude, and more messy, wonderful moments that remind us what Christmas is really about.