It’s Christmas time! Do you need some inspiration to get into the Christmas spirit? Here are the top 50 Merriest Christmas activities for you to enjoy!
Decorate the Christmas tree
Tis the season! One of the best ways to start feeling festive is to start decorating. Get into the Christmas spirit by decorating your home and your tree with lights, ribbons, ornaments, and little mementos.
There was a time when the thought of decorating for Christmas was a little overwhelming. So what I would do is host a Christmas tree decorating party! I found it motivating to do it with people. So I would invite some friends over, share a meal with festive drinks (like eggnog), bake cookies, and put on a Christmas movie. This has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions.
Bake Christmas cookies
I’m thinking of gingerbread men, ornaments, snowflakes, snowmen, and other wintery-themed shapes. Bake a batch of Christmas cookies for you and your loved ones to enjoy! Decorating them is sure to be a favorite for little kiddos and it’s a nice seasonal art activity to enjoy together.
Go see a Christmas concert
Go check out a local Christmas concert or orchestra and celebrate the season by making the music a memory of its own! There are some candlelight style concerts that I find very festive. Playing Christmas music in the month of December is a nice subtle reminder of the joy the season brings.
Visit a local Christmas market
Dress warm and tour the town’s local Christmas market scenery. They usually offer tasty treats and holiday trinkets and bright lights! It’s a good chance to meet new people.
Build a gingerbread house
Many stores offer gingerbread kits: houses, trains, and villages! But you can also get crafty, grab your favorite seasonal candies and frostings, and make one that’s all your own using graham crackers, for example.
Watch a Christmas movie
Snuggle up with a cozy blanket, grab some popcorn, and enjoy watching your favorite Christmas movie!
I just recently saw some Christmas sugar cookies in store for Elf and the Grinch. I immediately bought both packs of cookies and decided to do a movie night for both.
Go see carolers in town
This is such a unique Christmas activity! I say that because it’s so rare to see now-a-days. (Unless I’m just living under a rock.) Local events in your community malls, markets, churches, and parades will usually give you a chance to see some Christmas carolers in your area. Try that!
Host a holiday party
Share in the joy of the season by hosting a holiday party with fun games, good food, and good company! Have some Christmas music playing in the background and enjoy each others company. It can be a grand ordeal if you want. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s just about getting together and spending time with the ones you love and care for.
Make a homemade ornament
Create homemade ornaments with your kids! I don’t know about you but I really gravitate toward things that are personalized or have great memories attached to them. Not feeling crafty? Add a personalized touch to your tree by shopping for an ornament that marks a special memory. That’s what I do.
Volunteer
This season really helps us to be more conscious of the needs of others. And there are so many ways to spread warm feelings in winter months. Volunteer in your community. Serve meals, visit a local shelter, and find some meaningful ways to make a difference. Maybe offer to help someone pay their gas or groceries or give an offering toward their rent. It’s a beautiful time to practice the art of generosity.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Send out Christmas cards
This is a simple and sweet way to share holiday smiles and warm wishes with the ones you love! I always love seeing pictures of my family living in different states enjoying the holidays together. I love seeing everyone together and as each year passes, seeing my own child grow in every Christmas photo pierces my heart.
Go ice skating
Lace-up your skates and hit the ice! I’m gonna be honest, I feel like ice skating on REAL ICE is the only way to do this the right way. Don’t come for me if you’re in a state that ice skates on plastic.
Make hot cocoa
Whip up some hot cocoa and wrap your hands around a warm mug! There’s nothing quite like a hot chocolaty hug in a cup! I love sitting outside on my rocking chair, with a warm blanket, low lights, and a warm drink. There’s nothing like it. It’s so relaxing.
Read Christmas books
Cuddle up with your little ones, grab a book, and read some Christmas stories!
Here’s a list of some Christmas books you might like:
- The First Christmas
- Twas the Night Before Christmas
- How to catch a snowman
- The Polar Express
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Rudolph
Take a winter hike
It’s good to get outside. Dress warm, bundle up, and take a hike in the crisp air! It’s good exercise but it’s also a great way to practice resting in the busy-ness of the season. It a practical way to be present.
Have a holiday photo shoot
Capture the moments that make Christmas extra special by taking pictures! I know sometimes people don’t see the point of taking pictures in the moment, but they are tangible memories you can look back on and appreciate later. That’s the value pictures bring. And you can get creative. It doesn’t just have to be dedicated time to ONLY taking pictures. Do other Christmas activities and just have the camera ready. Candids are the best kinds of holiday pictures to take.
Attend a tree-lighting ceremony
It’s something to do! It’s a place to go! And usually other activities are happening around the ceremony. It’s a great chance to socialize. This is an interesting way to start your holiday festivities! Get your friends and family together for some tree-lighting magic.
Create a holiday playlist
Add a touch of holiday spirit to your daily routine! It’s a simple and effective way to set the tone! Play Christmas music while you’re at work, in the car, or at the gym. It usually cheers me up so much to listen to my favorite Christmas songs!
Here are some of my favorite Christmas artists, albums, singles:
- A Pentatonix Christmas
- Merry Christmas: Mariah Carey
- Little Drummer Boy: Josh Groban
- Christmas: Michael Buble
- Mary Did You Know: Mark Lowry
Make a wreath
A homemade wreath adds a personal touch to your Christmas decor. And it’s a fun arts and crafts activity to do with kids. This festive activity can be a memory and a masterpiece all at once!
Go see Santa
This is a perfect family-friendly activity that is sure to excite the little ones! If your child has special needs, you may want to consider Sensory Santa events in your area. I’ve found them to be a bit more accessible and tolerant to the needs of my little one.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Have a snowball fight
If you have the privilege of living in your own little winter wonderland, bundle up, grab your kids, and let the good times roll (pun intended).
Make DIY or personalized gifts
Personalized and homemade gifts go the extra mile to let someone very special know you made extra time and effort to make them something unique! I love meaningful things.
Host a holiday movie marathon
Even simple things are better with friends. Make your favorite Christmas desserts, dim the lights, get your warmest coziest blankets, and watch all your holiday favorites.
Go sledding
Go sledding or take a trip to the mountains and go snow tubing!
Attend a holiday parade
Festive floats, merry music, marching bands, and an undeniable sense of community. I’ve seen some amusement parks host holiday parades. This is an activity that can easily become a family tradition.
Make a popcorn garland
Decking the halls should be as delicious as it is delightful. A popcorn garland is a humble American tradition that could serve as a great teaching opportunity! Click here to learn more about it.
Go To An Amusement Park
Amusement parks typically host special events for the holidays. They’ll usually have fireworks, parades, light shows, and more! Check out some of the amusement parks in your area.
Go to a Christmas service
The holidays make it a perfect opportunity to bring your friends along with you to church for the music, the festivities, and the reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season!
Have a holiday-themed game night
My family and I are very competitive when it comes to games and my sister has a really good knack for finding homemade games for different holidays. Deck the cards, roll the dice, and host game night with your friends and family!
Make paper snowflakes
Craft some cool and completely unique snowflakes with your kids using simple materials. All you need is paper and scissors and you have a really easy at-home craft.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Host a cookie exchange
A cookie exchange (or cookie swap) is when friends get together and each bake a large batch of cookies to exchange with one another. It’s a fun way to share holiday treats!
Go to a Christmas light show
Christmas light shows are a family-friendly activity that create a joyful and festive atmosphere. It can be a magical experience that contributes to the holiday season. I’ve seen some communities offer walk-through and drive-through options. Search for one that is best for you and the needs of your family.
Make holiday crafts
Put your own creative spin on crafting holiday staples! You can get so many different kinds of craft ideas online, but don’t be afraid to make something up as you see fit. The more odd your idea is the more memorable it will be.
Attend a holiday charity event
This is a great way to celebrate the season and bring joy to those in need! It’s a fun festive way to make a difference.
Visit local ice sculpture displays
For those of you who are art enthusiasts, going to see an ice sculpture display can be a captivating and unique holiday experience.
Do a gift exchange
There are so many ways you can do this: Secret Santa, White Elephant, exchange ornaments, or stocking stuffers. I’ve also seen people do mug-exchanges in really personal ways. I really love exchange ideas.
Build a snowman
This is a perfect seasonal outdoor activity for the family to enjoy together!
Host a potluck dinner
The benefit of a potluck dinner is that it lightens your workload and gives everyone a chance to bring something to the table (literally).
Put up Christmas lights
Brighten up your home inside and out by putting up Christmas lights! There’s something about string lights that makes the environment feel more relaxing and contemplative. Try not to skip out on this.
Do your holiday shopping (early)
If you get a jump start on your holiday shopping, you won’t have to deal with the stress of shopping last minute.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Try a new holiday recipe
This is an opportunity to introduce a new holiday tradition! You can get your family involved in creating special memories by working together to stir up something new. Look up new recipes and every Christmas season, make something to eat that you’ve never tried before. You might just stumble on a new food favorite.
Get an advent calendar
Advent calendars add an element of daily anticipation for Christmas day! It’s a festive way to countdown to Christmas and it’s something I’ve seen people of all ages enjoy.
Light up the fireplace
Ah, the crackling sounds, dancing flames, and toasty warm sensation. Grab a warm blanket, a good book, and cozy up on the couch!
Make gingerbread cookies
Indulge in the sweet and spicy magic of the season by making gingerbread cookies! Not a fan of gingerbread? Try snickerdoodles instead.
Reflect on the year
In the midst of the all the fun and frenzy, don’t forget to make some time to pause and be present; to be grateful for where you are, what you have, and who you get to enjoy it all with.
Host a holiday karaoke night
Gather your friends and family together and host a holiday karaoke night singing your Christmas favorites! Sing! Laugh! And be merry! I’m notorious for ugly singing with the ones I love. It’s a privilege only a special few get to enjoy.
Donate toys
This is a convenient way to consider those in need, specifically children who may not have the means to receive gifts. Spread some holiday cheer by donating new toys!
Go see the Nutcracker
Ever been to the ballet? I haven’t yet but this is definitely on my bucket list! Christmastime can be a chance to create a lasting memory of this timeless experience. I love theatre, music, and dance.
Attend a Christmas festival
This can be a very pleasant local attraction. Holiday decorations, live entertainment, and crafty workshops! Search for some Chrismas festivals in your area!
Go on a winter carriage ride
This is a charming and romantic way to indulge in the wintery scenes with a loved one.
