You’ve probably spent weeks—okay, months—counting down the days until it became socially acceptable to do all those Christmas activities and winter activities you love so much: putting up your favorite wreath, shopping for fun gifts until you drop, making lots of holiday craft projects, and generally getting in the Christmas spirit in every way imaginable. Now that your favorite time of the year is finally here, don’t squander it! Make the most of your holiday season with our list of the best Christmas activities for kids and grown-ups alike. We’ve gone way beyond “prep your holiday menu” and “decorate your home.”
These insanely fun Christmas activities for families will help you turn every day of December into a bona fide winter wonderland. Start new Christmas traditions by gathering up your friends and family for an ugly holiday sweater party, bundling up and hitting the streets for a rousing caroling session, or having a “family sleepover” by the twinkling light of your Christmas tree. Whatever route you choose, as long as you’ve got the spirit of Christmas in your heart, you really can’t go wrong. Whether you incorporate these ideas for all of December or just steal a few to create lasting Christmas Eve traditions, you can’t go wrong with these fun Christmas activities.1Create a Christmas village scene.
1. Create a Christmas village scene.
Setting up a miniature Christmas village is a tradition both kids and grown-ups will come to love. While there are many charming options to buy (like this farm building and chicken coop), you can also make your own town with just craft houses and paint (visit Studio DIY for an easy tutorial).
2. Make your own garland.
DAVID A. LAND
While you can certainly make your own strands of Christmas garland from faux pine or other greenery, why not step outside of the box this holiday season? There are tons of ideas for creative garlands, such as popcorn garland, dried fruit garland, or garland made out of mittens!
3. Build a snowman.
You don’t need a lot of snow to sculpt a charming design with classic elements like a carrot nose and eyes made from coal or stones. If it isn’t a white Christmas where you live, you can make an easy snowman craft or snowman ornament instead.
4. Cross-stitch some Christmas merriment.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
While you’re watching Hallmark Christmas movies, try stitching a sweet something for a friend, teacher, or relative. These 4″ cross-stitch patterns make gifts that sleigh. (Sorry, not sorry!)
5. Try a non-tree tree.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Not into a fresh Fraser fir or a pre-lit flocked beauty? No worries. Think outside the tree by creating a tree shape out of items you already have, or, arrange holiday photos and cards in a tree shape on a blank wall. Check out more alternative tree ideas here.
6. Go on a winter scavenger hunt.
STAN TEKIELA AUTHOR / NATURALIST / WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERGETTY IMAGES
Arrange a winter scavenger hunt for kids by having them find animals and plants they are likely to see outside. You can also collect items to repurpose (like these pine cone crafts).
7. Add cheer to your front door
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Doors aren’t just for wreaths! Try a pair of vintage ice skates packed with fresh greenery from around your yard. Bonus: you can leave it up through February without the neighbors talking!
8. Decorate a tabletop tree
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Add a tree to a small space by plopping a 3″ variety on the table. Sprinkle on a few ornaments and garland, and you’re done!
9. Hold a neighborhood cookie swap.
BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER
With all that beautiful Christmas cookie decorating you’ve been toiling away at all month, you should show off your cookie skills by hosting a cookie swap with your neighbors. Share recipes and ideas and taste the delicious batches of cookies your neighbors have whipped up!
10. Hang stockings by the fireplace.
DAVID A. LAND
No holiday decor is complete without Christmas mantel decorations, especially stockings hung by the chimney with care. Whether you purchase some personalized holiday stockings for the family or make your own crochet Christmas stockings, your fireplace will look totally festive and ready for Santa.
11. Play secret Santa.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
If you have a large family or group of friends, Secret Santa is a perfect way for gift giving that doesn’t break the bank. Most games set a spending limit so that you can find cheap Christmas gifts or DIY Christmas gifts that are thoughtful and tailored to the person whose name you picked. Dress up solid paper with colorful yarn pom poms!
12. Try a new dessert.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Now’s the time to start a new family tradition like a delicious gingerbread cheesecake.
13. Read a bedtime story by the tree.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Gather the kids and the dogs and cuddle up by the soft glow of fairy lights as you read “The Night Before Christmas” or any favorite bedtime story.
14. Bake a candy cane cake.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
Store-bought peppermint bark and 7- minute frosting elevate this dreamy white candy cane cake.
15. Create (or buy!) an advent calendar.
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Haven’t purchased an advent calendar yet? Then you’ve got the perfect excuse to craft one. The idea pictured here is beyond easy: Simply string together some galvanized pails, fill them with trinkets, and affix them to a garland.
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