60 Best Christmas Activities You Can Do All December Long
Fun and free? These holiday ideas for kids, adults and families will get everyone into the spirit.
Tthe holiday season is in full swing, and we're sure you're feeling the Christmas spirit with friends, family and even strangers – that’s just the magic of it all. Since you’re likely taking some time off work as December 25 approches, you’ll have to figure out how to keep yourself (and your family) busy and in the holiday spirit. That’s where our list of the best Christmas activities comes into play!
To help you brainstorm the perfect holiday plans, we’ve gathered some of the best holiday activities to do with family, friends and the community near you. Although some of the best places to spend Christmas might not be your hometown, these activities can be done anywhere and everywhere. From making Christmas crafts for kids to planning epic party games for adults, we’ve compiled a list of festive pastimes those of all ages can enjoy.
The best part is that all of these fun ideas really capture the magic of the winter season, and therefore, can be done anytime in December!
Make a wreath
When you're decking the halls, don't forget the front door! A festive wreath will instantly make your home look holly jolly, even if you go low-key on the rest of the decor. And making your own means it's personalized, too.
RELATED: 80+ DIY Christmas Wreaths to Easily Give Your Front Door a Festive Look
Do a good deed
It can be a small as paying someone a compliment or as large as volunteering your time for a day. Paying the spirit forward is especially fulfilling this time of year, when there's as much sadness as there is joy.
Sing Christmas karaoke
Put on a real show (with potentially a lot of laughs) by throw a Christmas karaoke party! There are endless songs you can include, and you can make it a game by telling people they have to skip over certain words, like Santa! If they mess up, they're out.
Shop a holiday market
Get in the spirit of the season by visiting a local holiday market or craft fair. Shopping local helps independent businesses and guarantees your gifts are totally unique.
Visit a senior
Make someone's day by visiting an elder living home, a senior center or other facility where people may be lonely during the holidays. Call ahead to arrange it, and get updates on any health regulations.
Make a Christmas treat (other than cookies)
We all love Christmas cookies, but there are lots of other desserts out there (hello, figgy pudding!) Try a new dessert for a sweet afternoon undertaking.
RELATED: Festive Christmas Desserts to Get You in the Sweet Holiday Spirit
Play games by the tree
Make the most of all the hard work of decorating by playing games or putting together puzzles by the Christmas tree. Heck, move in there for the entire season. You earned it!
Play Christmas "I Spy"
When running errands, taking a holiday road trip or just driving around town, keep the kids occupied with a game of Christmas "I Spy." Ask them to spot decorated Christmas trees, wreaths on front doors, light-up reindeer or your favorite holiday decor.
Gift a teacher or other cherished friend
Don't forget your kids' teachers, local librarians, babysitters or even the cashier you always see at the corner store when the holidays come around. Homemade gifts especially instill the meaning of the holiday for little ones.
Go ice skating
Bundle up and head to your local rink to enjoy one of the best winter activities ever. It will be particularly special if your child has never gone before, and you can be there to teach them the right moves.
Wear matching pajamas
There are a few events that call for matching pajamas, but Christmas is one of them for sure. We recommend going beyond just the kids and get every adult involved too.
RELATED: Best Matching Family Christmas Pajamas to Celebrate in the Coziest Way Possible
Craft a festive tablescape
Don't forget the dining room table when you're decorating the house. A pretty tablescape will make it look inviting as can be, even if the actual dinner is days away. Get the kids involved by having them create the place cards.
Make Santa his own key
For families that live in apartment buildings or houses without chimneys, settle the kids' questions by giving Santa his very own key. Decorate a tag that sets it apart as such, for a fun Christmas craft.
Attend a Christmas service
Even if your family doesn't usually attend church services, Christmas is a great opportunity to put on your Sunday finery and visit a nearby place of worship. It'll also help everyone remember the reason for the season.
Hold an eggnog tasting
Love it or hate it, eggnog is a December standard. Round up a few different varieties and hold a festive tasting to discover a new favorite–or find one that's more palatable than the usual. Lots of amateur cooks in the group? Ask everyone to bring a homemade version instead.
RELATED: How to Make Old-Fashioned Eggnog Your Grandma Would Be Proud Of
Build a snowman
Ask your crew, "Do you wanna build a snowman?" Band together to craft one big Frosty or split up into teams to turn it into a friendly competition. Last one done has to make the cocoa!
Leave reindeer treats, too
When setting out your milk and cookies for Santa, don't forget the support staff. Add some carrots for the reindeer to your platter, or totally mix it up and leave Santa something unique too.
Construct a holiday photobooth
Whether your holiday guest list is as long as Santa's own or you're a small but mighty gathering, a DIY photobooth will make photos of the day so much more fun. It's also a great way to repurpose old decorations you aren't using this year.
Make decorations out of cards
Recycle last year's holiday cards by turning them into decorations for 2022. Cut them into shapes for a recycled take on garland, collage some of the pretty patterns to craft whole new cards on white stock or simply string them on some jute or string for festive decor.
Go sledding or tubing
If you've got a hill in the neighborhood, you're already halfway to a favorite seasonal activity. Even if you have to hop in a car, bundling up and hitting the sledding slopes can work off some cabin fever especially if you have guests staying over for a few days.
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