7 Christmas Activities for the whole family

A quiet moment of togetherness, without too much fuss. Choose a Christmas movie that matches your child’s age and keep it simple. For the youngest ones, a short and calm animation is often more than enough. Older kids can enjoy a longer story-driven film. Make it extra cozy: Christmas pajamas, twinkling lights, a warm drink, and maybe a plate of snacks on the table. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just cuddled up together on the couch, doing nothing. That’s often exactly what everyone needs during this busy season.

Baking cookies is a festive activity that even little ones can enjoy. Use cookie cutters together or let your baby or toddler decorate the cookies with icing or edible decorations after baking. Older kids can help with mixing, decorating, or even writing small holiday messages on the cookies. Wrap them nicely and they also make great gifts! Not into sweets? Try Christmas-shaped savory snacks like puff pastry stars or mini breads. Or go lighter with fruit-based treats like banana and strawberry Santas, cucumber Christmas trees on skewers, or cheese stars. Perfect for home, daycare or school. Whatever you choose, making holiday snacks together is one of the coziest things to do as a family.

Time to get creative! Christmas crafts are a fun way to get into the spirit. For younger children, crafts using hand or footprints are perfect: make a reindeer from a footprint or a Christmas tree from a handprint. Older kids can fold, cut, glitter or use natural materials like pinecones. You can also make your own cards or ornaments for the tree.

Decorating the tree is pure magic for kids. Whether they hang a single ornament or cluster everything on one branch, what matters is that they take part. Let your child help in a way that suits their age. A toddler might love passing you the lights or hanging soft decorations. Older kids can decide where things go or make something themselves to hang up. Don’t expect a Pinterest-perfect tree, expect stories, laughter, and maybe a few crooked ornaments. That’s the charm.

Playing games is a true holiday staple. For young kids, try Christmas bingo with pictures instead of numbers so even toddlers can join. A dice game with fun challenges is also a hit: sing a carol, jump like a reindeer or give someone a hug. Simple, silly, and full of joy. Family game night belongs at the Christmas table just as much as fairy lights and hot chocolate. Try a holiday quiz, drawing and guessing game with Christmas words, or a board game everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a small group or a full house, games create those real connection moments. Sometimes a bit too competitive, often full of laughter, but always together.

Scavenger hunts are always a win, especially during the holidays. Hide small Christmas items, pretend gifts or clue cards around the house and let the kids search for them. Keep it simple or create a story, like an elf who lost something and needs their help. For young kids, use visual clues or color codes to guide them. For older ones, make it a bit trickier with rhymes, riddles or mini challenges. You decide how big it gets, but one thing’s for sure: it brings energy, laughter and a lot of fun.

Let your child’s imagination take center stage. Start with a few fun elements: a lost elf, a talking snowman, or a top-secret Christmas mission. Then take turns adding to the story. You can tell it out loud or write it down to revisit later. Do they love to draw? Turn it into a picture book. More into drama? Turn the story into a little play and perform it for the rest of the family. Whether it’s total chaos or surprisingly cohesive, it’s the kind of activity that brings everyone out of their routine. And it often creates memories you’ll talk about for years to come.

Whether it’s during the school break or just a rainy winter day, doing something together makes everything a bit more special. Crafts, snacks, a board game or a little DIY gift; you don’t need much. No complex plans, just simple ideas to make real moments together.