60 Christmas activities for kids to spread holiday cheer

Christmas. The most wonderful (and let’s be honest, chaotic) time of the year.

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 It’s the season of Christmas carols, wrapping paper mountains, questionable Santa photos, and kids bouncing off the walls thanks to a sugar-fuelled diet of candy canes and advent calendar chocolates.

If you’ve got little ones at home, you’ll know the magic of Christmas can sometimes feel like a full-time job—especially when the school holidays stretch on and on.

But don’t panic. Whether your kids are toddlers with an attention span shorter than a Christmas cracker joke or tweens who think they’re too cool for holiday fun, there are loads of activities to keep them busy, engaged, and (hopefully) off their screens for a bit.

This list has something for everyone: games, crafts, baking, festive cheer for the whole family and even a few sneaky learning activities disguised as festive fun.

Christmas games and activities for kids

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Whether it’s a sunny Christmas Day (hello, Australian summer!) or a stormy one keeping everyone indoors, there are plenty of ways to channel your kids’ boundless energy. From classic games to modern twists, here are some festive favourites to keep the little ones entertained.

1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt (Ages: 3+)

This is a guaranteed hit, especially if your kids love a bit of adventure. Write up a list of festive items for them to find around the house or garden—think candy canes, ornaments, small gifts, wrapping paper scraps, or something sparkly. Add clues for older kids to make it a bit trickier, and for toddlers, use simple photo clues instead of written ones.

Bonus tip: Hide a few small surprises (stickers, chocolates, or Christmas crackers) at the end for added excitement.

2. Snowball Toss (Ages: 2–10)

Since snow is not always forthcoming in every country, why not DIY it? Grab some white socks, scrunch them into “snowballs,” and set up a bucket or a few hoops for tossing practice. Little ones will love the chaos of hurling them around, while older kids can compete for points by aiming at targets.

3. Pin the Nose on Rudolph (Ages: 3–8)

A festive twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Draw or print a big picture of Rudolph, complete with a bright red nose. Blindfold the kids, spin them around, and let them try to stick the nose in the right place. Prepare for giggles when Rudolph ends up with a nose on his antlers.

4. Festive Freeze Dance (Ages: 2+)

Pop on a playlist of Christmas bangers (Mariah Carey is non-negotiable), and have the kids dance their hearts out. When the music stops, they must freeze like a Christmas statue. Add a twist by making them freeze in themed poses—like a snowman, a reindeer, or a Christmas tree.

5. Elf Olympics (Ages: 5–12)

Create a series of outdoor challenges like sack races (use pillowcases for “Santa’s sack”), an obstacle course, or balancing a wrapped gift on their head while walking. Divide them into teams if you have a crowd, or let each child compete individually for fun prizes like candy canes or a DIY certificate for “Top Elf.”

6. DIY Christmas Escape Room (Ages: 8–14)

Got older kids? Design a Christmas-themed escape room in your living room. Lock “Santa’s workshop” (aka a cupboard) and give them clues to unlock it—maybe a puzzle to decode, a maze, or a hidden key under a Christmas decoration. Make it as easy or challenging as you like.

7. Ornament Relay Race (Ages: 4–10)

Divide the kids into teams and give each team a spoon and a bauble. The goal? Race to the other side of the yard or room and back without dropping the ornament. Expect lots of laughs—and maybe a few smashed baubles, so stick with unbreakable ones!

8. Christmas Charades (Ages: 5+)

Write down Christmas-themed actions or characters (wrapping a gift, building a snowman, Santa stuck in a chimney) and let the kids act them out while everyone else guesses.

9. Gingerbread Man Hide-and-Seek (Ages: 2–6)

Similar to hide-and-seek, but with a twist: hide a plush gingerbread man (or a picture of one) somewhere in the house. The kids must search for it, hot-or-cold style, while you offer clues.

10. Outdoor Candy Cane Hunt (Ages: 2+)

Think Easter egg hunt but festive. Scatter candy canes around the garden or park and let the kids go wild finding them. To avoid fights over how many each child collects, give them a specific number or colour to find.

11. Christmas Trivia Quiz (Ages: 6+)

Create a family-friendly Christmas quiz with fun facts and silly questions. Sample questions: “How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh?” or “What’s the most popular Christmas carol in Australia?” For younger ones, simplify the questions or use picture clues.

12. Christmas Puzzle Race (Ages: 5–12)

Buy a few small Christmas puzzles and divide the kids into teams to see who can complete theirs first. For a twist, mix up the pieces between the puzzles and watch the chaos unfold as they work together to sort them.

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Christmas decorations and lights

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There’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas decorations – twinkling lights, sparkly baubles, and DIY creations that somehow always feature a bit too much glitter. Getting kids involved in Christmas crafts and decking the halls not only keeps them entertained but also helps them feel like they’re part of the festive prep.

1. DIY Baubles (Ages: 3+)

Let the kids personalise the tree with homemade ornaments. Start with clear plastic baubles (readily available at craft stores) and let them fill them with glitter, sequins, or even small notes about what they love about Christmas. Older kids can paint designs on the outside for an extra creative touch. This isn’t just another one of the kids Christmas activities, but you can keep these Christmas ornaments for years to come.

2. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt (Ages: 2+)

Explore your neighbourhood’s Christmas lights with the family this holiday season. Hand out a checklist of things to spot: reindeer, snowmen, Santa, or even an inflatable holiday-themed character. This is a great low-prep activity that gets everyone in the holiday spirit.

3. Handprint or Footprint Art (Ages: 2–6)

Turn little handprints and footprints into festive keepsakes. Paint their palms green to create Christmas trees, or use a footprint as the base for a reindeer design. Add some googly eyes and glitter, and you’ve got a holiday masterpiece to hang up or gift to grandparents.

4. Paper Snowflakes (Ages: 5–12)

Teach your kids the classic art of paper snowflake cutting. Fold up squares of paper, snip away, and watch their excitement as they unfold their designs. For extra pizzazz, use glitter paper or decorate them with metallic markers. This is a great paper Christmas tree craft.

5. Popcorn Garlands (Ages: 5–10)

This old-school decoration is making a comeback. String together popcorn and cranberries (or brightly coloured beads) to create garlands for the tree. Just make sure you supervise closely—tiny hands can get creative with sharp needles!

6. DIY Wreath-Making (Ages: 6–12)

Let your kids help create a wreath for the front door. Use a foam base or a wire frame, then decorate with greenery, ribbons, pinecones, and baubles. For younger kids, you can make mini wreaths using pipe cleaners and beads.

7. Bottle Cap Christmas Characters (Ages: 4–10)

Upcycle old bottle caps into festive characters. Paint them as Santa, Rudolph, or snowmen, and attach a ribbon to hang them on the tree. This is a great option for crafty kids and helps keep costs down by reusing materials.

8. Outdoor Chalk Lights (Ages: 3+)

Grab some colourful chalk and let the kids draw a string of Christmas lights on the pavement or driveway. They can go wild creating different shapes, sizes, and colours, turning your outdoor area into a Christmas wonderland.

9. Mason Jar Snow Globes (Ages: 6–12)

Transform old jars into magical snow globes. Fill the jar with water, glitter, and a small figurine or festive scene glued to the inside of the lid. Secure it tightly (a bit of glue around the rim doesn’t hurt) and shake away for instant Christmas magic.

10. Festive Window Art (Ages: 4+)

Use washable window markers or homemade window paint (cornflour, water, and food colouring) to let the kids create festive scenes on the windows. From snowflakes to reindeer, it’s a fun and temporary way to add a personal touch to your Christmas décor.

11. Christmas Village Build (Ages: 6–12)

Set up a crafting session to build a Christmas village using cardboard boxes, paper, and paint. Each child can design their own building, from Santa’s workshop to a festive bakery. Display it under the tree or on a mantelpiece for some extra charm.

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Christmas cooking and baking

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If there’s one thing kids love more than Christmas presents, it’s food. From sweet treats to savoury snacks, getting the kids involved in the kitchen is a fantastic way to create holiday memories (and some delicious mess).

1. Gingerbread House Decorating (Ages: 4+)

You can go all out and bake your own gingerbread pieces, but honestly, pre-made kits are lifesavers. Set up a decorating station with icing, lollies, and sprinkles, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. Just be prepared for more lollies ending up in their mouths than on the houses.

2. Christmas Cookie Decorating (Ages: 3+)

Bake a big batch of plain cookies (stars, trees, and gingerbread people are always winners) and set out bowls of coloured icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. For younger kids, pre-make the cookies and let them go straight to decorating; for older kids, involve them in the baking process too. Do it on Christmas Eve so Father Christmas can get a snack at midnight too.

3. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats (Ages: 5+)

Whip up a classic batch of Rice Krispie treats and shape them into small circles or triangles. Add pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red M&M noses to create adorable reindeer. They’re easy, no-bake, and always a crowd-pleaser.

4. DIY Hot Chocolate Bar (Ages: 3+)

Turn an ordinary afternoon into something magical with a DIY hot chocolate bar. Set out mugs, hot chocolate mix, and a range of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings. Let the kids create their own custom drink (and don’t forget the obligatory whipped cream moustaches!).

5. Festive Cupcake Decorating (Ages: 4+)

Bake a batch of cupcakes and let the kids transform them into festive characters. Use green icing and pretzel sticks to make reindeer, white icing and coconut flakes for snowmen, or red and green sprinkles for Christmas trees.

6. Snowman Pancakes (Ages: 3–10)

Start the day with a breakfast treat. Stack three pancakes in decreasing sizes to form a snowman. Add blueberries for buttons, whipped cream for a scarf, and a slice of strawberry for a hat. Older kids can help assemble while little ones enjoy the fun of eating their creations.

7. Christmas Fruit Platter (Ages: 4+)

For a healthier option, challenge the kids to create festive designs with fruit. Think watermelon Christmas trees, strawberry-and-banana candy canes, or a giant platter arranged into a Christmas wreath. They’ll love the creative process (and might even eat more fruit than usual).

8. Santa Hat Brownies (Ages: 5+)

Bake a tray of brownies and cut them into small circles using a cookie cutter. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top, followed by a strawberry to create an adorable “Santa hat.”

9. DIY Pizza Night (Ages: 6–12)

Turn pizza night into a festive event by using cookie cutters to create Christmas tree or star shapes from pizza dough. Set out toppings and let the kids create their own holiday-themed masterpieces.

10. Christmas Cake Pops (Ages: 8–12)

For older kids, cake pops are a fun and fiddly project. Crumble a baked cake, mix it with frosting, and roll it into balls. Dip the balls in melted chocolate, decorate with sprinkles, and pop them on sticks for a festive treat.

11. Snowball Truffles (Ages: 8–12)

Make white chocolate truffles together by mixing melted white chocolate with cream and chilling the mixture until it’s firm. Kids can roll the truffles into balls and coat them in coconut to create “snowballs.”

12. Christmas MasterChef Challenge (Ages: 10+)

For older kids and teens, a Christmas-themed MasterChef challenge is the ultimate way to level up the holiday fun. Give them a set of festive ingredients—think cranberry sauce, gingerbread spices, or leftover turkey—and challenge them to create the best Christmas-inspired dish. Set up a judging panel (you, grandparents, or younger siblings) to pick a winner based on creativity, presentation, and taste. Not only will they have a blast, but you might also end up with a new family favourite dish.

Christmas science activities

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Who says you can’t mix a little learning with Christmas fun? These festive science activities will ignite curiosity and add a dash of wonder to the holidays. Whether you’ve got budding scientists at home or kids who just love hands-on fun, these experiments and projects will make the season a little more magical.

1. Exploding Christmas Volcano (Ages: 5–12)

Transform a papier-mâché or clay volcano into a festive masterpiece. Paint it like a Christmas tree, then add baking soda, vinegar, and green food colouring to make it erupt. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle glitter into the “lava.” Bonus points if the kids want to name it Mount Merry.

2. Candy Cane Dissolving Experiment (Ages: 4–10)

Grab some candy canes and test how quickly they dissolve in different liquids like water, vinegar, or fizzy drinks. Ask the kids to predict which liquid will work fastest and why. It’s a simple activity with a sweet twist (and maybe a sneaky taste test after!).

3. Make a Snowstorm in a Jar (Ages: 5–10)

Create a winter wonderland with just a jar, water, baby oil, white paint, and glitter. Mix water and white paint, pour it into the jar with baby oil, and add glitter. Drop in an antacid tablet, and watch the “snowstorm” come to life.

4. Fizzy Christmas Ornaments (Ages: 5–8)

Mould baking soda and water into ornament shapes (use cookie cutters for fun designs). Once dry, drop them into vinegar and watch them fizz like mini fireworks. It’s an easy and safe introduction to chemical reactions.

5. Magnetic Christmas Tree (Ages: 6–12)

Cut out a paper Christmas tree and add small metal ornaments (paperclips work well). Create a wand using a magnet and let the kids “decorate” the tree by moving the ornaments into place. For older kids, explain the science behind magnets and poles.

6. Christmas Slime (Ages: 5–12)

Who doesn’t love slime? Make it festive by adding red and green food colouring, glitter, or even small Christmas-themed charms. Combine glue, baking soda, and saline solution to create this sensory hit. Just keep it away from the carpet!

7. Melting Snowman Experiment (Ages: 3–8)

Use baking soda, water, and glitter to mould a “snowman.” Add a splash of vinegar, and watch him melt into a frothy puddle. Younger kids will love the magical effect, while older ones can learn about acid-base reactions.

8. Reindeer Egg Drop Challenge (Ages: 8–14)

Challenge older kids to build a “sleigh” that will keep an egg safe when dropped from a height. Use items like straws, tape, and cotton wool to create their designs. It’s a fun engineering activity with a festive twist—and a bit of messy excitement if the sleigh doesn’t hold up!

9. Holiday Shadow Play (Ages: 4–8)

Use a torch and cut-out Christmas shapes (stars, reindeer, trees) to explore the science of light and shadows. Kids can experiment by moving the light source closer or farther to see how the shadows change.

10. Peppermint Scented Playdough (Ages: 3–8)

Make a batch of homemade playdough and add peppermint extract for a festive scent. Encourage kids to shape it into Christmas trees, candy canes, or ornaments. It’s a sensory activity that also strengthens fine motor skills.

11. Ice Ornaments (Ages: 6–10)

Freeze water with natural elements like leaves, berries, or small flowers in a mould (a muffin tin works well). Hang the frozen creations outside and watch how long they last—or let them study how different temperatures affect the melting process.

12. Mini Marshmallow Catapult (Ages: 8–14)

Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon, build a simple catapult. Challenge the kids to launch marshmallows into cups or at a paper target shaped like a Christmas tree. It’s hands-on physics and holiday fun rolled into one.

13. Reindeer Tracks Experiment (Ages: 5–10)

Fill a tray with flour to represent snow and let the kids use various objects to create “reindeer tracks.” They can test how different weights or shapes affect the impressions. It’s a tactile activity that sneaks in a bit of science too.

Christmas math activities

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Maths might not seem like the most festive activity, but trust me, it can be! Add a sprinkle of holiday magic, and suddenly numbers, patterns, and equations become part of the fun.

1. Christmas Countdown Calendar Maths (Ages: 4–10)

Turn the traditional advent calendar into a maths challenge. Instead of just opening a door, kids must solve a simple maths problem to “unlock” the treat. For example, “What’s 5 + 3?” or “How many sides does a snowflake have?” Adjust the difficulty based on their age.

2. Gingerbread Geometry (Ages: 6–12)

Before decorating gingerbread houses, use them to teach basic geometry. Measure the sides, identify shapes (like triangles for the roof), and calculate perimeters or areas. Bonus: they get to eat their maths lesson afterwards.

3. Christmas Shopping Game (Ages: 5–12)

Set up a pretend shop with Christmas items (think toy gifts, candy canes, or handmade ornaments) and give the kids play money. They’ll need to calculate prices, make change, and budget their spending. Older kids can tackle multi-item purchases or discounts.

4. Holiday Weight Guessing Game (Ages: 6–10)

Wrap up a few random household items and have the kids guess their weight before using a kitchen scale to check. Turn it into a competition with points for the closest guesses.

5. Festive Fractions (Ages: 8–12)

Use holiday treats like a pie or pizza to teach fractions. For example, if you cut the pie into 8 slices and eat 2, what fraction is left? If you’re feeling adventurous, let them do the cutting—it’s a maths lesson and a life skill.

6. Christmas Sudoku (Ages: 8–14)

Swap numbers for festive icons like stars, candy canes, or Santa hats in a simple Sudoku puzzle. Print one out or make your own using graph paper. It’s great for logical thinking and problem-solving.

7. Santa’s Sack Estimation Game (Ages: 5–10)

Fill a sack or stocking with small items like baubles or chocolates. Have the kids guess how many are inside, then count them together. Add a maths twist by grouping them into sets of 5 or 10 for quicker counting.

8. Elf Budgeting Challenge (Ages: 8–14)

Pretend the kids are Santa’s elves with a set budget to buy gifts for everyone on their list. Give them imaginary prices for items and let them calculate totals. You can make it harder by introducing sales, taxes, or discounts.

9. Christmas Tree Symmetry (Ages: 6–12)

Draw half of a Christmas tree on paper and challenge the kids to complete the other half so it’s perfectly symmetrical. For a more hands-on activity, fold paper and cut out a symmetrical tree shape.

10. Reindeer Roll and Race (Ages: 3–8)

Create a simple board game featuring a racecourse for Santa’s reindeer. Kids roll a die to move their reindeer forward, counting spaces as they go. Add cards with challenges like “Solve this problem to move forward 2 spaces.”

11. Snowflake Maths (Ages: 7–12)

Use paper snowflakes to explore multiplication and symmetry. Count the points on each snowflake and use them for multiplication problems (e.g., “If each of 5 snowflakes has 6 points, how many points total?”).

12. Christmas Gift Wrapping Maths (Ages: 8–14)

Challenge older kids to calculate the amount of wrapping paper needed for various gifts. They’ll need to measure, multiply, and consider the dimensions of each box. Bonus points if they can wrap the gift neatly afterwards!

Wrapping it up

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Sometimes, these long, festive summer holidays need a bit more action than just lounging by the pool and playing Christmas songs (as amazing as that sounds).

Any one of these Christmas activities for kids will help solve restless, keep spirits high, and make some wonderful memories.