63 Best Christmas Activities You Can Do All December Long
These holiday ideas for kids, adults and families will get everyone into the spirit.
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Tis the season for hot chocolate, sweaters and cookies galore! It’s getting closer and closer to Christmas, so the time has come to celebrate. That means snuggling in for Christmas movie marathons and brushing off all your best tree decorating ideas. But in the rush of the busy holiday season, it can also be hard to slow down and think more intentionally about how you want to celebrate. That’s why we compiled this list of the best Christmas activities! You can use these ideas as a bucket list for the holiday season, or browse them for inspiration for your next Christmas party.
Whether you prefer quiet ways to give back or big, festive gatherings, there are ideas for every style of celebration. These activities are great for all ages, from making Christmas crafts for kids to planning epic party games for adults. And the best part is you can enjoy them all December long. So what are you waiting for?
Watch a tree lighting
This is one of the best ways to kick off the Christmas season. Attend a local tree lighting ceremony, or just watch the Rockefeller lighting on TV. It’s a festive gathering that will usually include Christmas tunes and even some hot chocolate, so cozy up and get ready to count down.
Host a white elephant gift swap
Host a white elephant gift exchange with friends or coworkers. Put a price limit on the gifts, or set another theme: All the gifts have to be something funny, something from a thrift store, only food items, etc.
Play Christmas Trivia
Host some Christmas trivia, quizzing your friends on interesting Christmas facts. Buy some fancy hot chocolate and mini candy canes to give to the winner as a prize.
Make a wreath
The prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door. That includes a gorgeous wreath! Get inspired and make a DIY Christmas wreath to bring some holiday spirit to your home.
Do a good deed
Christmas is a good time to be thankful for your blessings and help those who are less fortunate. It can be as simple as giving a genuine compliment or more involved like a full day of volunteering at the soup kitchen. Either way, it will bring more joy into the world and make you feel good, too
Sing Christmas karaoke
You already know all the words to your favorite Christmas songs, so why not belt them out? You can even turn it into a game, where singers have to skip certain words like santa or tree. If they mess up, they’re out
Shop a holiday market
Shop local for the cutest presents that have a positive impact on your community, too. Christmas fairs and craft markets aren’t just an adorably festive way to spend the day, they’ll also support local businesses.
Visit a senior
The holidays can be a lonely time for those without family close by. Visit a senior living facility to bring some festive cheer to anyone who may be feeling lonely without visitors. You’ll both end the visit with a smile.
Make a Christmas treat (other than cookies)
Try making a yule log, or whatever figgy pudding is. We love baking (and eating!) cookies, but there are so many other sweet treats out there too for some holiday baking
RELATED: Festive Christmas Desserts to Get You in the Sweet Holiday Spirit
Play games by the tree
It’s a lot of work to set up and decorate the tree, so make the most of it! Set up a board game or puzzle in front of your evergreen to enjoy family time with an unbeatable view.
Play Christmas "I Spy"
When you’re out running errands, going to and from school, or doing some Christmas shopping, have the kids play Christmas I Spy. Have them look out the windows and try to spot Christmas wreaths, lights, inflatables and more.
Gift a teacher or other cherished friend
Is there somebody who does a lot for you who you don’t typically buy a present for? Try getting them a heartfelt gift to show your gratitude, or even hand make them something. There’s no better way to show your appreciation.
Go ice skating
This is a classic winter activity. Even if you slip a couple times, it will be fun to be gliding around the ice by the end of your visit. Don’t forget to bundle up — and drink some hot chocolate after.
Wear matching pajamas
Get cozy in some adorable matching pajama sets. Whether or not you take a family picture in them, it’ll make fun Christmas memories together — and you can enjoy the pajamas again and again.
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.
Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years' of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader's Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS.
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