25+ Best Christmas Activities (Printable + Reels)

Christmas is a time of celebration and joy. It’s also an excellent opportunity for children to develop their fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, buttoning clothes, and using utensils.

Therefore, performing activities that promote these skills during the Christmas season can be beneficial for children.

Amazing Christmas Activities for Kids

Decorating The Christmas Tree Activity

This activity allows children to be part of the holiday preparations, helping to dress the tree with beautiful ornaments and learning about holiday customs.

Materials: Christmas tree, baubles, lights, tree topper (star or angel), hooks or strings for ornaments.

How to Do:

1. Start by spreading out the tree branches if it’s artificial to make it full and even.
2. Wrap the lights around the tree, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
3. Begin hanging the larger ornaments first, spacing them evenly around the tree.
4. Fill in the gaps with smaller ornaments, ensuring that the tree is balanced.
5. Finally, place the tree topper at the highest point of the tree.
6. You can watch our reel for better guidance.

Making Christmas Tree Ornaments Out Of Recycled Materials

This activity encourages kids to see the potential in everyday objects by transforming them into festive decorations.

Materials: Old light bulbs, recyclable items, white, black, and red paint, fabric scraps, buttons, ribbons, and glue for decoration.

How to Do:

1. Paint your light bulb or bottle caps white to create a snowman base. Let it dry completely.
2. Use the black paint to add features like eyes, mouth, and a hat. Red paint can be used for a scarf or other accents.
3. Glue on fabric for the scarf and buttons for the coat, or use paint to add these details.
4. Attach a ribbon or string to your ornament so it can hang from the tree.

Making Christmas Wreaths Activity

Making a Christmas wreath is a fun project for kids to practice their cutting and gluing skills, creating a colorful and festive wreath to display.

Materials: Green construction paper or cardstock leaves, a paper plate or cardboard ring base, glue or a stapler for assembly, and optional paper bows or candles for holiday charm.

How to Do:

1. Cut the center out of the paper plate or cardboard to create a ring, which will be the base of your wreath.
2. Cut out many leaf shapes from the green paper or cardstock.
3. Start gluing or stapling the leaves around the cardboard ring, overlapping them to create a full look.
4. Once the ring is covered, add a paper bow and other stuff to decorate your wreath.
5. If you make a paper candle, attach it to the bottom center of the wreath.

Playing with Playdough Activity

Creating Christmas tree ornaments from recycled materials is not only a fun and eco-friendly crafting activity but also a great way to teach children about sustainability.

Materials: Bottle caps, fabric scraps, old buttons, paper, non-toxic paint or markers for decoration, glue for assembly, and ribbons or strings for hanging the ornaments.

How to Do:

1. Collect various recycled materials you can use to create ornaments.
2. Decide on what each ornament will be and gather the materials specific for it.
3. Paint or decorate the materials as needed and let them dry.
4. Glue the pieces together to form your ornament shapes like snowmen, trees, or stars.
5. Attach a ribbon or string to each ornament so it can be hung on the tree.

Making Paper Chains Activity

Making paper chains is a classic and fun craft that’s perfect for decorating any space. Kids can create colorful chains to add a festive touch to their surroundings, especially during the holiday season.

Materials: Construction or colored paper, scissors for cutting strips, and glue or staples for connecting the strips into loops.

How to Do:

1. Cut your colored paper into even strips.
2. Take one strip of paper and form it into a circle, securing the ends with glue or a staple.
3. Thread the next strip of paper through the first loop and secure it to form a second circle.
4. Continue adding more strips, alternating colors as you like, to create a chain.

Christmas Shapes Activity

The Christmas Shapes Activity is a joyful and interactive way to celebrate the holiday season while developing important skills.

Materials: Sheet of paper with printed Christmas tree and cut-out spaces, optionally secured with glue or double-sided tape.

How to Do:

1. Look at the empty shapes on the Christmas tree and identify the shapes.
2. Match the cut-out paper shapes with the corresponding shapes on the tree.
3. Carefully place each shape into its correct space on the tree.
4. If desired, stick the shapes down with glue or double-sided tape.

Making Christmas Ornaments Activity

Making Christmas ornaments is perfect for kids as it allows them to create personal, handmade decorations that can be treasured for years to come.

Materials: Items such as popsicle sticks, beads, pipe cleaners, cotton, and ribbon, along with paints in festive colors like red, white, and green.

How to Do:

1. Choose what kind of ornament you’d like to make. it can be a Santa, a wreath, or a Christmas tree, for example.
2. If you’re using popsicle sticks, you can paint them first and let them dry.
3. Arrange the items into your desired shape and glue them together.
4. Add details like cotton for Santa’s beard or sequins for decorations on a tree.
5. Attach a ribbon so you can hang your ornament.

Making Christmas Stockings Activity

Making Christmas stockings is a festive and crafty activity for kids to engage in during the holiday season. It’s a fun way for them to create a personalized decoration that can be filled with small gifts and treats.

Materials: Christmas-colored felt or fabric cut into stocking shapes using scissors, along with glue, needle, and thread for sewing.

How to Do:

1. Cut out two stocking shapes from your chosen fabric or felt.
2. Decorate the front piece of your stocking with sequins, beads, or other decorations.
3. Once the front is decorated, glue or sew the two pieces together, leaving the top open.
4. Add a loop of ribbon or fabric at the top so it can be hung up.

Making Paper Snowflakes Activity

Making paper snowflakes is a magical and creative activity that captures the beauty of winter. It’s perfect for kids to improve their scissors skills and learn about symmetry and patterns.

Materials: Printable snowflake templates, scissors for cutting snowflake shapes, optional glitter/sparkle pens for decoration.

How to Do:

1. Choose a snowflake template and print it out.
2. Place the template on a flat surface and carefully cut along the border lines with safety scissors.
3. Once you’ve finished cutting, unfold the paper to reveal your snowflake.
4. If desired, add glitter or use sparkle pens to decorate your snowflake.

Painting Ornaments Activity

Painting ornaments is a festive activity that lets kids let go of their creativity on a small, three-dimensional canvas. Whether for the Christmas tree or as a gift, each painted ornament can be a little masterpiece of their making.

Materials: Plain ornaments (wood, ceramic, etc.), non-toxic acrylic paints, brushes, optional glitter/stickers, and clear varnish for protection (adult supervision required).

How to Do:

1. Choose an ornament and plan your design.
2. Paint a base coat if necessary and let it dry.
3. Sketch your design with a pencil if you need a guide.
4. Use acrylic paints to add color and details to your ornament.
5. Allow the paint to dry completely between layers if you’re adding different colors.
6. Once the final design is dry, an adult can apply a clear varnish to protect the paint.
7. Attach a string or hook to display your ornament.

Playing with Lacing Cards Activity

Lacing cards are a wonderful tool for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience in children. This activity involves threading string or shoelaces through holes in sturdy cards shaped like familiar objects or characters.

Materials: Lacing cards (pre-made or homemade from cardboard), yarn, string, or shoelaces, and optionally tape for sealing string ends.

How to Do:

1. Start with choosing a lacing card and a piece of string.
2. Tie a knot at one end of the string or add a little tape to create a ‘needle.’
3. Begin threading the string through the holes in the lacing card, starting from the top.
4. Lace the string through the holes in any pattern you like to outline the shape or crisscross.
5. Once you’ve finished, you can either tie off the end or leave a little slack to undo and redo.

Playing With Puzzles Activity

Puzzles are fantastic tools for mental development and fun. Engaging with puzzles helps children improve their problem-solving skills, relating to awareness, and hand-eye coordination.

Materials: Puzzle pieces with Christmas-themed images, flat surface for assembly.

How to Do:

1. Give your kids our printable.
2. Cut and throw the random puzzle pieces on your flat surface, picture side up.
3. Look for edge pieces to create the border of the puzzle.
4. Identify areas of the image on each piece to help place them together, like Santa’s suit or the reindeer’s antlers.
5. Gradually connect pieces, working towards completing sections of the picture.
6. Continue until the entire image is assembled correctly.

Decorating Cookies Activity

Decorating cookies is a lovely and tasty activity perfect for promoting creativity and holiday cheer. This activity is loved by both kids and adults. It lets everyone show their creative side by making art out of food.

Materials: Plain cookies, icing or frosting in various colors, sprinkles, candies, edible decorations, piping bags or small spatulas.

How to Do:

1. Set up a clean workspace and lay out all your cookies and decorating materials.
2. Choose a cookie to start with and plan your design.
3. Use the icing to create a base layer or to draw shapes and patterns.
4. Add sprinkles, candies, or other decorations to improve your design.
5. Allow the icing to set if necessary before handling or eating the cookies.

Making Christmas Cards Activity

Creating Christmas cards not only improve creativity but also adds a special, personal touch to holiday greetings. It’s perfect for kids to craft a special message for friends and family.

Materials: Blank cards or cardstock, decorative items (cut-out shapes, stickers, glitter, ribbons), markers, colored pencils, pens, glue, or double-sided tape.

How to Do:

1. Decide on a theme or design for your Christmas card.
2. Write a festive message inside the card first, so it doesn’t get dirty later.
3. Decorate the front of the card with your chosen materials, creating a Christmas scene or pattern.
4. Attach any 3D elements like ribbons or cut-out shapes to add texture.
5. Allow any glue to dry completely before handling or mailing the card.

Playing With Stickers Activity

Playing with stickers is a fantastic and engaging activity for children that can help develop fine motor skills and creativity.

Materials: Printed worksheet with Christmas-themed picture, numbered stickers or colored stickers, optional crayons or markers for decoration.

How to Do:

1. Lay out your worksheet on a flat surface.
2. Match the numbered stickers with the numbers on the worksheet.
3. Carefully peel the stickers and place them in the correct spots on the Christmas cap.
4. Press down on the stickers to make sure they are securely attached.
5. For a better idea of how to perform this activity, you can watch our reels, which my kids have performed.

Wrapping Gifts Activity

Wrapping gifts is an activity that combines creativity with the joy of giving. It’s a great way for children to be involved in the holiday preparations, learning how to package presents in a way that makes them special for the recipients.

Materials: Festive wrapping paper, scissors, tape, ribbons, bows, decorative items, tags for addressing gifts.

How to Do:

1. Measure and cut the wrapping paper to fit the size of the gift.
2. Place the gift on the paper and fold the paper around it, securing it with tape.
3. Fold in the sides of the paper and tape them down neatly.
4. Add ribbons or bows and stick or tie them onto the package for decoration.
5. Write a name on a tag and attach it to the gift to indicate who it’s for.

Writing Letters To Santa Activity

Writing letters to Santa is a cherished tradition that allows children to communicate their Christmas wishes directly to the North Pole. It’s a fun way for them to practice their writing skills and express their hopes for the holiday season.

Materials: Festive letter template or stationery, pens, pencils, markers, optional stickers or stamps for decoration, envelope for mailing.

How to Do:

1. Begin the letter with a greeting to Santa.
2. Introduce yourself and share how you’ve behaved this year.
3. List the gifts you’d like to receive, being as clear and specific as possible.
4. Include a thank you to Santa for considering your wishes.
5. Sign your name at the end of the letter.
6. Decorate the letter with drawings, stickers, or stamps.
7. Place the letter in the envelope and address it to Santa at the North Pole.

Writing Thank You Notes Activity

Writing thank-you notes is a thoughtful way to express gratitude for gifts received or kindness shown. It’s a personal touch that teaches children the importance of acknowledging others’ generosity, especially after the holiday season.

Materials: Thank-you note cards or stationery, pens or pencils for writing, envelopes for holding the notes.

How to Do:

1. Start with “Dear [Name],” addressing the person who gave you a gift or did something nice for you.
2. Write a specific thank you for the gift or act of kindness, mentioning what it was and how it made you feel.
3. Mention how you plan to use the gift or what you enjoyed most about it.
4. Conclude with a warm closing statement, like “Happy New Year,” to wish them well.
5. Sign off with “Love,” “Sincerely,” or another appropriate sign-off and your name.
6. Place the note in an envelope, address it, and mail it or deliver it in person.

Making Santa Activity

Creating a Santa Claus craft is a wonderful way for kids to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s a fun and interactive activity where they can use various materials to bring the jolly figure to life.

Materials: Printed or drawn outline of Santa Claus, cotton balls, red and white craft paper or paints for hat and face, glue for sticking, markers or crayons for additional coloring.

How to Do:

1. Color Santa’s hat with red paint or markers.
2. Use glue to apply cotton balls to the areas for Santa’s beard and the trim of his hat.
3. Color in Santa’s face with flesh-toned markers, crayons, or paint.
4. Optionally, use small pompoms or buttons to decorate the hat or make Santa’s eyes.

Making Snow Globes Activity

Making a snow globe is an attractive and creative project for kids that can capture the essence of winter or the festive spirit of Christmas. With a few simple materials, children can create their own miniature winter wonderland.

Materials: Clear jar with tight-sealing lid, figurines or decorations, fake snow, glitter, small white beads, glycerin or clear glue, purified water, strong waterproof glue.

How to Do:

1. Glue your chosen figurines or decorations to the inside of the jar lid and let it dry completely.
2. Fill the jar with purified water, leaving some space at the top.
3. Add a spoonful of glycerin or clear glue to the water to thicken it, which helps the snow fall more slowly.
4. Sprinkle in your fake snow or glitter.
5. Once the lid is dry, screw it tightly onto the jar. You may want to glue the lid down to prevent leaks.
6. Turn the jar over and watch the snow fall around your scene!

Playing With Building Blocks Activity

Playing with building blocks is a fundamental and enjoyable activity that helps children develop their motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It’s an engaging way for them to learn about shapes, colors, balance, and construction.

Materials: Set of building blocks in various shapes, sizes, and colors, flat surface as foundation.

How to Do:

1. Sort the blocks by color, size, or shape to familiarize yourself with the pieces you have.
2. Start stacking the blocks to create a structure, like a tower, bridge, or house.
3. Experiment with different patterns and combinations of blocks.
4. Challenge yourself to make taller or more complex structures.

Playing With Sensory Bins Activity

Sensory bins are a hands on way for children to explore different textures and stimulate their senses. These play setups encourage imaginative play, fine motor skill development, and can be themed for fun learning activities, like this one with a festive twist!

Materials: Large bin or container, sensory materials (rice, beans, sand), themed items (colored pompoms, small bells, holiday-themed trinkets), tools for digging and scooping (spoons, small cups).

How to Do:

1. Fill your bin with the chosen sensory base, spreading it evenly.
2. Mix in your themed items hide some beneath the surface for a treasure hunt effect.
3. Provide tools for your child to dig, scoop, and explore the bin.
4. Encourage them to find specific items or sort them by color or shape.

Stringing Popcorn Garlands Activity

Stringing popcorn garlands is a lovely and traditional activity that is perfect for family bonding during the holidays. It’s an easy, hands-on craft that improves fine motor skills and can be used to decorate with a charming, homemade feel.

Materials: Plain popped popcorn (preferably stale), strong thread, dental floss or thin string, a needle with a large eye for threading, optionally dried fruits, and cranberries.

How to Do:

1. Cut a length of string to your desired garland size.
2. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end of the string.
3. Carefully push the needle through the center of each popcorn piece and slide it to the bottom of the string.
4. Add in optional dried fruits, cranberries, or beads at intervals for color.
5. Continue until the garland reaches your preferred length, then tie off the end.

Making gingerbread houses

Making gingerbread houses is a great way to develop fine motor skills in children.

They can practice cutting, gluing, and decorating the house with candy and icing. This activity can also improve their creativity and imagination.

Making hot cocoa

Making hot cocoa is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their fine motor skills.

They can practice measuring, stirring, and pouring the ingredients into the mug. This activity can also improve their attention to detail and patience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Christmas season offers many opportunities for children to develop their fine motor skills through various traditions and activities.

Not only are these activities fun and enjoyable, but they can also provide long-term benefits for their development.