64 Great Christmas Activities For Kids, Adults, and Families

Host a caroling party.

From the songbooks to the spread to the decorations, we have everything you need to host a special caroling party for friends.

How to host a caroling party.

Play Christmas movie bingo.

Make button ornaments.

Raid the craft closet for this truly last-minute gift or present topper. To make, cut a 14-inch-long piece of craft wire and bend in the middle to create a U-shape. Thread both ends of the wire through button holes, starting with the brown buttons for the stump, then moving on to the body of the tree in largest-to-smallest order. Top with a yellow wooden craft bead, then use needle-nose pliers to twist the remaining wire into a loop. Thread a ribbon
through the loop to hang.

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Host a Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner.

Gather your loved ones and serve this traditional Christmas Eve meal. Find out everything you need to know and plan your meal with our Feast of the Seven Fishes guide.

Watch the Nutcracker.

Visit a small town.

Whether you head into the nearby countryside or hop on a plane, the U.S. is dotted with amazing Christmas towns worth a visit this holiday season.

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Try a new Elf on the Shelf.

Wear matching pajamas.

Let a goat eat your tree.

Organizations like the Philly Goat Project give a sustainably minded second life to Christmas trees by turning them into goat food after the holidays. If a similar operation exists near you, it's the perfect way to extend the magic of the holidays and spend some quality time with farm animals.

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Host an ice-skating social.

Make your own garland.

While you can certainly make your own strands of Christmas garland from faux pine or other greenery, why not step outside of the box this holiday season? There are tons of ideas for creative garlands, such as popcorn garland, dried fruit garland, or garland made out of mittens!

SHOP TWINE

Build a snowman.

You don't need a lot of snow to sculpt a charming design with classic elements like a carrot nose and eyes made from coal or stones. If it isn't a white Christmas where you live, you can make an easy snowman craft or snowman ornament instead.

SHOP SNOWMAN KIT

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Cross-stitch some Christmas merriment.

While you're watching Hallmark Christmas movies, try stitching a sweet something for a friend, teacher, or relative. These 4" cross-stitch patterns make gifts that sleigh. (Sorry, not sorry!)

Try a non-tree tree.

Not into a fresh Fraser fir or a pre-lit flocked beauty? No worries. Think outside the tree by creating a tree shape out of items you already have, or, arrange holiday photos and cards in a tree shape on a blank wall. Check out more alternative tree ideas here.

SHOP GALVANIZED BUCKETS

Go on a winter scavenger hunt.

Arrange a winter scavenger hunt for kids by having them find animals and plants they are likely to see outside. You can also collect items to repurpose (like these pine cone crafts).

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Add cheer to your front door.

Doors aren't just for wreaths! Try a pair of vintage ice skates packed with fresh greenery from around your yard. Bonus: you can leave it up through February without the neighbors talking!

SHOP ICE SKATES

Decorate a tabletop tree.

Add a tree to a small space by plopping a 3" variety on the table. Sprinkle on a few ornaments and garland, and you're done!

SHOP TABLETOP TREES

Hold a neighborhood cookie swap.

With all that beautiful Christmas cookie decorating you've been toiling away at all month, you should show off your cookie skills by hosting a cookie swap with your neighbors. Share recipes and ideas and taste the delicious batches of cookies your neighbors have whipped up!

SHOP HOLIDAY COOKIE BOXES

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Hang stockings by the fireplace.

Play secret Santa.

If you have a large family or group of friends, Secret Santa is a perfect way for gift giving that doesn't break the bank. Most games set a spending limit so that you can find cheap Christmas gifts or DIY Christmas gifts that are thoughtful and tailored to the person whose name you picked. Dress up solid paper with colorful yarn pom poms!

SHOP YARN

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