What are easy Christmas crafts for kids?

Paper snowflakes, salt-dough ornaments, handprint wreaths — the first group above. All three work for a four-year-old with help.

What can kids do outside at Christmas?

Snowman, sledding, a lights walk after dark with a checklist of things to spot. No snow: the lights walk still works.

How do I do a Christmas countdown with kids?

One small thing a day from December 1 — a craft, a story, a game from this list. A paper chain with one activity written on each link does the scheduling for you.

30 Christmas Activities for Kids (Crafts, Games, Baking)

Children enjoying Christmas crafts and activities with festive decorations

Quick answer

30 activities in six groups.
The crafts and games need nothing you don't already have; the outdoor ones need snow or at least cold.
One activity a day from December 1 is plenty — that's the countdown, and it's more than most families manage.

Creative Christmas Crafts

Crafts first — they need nothing you don't have and they're the ones that end up on the tree.

Create custom ornaments using salt dough and paint. This simple recipe involves mixing flour, salt, and water to form a dough that can be shaped into various holiday-themed designs. Once baked, children can paint their creations with bright colors.
Craft paper snowflakes to decorate windows. Teach children how to fold and snip paper to create intricate snowflake patterns. Each design is unique, just like real snowflakes.
Make handprint wreaths with green construction paper. Trace and cut out handprints, then arrange them in a circular pattern to form a wreath. Decorate with red pom-poms to mimic holly berries.
Assemble Santa and reindeer puppets using paper bags. Encourage kids to design their own characters with googly eyes and felt accessories, sparking imaginative play.
Design holiday cards with stamps and glitter. Provide a variety of stamps featuring Christmas symbols, and let children embellish their cards with glitter for a sparkling touch.

Festive Outdoor Activities

For when there's snow, or at least a cold afternoon and a hill.

Build a snowman with a carrot nose and button eyes. Use a scarf and hat to give your snowman character. Challenge kids to create snow families or snow pets to expand the scene.
Host a Christmas lights scavenger hunt in the neighborhood. Create a list of specific decorations to find, such as a star, a reindeer, or a nativity scene. This activity encourages observation and adds excitement to evening strolls.
Go sledding on a nearby hill. Find the perfect slope and enjoy the thrill of racing down on sleds. Make sure to dress warmly and practice safety.
Create a snow fort for imaginative play. Use shovels and buckets to construct walls and towers, and let kids pretend they are defending a castle or exploring an arctic base.
Organize a family snowball fight. Set boundaries and rules to ensure everyone has fun. Build snow barricades for added strategy and excitement.

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Magical Storytime and Movies

For the evening. One story, one film, cocoa.

Read 'The Night Before Christmas' together. This timeless poem creates a sense of wonder and anticipation for Christmas Eve. Have children read along or take turns narrating.
Watch 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' as a family. This classic tale of acceptance and friendship is a holiday staple. Discuss the story's themes and characters afterward.
Host a Christmas movie marathon with hot cocoa. Select a variety of films, from animated favorites to heartwarming live-action stories. Set up a snack bar with popcorn and seasonal treats.
Create a storytime nook with pillows and blankets. Designate a corner of the room for reading, complete with soft lighting and cozy seating. Rotate books to keep the selection fresh.
Listen to Christmas audiobooks during quiet time. Choose from classics like 'A Christmas Carol' or humorous tales by modern authors. Audiobooks are great for winding down after a busy day.

Family building a snowman and playing in the snow

Traditional Christmas Baking

Baking is the activity kids remember; the cookies are a side effect.

Bake gingerbread cookies and decorate with icing. Use cookie cutters in festive shapes and let children design their own gingerbread people. Provide a variety of toppings for added creativity.
Make a yule log cake together. This dessert resembles a wooden log and is often decorated with frosting 'bark' and meringue mushrooms. Involve kids in the rolling and icing process.
Prepare peppermint bark as a sweet treat. Layer melted chocolate and crushed candy canes for a simple yet festive dessert. Break into pieces and package as gifts.
Assemble a gingerbread house. Use icing as 'glue' to attach walls and roofs, then decorate with candies. Encourage kids to add their own architectural flair.
Mix and bake sugar cookies with holiday shapes. Use different colored icings and sprinkles to decorate. These cookies make great gifts for friends and neighbors.

Interactive Christmas Games

Games for when there are cousins in the house.

Play 'Pin the Nose on Rudolph' using a blindfold. Create a large poster of Rudolph and let kids take turns trying to pin a red nose in the right spot. Offer small prizes for participation.
Host a Christmas charades night. Write down holiday-themed activities or characters on slips of paper, and have players act them out without speaking. This game encourages creativity and communication.
Organize a 'Find the Candy Cane' treasure hunt. Hide candy canes around the house or yard, and provide clues to lead kids to each one. This activity combines problem-solving and excitement.
Play a holiday version of musical chairs. Use festive music and holiday-themed items as 'chairs,' such as large pillows or small rugs. Ensure there is one less item than players.
Have a Christmas bingo night with themed cards. Create bingo cards with holiday images or words, and use small candies as markers. Celebrate winners with small seasonal prizes.

Countdown to Christmas

Ways to count the days down — one thing a day from December 1.

Make an advent calendar with small gifts or treats. Fill each day with a surprise, from candies to small toys, or even notes with activities or kind deeds.
Create a paper chain countdown with daily activities. Write a fun task or activity on each link, such as baking cookies or watching a Christmas movie, and remove one link each day.
Use a Christmas countdown to mark each day. These messages can include the child's name and details about their accomplishments, adding a magical touch to the countdown.
Read a new Christmas story each night. Choose from a variety of books, ensuring a mix of classic and contemporary tales. This builds a nightly routine and fosters a love for reading.
Have a daily Christmas joke or riddle session. Share a festive joke or riddle each day to start the morning with smiles and laughter, setting a joyful tone for the day.

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