65 Fun Family Christmas Activities You Can Do At No Extra Cost To You

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65+ Free Christmas Bucket List ideas For The Family

The holidays are our special time each year to celebrate family, spending hours sharing stories by the crackling fire and cooking up your favorite recipes in the kitchen.

With school out and the office closed the kids eagerly jump out of bed each morning to discover what festive fun awaits them, thanks to their parents’ planning.

However, as the days go by, the kids might start to get restless.

When you’ve run out of your usual activities, it’s time to think creatively and come up with some new favorite holiday traditions.

From DIY crafting sessions to cookie-baking marathons, these festive activities are designed to be enjoyable for the whole family.

We’ve put together a variety of Christmas activities to match different moods and times, from relaxed movie nights to fun Christmas games, all easily done at home.

So, when the kids wake up and ask what’s on the agenda for the day, you’ll have plenty of exciting ideas ready to go.

Fun Holiday Activities To Do That Are Free:

1. Hang an Advent Calendar

Create a homemade Advent calendar using paper, markers, and some string.

Each day, reveal a special activity or treat written on small pieces of paper, bringing daily joy and anticipation to the holiday season.

2. Write a Letter to Santa

Gather paper, pens, and envelopes, and have each family member write a heartfelt letter to Santa.

This activity encourages creativity and holiday spirit, and you can even “mail” them by placing them in a special mailbox at home.

3. Go Sledding

Head to a nearby hill with your sleds or makeshift ones using household items like plastic lids or trash bags.

Enjoy the exhilarating rush of sledding down the slopes together, free of charge.

4. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

Take a walk around a local Christmas tree farm, enjoying the sights and smells of the festive evergreens.

Even if you don’t buy a tree, the experience can be a joyful family outing.

Related Post: When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree

5. Decorate the Christmas Tree

Bring out your existing ornaments and lights, and let each family member help in decorating the tree. Make it special by sharing memories associated with each ornament as you hang them.

6. Bake Christmas Cookies

Use ingredients you already have to bake a variety of Christmas cookies. Spend time together mixing dough, cutting shapes, and decorating with icing, then enjoy the delicious results.

7. Decorate the Fireplace Mantel

Collect natural items like pinecones, branches, and berries from your yard or a nearby park. Arrange these items creatively on the mantel for a beautiful and rustic holiday display.

8. Make a Big Batch of Spiced Cider

Use apples, cinnamon, and other spices you have in your pantry to brew a fragrant pot of spiced cider.

Enjoy a warm drink together while sharing stories or playing games.

9. Read a Christmas story together

Choose a favorite Christmas storybook and gather around to read it aloud as a family. This simple tradition fosters closeness and brings the magic of Christmas to life.

10. Make and send some Christmas cards

Use paper, markers, and any craft supplies you have at home to make personalized Christmas cards. Write heartfelt messages and send them to friends and family, spreading holiday cheer.

11. watch some classic Christmas films at home

Gather blankets and snacks, and watch classic Christmas movies together. This cozy activity is perfect for relaxing and getting into the holiday spirit.

Related Posts: 24 Best Christmas Movies On Disney Plus

12. See some Christmas lights

Take a walk or drive around your neighborhood to admire the Christmas light displays. Make it a fun adventure by picking your favorite decorated house.

13. Build a snowman

Head outside to build a snowman using the freshly fallen snow. Gather accessories from around the house like scarves, hats, and buttons to give your snowman a unique personality.

14. Host A Caroling Party

Invite friends and neighbors to join you for a caroling party around your neighborhood. Print out lyrics to classic carols, and enjoy spreading holiday cheer through songs together.

Related Posts: 5 Tips For Hosting The Best Christmas Party

15. Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of winter-themed items to find around your neighborhood or local park, such as pinecones, holly, or snowflakes.

Head out as a family for a fun and active scavenger hunt adventure.

16. Make A Non-Tree Tree

Get creative and make a “tree” using items like books, branches, or lights arranged in the shape of a tree.

This can be a fun and eco-friendly alternative to a traditional Christmas tree.

17. Make Your Own Garland

Use materials like popcorn, cranberries, or paper to create homemade garlands.

String them together as a family and use them to decorate your tree, mantel, or any other part of your home.

18. Wear Matching Pajamas

Coordinate a night where everyone in the family wears matching pajamas.

Take photos, play games, and enjoy a cozy evening together, making it a fun and memorable holiday tradition.

19. Try A New Elf On The Shelf

Get creative with your Elf on the Shelf by using items you already have at home to set up new and imaginative scenes each night.

This daily surprise can bring extra joy and excitement to the holiday season.

20. Play Christmas Movie Bingo

Create bingo cards with common scenes or phrases from your favorite Christmas movies.

As you watch the films together, mark off the squares and see who gets bingo first for a fun and engaging family game night.

21. Make a Wreath

Create a festive wreath using natural materials like pine branches, holly, and berries gathered from your yard or a nearby park.

This activity allows the family to craft a beautiful decoration together.

22. Do a Good Deed

Spend time as a family doing good deeds, such as shoveling a neighbor’s driveway or donating to a local food bank.

These acts of kindness spread the holiday spirit and teach valuable lessons about generosity.

23. Sing Christmas Karaoke

Set up a karaoke night with classic Christmas songs.

Use free online karaoke tracks and take turns singing your favorite holiday tunes, creating a fun and musical evening for everyone.

Related Posts: The 65 Best Christmas Songs Of All Time

24. Visit a Senior

Brighten a senior’s day by visiting a local retirement home or an elderly neighbor.

Share stories, sing carols, or bring homemade holiday treats to spread joy and companionship.

25. Make a Christmas Treat (Other Than Cookies)

Experiment with making other festive treats like homemade fudge, peppermint bark, or holiday popcorn mix.

Use ingredients you have at home to create delicious snacks that everyone can enjoy.

Related Posts: Healthy Alternatives to Christmas Treats

26. Play Games by the Tree

Gather around the Christmas tree to play board games or card games.

This cozy setting enhances the holiday atmosphere and brings the family together for some friendly competition.

27. Play Christmas “I Spy”

Create a Christmas-themed “I Spy” game using decorations around your home.

Take turns describing and finding holiday items, which can be a fun and engaging activity for all ages.

28. Gift a Teacher or Other Cherished Friend

Show appreciation by making homemade gifts or cards for teachers and cherished friends.

This thoughtful gesture lets them know how much they mean to you during the holiday season.

29. Go Ice Skating

Visit a local ice rink or a frozen pond for an ice skating outing. Bundle up and enjoy this classic winter activity, which provides both exercise and holiday fun.

30. Make a Holiday Photobooth

Set up a holiday-themed photobooth at home using props and decorations you already have. Take fun and festive photos to capture memories of the season.

31. Make Decorations Out of Cards

Recycle old Christmas cards by turning them into new decorations. Cut out festive shapes, create garlands, or make collages to give new life to these sentimental pieces.

32. Spend Time Volunteering

Dedicate a day to volunteering as a family at a local charity organization or community event.

Whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, participating in a beach clean-up, or helping at an animal shelter, spending time together while making a positive impact on others fosters a sense of togetherness and gratitude during the holiday season.

33. Host a Hallmark Christmas Movie Marathon

Gather your loved ones for a cozy movie night featuring a marathon of Hallmark Christmas movies.

Stock up on popcorn and hot cocoa as you enjoy heartwarming stories of love and holiday cheer.

34. Read a Christmas Book

Curl up together with a classic Christmas story or explore new holiday-themed books.

Take turns reading aloud or enjoy quiet time as you immerse yourselves in the magic of the season through literature.

35. Make Homemade Hot Cocoa

Create delicious homemade hot cocoa using simple ingredients like cocoa powder, milk, and sugar.

Experiment with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and cinnamon for a cozy treat everyone will love.

36. Decorate a Gingerbread House

Gather around the table to decorate gingerbread houses with colorful icing, candies, and festive decorations.

This creative activity is perfect for sparking imagination and making sweet memories together.

37. Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Invite friends and family to don their tackiest Christmas sweaters for a festive and fun-filled party.

Enjoy holiday-themed games, music, and laughter as you celebrate in style.

38. Craft DIY Ornaments

Get creative with DIY ornament crafting using materials like clay, felt, or recycled materials.

Design unique ornaments that reflect your family’s personality and style, adding a personal touch to your holiday decor.

Related Post: DIY Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make

39. Make Christmas Cocktails

Mix up a variety of festive cocktails featuring seasonal flavors like cranberry, cinnamon, and peppermint.

Toast to the holidays with drinks that add a touch of merriment to your celebrations.

40. Host a Themed Potluck Dinner

Plan a themed potluck dinner where each guest brings a dish inspired by their favorite holiday tradition or cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious feast together while sharing stories and recipes.

Related Post: Christmas Potluck Dishes For Work

41. Play “Guess That Tune”

Challenge your musical knowledge with a game of “Guess That Tune” featuring classic Christmas songs.

Divide into teams and take turns guessing the tunes for a lively and entertaining competition.

42. Hang Stockings

Hang stockings by the fireplace or in another special place in your home. Fill them with small gifts, treats, and surprises to delight your loved ones on Christmas morning.

43. Host a Christmas Craft Night

Gather friends and family for a festive craft night where you can make holiday-themed decorations, gifts, and keepsakes.

Provide supplies and inspiration for a creative and enjoyable evening.

44. Cozy Up By The Fire

Spend quality time together cuddled up by the fire, sharing stories, playing games, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

Let the warmth of the fire and the glow of the flames create a cozy atmosphere for making cherished memories.

45. Host a Christmas Cookie Swap

Invite friends and neighbors to a Christmas cookie swap where everyone brings a batch of their favorite homemade cookies to share. Exchange recipes and indulge in an assortment of delicious treats.

46. Make a Christmas Eve Box

Assemble a special Christmas Eve box filled with goodies like cozy pajamas, holiday snacks, a Christmas movie.

And perhaps a small gift or activity for each family member to enjoy together before bedtime on Christmas Eve.

47. Family Game Nights

Designate a regular night each week leading up to Christmas for family game nights.

Gather around the table with board games, card games, or holiday-themed activities for a fun and festive evening of bonding and laughter.

48. Add Cheer to Your Front Door

Spruce up your front door with a festive wreath, a cheerful welcome mat, or a string of twinkling lights to spread holiday cheer to all who pass by your home.

49. Decorate a Tabletop Tree

Set up a tabletop Christmas tree in a central location in your home and gather the family to decorate it together with ornaments, lights, and garlands.

This mini tree adds a touch of holiday magic to any room.

50. Play Secret Santa

Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange among family members or friends.

Draw names randomly and secretly gift small presents to each other, adding an element of surprise and joy to the holiday season.

51. Try a New Dessert

Experiment with baking a new dessert recipe to enjoy as a family during the holiday season.

Whether it’s a traditional treat with a twist or a completely unique creation, indulging in a delicious dessert adds sweetness to your celebrations.

52. Create (or Buy!) an Advent Calendar

Count down the days until Christmas with an advent calendar filled with treats, small gifts, or festive activities.

You can purchase one or get creative and make your own personalized advent calendar to enjoy each day leading up to the holiday.

53. Make Your Own Christmas Centerpiece

Gather natural elements like pine branches, pinecones, and berries to create a homemade Christmas centerpiece for your dining table or mantle.

Arrange them in a festive display to add warmth and charm to your holiday decor.

54. Have a Family Slumber Party Under the Tree

Set up sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows under the Christmas tree for a cozy family slumber party.

Spend the night sharing stories, watching holiday movies, and enjoying each other’s company in the glow of the twinkling lights.

55. Decorate a Gingerbread House

Gather the family for a creative and fun activity of decorating gingerbread houses.

Use icing, candies, and other edible decorations to design unique and festive houses that reflect your family’s holiday spirit.

56. Make a Christmas Eve Box