Are you searching for some fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids or Adults? You’ve just hit the jackpot of festive traditions to kick off the holiday season!
Can you believe it’s the most wonderful time of year again?
With sweet treats, twinkling lights, cozy nights, and mistletoe kisses… what’s not to love? And these Fun Christmas Activities for Families and Friends will help you enjoy every minute of this holly jolly season!
Whether you’re looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids… I’ve got you covered!
Just remember, the sweet traditions you start this year will help you create Christmas memories you’ll cherish forever!
So let’s take your Christmas bucket list to the next level this year with some fun new holiday traditions you’ll want on repeat year after year!
Let the countdown to Christmas begin!
Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults
#1: Get a Free Peppermint Mocha or Eggnog Latte from Starbucks!
What better way to kickoff the holiday season than with your favorite seasonal drink from Starbucks?
You’ve been waiting for those peppermint mochas and eggnog lattes all year long, and thanks to these tips… you can even get one for FREE!
Here’s what you need to do…
20 Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
#2: Watch a Classic Christmas Movie or Cozy Holiday Special!
Watching your favorite Christmas movies while snuggling on the couch with warm blankets and cozy socks will be sure to put you in the Christmas mood right away!
#3: Make Homemade Hot Cocoa
With just 3 ingredients, this dreamy, rich hot chocolate recipe couldn’t be easier!
Trust me… it’s the best cup of cocoa you’ll ever make.
It’s also the perfect addition to your holiday movie nights! Go grab the recipe here…
Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe
#4: Watch the Classic Christmas Cartoons (Charlie Brown, Rudolph, Frosty, etc.)
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without our favorite vintage cartoons and claymation specials, right?
Binge watch some of the best Christmas Classics on DVD. Or spread out the fun and watch one every night for an entire week!
No matter how old you are, you’re never too old for some nostalgic classics!
#5: Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas
Did you know it takes just 4 all-natural ingredients to make your home smell completely dreamy and oh-so festive?
Go check out this easy stovetop air freshener.
Then give it a try this week…
DIY Cinnamon Air Freshener
#6: Shop for your Christmas Outfits!
Picking out new outfits to wear to your Christmas parties is always fun, but it’s even MORE fun when you know you’re getting a great deal!
Check out some of my favorite shopping Hacks to help you save money on your new Christmas outfit. Plus I’ll show you how to sweeten the deals even more…
Frugal Fashionista
#7: Then Get your Picture Taken with Santa
Now that you have that cute new Christmas outfit, mark a day on your calendar to dress up and go get your picture taken with Santa!
And nope… you’re never too old!
I remember having a special Christmas brunch with my grandma one year at the Space Needle in Seattle.
Before I knew it, she was sitting on Santa’s lap with her arm around him, getting her picture taken! 🙂
#8: Bake Christmas Cookies Together
Christmas isn’t Christmas without Christmas cookies, right? 🙂 Go grab your cute apron, and head to the kitchen to bake some fun and festive cookies together!
Here are some of my favorites.
They’re so EASY to make, too…
88 Cookie Exchange Recipes
#9: Deck the Halls Inside
Have you decorated your home for Christmas yet?
Turn on some tunes and deck the halls together! It’s so fun unpacking all of the special decorations from years gone by.
Plus, you can add some fun new decor pieces on a dime with these little-known Marshalls shopping tips and tricks…
Marshalls HomeGoods Shopping Hacks (18 Ways to Save BIG)
#10: Make Snowy Mason Jar Candles
These snowy mason jar candles make the CUTEST additions to your Christmas decor, too!
Just pop in a regular or battery-operated tea light candle, and you’ve got the cutest little candle holder! Plus… they’re so EASY to make!
Go get step-by-step instructions here…
Snowy Mason Jar Candles
#11: Make Snowy Pinecones!
Now that you’ve made your snowy mason jar candle holders, you can make some Snowy Pinecones, too! All you’ll need is pinecones, craft paint, epsom salts, and sealer!
They’re SO easy to make! Get step-by-step instructions here…
DIY Snowy Winter Wonderland Pine Cones
#12: Build a Gingerbread House
Don’t forget the Gingerbread house!
No holiday season is complete without a festive gingerbread house livening up the kitchen or dining room!
In addition to royal icing, here are some fun things you’ll want to collect to decorate your gingerbread house with…
- Gum drops for the roof
- Sugar cubes for snowy walls
- Shredded coconut for snow on the ground
- Pretzel sticks for fences
- Mini candy canes for yard decor
#13: Make Some Christmas Tree Cones!
Could your gingerbread house use some trees out in the yard?
Kids LOVE making these fun little Christmas Tree Cones, and they look great by your gingerbread house!
#14: Make Homemade Ornaments
Making your own ornaments is a great tradition, too!
It’s a fun way to get creative with family and friends, and you’ll be able to enjoy your crafts year after year!
Take some time to create some special ornaments with your loved ones this year that you’ll cherish for so many seasons to come!
DIY Glitter Ornaments
10 Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids
#15: Make an Old Fashioned Popcorn Garland For Your Tree
Another fun idea is to make an old fashioned popcorn garland for your Christmas tree!
Simply pop some popcorn, thread your needle with strong thread or embroidery floss, and thread the fattest popped kernels onto your string.
Knot off at the ends, and string around your tree for a fun vintage look!
#16: Make a Christmas Playlist with Cheap or Free Music!
And don’t forget to be playing some Christmas tunes during all of these fun activities!
Take some time to build a fun new Christmas playlist and include everyone’s favorite tunes.
#17: Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Now that you’ve got your home decked out for the holidays and have a fun new Christmas tunes playlist, it’s time to party!
Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties are always a fun idea!
Ask guests to wear their ugliest sweaters to the party, and you can even give out awards and fun prizes for the ugliest of them all! 🙂
#18: Host a Christmas Craft Party
Related: 50 Christmas Crafts
Or how about hosting a Christmas Craft party? Whether it’s just family, friends only, or a combination of both… Craft Parties are such a great way to make memories while getting creative at the same time!
One fun idea is to have a wreath making party!
These hydrangea wreaths are so simple to make, and look GORGEOUS hanging on your door…
DIY Hydrangea Wreath for Front Door
#19: Host a Cookie Exchange
Another fun party idea is to host a Cookie Exchange!
For example, if you have 12 people at the party, you would have your guests each bring 1 dozen of their favorite homemade cookies + 12 copies of the printed recipe {or written on recipe cards} + a container to store their cookies in that they’ll be taking home.
Then lay out all of the cookie plates, and let each person take one of the cookies + a copy of the recipe.
They can enjoy some of the cookies at the party, and take the rest home to enjoy later!
88 Cookie Exchange Recipes
#20: Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange
A White Elephant Gift Exchange is one of my favorite parties… they can be just downright hilarious!
As your guests arrive, have them each place their gift under the Christmas tree. Then have everyone sit around the room in a large circle.
Here’s how the party works… if you have 20 guests, write the numbers 1 – 20 on separate pieces of paper, fold them up, and place them in a bowl. Pass a bowl around with the numbers, and have everyone pick one. Then #1 will start. They will pick out any gift from under the tree, and unwrap it. Then it’s time for #2. They have the option to either choose a new gift from under the tree, or ‘steal’ the gift from person #1.
If someone’s gift gets stolen, the person now without a gift can head back to the tree to pick out a new gift.
Each gift can only be stolen 3 times, and then it’s done.
See how fun and crazy this can get? Let the parties begin! Make sure you have a gift to include as well. Go check this HUGE list for some funny ideas…
101 Best White Elephant Gifts Ever
#21: Attend a Christmas Eve Late-Night Candlelight Service
How about dressing up, gathering the family, and inviting some friends to attend a late-night Christmas Eve Candlelight Service?
There’s something so special about candlelight services on Christmas Eve, and it can become such a fun tradition, too!
#22: Countdown to Christmas with an Advent Calendar!
Don’t forget to have fun counting down the days until Christmas!
Whether it’s a chocolate advent calendar, a paper chain, or a fun stocking Christmas countdown {like the one below}, each day grows more exciting as you get closer to Christmas!
If you make the stocking countdown, make sure to hide fun new surprises for every day in each stocking!
DIY Advent Calendar for Kids
#23: Mail Christmas Cards to Family & Friends
Another fun tradition is to mail Christmas cards to your extended family and friends!
It’s such a sweet gesture, and to make it even more personalized… you can have everyone in your family sign their name on the card!
Don’t forget to include a recent photo inside, too!
#24: Plan Out Your Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots
Do you have a silly little elf that likes to lurk around the house keeping an eye on the kids?
You know… making sure they’re being nice, and not naughty?
If you don’t, you need one! They’re SO fun!
Get inspired with these funny hiding spots here…
27 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
#25: Enjoy a Family Game Night
Go retro and have a good ol’ fashioned Family Game Night with your favorite classic board games!
My family LOVES to do this around the holidays… there’s always so much laughing, and of course a lot of friendly competition. 🙂
Don’t forget the snacks!
#26: Read a Fun Christmas Story
Story time is always fun, but it feels even more special around the holidays!
So snuggle up in bed or on the couch with a cozy blanket and read some sweet and silly Christmas stories with the kids! You can even make it a goal to read one each night leading up until Christmas!
Or go download a fun new Christmas book for yourself on your Kindle or Kindle App, and take a little me-time in the evenings to read your new book!
#27: Make some Homemade Gifts in a Jar
Gifts in a jar are always so fun to receive… and they’re actually REALLY easy to make, too!
Have a craft night at home and make some sweet gifts in a jar to give to friends, neighbors and coworkers this year!
101 Gifts in a Jar Recipes
#28: Hang up Mistletoe and Sneak Some Kisses!
Do you need some more excuses to sneak some kisses with your sweetie?
Don’t forget to hang the mistletoe up early to keep the romance alive all season long!
#29: Make some Festive Fudge
Nothing says Christmas like some old-fashioned fudge… and these simple recipes are SO easy to make!
Grab an apron and make some with your friends, family or sweetie for a fun and festive activity!
Your tastebuds will thank you!
Yummy Fudge Recipes (4 Ingredients or Less)
#30: Volunteer at a Local Food Bank
Speaking of food… another great tradition is to gather your friends and family and go volunteer at a local food bank!
And if they don’t need any help at your local food bank, then take some time to pack a fun bag of food to drop off as a donation.
#31: Go Toy Shopping Together, and Donate to a Local Toy Drive!
Another fun idea is to head out shopping together to check some more gifts off your list. But when you’re out and about, also make a point to pick up some fun toys to donate to your local toy drive.
If you aren’t aware of any, just google: “Local Toy Drives Near Me” for some ideas.
#32: Give Gifts to Less Fortunate Kids
And when you’re out and about shopping for toys… don’t forget about the kids that are less fortunate here and overseas!
#33: Visit Residents at a Nearby Nursing Home
You may not personally know any residents in a nursing home, but those sweet old guys and gals can often be forgotten about this time of year.
Call ahead to your local nursing home and ask if you can come by to visit with any of the residents.
I’ve done this so many times, and the residents just LOVE having a visitor to chat with for an hour or so.
#34: Hang your Stockings By The Fireplace
Have you hung your stockings yet?
You know, by the fireplace with care in hopes that St. Nick will soon be there? 🙂 Even if you don’t have a fireplace, fun stockings can add so much festive flair to your home!
If your family has been growing, or you’re just in need of some cute new stockings, Christmas is a great time to look for some new adorable ones… both in-stores and online!
#35: Make Some Festive Wooden Stars!
These fun paint stick stars can be used as festive decor both inside and out… and they’re SO quick and easy to make!
Get step-by-step instructions to make yours here…
DIY Paint Stick Stars
#36: Open 1 Small Gift Early
Waiting to open your gifts can be SO tempting, can’t it?
That’s why an exciting tradition is to open one small gift early… maybe on the 23rd or Christmas Eve night?
We’ve done this before as a family, and it’s always so much fun!
#37: Don’t Forget to Take Lots of Pictures!
This special season can always feel so busy, and fly by like a blur.
So don’t forget to grab your camera or phone, and capture something special every day. You’ll LOVE having the sweet memories to look back on down the road!
Fun Christmas Activities Outside:
#38: Attend a Local Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Tree lighting ceremonies are always so fun!
Spending time out in your community with others that are just as excited about Christmas will always bring a smile to your face!
Research local tree lighting ceremonies near you, and add one to your calendar this year to enjoy with family and friends… or on a special date night with your sweetie!
#39: Go Ice Skating at an Outdoor Ice Rink
Are there any indoor or outdoor ice skating rinks nearby?
Sometimes cities will even add temporary outdoor rinks just for the holiday season! Make a new tradition by going ice skating. It’s always so fun… and slip-sliding funny, too!
Trust me… there will be plenty of laughs that night.
#40: Make a Light-Up Christmas Star for Your Yard!
This beautiful yardstick star is so simple to make… and will look AMAZING lit up at night in front of your home!
Work together to paint, screw, and string the lights on the yardsticks with these easy step-by-step instructions…
DIY Plastic Hanger Star with Lights
Give your front yard Christmas decor a frugal upgrade this year when you make this fabulous plaster hanger star strung with lights!
#41: Decorate Your Yard with Twinkling Lights!
Now finish off your outdoor decor with some twinkling lights!
Whether you’re going sweet and simple, or epic and off-the-charts, you can save BIG on for your display when you try some of my frugal outdoor Christmas project ideas!
45 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget!
#42: Spend an Evening Caroling with Friends & Family
Another fun idea is to bundle up, pick your favorite tunes, and head out caroling around your neighborhood {or even at a nursing home} with friends and family!
#43: Take a Christmas Light Walk Around the Neighborhood
If it’s not too chilly out, how about getting cozy with hats, scarves, and gloves… and taking a walk around your neighborhood to go see the Christmas lights and decorations?
It’s fun driving around, but when you walk it’s a completely different experience.
You can take it all in at a slower, more relaxed pace. And you can even take some hot cocoa in reusable travel cups to enjoy during your walk!
#44: Make Snow Angels
Do you have any snow on the ground?
Then snow angels are a must!
Seriously… when was the last time you actually laid down on the ground and made a snow angel? If you can’t remember, it’s been far too long.
They’re SO fun! Then after you get up, be sure to take some pictures of your pretty angels!
#45: Have an Epic Snowball Fight
Don’t forget the snowball fight! Sometimes… it just has to be done.
And if you don’t have any snow, consider Indoor Snowballs for your epic battle! They’re a blast!
#46: Go Sledding or Snow Tubing
Even if you don’t have snow in your yard, you may just want to make a day trip out of it and drive to the mountains to go sledding or tubing.
We try to do this as often as we can, and it’s always a highlight of the season!
#47: Have a Snowman Building Contest
And when you’re too tired to keep sledding or tubing, take a break to have a snowman building contest!
Don’t forget to have carrots for noses, twigs for arms, rocks for eyes, and an old scarf or hat to decorate your men!
#48: Build a Snow Fort or Igloo
Or maybe you want to take your snow building skills to the next level?
Then it’s hight time you build an epic snow fort or cozy igloo!
Just make sure you have some of this Crockpot Hot Chocolate waiting for you simmering inside… or in a thermos out with you! 🙂
#49: No Snow? Make a Sidewalk Chalk Snowman!
Now if there just isn’t any snow, that doesn’t mean you can’t join in the snowman fun!
Just grab some sidewalk chalk, head outside, and go to town on your driveway creating your own snow family with chalk!
#50: Make & Hang Birdseed Ornaments in the Yard
Don’t forget those cute little birds!
Another fun activity is to make birdseed ornaments for your trees outside!
That way, the birds can have a fun little Christmas surprise, too!
Easy Homemade Wild Bird Treat Ornament
#51: Go Find the Perfect Live Christmas Tree This Year!
Artificial trees are nice and low-maintenance, but there’s something so magical about a live Christmas tree in your home!
The dreamy smell of the pine needles, the sweetly imperfect shape, and just the pure nostalgia.
So you may want to just go on and treat yourself to a live tree this year for some extra holiday cheer!
How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Alive Longer (6 Easy Tricks)
Keep your live tree looking gorgeous all season long with these easy tips and tricks for how to keep your Christmas tree alive longer!
#52: Go See the Spectacular Lights in NYC
New York City transforms into a magical winter wonderland every year at Christmas… so if you’ve never been to New York during the holiday season, consider visiting at least once.
Check out this list for the most magical things to enjoy in NYC during the holidays…
New York City Budget Travel Tips!
#53: Find the Best Lights in Phoenix Here…
Or if you’re dreaming of a warm-weather Winter getaway, Phoenix is your spot! If you’ve never visited around Christmas time, you need to.
There are SO many fun family activities and twinkling light displays to enjoy when the desert decks its halls… and cactus! Here are a few of my favorites…
Things to Do in Phoenix at Christmas
#54: Snuggle up by the Backyard Fire and Make Snowman S’mores!
If you’ve got a backyard firepit, don’t forget to make some snowman s’mores this year! Or if you don’t have a firepit, you can easily make these tasty little treats in your microwave, too!
Melted snowman have never tasted so good!!
#55: Make More Christmas Goodies
So there you have it… give some of these Fun Christmas Activities for Families a try this year, and start some epic new traditions with your family, kids, friends and sweetie!
Don’t miss out! Find even more creative inspiration for Recipes, Crafts, Organization Tips, Money Saving Tips and more with The Frugal Girls right here…
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Is holiday clutter taking over your home? These brilliant Christmas Storage Ideas and Holiday Organization Hacks will change your life!
So what are your favorite Fun Christmas Activities for Families?
Or do you have a favorite December Date for Couples, Festive Idea for Kids, or Holiday Tradition with Friends?
Leave a comment & share!
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Pilar says
All these are such great ideas! So many fun things to do during the holidays!
Caleb - Never Ending Journeys says
Such a great and comprehensive list, thanks for sharing!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome!! 🙂
Marisa Cavaleiro says
Hi
These are great tips! Wow this post is a lot of work from you. What I like most is to do Christmas shopping!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
Heidi says
I’m so glad you like the tips, Marisa… and I just love Christmas shopping, too!!
Mica - Away From Blue says
So many great ideas, thanks for sharing! My youngest still isn’t sure if he wants his photo with Santa this year so we might not do that, but Christmas movies are a big one for us, our weekly movie night becomes a weekly Christmas movie night over December! 🙂
Hope you have a good weekend ahead of you! Going to be a busy but fun one here with a few events!
Heidi says
I love your weekly Christmas movie night tradition, Mica… that sounds like so much fun! Enjoy the next several weeks with your family! 🙂
Kirsi says
So many and fantastic Christmas Ideas and Decorations! I baked christmas cakes last weekend and the tipp for Winter Pine Apple is so great. I think I will try it too!
Greetings
Kirsi
Heidi says
Thank you so much, Kirsi… and your Christmas cakes sound delicious!
Veronica Lee says
Fantastic ideas for Christmas activities, Heidi!
I love to watch Christmas movies especially Hallmark’s.
Heidi says
Ooh yes… those are some of my favorites, Veronica! I look forward to them every year. 🙂
Regine Karpel says
Such great ideas. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful night.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Regine!
Val says
Amazing ideas Heidi! My husband and I are looking forward to watching classic Christmas movies. We love the old stop animation cartoons. I loved making tree ornaments as a kid. So much fun!
Heidi says
Oh my hubby and I love those too, Val! Snuggling up on the couch to watch some Christmas classics with your sweetie is always fun!
Adriana Leandro says
These are great ideas for Christmas activities. In my country it’s summer, no snow, but I’ll watch Christmas movies with snow, eating a delicious ice cream.
Kisses!
http://www.galerafashion.com
Heidi says
Haha… yes, here in sunny Arizona we enjoy ice cream in December, too! 🙂 Have a lovely holiday season, Adriana!
Lisa says
Wow, so many wonderful ideas, Heidi! We’ll be doing most of the baking ones and quite a few of the decoration ones too. I didn’t realise crackers were an English tradition, I’ve learned something new today – although this year I confess I’ve bought some, so we’ll have to make our own next year now 🙂
Heidi says
You’re so sweet… thank you, Lisa! Store bought crackers are just fine too… but if we want them here in the U.S., we have to make them. 🙂 I just love that tradition!
Irma says
These are all such fantastic ideas!
There is something for everyone on your list.
Greetings Irma
Heidi says
Thanks so much, Irma… I’m so glad you like the ideas!
Lovely says
What a fabulous list! Love to cozy up on the couch and drink hot chocolate while watching the movies.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Heidi says
So do I, Lovely… I look forward to it all year long! 🙂
Nancy Chan says
Wonderful suggestions. Due to the pandemic, we will be spending a quiet Christmas this year too.
Heidi says
I’m sure we’ll look back and treasure all of these memories of cozy, quiet times spent at home. 🙂
Christine says
Thanks for sharing!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Christine! 🙂
somewhereinireland says
Lots of fun things to do. with the family. Thanks for sharing all the ideas. I like the suggestion if you don’t have snow, make a chalk snowman., it’s a great idea. Have a wonderful new week.
Heidi says
Haha… yes, here in Phoenix, Arizona we don’t get snow, so we have to get a little creative when it comes to making a snowman! 🙂
CoCo says
These are all such fantastic ideas, Heidi! I love that so many are family-friendly and can be done throughout the season too. It’s so nice to have something to look forward to each day and week. We’ve LOVED all your cookies so far so keep those fabulous recipes coming! Hugs, CoCo
Heidi says
You’re so kind… thank you, CoCo! And I’m so glad to hear you’re loving the cookies! I’ve got more fun cookie recipes coming soon, so stay tuned!! 🙂
Kathrine Eldridge says
So many great activities! Love those snowy mason jar candles and nothing beats a cookie exchange.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Heidi says
Aren’t those candle holders just gorgeous? And I agree… cookie exchanges are so much fun!!
Her Digital Coffee says
These are all such incredible ideas! There’s something in here for everyone! I love the idea of getting a Starbucks drink and shopping. Or if I want to stay at home, I can watch a Christmas movie while making DIY decor. Thank you for sharing!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome… so glad you liked the ideas! 🙂
Carol says
There is something for everyone in your list – so much fun!
Heidi says
Thank you, Carol! This really is such a fun time of year!
Michelle says
Fantastic ideas to do with the family! Outdoor skating is definitely on my bucket list!
Heidi says
That great, Michelle… have FUN!!!
Rosemary says
This is so great! I was just looking up things to do with a baby so your article came at the most perfect time!
Heidi says
Oh that’s perfect timing, Rosemary… have a lovely Christmas season!
Black Knight says
A beautiful, useful and interesting list, thanks for sharing.
Homemade hot cocoa and fudge recipes are perfect for my wife.
The Elf is the best friend of my grandson 5 y.o. When his behavior is good the Elf, in the night time, leaves a gift to him near the bed.
A visit to a nursing home is very important.
Here no snow and no Starbucks (in Italy we only have 15 Starbucks and the nearest is 50 miles far from here).
Heidi says
Thank you… I’m so glad you liked the ideas! That’s so fun that your grandson get gifts from his Elf in the night time. And in Italy, you definitely have the best coffee already… I loved the fantastic cafes on our trip to Rome. 🙂