45 Christmas Activities to Get You in The Festive Spirit This Year

Christmas Activities for Kids

Looking for some Christmas activities for little ones? In accordance with our jam-packed collection of Christmas gifts for kids, we’ve come up with all kinds of ways to enhance the magic of the holiday season below. 

Open their mind 

At the best of times, Kidzania makes for an epic day out for kids with curious minds. Spanning 75,000 square feet, the incredible indoor city is sprawling with opportunities for children aged 4 to 14 - from aviation to animal well-being and beyond. When the holiday season hits, Kidzania really brings the festive fun with themed Christmas activities involving Santa’s Elves, dance parties and even street parades. 

Visit a Santa’s Grotto

There are Santa’s Grottos all across the country, in zoos, theme parks and shopping centres to name a few. It’s one of those Christmas activities for children that almost every adult has a cherished photo of them doing. Visitors can often enjoy a story time, tell Santa what they hope to open come Christmas Day and maybe even receive an early present or two. 

Sweeten up Christmas

If there’s one thing kids under 10 love, it’s chocolate. And seeing as Christmas is when chocolate really gets its time to shine, it’s only right to feature it somewhere on this list. Pop along to Melt in the heart of Notting Hill for a masterclass in piping, painting and designing a chocolate lollipop. Fear not, there’s plenty of chocolate samples along the way too. 

Watch a Christmas movie at a drive-in

Fun Christmas ideas don’t always have to involve going a million miles an hour. Get the children in the car and head to one of the UK’s many drive-in cinemas to watch an iconic Christmas classic. Sing along with a spot of car-aoke, tuck into some celebratory treats and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere. 

Hit a Theme Park 

Chances are if you suggest a day at a theme park, most kids under 16 will be jumping for joy. And when it comes to Christmas, the UK’s theme parks really like to put on a show for their guests. We're particular fans of Alton Towers whose festivities boast an award-winning illuminated light trail Lightopia, access to selected rides and attractions as well as entry to an enchanting Christmas market.

Make your own holiday card display  

There’s something about Christmas activity ideas always seeming to involve getting crafty. Instead of losing track of all your cards, gather the clan and get to work making your own display. Use blank wall space to display all your season’s greetings, corralling all the correspondence into a fitting tree-shaped installation, upcycling an old photo frame or whatever your imagination can manifest. 

Set your heart racing

Who said Christmas wasn’t for adventures? It’s the perfect opportunity to inspire a budding thrill-seeker and Zip World are the people for the task. Create memories that’ll last a lifetime, flying through the forest on the UK’s only alpine coaster. Strap into the sled and speed down the 1km track in a toboggan-style rollercoaster.  There’s also a Zipmas event running throughout December which is well worth a visit. 

Track Santa Claus 

Here’s a tradition petrol-head kids are sure to love: instead of tracking their racing driver heroes around a circuit, they can track Santa on Christmas Eve. The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) exhibits Mr. Claus’ sleigh route, starting on December 1st. 

Meet some animals 

Young animal-lovers, this one’s for you! While a zoo may not be your first port-of-call for a Christmas activity, Port Lympne is here to change your mind with a festive experience in the heart of the Kent countryside. Be greeted by friendly elves, embark on a safari to come face-to-face with a wide array of animals and adopt a shared animal of your choice. 

Decorate festive cookies

One of the most quintessential Xmas activities is leaving cookies and carrots out for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. This year, instead of shop buying them, why not get creative and decorate your own? Make a bar filled with treats like candy canes, marshmallows and more. Alternatively, the cookies make perfect stocking fillers for a little surprise. 

Christmas Activities for Families

The build-up to Christmas can be hectic and fast-paced, leaving parents with little inspiration for festive activities. The good news is that we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Christmas activities for families:

Sightsee York

For adventurous families, there’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than exploring. York really comes to life at Christmas and an attraction pass lets pioneers see the best of it. With entry to over 20 of York’s finest landmarks, make the most of the city’s multiple Christmas activities. 

Have a family game night

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without playing a board game or two with the family. Board games such as Cluedo and Monopoly are good for engaging in a bit of friendly competition. Meanwhile Charades and Pictionary are perfect for getting creative, especially if you want to add a festive twist. 

Tour Nottingham Castle

As the holiday season approaches, Nottingham Castle prepares to get a slice of the action. Visitors can step back in time to journey through 1000 years of local history and get acquainted with Robin Hood. Previous Christmas events have included a chance to experience a Dickensian Christmas and countdown to the big day with an item showcase from the world-class collections in the castle’s gallery. 

Build a snowman

If you’re lucky enough to get snow, Christmas family ideas don’t get much more paradigmatic than building a snowman. Grab some gloves, put on those wellies, wrap up warm and get building. Don’t forget to bring a carrot for the nose and an extra scarf to keep your creation toasty. 

See the Christmas lights from the London Eye

Iconic, memorable and an essential part of sightseeing, the London Eye is the best place for a bird’s eye view of the capital at Christmas time. Perfect for explorer families who love spending time together doing something extraordinary, experience breath-taking 360 degree views of the twinkling lights and festivities below. 

Play Secret Santa

As Christmas activities for families go, this one’s pretty cheesy but anyone who’s actually played it will tell you how fun it really is. The premise is simple: everyone writes their name, puts it in a hat and each participant must draw out a name to buy a present for. Typically, it’s a low spend threshold and you may either never know who your Secret Santa is or have to guess. 

Go on a getaway

There’s nothing quite like a family getaway. And with Christmas being all about surrounding ourselves with loved ones, it’s a great way to spend quality time together. Nestled in the Somerset countryside, the Wall Eden Farm is a family-run farm that’s been at work since 1927. Spend three nights in a luxury log cabin, complete with underfloor heating and a fully equipped kitchen. 

Create an advent calendar

Sure, you can buy an advent calendar but aren’t Christmas family ideas more fun when they involve thinking outside of the box. Fill 24 bags or cases with small toys, sweets or ideas for days out they can look forward to in the new year. Or, hide special ornaments behind each door and they can add a trinket to the tree each morning. 

Take a family photo

Despite the majority of us walking around with our phones permanently in our hands, how often do you really get to stop and make sure you get the whole family in a picture? Capture the essence of your family with a professional photoshoot, where you can receive a complimentary image that you can display in the home and cherish forever. 

Decorate a gingerbread house

Welcome to the gingerhood! There’s no better time than Christmas to get the whole family together to make the ultimate gingerbread house. If you’re a fan of sugar and spice and everything nice, this activity is sure to delight - bake your own house or buy one pre-made, stock up on all the best edible decorations and build memories at the same time. 

Traditional Christmas Activities

While some families have their own unique traditions, there’s a few that have proved to be timelessly popular across the generations. These classic ideas are packed with good cheer that’ll last throughout the season. 

Go to a Christmas pantomime 

Just like the very visible character audiences scream “he’s behind you” at, this is one of those traditional Christmas fun ideas that you can see from a mile away. With that being said, it’s still a classic for a reason - kids love the over top productions and there’s just enough innuendos to go over the childrens’ heads but keep adults chuckling. 

Explore Winter Wonderland

Every year, London’s Hyde Park transforms into a veritable Christmas enthusiast’s paradise. Drawing in millions of visitors annually, Winter Wonderland is free to enter and features an array of festive markets, rides, live shows and beyond. Offering something for everyone, both big and little kids alike, it’s often a family tradition to make a day of it here. 

Ice skating

From stunning historic locations to modern surroundings, some of the country’s best ice rinks begin to pop up in November just in time for those festive jaunts. Glide along the ice in picture-perfect locations, dance along to some Christmas tunes and warm up after with some hot chocolate or Glühwein. 

Go carolling 

One of the oldest traditions of the season but still one of the most fun Christmas activities. Spread some good cheer while admiring the beautiful holiday decorations adorning the houses. Belt out some seasonal favourites at a carol concert, consider carolling at a nursing home or just even a singing party in your own home. 

Eat mince pies

Mince pies are an essential part of Christmas. Originally made to celebrate Jesus, the tradition is one mince pie is eaten for the Twelve Days of Christmas. You could even turn it into an activity by buying a range from various suppliers and having a mince-pie eating competition to see who makes the best. 

Browse a Christmas market

Twinkling lights, festive knick-and-knacks, indulgent food and mulled wine - Christmas markets are one of England’s fondest traditions. Set in some of the UK’s most picturesque cities like Bath and Winchester, markets are perfect for both romantic nights out and family days out. Not to mention the often live carol performances really add a special touch to the atmosphere. 

Hang stockings on the fireplace  

On Christmas Eve (or sometimes earlier), children around the UK hang stockings on their fireplace in the hope that Saint Nicholas will fill them with presents. Children who are believed to have behaved badly throughout the year will find lumps of coal instead of presents - hence the line in Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town ‘He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice’. 

Watch a tree lighting

Okay so our tree lighting ceremonies may not be quite as outlandish as New York City’s Rockefeller Centre. But most towns across the UK host an annual tree lighting ceremony, and many include other Christmas fun ideas like carolling and great food. So, bundle up and get in the festive spirit. 

Count down with an advent calendar

An Advent calendar helps countdown the days until Christmas. While its format has evolved greatly over the years, these days it’s typically a small chocolate treat hidden behind each door. Reinforcing the idea that Christmas calories don’t count! 

Have a Roast Dinner on Christmas

The classic roast is a staple at any Christmas table. Although not native to the British Isles, turkeys have been an integral part of our Christmas dinners for generations. The elaborate affair features crowd-dividing inclusions like Brussel sprouts and things like pigs in blankets which many people look forward to all year. 

Christmas Activities at Home

You don’t necessarily need to leave the house to get in the spirit of the holiday season. Here’s some of our favourite Christmas activities to do at home:

Eat, drink and be merry

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas soiree or just looking to have your own happy hour, Tapp’d Cocktails are the people for the task. The country’s only mixologist-quality bottled cocktail range, a spirited Christmas awaits with 12 bottles of premium cocktails in up to 7 different flavours. 

Write a letter to Santa

Perfect for parents who need some gift inspiration for the holiday season, find a fun template and let your kids write a letter to Santa about what they’re hoping to unwrap. To add even more holiday magic to the season, you can even send the letter on to companies who are dedicated to replying on behalf of Santa himself. 

Have a Christmas movie night in

If the freezing weather outside isn’t enticing you enough to hit a drive-in or regular cinema, that’s no reason to miss out on the Christmas movie magic. Rent a film of your choice and enjoy a delectable feast of pizza, popcorn and cookie dough. 

Sip hot chocolate

Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Christmas is all about treating yourself so why not set up a hot chocolate bar, filled with mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings and more. Adults, you may want to add a drop or two of Bailey’s. 

Make your own chocolate

In the comfort of your own home, indulge your sweet tooth with an online masterclass led by a charismatic chocolatier. Throughout the two hour session, discover the secrets to great ganache, piping techniques, master flavouring and decorate your creations. 

Blend some mulled wine sangria 

If you thought sangria was just for summer, think again. Skip the beer and wine and opt for a festive cocktail instead. This seasonal drink blends cranberries, apples and red wine to create a drink that’s the colour embodiment of Christmas. 

Tuck into a cheeseboard

For those who prefer savoury to sweet, people love nothing more than delving into a cheeseboard. Combine the classics like cheese, fruit and crackers with seasonal additions like festive shapes, holiday flavours and seasonal produce. Letterbox Cheese even has a ready-made Cheese Board selection box, filled with everything you could possibly want. 

Design a Christmas centrepiece  

The table centrepiece is no joke so why not make your Christmas activities to do at home focussed on crafting the piece de resistance of the table. There’s plenty of ideas floating around the internet if you’re lacking inspiration and you can even put it on the table ahead of the big day to make the most of your creation. 

Bake some festive treats

It’s time to bake up a storm - whether you make crumbly mince pies, iced cakes or traditional show-stoppers like panettone or stollen. Beginner bakes fear not, you can still get involved with the baking thanks to this five-part online course. Start with a basic introduction right through to extensive cake decorating techniques, just in time to impress your loved ones with a Christmas dessert. 

Our favourite Christmas experiences for 2022

Looking for something that extra bit special this Christmas? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite experiences to celebrate the holiday season in style. 

Christmas at Kew

One of the most spectacularly festive activities is Christmas at Kew. A magical winter trail lights up the evening skies of this London botanical hotspot. Be entranced by the larger-than-life illuminations, discover delicious independent street food vendors and say hello to Father Christmas.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace will really take your breath away at Christmas. If it’s not the awe-inspiring twinkling lights, it’s the artisan food stalls and the illuminated trail which will amaze you. Naturally, you’ll have access to the 2,000 acres of parkland and gardens as well as one of Europe’s finest portrait collections to boot. There’s even lunch at The Crown in Woodstock after! 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London 

Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios gets a seasonal twist with Hogwarts in the Snow. The Forbidden Forest is sprinkled with snow and most of the sets get a little ‘deck-the-halls’ action including Diagon Alley, the Great Hall and Hagrid’s Hut. 

Windsor Castle

Experience a fairy-tale Christmas at the most regal venue of all, Windsor Castle. Be greeted by a 6 metre high tree in St George’s Hall, browse costumes worn by the Queen at annual pantomimes and enjoy ‘behind-the-ropes’ tours throughout December. Naturally, if you’re in the Royal Borough, it makes sense to indulge in an afternoon tea fit for royalty. 

B Bakery

For when you’re feeling that little bit extra, an afternoon tea can nail the spot and B Bakery knows how to put on a festive spread. Dining on a vintage double decker bus, tuck into an array of sweet and savoury treats that will be displayed on tiered stands whilst touring some of London’s top sights. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the most Christmassy place in the UK?

Depending on who you ask, the answer for this one varies greatly. While research has suggested that Birmingham or Glasgow are the best places to head for that Christmassy feeling, Bath and Winchester also host award-winning Christmas markets. And we couldn’t talk about Christmassy places without mentioning all the stops London pulls out for the holiday season.

Where is the most Christmassy place in the UK?

Depending on who you ask, the answer for this one varies greatly. While research has suggested that Birmingham or Glasgow are the best places to head for that Christmassy feeling, Bath and Winchester also host award-winning Christmas markets. And we couldn’t talk about Christmassy places without mentioning all the stops London pulls out for the holiday season.

Which UK city has the best Christmas lights?

While every UK city brings its own personality to Christmas lights, the most popular answer for the best UK city is London. Most notably because Kew Gardens transforms into a magical wonderland filled with light-filled tunnels, sparkling trees and huge illuminations.

How do you make Christmas Day fun?

Above all, Christmas Day is about spending time with loved ones and catching up with people we may not see often throughout the year. When it comes to finding fun things to do, we recommend anything we’ve suggested in this jam-packed guide.

Summary

While we have your attention, don’t forget to check out our full range of Christmas gifts to help tick off the often chaotic activity of present shopping.