Choose park
Check in
Check out
Guests
Check in/out
Guests
Search
Top 20 Christmas Activities for Children
It’s glitter on the carpet, hot chocolate spills, half-eaten cookies, and tiny humans absolutely convinced they’ve just heard reindeer on the roof.
To help you make the most of the festive chaos (the good kind), we’ve pulled together 20 Christmas activities for children that are fun, easy, and guaranteed to create those “remember when…” family moments.
Whether you’re at home or staying with us at Away Resorts, these ideas are all about laughter, imagination, and a little bit of Christmas mischief.
Decorate the Christmas Tree
This is less “interior design moment” and more “where did all the baubles go?”
Let the kids take over. Crooked decorations, 14 baubles on one branch, and a very proud moment placing the star slightly off-centre — it’s perfect.
Making Christmas Crafts
Get creative with paper snowflakes, handmade decorations and glittery ornaments. At Away Resorts, kids can also enjoy festive workshops like pottery painting and tie-dye.
Baking Christmas Cookies
Mix, roll, cut and decorate delicious festive treats together. Cookie cutters, icing and sprinkles make this a sweet family favourite. You can also join Mrs Claus Kitchen at your away resorts holiday park to bake some delicious treats.
Writing Letters to Santa
Encourage children to express their Christmas wishes by writing letters to Santa. This activity not only boosts their excitement but also encourages literacy skills. You can even make the experience extra special by sending their letters to the North Pole.
Watching Christmas Movies
A holiday movie marathon is a fantastic way to spend a chilly winter afternoon. Classics like Home Alone, The Polar Express, and Elf bring holiday cheer to the whole family. Remember the hot cocoa and popcorn!
Build a Gingerbread House
Decorating gingerbread houses is a holiday staple. Kids can get creative with icing, candy canes, gumdrops, and sprinkles, turning simple gingerbread walls into colourful Christmas cottages. This hands-on activity is both tasty and decorative!
Sing Christmas Carols
Whether at home or in a group, singing festive songs spreads joy and builds holiday excitement.
Read Christmas Stories
Snuggling up with holiday-themed books is a relaxing way to wind down in the evenings. Classics like The Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas are perfect for a cosy Christmas Eve tradition.
Make DIY Christmas Cards
Glitter, stickers and coloured paper turn into heartfelt cards for friends and family.
Go on a Christmas Lights Walk
Wrap up warm and explore glowing streets and sparkling displays. A simple but unforgettable festive moment.
Find out more
Create a Christmas Eve Box
Fill a box with pyjamas, treats, a book and hot chocolate for a magical pre-Christmas surprise.
Advent Calendar Countdown
Advent calendars are a fun way for children to count down the days until Christmas. You can buy one with chocolates or small gifts behind each door, or create your own with daily activities that lead up to Christmas Day.
Find out more
Visit Santa Claus
Meet Santa, share wishes and take a magical photo. At Away Resorts, you can also enjoy festive events like Winterfest and Forest of Light.
You can also visit Santa at one of our fantastic festive events including Winterfest.
Elf on the Shelf
Wake up each morning to discover what your mischievous elf has been up to overnight!
Make Christmas Ornaments
Create keepsake decorations from clay, wood or felt to treasure year after year.
Christmas Treasure Hunt
Set clues and hide festive surprises around the house for an exciting indoor adventure.
Build a Snowman
A winter classic! No snow? Try marshmallows, cotton balls or paper versions indoors.
Attend a Christmas Parade or Festival
Enjoy music, floats and festive cheer at local Christmas events full of community spirit.
Find out more
Create a Hot Chocolate Bar
Let kids customise drinks with marshmallows, cream and festive toppings. Perfect after a winter walk.
Host a Polar Express Pyjama Party
Pyjamas, hot chocolate and a movie night make for a magical festive evening everyone will love.
Creating Magical Christmas Memories
Christmas is about more than just activities—it’s about shared moments, laughter and family traditions.
Whether you're baking cookies, crafting decorations or exploring festive lights, these Christmas activities help create memories children will treasure forever.
Festive activities
Wish Jars & Snow Globes
Step into a world of festive enchantment with our Wish Jars & Snow Globes activity, where creativity meets Christmas magic!
Festive Tie-Dye
Choose a T-Shirt, Apron or Stockings to twist & shape into something funky and festive-coloured!
Elf Slime Factory
Channel your inner cheeky elf and dive into festive fun at the Elf Slime Factory, where you can create gooey slime with a Christmas twist.
Christmas Pottery Painting
Unleash your creativity this festive season with our Christmas Pottery Painting! Choose from a delightful selection of ceramic gingerbread houses, Christmas trees and more!
Sleigh Team Elf Recruits
Calling all small folk! Santa needs your help. Join the Sleigh Team and help save Christmas.
Decoration Station
Create beautiful Christmas decorations including Pinecone Reindeers, Twinkling Lights Snowman and more.
Dear Santa
A Magical Preparation for Christmas Eve! Get ready for a magical experience at our Christmas Post Office!
Mrs Claus Kitchen
Step into the magic of the season with Mrs. Claus' Kitchen! Mrs. Claus warmly invites you into her cozy kitchen for a festive treat-making adventure.
Make a Christmas Plushie
Join us for a festive adventure at our Teddy Bear Workshop, where you can bring your very own Christmas Teddy to life!
Away Resorts Festive events
Winterfest - from 20th Nov to 20th Dec
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with festive activities, magical entertainment, seasonal dining and unforgettable family moments at Tattershall Lakes, Mill Rythe, Sandy Balls, Retallack and St Ives Bay.
Find out moreFrequently Asked Questions: Christmas Activities for Kids
What are fun Christmas activities for kids?
Fun Christmas activities for kids include decorating the Christmas tree, baking festive cookies, making Christmas crafts, writing letters to Santa, watching Christmas movies, and going on Christmas lights walks. These simple traditions help bring the magic of Christmas to life and create unforgettable family memories.
What can I do with children at Christmas at home?
There are lots of easy ways to keep children entertained at home during Christmas. Popular ideas include DIY Christmas cards, Elf on the Shelf adventures, indoor treasure hunts, hot chocolate bars, festive baking, and cosy Christmas movie nights. These activities are perfect for creating excitement without leaving the house.
What are free Christmas activities for families?
Free Christmas activities include going to see Christmas lights, singing carols, making homemade decorations, writing letters to Santa, building snowmen, and enjoying festive storytelling at home. Many towns and cities also host free Christmas parades and seasonal community events.
What Christmas activities can children do at holiday parks?
At holiday parks like Away Resorts, children can enjoy a wide range of festive experiences including Christmas crafts workshops, Santa visits, festive baking sessions, entertainment shows, Winterfest celebrations, and magical light trails like Forest of Light. These activities make a festive break extra special.
How do you make Christmas magical for children?
You can make Christmas magical for children by focusing on shared experiences and traditions. Simple moments like decorating the tree together, baking treats, watching festive films, and spending quality family time often become the most cherished memories. Adding a few surprises along the way makes it even more special.
Similar articles
Kate Watts
Kate has been part of Away Resorts for many years, beginning her journey as a Holiday Home Advisor at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. She’s passionate about sharing authentic experiences that show what makes Away Resorts so special, whether that’s alpaca walks, surfing on the FlowRider, or simply enjoying time together in beautiful locations. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time by the coast and countryside. Her favourite spots include the beaches at St Ives Bay, wandering around Padstow, and exploring the stunning New Forest countryside around Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
Follow Kate Watts for thoughtful takes, fresh ideas, and inspiring reads.