7 Amazing Christmas-Themed Kids Activities

The festive season is the perfect time to sprinkle a little extra magic into children’s learning and play. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or activity provider, Christmas offers endless opportunities to blend joy with development across all kinds of interests, from science and coding to dance, drama, and wellbeing.

Santa’s Sleigh Science – STEM

In this hands-on experiment, kids design and build their own mini sleighs using recycled materials, then test how different surfaces (like carpet, foil, or cardboard) affect speed and distance. They can add weights (presents) or create “reindeer propulsion” using balloons or rubber bands. This activity introduces basic physics concepts like friction, force, and aerodynamics, while also encouraging problem-solving and iteration. It’s a brilliant way to develop scientific thinking and resilience through playful trial and error.

Elf Code Breakers – Computing and Coding

Using beginner-friendly platforms like Scratch, children can take on the role of Santa’s tech-savvy elves, programming a virtual sleigh to deliver presents or debugging a mischievous elf’s broken code. Challenges might include sequencing commands, using loops, or creating simple animations. This activity builds computational thinking, logic, and digital literacy, all while giving kids a sense of accomplishment as they “save Christmas” through code.

Reindeer Rumba – Dance

This festive dance session invites children to embody reindeer, snowflakes, or jingling bells through movement. Led by an instructor or improvised at home, the routine can include prancing, twirling, and rhythmic stomps to holiday music. Kids can even choreograph their own “North Pole finale” to perform for family. Dance helps develop coordination, rhythm, and spatial awareness, while also boosting confidence and emotional expression through joyful physicality.

The Great Toy Workshop Mix-Up – Drama

In this imaginative drama game, children act out a story where Santa’s elves accidentally swap the Christmas gift list with the Easter Bunny’s. Chaos ensues as they try to deliver chocolate eggs and bunny ears instead of toys! Through improvisation, character play, and collaborative storytelling, kids explore empathy, communication, and creative problem-solving. Drama also nurtures emotional intelligence and helps children find their voice, literally and figuratively.

Snow Globe Story Jars – Arts and Crafts

Children create their own snow globes using recycled jars, glitter, and miniature Christmas scenes crafted from clay, paper, or natural materials. Each globe becomes a tiny world with its own story, perhaps a penguin party, a snowy forest, or Santa stuck in a chimney. This activity enhances fine motor skills, spatial planning, and narrative thinking. It also offers a calming, mindful space for self-expression and storytelling through visual art.

Jingle Jam Session – Music

Kids explore rhythm and melody by creating their own Christmas tunes using bells, drums, or digital music apps. They can remix classics like “Jingle Bells” or invent new songs like “Frosty’s Funky Sleigh Ride.” Whether solo or in a group, this activity develops auditory discriminations, timing, and musical creativity. It also fosters collaboration and emotional expression. Music is a powerful way for children to connect, celebrate, and shine.

Silent Night Star Breathing – Mindfulness and Wellbeing

This gentle activity guides children through a star-shaped breathing exercise: tracing each point of the star with a breath in and out, paired with affirmations like “I am calm,” “I am kind,” “I shine bright.” It can be followed by a cosy story under fairy lights or a gratitude circle. This practice supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a sense of inner peace, especially helpful during the excitement (and overwhelm) of the festive season.

From coding sleigh routes to breathing under fairy lights, these festive activities offer more than just seasonal sparkle; they’re gateways to growth, connection, and creativity. Each one taps into a different area of development, helping children explore their passions while building essential life skills.