15 Fun and Festive Holiday Activities to Do with Your Family
The holidays are the perfect excuse to slow down, gather the family, and make some memories! But let’s face it—keeping everyone entertained, from toddlers to grandparents, can be a challenge. You need fun activities that are festive, low-stress, and don’t leave anyone scrolling on their phone out of boredom. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re staying cozy indoors or braving the winter weather, these ideas are packed with holiday magic. You’ll find everything from old-school traditions to exciting new twists that’ll keep your crew engaged and full of cheer. No need to travel far or break the bank—sometimes, the best memories happen right at home (in pajamas, no less). So grab some cocoa, rally the family, and get ready for some seriously festive fun. These 15 activities are guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Get those cozy blankets and fuzzy socks out because it’s time to binge-watch your favorite holiday movies! Let everyone pick a movie, pop some popcorn, and load up on marshmallow-filled hot cocoa. Bonus points if you throw in a themed snack for each movie (like peppermint bark for Elf).
Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Nothing says “festive” like icing-covered fingers and candy chaos! Grab a gingerbread house kit or bake your own, and let the family go wild with decorations. Award silly prizes—like “Most Likely to Collapse” or “Candy Overload”—to keep things lighthearted.
Have a Snow Day Adventure
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, bundle up and head outside for sledding, snowball fights, and snowman-building competitions. No snow? No problem! Try an indoor snowball fight with rolled-up socks or marshmallows.
Make DIY Holiday Ornaments
Get crafty and make your own Christmas or Hanukkah ornaments to hang on the tree or give as gifts. Use paint, glitter, and family photos to create keepsakes you’ll cherish forever. Trust us, even the “abstract” ones made by the little ones will make you smile every year!
Host a Family Talent Show
Let everyone showcase their hidden (or not-so-hidden) talents. Singing, dancing, magic tricks—everything is fair game! The holiday theme makes it even better—who can sing the best version of Jingle Bells?
Go Ice Skating Together
Hit the rink for a day of twirls, spins, and maybe a few hilarious wipeouts. Even if you’re not a pro, holding hands (and holding each other up) is half the fun. Plus, you’ll have an excuse to warm up with hot chocolate afterward!
Have a Holiday Bake-Off
It’s time to turn the kitchen into a battleground—cookies, pies, and cakes, oh my! Divide into teams and have a friendly competition to see who bakes the best holiday treat. The real winner? Everyone who gets to eat them.
Drive Around to See Holiday Lights
Pile into the car, crank up some festive tunes, and drive around town to find the most dazzling holiday light displays. You can even vote on your favorites or make a game out of spotting certain decorations.
Write Letters to Santa (or the Future You)
For the kids, penning letters to Santa is always a hit. But for a fun twist, have the whole family write letters to their “future selves” about their hopes and dreams for the coming year. Seal them and read them next holiday season for a trip down memory lane.
Create a Holiday Playlist and Dance Party
Gather everyone’s favorite holiday songs into one playlist, crank it up, and dance around the living room like nobody’s watching. Make sure to throw in some old classics alongside the latest holiday hits!
Play Holiday-Themed Board Games or Trivia
Dust off the board games and give them a holiday spin, or create a trivia game filled with festive facts and fun challenges. You can even make up silly prizes like “Most Likely to Eat All the Candy Canes.”
Volunteer Together
Spread some holiday cheer by giving back to your community. Volunteer at a local food bank, donate toys, or make care packages for neighbors in need. It’s a great way to bond as a family and remind everyone of the season’s true meaning.
Host a Cozy Holiday Storytime
Light some candles or the fireplace, gather the kids, and read holiday-themed books together. Throw in some hot cider or eggnog to make the moment even more magical. For added fun, let the kids take turns acting out parts of the story.
Have a Pajama Day
Declare a “no real clothes” rule for the day and have a full-on pajama party! Make a big breakfast, lounge around, play games, and just enjoy a day of relaxation. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, doing nothing is the best holiday activity.
Make a Family Holiday Scrapbook
Capture all those magical moments by creating a holiday scrapbook together. Print out photos from past and present holidays, and let everyone contribute drawings, notes, or mementos. It’s the perfect way to preserve the joy—and get excited about next year’s adventures!
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