Winter brings so many opportunities to make special memories with your loved ones, and these 25 ideas are perfect for bringing in the holiday cheer. From cozy indoor crafts to energy-burning outdoor winter activities, you’ll find a great balance of fun and creativity. Take the time to create lasting memories, embrace new family traditions for Christmas, and enjoy the magic of the season together.
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1. Decorate the Tree
Gone are the days when the perfect, photo-worthy tree was the goal. Let’s get back to the heart of the holiday by decorating the tree together as a family. Let your kids take charge, hanging ornaments wherever they please. Don’t worry about symmetry—embrace the imperfections! As they grow older, your kids will look back fondly on the memories of decorating. You can even make DIY decorations, such as:
- Popcorn garland – Pop some plain popcorn and let your kids practice their threading skills.
- Dried citrus garland – Slice up oranges, dry them out in the oven, and string them for a lovely homemade touch.
- Paper rings – Cut strips of construction paper and glue the ends with a glue stick to create a chain.
2. Write a Letter to Santa
There’s something magical about writing to Santa Claus. Have your kids either write or dictate a letter to him. Decorate the letter with stickers, glitter, or drawings, then pop it in the mail. The USPS Operation Santa program even gives you a chance to get a personalized response or gift from Santa! Be sure to check their website for deadlines so that your child’s letter arrives in time for Christmas.
3. Make Christmas Cards
Instead of buying cards this year, gather around the table for a card-making session. Your kids can draw, paint, or add stickers to create personalized Christmas cards for friends and family. This is a thoughtful winter craft activity that also lets kids express their creativity while sending some holiday cheer. You can hand them out in person or mail them for a fun surprise for loved ones.
4. Family Movie Night
Turn an ordinary evening into a cozy winter tradition. Pull out your softest blankets, pop some popcorn, and make hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. Choose your family’s favorite holiday movie. Here are some out ours:
- The Grinch – A fun classic that kids love.
- Klaus – Our family’s favorite hands down!
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Or any of the classic claymation films that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
5. Go on a Nature Walk
Bundle up and take a walk around your neighborhood or local park. Let your kids lead the way, pointing out animals, spotting icicles, or even catching snowflakes on their tongues. Consider turning it into a mini-adventure by searching for winter-themed treasures like pinecones or berries. Once you return home, warm up with a hearty crockpot meal waiting for you—a comforting reward after a fun outdoor winter activity.
6. Fake Snow Sensory Bin
Instant Snow Powder for Christmas Decor, Sensory & Snow Play. 18oz Makes 7 Gallons of Realistic Fake Snow! Indoor & Outdoor Artificial Snow. Makes 400 Snowballs. Downloadable Activity Guide
If you live somewhere without snow or just want to keep the fun indoors, create a fake snow sensory bin. You can get a kit like the one shown above, or DIY it by mixing 2 cups of baking soda with ½ cup of white hair conditioner to make a moldable, snow-like substance that is cool to the touch. Add winter-themed treasures like mini pinecones, plastic snow animals, or even cookie cutters for added fun. It’s a great winter activity for toddlers who love to explore new textures.
7. Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are always a hit! You can create an indoor or outdoor winter-themed scavenger hunt. For younger kids, keep it simple with items like ornaments or candles. You can also try incorporating your child’s senses by including items like a pine-scented candle, something fuzzy (like socks), or a red ornament. This versatile activity can easily be tailored for any age.
8. DIY Instruments
Bring out the musician in your kids with this fun and easy craft. You can repurpose household items to create your own band:
- Spice containers filled with rice or beans make perfect shakers.
- Bowls and spoons transform into drums.
- Tissue boxes with rubber bands and a paper towel roll handle create a DIY guitar.
Have a jam session with all your favorite holiday tunes for extra fun! Is that Mariah Carey I hear?
9. Frozen Bubbles
Blow bubbles outside on a freezing day and watch them crystallize as they freeze in mid-air. Your kids will be mesmerized by the magic of frozen bubbles! For an added science lesson, explain how the cold weather turns liquid into ice.
10. DIY Snow Globe
Design Your Own Snow Globes – Set of 4 – Christmas Snow Globes for Kids – Customizable Christmas Decorations for Home
Create a homemade snow globe using an empty pickle jar, glitter, and fun little trinkets. Fill the jar with water, add the glitter, and place the trinkets inside (hot glue the lids to avoid spills). Once sealed, your kids can shake up the globe and watch the “snow” fall. This craft makes a wonderful keepsake that your family can pull out year after year.
11. Make Ornaments
Personalized ornaments make great memories and add a homemade touch to your tree. You can buy plain ornaments to paint or decorate with glitter, stickers, and markers. Be sure to add your child’s name and the year, so you can look back on their creativity in the years to come.
12. Sledding or Tubing
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, bundle up and head to a nearby hill for a day of sledding or tubing. Nothing beats the thrill of racing down a snow-covered hill, and your kids will be all smiles! Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate for post-sledding warm-ups.
13. Bake Cookies
Baking cookies together is a timeless winter tradition. Roll out the dough, use cookie cutters for fun shapes, and let your kids go wild with icing and sprinkles. Try classic chocolate chip, or go the extra mile with decorated sugar or gingerbread cookies that the whole family can enjoy.
14. Make a Gingerbread House
Gingerbread House kit [Set of 2] DIY Gingerbread House, Fun Holiday Activity for Kids, Ease Crafted Grooves Decor Kit of 2 Houses
Gingerbread houses are a great way to get creative with frosting, candies, and decorations. Whether you buy a kit or make it from scratch, this activity is about having fun and working together as a family. Don’t worry about making it perfect—let your kids take the lead in decorating their edible masterpiece!
15. Indoor Campout
Transform your living room into a campsite by setting up a real tent or creating a cozy blanket fort. Grab sleeping bags, make a faux fire with construction paper, and tell stories before tucking in for the night. For extra fun, try making a s’mores dip—just melt chocolate and marshmallows in a skillet, and dip graham crackers for a sweet treat.
16. Snow Painting
10 Pack – 5 Vibrant Colors – 5 Squirt Bottles – Art Craft Kit for Snow Decorations – Color Powder Snow Paint – Kid-Friendly Activity – Non-Toxic & Biodegradable
Let your kids unleash their inner artists with snow painting! Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring, and let them “paint” the snow. You can also make stencils from cardboard for fun shapes like snowflakes or snowmen.
17. Visit Santa
Head to your local mall or holiday event to visit Santa and snap a keepsake photo. Many places offer free Santa photos (like Cabela’s), so be sure to check out local events. It’s a great way to capture a memory your family will treasure.
18. Make Paper Snowflakes
Practice those fine motor skills by cutting out paper snowflakes. Coffee filters and construction paper work great for this craft. Once your kids are done, hang the snowflakes from the ceiling or tape them to the windows for a festive winter decoration.
19. Build a Snowman
Building a snowman is one of the most classic winter activities for kids. Bundle up, roll some big snowballs, and give your snowman a carrot nose, button eyes, and a scarf. You can even name him as a new member of the family!
20. Make Blessing Bags
Teach your kids the spirit of giving by assembling blessing bags for those in need. Fill them with essentials like socks, snacks, can openers, and toiletries, and donate them to a local shelter or charity. It’s a meaningful way to help others during the holiday season.
21. Attend a Local Festival
Support your community by attending a local holiday festival. These events often include food stalls, craft booths, and unique gift options like homemade jams or holiday décor. It’s a fun outing and a great way to find something special for Grandma or Grandpa.
22. Sugar Cube Igloos
Domino Premium Pure Cane Sugar Cubes Dots, 1 Pound Box
Challenge your kids’ building skills by making a sugar cube igloo. Glue the cubes together and create a little snow house. You can even add fun details like a toothpick door hinge or a tiny (battery-operated) tea light for a fireplace effect.
23. Family Game Night
3-8 Players – Ages 6+ – 90 Second Rounds – Easy to Learn Quick Matching Card Game – Party Game, Family Game Night, Kid and Adult Card Game
Hasbro Gaming Hi Ho! Cherry-O Board Game for 2 to 4 Players Kids Ages 3 and Up (Amazon Exclusive)
The ‘No Reading Required’ Strategy Game by Jax and Goliath, Multi Color, 11 inches (2-4 players) (Packaging May Vary)
Pick out a board game and gather around the table for a night of family fun. Whether it’s Candyland for little ones or Connect Four for older kids, there’s a game for everyone.
24. Set Up a Santa Welcome Station
Before heading to bed on Christmas Eve, set up a welcome station for Santa. Lay out milk and cookies, along with a note for Santa, and don’t forget to leave carrots for the reindeer!
25. Spend Time with Family
Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, remember that the best part of the season is spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re exchanging gifts, lounging in pajamas, or just being silly, make the most of these moments.
Summary
With these 25 winter activities, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep your family entertained and engaged throughout the season. What’s your favorite winter tradition? Comment below and let us know! Be sure to follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive content on what we are taking time for and a free meal plan and grocery list every week!
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A great list of things to do! I want to do a lot of these things (and I’m an adult). Hopefully one day I’ll get to experience a white Christmas (as it’s summer in Aus) – Ash
For sure! These are fun for all ages.