25 Christmas Activities for Kids
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to keep little hands busy than with some easy and fun Christmas activities. Whether your kids love glitter, glue, or giggles, there are so many creative ways to get them excited for the holiday season.
From sparkly Santas and paper snowflakes to handmade gifts and ornaments, these activities are full of color, imagination, and festive fun. You can make them together as a family, set up a crafting afternoon for the kids, or use them as cozy weekend projects in the days leading up to Christmas.
Most of these ideas use simple materials you probably already have at home, like paper plates, yarn, pinecones, and a little sprinkle of glitter. They’re quick to make, fun for all ages, and perfect for bringing that extra touch of Christmas cheer into your home.
Ready to get started? Here are some of the best and easiest Christmas activities kids will love this season.
Fake Snow
Bring a little winter magic indoors with this fun fake snow activity. Kids will love getting their hands messy while creating their own snow to play with. Mix baking soda with shaving cream or white hair conditioner until it forms a soft, snow-like texture.
You can use it for sensory play, build tiny snowmen, or even fill a small tray to create a mini winter scene. It’s cool to the touch, easy to make, and keeps kids entertained for hours.
Handprint Wreath
Turn those tiny hands into a festive holiday decoration with a handprint wreath. Trace and cut out several handprints from green construction paper, then glue them in a circle to form a wreath shape.
Add red paper berries, a big bow, and maybe a touch of glitter for sparkle. This craft is easy for younger kids and makes a sweet keepsake to hang on the door or fridge every Christmas.
Paper Plate Baubles
Paper plates are perfect for crafting, and these colorful baubles are so simple to make. Cut out large circles from paper plates, then let kids decorate them with paint, glitter, stickers, and bits of shiny paper.
Once dry, attach string or ribbon so they can hang their creations around the house or on the Christmas tree. Each one will turn out different, and that’s what makes them so special.
Paper Plate Angel
A paper plate angel is a lovely craft that brings a touch of tradition to your Christmas decorations. Cut one paper plate in half to make the wings and use another for the angel’s body.
Kids can paint, color, or decorate with sequins and cotton balls to make their angels shine. Add a paper circle for the head, draw a smiling face, and glue it on top. These little angels look beautiful on mantels, tables, or even the tree.
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a Christmas classic that never go out of style. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a soft dough, then roll it out and help the kids press their handprints into it.
Cut around the prints, make a small hole at the top, and bake until firm. Once cooled, children can paint and decorate them however they like. Add their names and the year for a personal touch. These ornaments become treasured keepsakes that parents will love pulling out every year.
Reindeer Headband
A reindeer headband is a fun and easy craft that kids can wear proudly all December long. All you need is brown craft paper, card, and a few simple supplies. Cut a long strip of brown paper to fit around each child’s head, then add two hand-traced antlers cut from more paper or card. Glue them on top and decorate with googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose for Rudolph. This project doubles as both a creative craft and a cute dress-up accessory for holiday parties or classroom fun.
Elf Hat Printable
Get kids giggling with their very own elf hats. Using a simple printable template, children can cut, fold, and decorate colorful elf hats from paper or cardstock. Add bells, sequins, or stickers to make each one sparkle. This is a great activity for an afternoon of Christmas movies and crafts, and it helps kids feel like part of Santa’s team. Once they’re finished, they can wear their elf hats while wrapping gifts or helping decorate the house.
Christmas Bauble Coloring Page
For a calmer activity, printable coloring pages are always a hit. These festive bauble sheets give kids the freedom to use their favorite colors, markers, and glitter to design unique decorations. Each bauble can be cut out afterward and hung around the room or taped to the windows for an easy homemade garland. It’s a simple, low-mess craft that’s perfect for younger children and great for keeping everyone busy during quiet holiday moments.
Paper Ball Reindeer
This adorable reindeer craft uses simple strips of paper to make a 3D effect. Cut several strips of brown paper, then help kids loop and glue them into a ball shape. Add paper ears, googly eyes, and a bright red nose to complete Rudolph’s look. You can even add a string at the top to hang it as a decoration. It’s quick to make, fun to customize, and gives children a great sense of accomplishment when they see their reindeer come to life.
Suncatcher Ornament Banner
Combine creativity and decoration with a beautiful suncatcher ornament banner. Kids can use tissue paper, glue, and clear plastic sheets to make bright, colorful ornaments that catch the light perfectly.
Once they’re dry, string them together to create a banner for windows or mantels. The translucent colors shine beautifully when sunlight hits them, making this an eye-catching way to brighten up your home for Christmas.
Moveable Penguin
This cute moveable penguin craft is a fun project that brings paper to life. Kids can cut out simple penguin shapes from black, white, and orange paper, then use small brass fasteners or split pins to attach the wings so they can flap.
Add googly eyes and a paper beak for extra charm. Once finished, the penguins can wobble, wave, or even “dance.” It’s an adorable winter craft that combines creativity with a little bit of hands-on mechanics.
Paper Plate Christmas Trees
Turn simple paper plates into colorful Christmas trees with this easy activity. Cut a plate into a triangle shape to form the tree, then let kids decorate with paint, pom-poms, sequins, and stickers.
Add a paper star on top and a small cardboard rectangle for the trunk. When they’re done, the trees can be displayed on tables, walls, or classroom boards. It’s a great way to encourage creativity while keeping things simple and mess-free.
Reindeer Gift Bags
Add a handmade touch to your holiday gift wrapping with these adorable reindeer gift bags. Start with a plain brown paper bag and decorate it with googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and paper antlers.
You can draw on a smile or add bows and stickers for a bit of extra flair. Kids will love turning ordinary bags into something special, and these cute reindeer designs make any gift look festive and thoughtful.
Paper Chain Advent Calendar
Paper chains are a timeless Christmas craft, and this idea turns them into a countdown calendar. Cut strips of colorful paper, number them from one to twenty-five, and link them together into a chain.
Each day, kids can tear off one link as they count down to Christmas. This simple project builds excitement for the big day while helping children practice numbers and patience in a fun, hands-on way.
Jumping Elf Puppets
Bring a little Christmas magic to life with jumping elf puppets. Using paper, string, and a printable template, kids can create their own cheerful elves that actually move. Once assembled, pull the strings and watch the elves jump and wiggle.
This craft is a hit because it combines creativity with playtime, giving children something fun to enjoy long after the glue dries. It’s a festive, interactive activity that keeps the holiday spirit alive.
Air-Drying Fingerprint Decorations
Turn little fingerprints into precious Christmas keepsakes with air-drying clay. Have kids press their fingertips into small circles or shapes cut from the clay. Once they’ve dried, let them paint over the prints to create festive designs like reindeer, snowmen, or holly berries.
Punch a hole at the top before the clay hardens so a ribbon can be added for hanging. These ornaments are simple, personal, and make heartfelt gifts for parents or grandparents.
Paper Plate Santa Claus
Kids will love making their own Santa Claus using a paper plate and simple craft supplies. Use cotton balls for his fluffy beard, red paper or paint for his hat, and googly eyes for a jolly expression.
Add a pom-pom at the end of his hat and maybe a touch of glitter to make him sparkle. It’s a fun, hands-on craft that helps little ones practice cutting and gluing while creating something they’ll be proud to show off.
Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Toilet paper rolls are perfect for quick and easy Christmas crafts, and this reindeer project is no exception. Paint each roll brown, then glue on googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and small twigs or paper cutouts for antlers.
Kids can also draw smiles or add scarves made from ribbon or fabric scraps. These cute reindeer make adorable table decorations or can be strung together as garlands. It’s a creative way to recycle while spreading holiday joy.
Scrap Fabric Christmas Tree Decorations
Turn leftover fabric into charming Christmas tree decorations that add a homemade touch to your holiday décor. Cut the fabric into triangles or tree shapes, then glue or stitch them onto felt or cardboard for sturdiness. Kids can decorate each tree with buttons, sequins, ribbons, or beads to mimic ornaments and tinsel.
Attach a loop of string or twine at the top so they can hang their creations on the tree or around the house. This project is great for recycling scraps and encouraging creativity.
Button Star Ornaments
Button star ornaments are colorful, fun, and a great way to use up extra craft supplies. Start by cutting a star shape from sturdy cardstock or felt. Have kids glue on a mix of buttons in different sizes and colors until the star is completely covered.
Add a small ribbon or thread at the top for hanging. The end result is a bright and cheerful ornament that stands out on the Christmas tree. This easy project helps younger children practice fine motor skills while letting them explore patterns and color combinations.
Christmas Peg Dolls
Peg dolls are a classic craft that kids love, and they’re even more delightful when dressed up for Christmas. Using wooden pegs, paint, and felt, children can create tiny Santas, elves, snowmen, or angels. Encourage them to add small details like belts, scarves, or glittery accents.
These adorable peg dolls can be displayed on mantels, used as gift toppers, or given as little presents. They’re a great combination of creativity and imaginative play.
Mini Yarn Hat Ornaments
Mini yarn hats are one of the cutest Christmas crafts for kids. To make them, cut a cardboard ring for the base and wrap it with yarn in festive colors. Once the ring is covered, tie the strands at the top and trim them into a fluffy pom-pom shape.
The finished hats look like tiny winter beanies and make adorable decorations for the tree. They can also be added to presents or garlands for a cozy handmade touch.
Christmas Tree Cones
Christmas tree cones are a simple but beautiful craft that lets kids create their own tabletop trees. Start by rolling green cardstock or felt into a cone shape and securing it with tape or glue.
Then let kids decorate with stickers, sequins, beads, or glitter to make their trees sparkle. Add a star on top and a paper circle for the base to help it stand. These mini trees look lovely grouped together as a festive display and are easy enough for all ages to enjoy making.
Christmas Slime
Kids will love this festive twist on a favorite sensory activity. Christmas slime is easy to make and can be customized with seasonal colors and sparkles. Mix clear glue, baking soda, and a few drops of saline solution until it forms a stretchy slime, then add red and green food coloring or glitter for a holiday touch. Store it in small jars or containers tied with ribbon for a fun and squishy Christmas craft that doubles as a cute gift.
Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are a classic Christmas activity that never loses its charm. All you need is paper and scissors. Fold the paper several times and let kids carefully snip out shapes along the edges. When they unfold their creations, they’ll be amazed at the patterns they’ve made. Hang the snowflakes in windows or from the ceiling to make your home feel like a winter wonderland. Each one turns out unique, making this a perfect craft for creative kids of all ages.
Pinecone Elves
Turn pinecones into adorable little elves with just a few craft supplies. Collect some pinecones and use felt, pom-poms, and googly eyes to bring your elves to life. Cut out felt hats, scarves, and tiny mittens, then glue them on top of the pinecones. Kids can give each elf a name and personality. These cheerful little characters make great decorations for shelves or tables and bring plenty of festive charm to your home.
Christmas Cards
Let kids share the holiday spirit by making their own Christmas cards. Provide colored paper, markers, stickers, and glitter, and let their creativity take over. They can draw Santa, snowmen, reindeer, or even family portraits. Encourage them to write heartfelt messages inside each card for friends and relatives. These handmade cards are thoughtful, fun to make, and always appreciated by whoever receives them.
Reindeer Paper Bag Puppet
A reindeer paper bag puppet is a simple and entertaining craft that’s perfect for little hands. Give each child a brown paper bag and materials to decorate it.
Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom for Rudolph’s nose, and paper cutouts for antlers and ears. Once they’re finished, kids can use their puppets to put on their own Christmas plays or sing-alongs. It’s a great way to combine crafting with imaginative play.
