The countdown to Christmas is officially ON, and we’re here to make sure every single day of December is packed with joy, laughter, and memories your family will treasure forever. Forget the holiday stress – this is your blueprint for turning the entire month into one epic celebration.
Whether you’re looking for no-prep crafts, delicious traditions, or cozy family moments, we’ve got you covered with 25 days of Christmas activities that’ll have everyone saying, “This is the best Christmas ever!”. Let’s dive in.
Day 1: Decorate the Christmas Tree Together
Nothing says “Christmas is here!” quite like decorating the tree as a family. This is your official kickoff to the holiday season, so make it count!
What You’ll Need:
- Your Christmas tree (real or artificial – we don’t judge!)
- Ornaments, garlands, and lights
- That special tree topper
How to Make It Magical:
- Let each family member pick their favorite ornaments to hang first.
- Share the stories behind special ornaments as you decorate – the handmade ones from preschool, the one from your honeymoon, you know the drill.
- Play your favorite Christmas playlist in the background.
- Let the youngest family member place the star or angel on top (with a little help, of course).
Pro Tip: Start a tradition of adding one new ornament each year. Snap a photo of everyone with the finished tree – it’s the perfect holiday card moment!
Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
25 ready-made clues = zero stress for you – Just print, hide, and watch kids stay engaged for hours while you actually enjoy your coffee
Instant download, works today – Get it in minutes, print on regular paper, create Christmas magic in under 15 minutes of setup
Saves Christmas on bad weather days – Perfect indoor activity when kids are bouncing off walls and you need them happily occupied
One purchase, use it every year – Blank templates let you customize for different ages or create new versions as kids grow
Outdoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
Gets kids outside and active – Burns energy while solving 25 riddles and challenges around the yard (lifesaver when they’re hyped on holiday sugar)
Instant download, 15-minute setup – Print, hide clues, done. Perfect last-minute activity that looks like you planned for weeks
Works with your yard decorations – Turns your Christmas lights and lawn decor into part of the adventure kids will beg to do again
Reusable every year – Blank templates let you customize for different ages or add new challenges as kids grow
Difficult Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Adults – Twelve Days of Christmas
Actually challenging puzzles for adults – 30 clever clues including ciphers, logic puzzles, and cryptic riddles that will genuinely stump your smartest friends
Print and play in minutes – Download, print, hide. Setup takes less time than wrapping gifts, but creates hours of laughter and memories
Flexible for any group – Pick 12 clues for a quick adventure or all 30 for an epic night. Customize with blank cards for personal inside jokes
Day 2: Write Letters to Santa
Set up a festive writing station and watch your kids’ imaginations run wild as they craft their letters to the big guy at the North Pole.
What You’ll Need:
- Festive stationery or colorful paper
- Crayons, markers, or pens
- Envelopes
- Stamps (if you’re actually mailing them!)
How to Make It Magical:
- Create a cozy writing corner with holiday music playing.
- Encourage kids to not just list their gift wishes, but also share what they’re grateful for this year.
- Have them draw pictures for Santa – he loves those!
- Address the envelopes together and mail them, or save them as precious keepsakes.
Pro Tip: Take photos of the letters before mailing. You’ll love looking back at their adorable handwriting and wild gift requests years from now!
Day 3: Make Homemade Christmas Cards
Unleash everyone’s inner artist and create cards that’ll make your friends and family smile way bigger than any store-bought version ever could.
What You’ll Need:
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
- Stickers, glitter, ribbon, stamps
- Glue sticks
- Envelopes
How to Make It Magical:
- Fold your paper into cards and let everyone pick their supplies.
- Set up a “craft station” assembly line – one person draws, another adds glitter, another writes messages.
- Let kids get messy with the glitter (you can vacuum later, we promise).
- Have everyone sign their masterpieces.
Pro Tip: Make a few extra cards to have on hand for last-minute holiday greetings. Future you will thank present you!
Day 4: Christmas Movie Marathon Night
Time to get cozy! Pick a classic Christmas flick, make some popcorn, and settle in for a night of holiday magic.
What You’ll Need:
- Your streaming service or DVD collection
- Popcorn (or your favorite movie snacks)
- Cozy blankets and pillows
- Hot chocolate (optional but highly recommended)
Movie Suggestions:
- The Polar Express
- Elf
- Home Alone
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- The Grinch (classic or new!)
How to Make It Magical:
- Let each family member take turns picking the movie throughout the season.
- Build a blanket fort in the living room for extra coziness.
- Serve hot chocolate with marshmallows during the movie.
- Pause for a quick dance break during the best Christmas song scenes!
Pro Tip: Make it a tradition to watch the same movie every Christmas Eve – it’ll become the tradition your kids look forward to all year.
Day 5: DIY Salt Dough Ornaments
Create ornaments your family will hang on the tree for years to come. This craft is ridiculously easy and the results are adorable!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Cookie cutters
- Paint and brushes
- Ribbon or string
- Rolling pin
How to Make It Magical:
- Mix flour, salt, and water until you form a dough.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Let kids use cookie cutters to create shapes.
- Poke a hole at the top of each ornament with a straw (for hanging later).
- Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until hard.
- Once cool, let everyone paint and decorate their ornaments.
- Thread ribbon through the holes and hang them on your tree!
Pro Tip: Write the year on the back of each ornament. You’ll love seeing how your kids’ artistic skills evolved over the years!
Day 6: Go Christmas Light Spotting
Pile into the car, crank up the Christmas tunes, and hunt for the most spectacularly decorated houses in your neighborhood.
What You’ll Need:
- Your car
- Hot chocolate in travel mugs
- A festive playlist
- Optional: scorecards to rate the light displays
How to Make It Magical:
- Map out a route through the best-decorated neighborhoods in your area.
- Give everyone hot chocolate to sip while you cruise.
- Make it a game – who can spot Santa first? Count all the inflatable snowmen!
- Take a vote on the best display and drive by it again.
Pro Tip: Do this in your pajamas! There’s something hilariously fun about a PJ Christmas light tour.
Day 7: Build a Gingerbread House
Get ready for some seriously sweet creativity (and maybe a little friendly competition) with this classic holiday activity.
What You’ll Need:
- Gingerbread house kit (or graham crackers if you’re going DIY)
- Royal icing (the glue that holds it all together!)
- Assorted candies: gumdrops, peppermints, M&Ms, candy canes
- Paper plates for each builder
How to Make It Magical:
- Give each person their own house to decorate (or work together on one mega-mansion).
- Set out all the candy and let the creative chaos begin.
- Take before, during, and after photos – the “during” ones are always hilarious.
- Display the finished houses as your holiday centerpiece.
Pro Tip: Set a “no eating the supplies” rule until the houses are done, or you’ll run out of candy before the walls are even up!
Day 8: Craft Paper Snowflakes
Transform your home into a winter wonderland with this simple, magical craft that never gets old.
What You’ll Need:
- White paper (printer paper or coffee filters work great)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Optional: glitter, markers for decorating
How to Make It Magical:
- Show everyone how to fold paper into triangles.
- Let everyone cut different patterns – no two snowflakes are alike!
- Unfold and reveal the unique designs.
- Tape them to windows, walls, or hang them from the ceiling with string.
Pro Tip: Put on Frozen’s “Let It Go” while you craft. The kids will love it, and you’ll have that song stuck in your head for days (you’re welcome).
Day 9: Bake Christmas Cookies
It’s time to fill your kitchen with the smell of freshly baked cookies and the sound of holiday music. This is what Christmas memories are made of!
What You’ll Need:
- Your favorite sugar cookie recipe (or store-bought dough – we won’t tell!)
- Cookie cutters (trees, stars, gingerbread men, snowflakes)
- Icing in multiple colors
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, candy decorations
- Rolling pin and baking sheets
How to Make It Magical:
- Roll out the dough and let everyone cut out their favorite shapes.
- Bake according to your recipe.
- Once cookies are cool, set up a decorating station with all the toppings.
- Let everyone’s creativity run wild – the messier, the better!
- Set aside a plate of the best-decorated cookies for Santa.
Pro Tip: Make extra dough and freeze it. When unexpected guests drop by during the holidays, you can bake fresh cookies in minutes!
Day 10: Create a Christmas Playlist and Dance Party
Crank up the holiday tunes and let loose! This is your permission slip to dance like nobody’s watching (even though everyone definitely is).
What You’ll Need:
- A music streaming service or your own collection
- A speaker
- Your best dance moves
Playlist Essentials:
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
- “Last Christmas” – Wham!
- “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
How to Make It Magical:
- Let each family member add their favorite Christmas songs.
- Clear some space in your living room.
- Have a dance-off competition.
- Break out the silly moves – robot dancing to “Jingle Bells” is absolutely encouraged.
Pro Tip: Record a video of your family dance party. It’ll be comedy gold in years to come!
Day 11: Visit Santa Claus
Make this a memory your kids will treasure forever with a special trip to see the man himself!
What You’ll Need:
- An appointment booked in advance
- Your camera
- Kids in their festive best (or cozy pajamas!)
- A list of what they want to tell Santa
How to Make It Magical:
- Build up the excitement by talking about meeting Santa all day.
- Encourage your kids to think about what they’ll say when it’s their turn.
- Capture the moment with photos – even if someone’s crying, it’s a memory!
- Ask Santa to mention something specific to make it extra magical.
Pro Tip: Many places offer special sessions like Pet Parties, Pajama Parties, sensory-friendly visits, and even Baby’s First Santa. Book early for the best time slots!
Day 12: Make a Christmas Wreath
Create a gorgeous wreath that’ll make your front door the envy of the neighborhood.
What You’ll Need:
- A wreath base (foam, wire, or grapevine)
- Fresh or artificial greenery
- Ribbon
- Ornaments, pinecones, or berries
- Hot glue gun
- Wire or floral picks
How to Make It Magical:
- Let each family member pick out decorations they love.
- Attach greenery to your base using wire or hot glue.
- Add your special touches – ribbon bows, ornaments, bells.
- Have the youngest family member help hang it on your front door.
Pro Tip: Make matching mini wreaths for each bedroom door. Kids love having their own decorated door!
Day 13: Host a Family Christmas Game Night
Break out the games and get ready for some friendly competition with a holiday twist!
Game Ideas:
- Christmas Bingo (make your own cards with holiday items)
- Pin the Nose on Rudolph
- Holiday Trivia (how well do you really know Christmas movies?)
- Christmas Pictionary (act out or draw holiday-themed words)
- Candy Cane Hunt (hide them around the house)
What You’ll Need:
- Your chosen games
- Small prizes or candy canes for winners
- Snacks and hot chocolate
- Festive music playing in the background
How to Make It Magical:
- Let everyone pick one game to play.
- Keep score on a festive scoreboard.
- Award silly prizes like “Best Christmas Spirit” or “Most Festive Player”.
- Serve themed snacks like reindeer pretzels or snowman popcorn.
Pro Tip: Make it a tournament bracket if you’re feeling competitive. The winner gets to pick the Christmas movie later!
Day 14: Donate Toys and Clothes to Charity
Teach your kids the true spirit of giving by spreading joy to families who need it most.
What You’ll Need:
- Boxes or bags
- Gently used toys and clothes
- A local charity or donation center
How to Make It Magical:
- Talk with your kids about how fortunate they are and why giving back matters.
- Let them choose which toys they’d like to donate (within reason!).
- Go through clothes together and pick items that no longer fit.
- Take a family trip to deliver the donations together.
- Explain where the items are going and who they’ll help.
Pro Tip: For every new toy your kids receive at Christmas, consider donating one they’ve outgrown. It keeps the toy collection manageable and the giving spirit alive!
Day 15: Have a Christmas Pajama Day
Stay in your coziest Christmas PJs all day long and enjoy a relaxing day of doing absolutely nothing but bonding with your family.
What You’ll Need:
- Everyone’s favorite Christmas pajamas
- Holiday movies queued up
- Hot chocolate supplies
- Snacks and treats
- Zero plans to leave the house
How to Make It Magical:
- Declare a “no getting dressed” rule for the entire day.
- Have a big pancake breakfast in your PJs.
- Marathon your favorite Christmas movies.
- Build blanket forts in the living room.
- Order pizza for dinner so nobody has to cook.
Pro Tip: Take a family photo in your matching (or hilariously mismatched) Christmas pajamas. It’s the perfect holiday card photo!
Day 16: Create a DIY Advent Calendar
If you haven’t already started an advent calendar, there’s still time! Make your own with daily surprises that’ll keep the excitement building all month long.
What You’ll Need:
- 25 small bags, envelopes, or boxes
- Numbered stickers or tags (1-25)
- Small treats, notes, or activity cards
- String or ribbon to hang them (optional)
Filling Ideas:
- Chocolate or small candies
- Activity cards (“Have a snowball fight today!”)
- Positive notes (“You’re awesome!”)
- Small toys or stickers
- Holiday jokes or riddles
How to Make It Magical:
- Number your bags or envelopes from 1-25.
- Fill each one with a surprise.
- Hang them on a string, arrange them on a board, or display them in a basket.
- Let kids take turns opening each day’s surprise.
Pro Tip: Mix treats with experiences. Some of the best advent surprises are activities like “stay up 30 minutes past bedtime” or “pick tonight’s dinner!”
Day 17: Go Caroling (or Virtual Caroling)
Bundle up and spread holiday cheer by singing Christmas carols around your neighborhood or virtually with distant family and friends.
What You’ll Need:
- Song sheets with carol lyrics
- Warm clothes and scarves
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Optional: thermoses of hot chocolate for after
How to Make It Magical:
- Practice a few favorite carols beforehand.
- Map out a route through your neighborhood.
- Bring small treats to give to those you sing for.
- If going virtual, set up a video call and sing together from different locations.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to elderly neighbors or family members who might especially appreciate a surprise caroling visit!
Day 18: Have a Christmas Storytime
Snuggle up with your favorite Christmas books and let the magic of storytelling fill your home.
Classic Christmas Books:
- The Night Before Christmas
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- The Polar Express
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- The Snowy Day
What You’ll Need:
- A stack of Christmas books
- Cozy blankets and pillows
- Hot chocolate
- A comfy reading spot
How to Make It Magical:
- Create a cozy reading nook with all the blankets and pillows.
- Dim the lights and maybe light some candles (safely!).
- Let each family member pick a book to read.
- Use different voices for characters – go big with your Grinch impression!
- Serve cookies and hot chocolate while you read.
Pro Tip: Record yourself reading a favorite story. Kids love hearing your voice even when you’re not there, and it becomes a cherished keepsake.
Day 19: Create Handprint Reindeer Crafts
Make adorable keepsakes that capture your kids’ tiny handprints – these will become treasured memories you’ll display year after year.
What You’ll Need:
- Brown construction paper or cardstock
- Washable paint (brown or tan)
- Googly eyes
- Red pom-poms (for the nose)
- Glue
- Markers
How to Make It Magical:
- Paint your child’s hand brown and press it onto the paper – the fingers become antlers!
- Once dry, glue on googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose.
- Add a smile with a marker.
- Write your child’s name and the year on the back.
- Frame it or give it to grandparents as a gift.
Pro Tip: Make one every year and watch how your child’s handprint grows. Mount them together for a sweet display of their childhood!
Day 20: Visit a Christmas Market or Tree Farm
Get out of the house and soak up the festive atmosphere at a local Christmas market or tree farm.
What You’ll Need:
- Warm clothes
- A camera for photos
- Money for treats and goodies
- A sense of adventure
How to Make It Magical:
- Research the best markets or tree farms in your area.
- Make a list of things to look for (hot cider, handmade ornaments, etc.).
- Let kids pick out one special treat or ornament.
- Take lots of photos with festive backdrops.
- Enjoy the lights, music, and holiday spirit.
Pro Tip: Go in the evening when the lights are on for maximum holiday magic!
Day 21: Write Thank You Notes for Teachers and Friends
Spread gratitude and kindness by taking time to thank the special people in your lives.
What You’ll Need:
- Thank you cards or pretty stationery
- Pens or markers
- Envelopes
- Stamps (if mailing)
How to Make It Magical:
- Help your kids think of people who’ve been kind to them this year.
- Write specific things they’re thankful for – not just generic “thank you”.
- Let kids decorate the cards with drawings.
- Deliver them in person when possible for extra impact.
Pro Tip: Include a homemade ornament or some cookies with the note to make it extra special!
Day 22: Make Personalized Christmas Stockings
Create custom stockings that perfectly capture each family member’s personality.
What You’ll Need:
- Plain stockings (felt or fabric)
- Fabric paint or markers
- Glitter, sequins, ribbons
- Felt cutouts
- Hot glue gun
- Iron-on letters for names
How to Make It Magical:
- Give each person their own blank stocking.
- Set out all the decoration supplies.
- Let everyone design their stocking to reflect their interests and personality.
- Add each person’s name clearly at the top.
- Hang them by the fireplace or on hooks ready for Santa.
Pro Tip: Take photos of each family member holding their finished stocking. Years from now, you’ll love seeing how everyone’s style evolved!
Day 23: Have a Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up an epic hot chocolate station and let everyone create their own perfect cup of cocoa!
What You’ll Need:
- Hot chocolate mix or homemade cocoa
- Milk
- Toppings bar: marshmallows (regular and mini), whipped cream, candy canes, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, sprinkles, cinnamon sticks
- Fun mugs
- Festive straws or stirrers
How to Make It Magical:
- Set up a buffet-style station with all the toppings.
- Let everyone customize their perfect hot chocolate.
- Create “signature drinks” and name them.
- Vote on the most creative combination.
- Sip your creations while watching a Christmas movie.
Pro Tip: Set out little cards so everyone can write down their “recipe” for their favorite combination. You’ll want to recreate the winners all season long!
Day 24: Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Make reading this classic Christmas Eve tradition a special moment your family looks forward to all year.
What You’ll Need:
- A copy of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Cozy pajamas
- Dimmed lights or candlelight
- Optional: cookies and milk for Santa
How to Make It Magical:
- Get everyone in their Christmas pajamas.
- Gather in the coziest spot in your home.
- Read the story aloud together – take turns reading pages.
- Set out cookies and milk for Santa afterward.
- Tuck everyone in with extra Christmas magic in the air.
Pro Tip: Read it by the glow of the Christmas tree lights for maximum magical atmosphere!
Day 25: Christmas Morning Magic
The big day is here! Soak in every moment of Christmas morning excitement with your family.
How to Make It Magical:
- Let the kids wake everyone up (as if you could stop them!).
- Gather around the tree together before anyone starts opening presents.
- Take turns opening gifts so everyone can watch each other’s reactions.
- Serve a special Christmas breakfast – even if it’s just cinnamon rolls!
- Play with new toys and games together.
- Stay in pajamas as long as humanly possible.
- Take a million photos – you can never have too many!
Pro Tip: Before opening presents, take a photo of everyone in front of the tree in their Christmas pajamas. It’s a tradition photo you’ll treasure forever!
Your Christmas Countdown Starts Now!
There you have it – 25 days of Christmas activities that’ll turn this holiday season into one your family will never forget. Whether you’re crafting ornaments, baking cookies, or snuggled up watching movies, these simple traditions create the magic that makes Christmas special.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly – it’s about being together, laughing together, and making memories that’ll last long after the decorations come down. Pick your favorites, mix and match, and most importantly, enjoy every sparkly, cookie-crumb-covered moment.
Happy holidays from all of us at Play Party Games – here’s to making this your most magical Christmas season yet!
More Christmas Party Ideas to Keep the Fun Rolling:
28+ Family Christmas Minute to Win It Games That’ll Make Your Holiday Party Epic
50 DIY Family Christmas Games for Kids and Adults (Easy, Hilarious, & Budget-Friendly!)
30 Hilarious Christmas Games Guaranteed to Make Your Family Howl with Laughter
The Reindeer Poop Game: Turn Your Guests Into Chocolate Detectives This Christmas
How To Play The Candy Bar Game
Christmas Fish Bowl Game: The Ultimate Holiday Party Hit (Plus Free Word List!)
40 Hilarious Christmas Party Games for Adults That’ll Make Your Holiday Party Legendary
