12 Days of Christmas Activities

December 12, 2025

The festive season is a magical time for families, especially when you have little ones at home. While the run-up to Christmas is often packed with shopping, planning and end-of-term events, it’s also the perfect opportunity to slow down and make memories together.

From cosy crafts to energetic games, here are 12 fun-filled days of festive inspiration, perfect for toddlers and primary-aged children across the UK.

How to Use These Christmas Activity Ideas

Think of this list as your family’s festive Advent calendar. You can follow the 12 days before Christmas or simply dip in and out when you fancy some holiday cheer.

These Christmas activity ideas are:

• Easy to set up at home
• Budget-friendly
• Designed with kids in mind
• Ideal for family bonding time

Let’s dive into the 12 fun Christmas activities you can enjoy together.

Day 1: Decorate a Mini Christmas Tree or Bedroom

Start the countdown with some festive decorating! Give your child their own small tree or a section of their bedroom to transform with:

• Handmade paper chains
• Fairy lights
• Small baubles or soft decorations

It gives them a sense of independence, pride and keeps little hands away from the main tree.

Day 2: Make Salt Dough Decorations

Get crafty with this classic Christmas activity. Mix:

• 1 cup plain flour
• ½ cup salt
• ½ cup water

Let your children shape stars, trees, or snowmen with biscuit cutters. Bake at a low heat and decorate with paint or glitter the next day.

Day 3: Write a Letter to Santa (Father Christmas)

This is a lovely tradition that helps little ones practise writing or drawing. Royal Mail even runs a service where kids can post letters to Santa if sent early.

Add extra sparkle with stickers or drawings, and talk about what they’re excited for, beyond just presents.

Day 4: Cosy Christmas Movie Night

Snuggle up with blankets, popcorn and a family favourite Christmas film. Some great UK-friendly picks include:

• The Snowman
• The Gruffalo’s Child
• Arthur Christmas
• Paddington

Make it extra fun with hot chocolate and Christmas pyjamas.

Day 5: Create Your Own Christmas Jumper Design

Get imaginative without needing to buy a new jumper!

• Print or draw jumper outlines on paper
• Decorate with crayons, stickers, cotton wool, tinsel or buttons

You could even let them customise an old t-shirt.

Day 6: Build a Blanket Fort and Read Festive Stories

Perfect for rainy afternoons. Gather cushions, blankets and fairy lights to build a cosy den. Bring in books like:

• The Jolly Christmas Postman
• Mog’s Christmas
• Stick Man
• The Night Before Christmas

Reading together is calming and magical, especially with a twinkling fort.

Day 7: DIY Christmas Cards

Grab some card, glue, foil, old wrapping paper, stickers or even potato stamps. Kids can create unique cards for grandparents, friends or neighbours.

It’s a brilliant way to keep little hands busy and teach the joy of giving.

Day 8: Bake Festive Biscuits

Baking is a great way to involve children in the kitchen.

• Try easy shortbread or gingerbread recipes
• Let them help with rolling, cutting and decorating
• Use festive cutters (stars, bells, reindeer)

Top with icing sugar or Smarties for extra festive fun.

Day 9: Go on a Christmas Lights Walk

Pop on warm coats and explore your local area after dark. Look for:

• Inflatable snowmen
• Light-up reindeer
• Twinkling window displays

You can turn it into a scavenger hunt with a checklist, great for burning off bedtime energy.

Day 10: Christmas Song & Dance Party

Play some cheerful classics and have a dance-off. Toddlers love silly moves, and older kids can choreograph their own routine.

Use tinsel as props, or make paper microphones. A great way to get the whole family moving and laughing.

Day 11: Make Reindeer Food Bags

Mix porridge oats with glitter or coloured sugar and pop them in little paper bags. Add a label with a fun poem:

“Sprinkle on the lawn at night,
The moon will make it sparkle bright,
Santa’s reindeer fly and roam,
This will guide them to your home!”

Tip: Use edible glitter if you’re sprinkling outdoors.

Day 12: Family Festive Photoshoot

End the 12 days with a photo session. Use props like Santa hats, fairy lights, or silly glasses.

Set up a simple background or snap some fun candid shots in your fort, baking, or dancing. These photos make great keepsakes or gifts.

Tips for Making Christmas Activities Extra Special

• Keep it simple – The focus is on fun, not perfection.
• Let kids lead – Give them the space to make decisions.
• Keep music playing – Background Christmas music boosts the festive vibe.
• Get everyone involved – Siblings, grandparents, even the dog in a Santa hat!

Why These Christmas Activities Matter

In the whirlwind of wrapping paper and wish lists, it’s easy to forget what really matters: spending time together. These Christmas activities for kids are more than just ways to pass the time. 

They can:

• Strengthen family bonds
• Spark creativity and imagination
• Teach kindness, patience, and sharing
• Create lasting childhood memories

Whether you do all twelve or just a few, the joy comes from doing them together.