41 Fun Christmas Activities for That Festive Feeling in 2024

The holiday season is fast approaching and with it comes a world of fun Christmas activities to get you in the festive spirit. The question is, what are you in the mood for?

Are you the type who loves baking holiday treats, crafting with the family or maybe even competing in some friendly holiday games? Whatever vibe you’re looking for, we’ve got a list of fun Christmas activities that will fill your days with joy, laughter and unforgettable memories this year. With so many possibilities, how will you decide which fun Christmas activities to dive into first?

 Jump to Section

• Christmas Things To Do for Foodies
• Fun Family Christmas Activities
• Fun Christmas Activities for Adults
• Creative Christmas Craft Activities
• Fun Christmas Activities For Your Next Festive Party

Christmas Things To Do for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are fun Christmas activities that sharpen your culinary skills while enjoying seasonal food. Whether you’re interested in mastering holiday classics or learning new international dishes, cooking classes near you offer hands-on, fun festive activities that you can do solo or with family or friends.

For those who prefer fun Christmas activities at home, online cooking classes provide the same festive recipes and expert guidance with a more flexible schedule and are great Christmas date ideas!

2. Hire a Private Chef for a Meal

Hiring a private chef for a holiday meal is the ultimate way to elevate your Christmas celebration. It allows you to enjoy a gourmet, customized meal without the stress of cooking and cleaning. Many private chefs near you specialize in holiday-themed menus, so you can indulge in a special feast tailored to your preferences and enjoy fun Christmas activities while you eat. 

3. Go on a Food Tour

A food tour is a fun Christmas activity that allows you to explore the festive flavors of different cuisines across your local city. Food tours near you often highlight holiday treats, street food and warm beverages, making it a delightful way to soak up the festive atmosphere. It’s a great choice if you love trying new foods and discovering hidden culinary gems in your local area. 

4. Take an Online Baking Class

When it’s just too cold to leave the house, there are still plenty of fun Christmas activities you can do at home! Online baking classes are a fun and convenient way to learn how to bake delicious holiday treats from the comfort of your kitchen.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these classes can teach you to make everything from gingerbread cookies to fruitcakes. One perk of online baking classes is that you can pause and revisit the lessons at your own pace, so you nail that perfect holiday dessert just in time for your festive gatherings.

5. Bake and Decorate a Gingerbread House 

What is more quintessentially Christmas than a gingerbread house? Honestly, not a lot! Building and decorating a gingerbread house is one of those timeless fun festive activities that brings out creativity and holiday cheer. Whether you bake the gingerbread yourself or use a kit, assembling the house and adding frosting and candy decorations is a fun Christmas activity for all ages.

6. Organize a Holiday Brunch

A holiday brunch is one of many relaxing and fun Christmas activities that help you celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Feature seasonal favorites like cinnamon rolls, eggnog French toast, cranberry muffins and hot cocoa and it’ll be the perfect way to enjoy a lazy holiday morning. Set a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and decorations and don’t forget to include a few make-ahead dishes to minimize kitchen stress on the day.

7. Whip Up Food Gifts

Homemade food gifts are a thoughtful and tasty way to show someone you care during the holidays. From jars of spiced nuts to beautifully packaged cookies, these edible gifts are perfect for neighbors, co-workers, family and friends. Fun Christmas activities like this are great to do with kids, too. You can also make your own festive labels and packaging to really customize your gifts and spread festive cheer!

8. Make Some Christmas Candy

Making Christmas candy is one of the best fun festive activities to do at home, because it fills your home with sweet aromas. Whether you’re crafting chocolate peppermint bark, truffles, fudge or caramel, homemade candy is a tasty treat that also makes great holiday gifts. Many candy recipes are simple and family-friendly, making it a fun Christmas activity for both kids and adults during the holiday break. 

Fun Family Christmas Activities

9. Go to a Christmas Tree Farm

Visiting a Christmas tree farm is a wonderful family Christmas tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life. Wandering through rows of evergreens, selecting the perfect tree and taking it home with you is one of those fun Christmas activities you only get to do once a year! Don’t forget to measure your living room or the area where you plan to display the tree before you go. Consider opting for a live tree that can be recycled or replanted after the holidays. 

10. Host a Holiday Movie Night with Themed Snacks

Nothing says cozy Christmas vibes like a holiday movie night with themed snacks. Pick your favorite Christmas classics and create fun snacks that tie into the films. This is one of many great things to do on Christmas with family or friends in a laid-back, comfortable setting.

Anything goes, from green-only snacks and Grinch Punch for "The Grinch to a junk food and pizza party for "Home Alone". For an extra-fun Christmas activity, you can also get your movie attendees to dress to the theme of the movie! 

11. See Your Local Christmas Parade

Attending your local Christmas parade is a fun way to enjoy community Christmas traditions. Parades are typically filled with festive floats, marching bands, Santa Claus appearances and fun Christmas activities like fairground games and winter food stalls, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Bundle up, bring some hot chocolate and make it a memorable outing with your loved ones. 

12. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity that’s especially fun during the Christmas season. Many cities open up outdoor rinks, often surrounded by festive lights and decorations, adding to the holiday cheer.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, gliding on the ice with friends or family is a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to bundle up and explore any fun Christmas activities they have around the rink, like grabbing a mug from hot cocoa stands or perusing artisan gift stalls. 

13. Visit Christmas Light Displays

Nothing beats the annual Christmas light switch-on! Exploring Christmas light displays is a magical way to get into the holiday spirit and participate in fun Christmas activities with your local community.

Many neighborhoods or parks go all out with spectacular, colorful decorations and some cities also offer professional light shows, making it a fun and memorable holiday outing. Check online to see if your local community hosts a switch-on, like the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane or the Winter Lights Festival in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

14. Enjoy a Holiday Hike

If you're looking to balance all the indulgent holiday treats, a holiday hike is the perfect fun Christmas activity to get outdoors and do some exercise. Many trails are especially scenic in winter, with snow-dusted trees and crisp, cool air.

Pack a thermos of vegan hot chocolate, bring a winter-themed picnic and wear warm layers for some fun Christmas activities in the wilderness. As outdoor things to do on Christmas go, this one's a great way to enjoy nature, get your body moving and clear your mind during the often-busy holiday season. 

15. Race in Downhill Sledding

Sledding is one of the classic Christmas things to do that’s fun for kids and adults alike. Find a good hill, bundle up in your warmest winter gear and enjoy the thrill of racing down in a sled.

Not only is it a great way to enjoy the snow but it’s also one of those fun Christmas activities that brings out the kid in everyone. Just be sure to check your surroundings for safety before you start your descent!

16. Host a Christmas Pajama Night

Hosting a Christmas pajama night is a cozy and laid-back fun Christmas activity for celebrating the season. Invite family or friends to wear their favorite holiday-themed pajamas, gather around the fireplace and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday movies.

It’s the perfect excuse to relax, unwind and embrace the warmth and comfort of the season with those closest to you. You can also plan some fun Christmas activities to do with kids, like a pajama fashion show or a group bedtime story. 

17. Read at Christmas Storytime Hour

A Christmas storytime hour is a cozy and nostalgic fun Christmas activity that’s perfect for families with young children. You can either read at home or at your local library and read classic Christmas stories like “The Night Before Christmas” or “The Polar Express.” Many libraries need volunteers around the festive season, so fun Christmas activities like this are a great way of supporting your local community. 

18. Plan a Festive Scavenger Hunt

A Christmas-themed scavenger hunt adds an adventurous twist to your holiday celebrations. Hide holiday trinkets or small gifts around your home or neighborhood and provide clues for participants to find them — fun Christmas activities like this are a great way to keep kids and adults active during the off-school and off-work season! Just tailor the hunt to be fun for kids or make it a challenge for adults. 

19. Create at Santa's Workshop Day

Hosting a Santa's Workshop Day is a creative, fun Christmas activity where kids can make their own holiday crafts and gifts and wrap them in time for the big day. Set up stations for present wrapping, ornament making, card decorating or even decorating cookies, like these chocolate covered Oreos. Children get to feel like Santa’s little helpers and they can create personalized gifts to give to family and friends, making it a thoughtful and festive day.

20. Compete in Gingerbread Man Races

Gingerbread man races are a hilarious and entertaining holiday game for all ages. After baking gingerbread men, decorate them and then place them on a slope to race. See who's gingerbread stays intact the longest or if they make it to the bottom! Fun Christmas activities like this are a silly and joyful way to combine baking with some friendly competition.

Fun Christmas Activities for Adults

21. Join Online Mixology Classes

Ever considered taking an Online mixology class? This interactive and fun Christmas activity is great for learning the art of crafting cocktails from the comfort of your home. During the holiday season, it's a wonderful way to spend time with friends or family either virtually or with you at home. These classes often focus on seasonal drinks, like spiced cocktails or hot toddies, which are perfect for warming up during winter.

22. Celebrate at Holiday Cocktail Parties

Hosting a holiday cocktail party is a great way to bring family and friends together to celebrate the festive season. The joy of mixing Christmas cocktails like eggnog, mulled wine, cranberry gin fizz or gingerbread margaritas adds a warm, Christmassy touch to your gatherings.

One helpful tip for this fun Christmas activity is to set up a DIY cocktail station so guests can mix their own drinks, adding an interactive element to the party. Don’t forget to prepare non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or non-drinkers, so everyone can join in on the fun Christmas activities. 

23. Indulge in Wine and Cheese Tastings

A wine and cheese tasting is an elegant yet relaxed way to celebrate the season with a holiday-themed twist. You can choose festive wines, like rich reds or sparkling varieties, paired with seasonal cheeses and charcuterie. You can even feature mulled wine or spiced ciders to bring out the Christmas spirit!

For all alcohol-based fun Christmas activities, make sure to grab some low-alcohol or alcohol-free varieties for anyone who doesn’t want to drink. If you’re new to wine and cheese pairings, try researching the best wine and cheese combinations to impress your guests with flavors that complement each other perfectly.

24. Participate in a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

A Secret Santa gift exchange is one of the classic things to do at Christmas where participants draw names and anonymously exchange gifts, making it a guessing game for all involved. It's a great way to enjoy fun Christmas activities with friends and family without the pressure of buying gifts for everyone, especially in larger groups. Setting a price limit ensures the event stays budget-friendly and adding themes, like "homemade gifts" or "quirky presents," can make the exchange even more entertaining. 

25. Test Your Knowledge With a Holiday Trivia Night

A holiday trivia night is a fun Christmas activity for testing your festive knowledge while enjoying time with family and friends. Whether you're answering questions about classic Christmas movies, holiday traditions from around the world or seasonal music, it's a lighthearted activity that brings out everyone's competitive spirit.

To make it more festive, consider offering themed prizes like candy canes or Christmas cookies for the winners. Holiday trivia night is easy to set up and you can even find online trivia generators to help if you're short on time.

26. Volunteer at a Local Charity

Volunteering at a local charity during the holidays is a heartwarming way to give back while spreading festive joy. Whether you’re serving meals at a shelter, organizing toy drives or helping out at a food bank, there are so many ways you can help your community in the colder seasons.

A great tip: some charities get overwhelmed with volunteer requests around Christmas, so try reaching out early or consider volunteering during less popular times. Giving your time to help those in need is one of many fun Christmas activities that remind us of the true spirit of the holidays.

27. Compete in a Neighborhood Decoration Contest

A neighborhood decoration contest is a festive way to encourage friendly competition while spreading holiday cheer. Residents can decorate their homes with twinkling lights, inflatable snowmen and nativity scenes, creating a winter wonderland for everyone to enjoy.

With fun Christmas activities like this, organizing a community vote to select the best-decorated house can add excitement and offering a small prize, like a gift card or a holiday-themed trophy, makes it even more fun.

Creative Christmas Craft Activities

28. Make Your Own Christmas Cards

Making your own Christmas cards is a thoughtful, personal way to share holiday greetings with loved ones. It’s a creative project that allows you to customize each card with personal messages, designs or even photos.

You can use supplies like colored paper, glitter and stamps to add a festive flair. With fun Christmas activities like this, you can get the whole family involved, turning card-making into a group activity where kids and adults alike can contribute. Handmade cards offer a heartfelt touch that store-bought ones just can’t replicate.

29. Craft a DIY Advent Calendar

A DIY advent calendar is a wonderful way to count down the days until Christmas with a personal touch. Instead of buying a pre-made calendar, you can create your own using small boxes, envelopes or paper bags.

Each day can hold a surprise, whether it's a sweet treat, a small toy or even a kind message. You can theme your calendar around fun Christmas activities, like watching a Christmas movie or baking cookies together, making it extra special. 

30. Design DIY Christmas Ornaments

Making DIY Christmas ornaments is a fantastic way to personalize your tree and create lasting memories. You can use a variety of materials, such as felt, wood or even old holiday cards, to craft unique decorations.

This fun Christmas activity is great for kids and adults alike and you can even turn it into a yearly tradition where each family member makes a new ornament for the tree. Handmade ornaments also make for thoughtful gifts! 

31. Get Creative with Pinecone Crafting

Pinecone crafting is a fun and nature-inspired way to add rustic charm to your holiday decorations. Whether you’re making pinecone garlands, ornaments or wreaths, this simple craft is both budget-friendly and festive.

Gather pinecones from your yard or local park and decorate them with paint, glitter or ribbons. Pinecone crafting is a fun Christmas activity for kids, too, as it lets them explore their creativity while learning about the local flora.

32. Sew Felt Stockings

Sewing felt stockings is a wonderful way to add a handmade touch to your Christmas décor. This beginner-friendly craft involves cutting out felt pieces, stitching them together and decorating them with sequins, beads or embroidered names.

Personalized stockings make for a memorable and practical gift, especially when filled with small treats or trinkets. Relaxing and fun Christmas activities like this can be done solo or with family, making it a great way to unwind during the busy holiday season. There are also many kits available online, so you don’t need to design your stockings from scratch!

33. Assemble DIY Snow Globes

DIY snow globes are a whimsical and charming craft that brings a bit of Christmas magic indoors. All you need are jars, water, glitter and miniature holiday figures to create your own winter wonderland. It’s a simple yet captivating fun Christmas activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

You can get creative with different themes, like Santa’s workshop or a snowy forest. These homemade snow globes make excellent holiday decorations or gifts, adding a touch of nostalgia and sparkle to any room.

34. Build a DIY Nativity Scene

Creating a DIY nativity scene is a meaningful and creative way to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. You can use materials like clay, wood or fabric to craft each figure, from Mary and Joseph to the animals in the stable.

This project allows for personalization, making each piece unique. Fun Christmas activities like this are also a great opportunity for families to come together and discuss the story of the nativity while working on the craft. A handmade nativity scene becomes a cherished part of your Christmas decorations for years to come.

Fun Christmas Activities For Your Next Festive Party

35. Build a Hot Chocolate Bar

Setting up a hot chocolate bar is a cozy and delicious way to warm up during the holidays. You can offer a variety of toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes and flavored syrups, so everyone can customize their perfect cup of cocoa. For an added twist to this fun Christmas activity, include mix-ins like cinnamon sticks or a splash of peppermint liqueur for the adults.

36. Host Festive Baking Parties

A festive baking party is a delightful way to gather with loved ones and whip up some holiday treats. Whether you're making gingerbread cookies, fruitcakes or sugar cookies to decorate, the smells and tastes of the season are sure to fill your home with holiday cheer.

Baking parties are also a fun way to share family recipes and create new traditions together. To make this fun Christmas activity even more enjoyable, set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles and edible glitter so everyone can get creative with their treats.

37. Create a Festive Charcuterie Board

A festive charcuterie board is an easy yet impressive addition to any holiday gathering. You can fill it with seasonal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, nuts and even holiday-themed items like cranberry chutney or spiced nuts.

It’s perfect for grazing and offers something for everyone, from savory to sweet. Add some flair to this fun Christmas activity by arranging the ingredients in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath. A charcuterie board not only tastes great but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday spread.

38. Sing at Christmas Karaoke Night

A Christmas karaoke night is a surefire way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. From belting out classics like “Jingle Bells” to more modern hits like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it’s a fun and festive activity for all ages.

With fun Christmas activities like this, you can make it a competition by awarding prizes for the best performances or simply enjoy singing along with family and friends. To keep the party going, set up a cozy area with snacks and drinks and don’t forget to record the highlights for some hilarious holiday memories.

39. Compete in a Mulled Wine Competition

A mulled wine competition is a cozy and flavorful way to warm up during the holiday season. Invite friends over and have each person bring their own version of mulled wine, whether it’s spiced with cinnamon, cloves or even a dash of brandy.

You can taste and vote on the best one, with a fun prize for the winner. Not only does this activity make your house smell amazing but it’s also a great way to try different variations of this classic holiday drink. Add some festive snacks to this fun Christmas activity and you’ve got a perfect night in.

40. Organize Themed Potluck Dinners

Themed potluck dinners are a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of dishes while celebrating the holiday season. Choose a fun theme, like "Christmas Around the World" or "Holiday Comfort Foods," and have each guest bring a dish that fits the theme. You can even add fun Christmas activities to the mix to keep the theme going throughout dinner.

A potluck dinner is a budget-friendly option that gives everyone the chance to contribute something unique to the meal. A helpful tip: create a signup sheet to avoid duplicates and ensure a balanced spread. 

41. Strut Your Stuff at an Ugly Sweater Fashion Show

An ugly sweater fashion show is a hilarious and entertaining way to celebrate the holiday season. Guests can show off their most outrageous, over-the-top Christmas sweaters, whether they’re homemade or store-bought.

You can add to the fun Christmas activities by holding a runway-style contest with categories like “Most Festive” or “Tackiest Sweater.” Prizes can be simple holiday-themed items, like candy canes or ornaments. This is one of those holiday party ideas that will never get old!

As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to embrace the magic than by filling your calendar with fun Christmas activities. Whether you’re baking up a storm, crafting unique decorations or simply enjoying time with family and friends, these festive experiences will help create lasting memories.

With so many options, from outdoor adventures to at-home traditions, you’re bound to find a few fun Christmas activities that bring warmth and cheer to your Christmas celebrations. So, gather your loved ones, plan out your favorite fun Christmas activities and make this year’s holiday season one to remember!

For even more ways to enjoy the holidays, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.