The holiday season is a magical time, especially when you have young kids. From twinkling lights to festive activities, there's so much to do and enjoy together. To help you make the most of this special time, I've put together the ultimate winter/Christmas bucket list for families with young kids. These activities will create memories that last a lifetime and keep the holiday spirit alive in your home.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Experience the joy of picking out the perfect Christmas tree together. Let the kids help choose and cut down the tree and they'll be talking about it all season long. If you have a fake tree like me, it's still fun to let the kids run wild around the farm and bring home a wreath instead.
Decorate the Christmas Tree
In our house, this is a whole event outside of regular decorating. We play Christmas music and it's a big ordeal to decide who gets to put the angel at the top.
Bake Holiday Cookies
Get your aprons on and bake a variety of holiday cookies. Let the kids decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles. These make great gifts for neighbors and friends too! Bake a different type of cookie each week, freeze them until it's time to do a cookie exchange.
Cookie Cutters | Decorating Kit
Holiday Light Display
Find a local holiday light display and take a family drive to see the sparkling lights. Pack some snacks and spike a hot chocolate to enjoy while you marvel at the decorations.
Make a Gingerbread House
Buy a gingerbread house kit or make one from scratch. Let the kids get creative with icing and candy decorations. It's a fun and tasty project for the whole family. This also makes the perfect activity for Grandparents to do with the kids while you get Christmas dinner in the oven.
Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
Snuggle up in cozy blankets and watch classic Christmas movies. Here's a list of toddler friendly movies and where to watch them
Toddler Friendly Holiday Movies
Go Ice Skating
Bundle up and hit the local ice skating rink. It's a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the winter season together.
Create Homemade Christmas Cards
Get crafty and make personalized Christmas cards to send to family and friends. Use glitter, stickers, and markers to make each card unique. I let each kid make as many as they want and we give them out with Christmas gifts to each friend and family member.
Read Holiday Books
Build a collection of holiday-themed books and read one each night leading up to Christmas. It's a wonderful bedtime tradition that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. Here's my list!
Toddler Friendly Holiday Books
Make DIY Christmas Ornaments
Gather some craft supplies and make your own Christmas ornaments. This is a great way to create personalized decorations and keepsakes. They also make great Grandparent gifts
Have a Snowball Fight
If you live in an area with snow, bundle up and have a friendly snowball fight. Build a snowman or make snow angels for added fun.
Donate Toys to a Local Charity
Teach your kids the joy of giving by donating new or gently used toys to a local charity. It's a great way to spread holiday cheer to those in need.
Make Christmas Breakfast
Start Christmas morning with a special breakfast. Make pancakes in holiday shapes, cinnamon rolls, or a festive breakfast casserole.
Attend a Christmas Eve Service
If your family celebrates Christmas religiously, attend a Christmas Eve service together. Many churches have family-friendly services with beautiful music and candlelight.
Go Sledding
Find a local hill and go sledding. It's a classic winter activity that's sure to be a hit with the kids.
Visit a Christmas Market
Many towns have Christmas markets with crafts, food, and festive activities. Spend an afternoon exploring and enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Make Hot Cocoa Bombs
Make your own hot cocoa bombs with the kids. These fun treats are perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. And it's like magic to kids
Hot Cocoa Bombs
With this bucket list, you're sure to have a magical and memorable holiday season with your family. Happy holidays!