12 Christmas activities for kids at home (with a free printable bingo)

You do not need a big celebration for Christmas to be fun for children. Whether your family celebrates with a tree, a cake or just a day off, these activities keep the little ones busy and happy.

Make and decorate

1. Paper chain. Cut coloured paper strips, loop and glue them into a chain for the wall.
2. Handprint tree. Trace and cut green hands, stack them into a tree.
3. Star ornaments. Cut stars from cardboard, cover them in foil or glitter, hang with string.
4. Homemade cards. Fold paper in half, draw, and write a message to a grandparent.

Play together

5. Christmas bingo. Print the free cards below and cross off what you spot or draw.
6. Musical parcel. Pass a wrapped parcel while music plays. Whoever holds it when it stops unwraps a layer.
7. Hide the star. Hide a paper star and give "warm" and "cold" clues.
8. Dress-up Santa relay. Race to put on a red cap, a beard and a bag, then pass them on.

Cook and share

9. Decorate cookies or a plain cake. Icing, sprinkles and small hands.
10. Make a snack plate shaped like a Christmas tree with fruit and cheese.

Give and be kind

11. Write thank-you notes to a teacher, helper or neighbour.
12. Choose toys to donate. Let your child pick one or two toys in good condition to share.

Free printable

Our Christmas bingo has four different cards so that up to four children can play. Use the pictures-and-words squares, and cross them off as you find or draw them. Print it on A4 paper.

Looking for gift ideas? Read our guide to Christmas gifts for kids aged 3 to 6.

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