The 12 days of Christmas activities have been something that our family looked forward to every year. Each year we would start on December 25th and end on January 5th.

Every year, we would do various fun family activities such as playing boards games, watching holiday movies together in our pajamas, and driving around to see the houses in our neighborhood decorated with twinkling lights.

Here are twelve fun activities that your children are sure to love during the holidays.

12 Days of Christmas Activities

One might say that celebrating Christmas for twelve days straight would be overkill and highly stressful. But I feel that trying to rush to get everything “done” by Christmas day is too much.

Instead, I think that spreading out our family activities starting on Christmas day and lasting into January makes it more magical and a whole lot less hectic.

#1 Driving Around Looking at Christmas Lights

I always looked forward to this holiday activity every year! We would get on our coats and gloves and bring along a cup of hot cocoa.

Then, mom and dad would drive around to look at all the lights and decorated houses in our neighborhood. But, of course, the best time was just as it was dark, so all the lights were on.

#2 Reading Christmas Stories Together

Mom and dad always allowed us to choose books from the library to keep over the winter break. We would each pick out so many that we had plenty enough to read at least two books a night over the 12 days of Christmas.

Some of my favorite holiday books are: 

• The Polar Express
• The Night Before Christmas
• Turkey Claus
• How to Catch Santa 

Check out this blog for the 7 Best Christmas Books You Should Read to Your Child This Year.

#3 Christmas Movie Marathon

Watching Christmas movies together was one of my favorite holiday traditions growing up. Mom would make us snacks to eat, and we would all sit together under blankets.

One of my favorite holiday movies was The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. We watched that movie every year together.

#4 Make a Gingerbread House Village

We always had a gingerbread house contest every year. Our parents would allow us to each make our own house. I may not have had the prettiest house, but I loved that time we spent together. 

You can even make smaller ones from your own materials instead of a kit and create a whole village. Decorating gingerbread houses is a fun family activity that requires a lot of creativity and imagination! This can help stretch your child’s mind while they build their very own house.

#5 Christmas Caroling 

Christmas carols are a yearly tradition that many children are not familiar with doing. However, Christmas caroling is a fun activity that you can experience with your kids during the holiday.

I found a great blog with ideas for caroling along with a free booklet of songs. 

#6 Celebrate a Holiday from Around the World

During our holiday celebration, we would celebrate holidays from around the world. This included singing songs and making crafts that were from that country’s culture.

For example, we would sing the 12 Days of Christmas in French to honor France and make origami cranes representing the symbol of peace for Japan.

#7 Candy Cane Hunt

These striped candy canes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. As a fun activity, try having a candy cane hunt around your house or the yard. 

Dollar Tree sells various colors and flavors of candy canes to keep this game interesting for kids.

#8 Ugly Sweater Contest 

Who doesn’t love a good tacky Christmas sweater? You can find some real winners at second-hand stores like Goodwill.

Even the shopping for the sweaters was a fun activity with our family. But, of course, we always tried to outdo each other, so we turned it into a family contest.

#9 Play Board Games

Playing board games is always a great way to spend quality time together during the holidays. Your family could get a new board game each year for Christmas. You can also find a variety at a second-hand store at a great price.

We always spent at least one of the 12 days of Christmas playing board games at our house. Check out our article The Benefits to Playing Board Games for some recommendations.

#10 Christmas Coloring Pages

Coloring can be therapeutic for children and adults. There are even adult coloring books available now.

Some children will prefer blank sheets of paper to create their masterpiece, while others will enjoy a Christmas coloring book. In addition, you can set out a variety of crayons and coloring pencils for their creative pleasure.

Here are some free adult coloring pages and coloring pages for children.

#11 Make Snowflakes

Here are another arts and crafts project the kids will love. Snowflakes are easy to make and only require paper and a pair of scissors. 

You can also let the kids decorate to their heart’s content using things like

• Paint
• Glue and glitter
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Textured paper

#12 Stargazing

A simple activity could be to go outside and view the night sky. The sky seems brighter, and the stars seem brighter in the winter, making it a perfect activity over winter break. Just remember to bundle up.

What 12 Days of Christmas Activities Will Your Family Do This Year?

The holidays are a time where family and friends come together to celebrate. This year, try some new family activities that everyone will enjoy.

We would love to hear your ideas. So comment below and share with us what 12 days of Christmas activities your family will do this year.

Here are some other articles you might be interested in checking out: 

• 7 Fun Family Christmas Traditions for Children with Special Needs 
• Make Happy Holiday Memories with These 6 Easy Activities 
• 3 Hacks To Help Prepare NOW For The Holiday Break 
• Holidays With Special Needs

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