Looking for fun Christmas activities for kids in the UK? Whether you want festive days out, cosy indoor crafts, or magical traditions to start with your children, here are the best ways to make Christmas extra special for your family this year.
Go and See the Christmas Lights
Most UK towns and cities host Christmas light switch-ons and trail events.
Find displays at:
- National Trust properties
- City centres
- Local farms and garden centres
Visit a Local Farm
UK farms often run Christmas experiences, such as:
- Meeting Father Christmas
- Reindeer feeding
- Festive tractor rides
- Hot chocolate huts
Check places like Dobbies, Cannon Hall Farm, or small independent farms near you.
Try a Christmas Drive-Through Light Trail
If it’s freezing or wet outside (classic British winter!), check for drive-through Christmas light trails.
Many run at racecourses, stately homes, and showgrounds.
Watch Your Favourite Christmas Films
Snuggle up and watch classic Christmas movies like The Snowman, Nativity!, Arthur Christmas, or Home Alone.
Perfect for a chilled December evening.
Bake Festive Treats Together
Get the kids involved in making:
- Gingerbread men
- Mince pies
- Christmas biscuits
- Yule log
A popular rainy-day activity.
Build a Gingerbread House
Pick up a kit from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco or Asda.
Great for creativity and a lovely table display afterwards.
Make DIY Christmas Wreaths
Grab supplies from Hobbycraft, The Range or even Poundland.
A fun craft session that gives you a handmade front-door decoration.
Try Ice Skating
Many UK cities open pop-up ice rinks in December, including Manchester, York, Birmingham and London.
Visit Father Christmas
Garden centres, farms and Christmas markets across the UK host Santa’s grotto visits.
A magical moment for little ones.
Donate to a Food Bank
Let your children help choose tins and packets to donate to the Trussell Trust or a local community food bank.
A great way to teach kindness at Christmas.
Get Creative With Christmas Crafts
Use paper plates, glitter, felt and glue to make:
- Reindeer masks
- Elf faces
- Snowflakes
- Paper angels
A perfect indoor activity for cold days.
Play in the Snow (If You’re Lucky!)
When the UK does get snow, head outside quickly!
Build a snowman, make snow angels, or have a gentle snowball fight.
Decorate Ugly Christmas Jumpers
Buy plain jumpers and customise them with:
- Fabric paint
- Pom-poms
- Tinsel
- Buttons
Perfect for Christmas Jumper Day at school.
Make Homemade Tree Decorations
Pick up cheap craft bits from Poundland or The Works and make keepsake baubles or paper chains.
Set Up a Hot Chocolate Station
Create a mini hot chocolate bar in your kitchen with:
- Marshmallows
- Sprinkles
- Flavoured syrups
- Whipped cream
Ideal for movie night.
Choose a Family Decorating Day
Put on Christmas music (or the Heart Xmas radio station!) and decorate the tree together.
Go Sledging (Snow Permitting!)
Use sledges or even a bodyboard on local hills.
Great fun and completely free.
Have a Christmas Karaoke Night
Play festive favourites from:
- Mariah Carey
- Michael Bublé
- Slade
- Wizzard
Have a sing-off as a family.
Make Handmade Christmas Cards
Let your children design cards to send to grandparents, friends, and neighbours.
Help them write the envelopes and post them together.
Go Christmas House Spotting
Take a drive or walk around your area looking for the best-decorated houses.
Some even raise money for charity.
Make Mini Paper Christmas Trees
Use coloured card, glue and stickers to create little table decorations.
Kids love displaying their creations around the house.
Bake Christmas Biscuits
Bake shortbread, ginger biscuits or chocolate cookies and give them to neighbours or teachers.
Sing Christmas Carols Together
Whether at home or at a local carol service, singing together feels festive and traditional.
Look for Local Christmas Events
Check your local council website or community Facebook groups for:
- Christmas markets
- Lantern parades
- Storytime sessions
- Craft workshops
Lots of them are free.
Stay Cosy in Matching Christmas Pyjamas
Matching family PJs make lovely photos and keep everyone warm on those chilly UK nights.