The holidays present a unique opportunity for friends and family members to slow down, take any lingering vacation days, and enjoy fun Christmas activities together.

Of course, there's no shortage of longstanding Christmas traditions, both religious and otherwise, to look forward to, starting with counting down the days to the 25th of December (wine advent calendars, anyone?) and leading right up to the whole family waking up on Christmas morning in matching pajamas, if that's your thing.

Even if you don't live in a snowy climate ripe for sledding or sipping mulled wine with a holiday-themed book in front of the fire, you can still relish in all that the season has to offer.

You'll find the inspiration you need on this list of fun Christmas activities for kids and adults that are anything but boring—even if you're staying home all day. Bake a winter dessert, play a Christmas game (looking for a virtual adults-only option? Consider this twist on Hallmark movie watching ), sneak in some quality couple time streaming Santa-filled flicks on Netflix, or surprise the toddlers and kids with a make-and-go DIY hot chocolate bar before an outing to browse all the light displays in your neighborhood. Plus, there are plenty of options for things to do alone. (And the answer to the million-dollar question is yes, nearly every holiday activity on this list can be done with social distancing measures in mind.)

Fun and Festive Activities to Do in December

Breathe in the crisp December air or stay in for hot hazelnut toddies—whatever your pace, here’s how to fill December with the perfect mix of good times and downtime.

• Take a (Smart and Safe) Trip
• Do Some Cookie Decorating
• Finish Last-Minute Holiday Shopping
• Get a Christmas Tree
• Organize a Cookie Exchange
• Whip Up Winter Drinks
• Embrace the Outdoors
• Purge and Donate Old Coats, Warm Clothes, and Winter Gear
• Give Away Old Toys
• Volunteer at a Local Pantry, Shelter, or Soup Kitchen
• DIY Christmas Decorations
• Admire Neighborhood Lights and Decorations
• Play in the Snow
• Reflect on Last Year’s Resolutions
• Make New Year’s Resolutions
• Decorate Gingerbread
• Watch Holiday Movies
• Make a Budget

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With the holiday season quickly approaching many families are looking for free or cheap Christmas activities to do with their kids. Whether it’s the joy of sending Santa a letter, staring in awe at Christmas light displays or spending additional quality family time together, the holiday time can bring such fun at little to no cost. Check out these 12 traditional holiday activities that children of all ages will love for years to come.

Looking to start some simple yet heartwarming Christmas traditions with your children? These kid-friendly indoor and outdoor activities for all ages will help your family bond over the holidays — without breaking the bank. Also, find our printable Christmas Fun Checklist full of even more holiday activities!

Holiday Light Tour

There's bound to be a Clark Griswold wanna-be in your neck of the woods! Pile the kids in the car, put on some Christmas songs, and drive around to homes or neighborhoods known for their over-the-top Christmas light displays. While spending quality time in the car with your loved ones make a decoration scavenger hunt, tell the Christmas story, or sing Christmas carols along with the music.

2. Wreath-Making

Everybody loves a festive wreath, and this is a great DIY Christmas decoration activity. Take the kids outside for a quick winter walk to gather evergreen branches and pine cones, trim some from the bottom of your Christmas tree or just buy some at the store. Attach your greens to a foam or wire ring (a bent metal coat hanger works well) and allow the kids to decorate it with Christmas ornaments and bows. Or make this preschooler-friendly paper wreath featuring tracings of your child's cute little hands.

3. Watch Christmas Movies.

Spending an afternoon or evening watching Christmas movies is a must! (You could also spread out your movie marathon over the course of a week.) Let each family member choose a favorite holiday flick to watch with the family.  Cuddle up under blankets with a warm cup of cocoa and some popcorn to make it feel extra special.

Choose from five-holiday movie favorites (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman, and Cricket on the Hearth) with this fun box set.

4. Popcorn Garland

Have some leftover popcorn from your movie night? Upcycle it! Make some homemade garlands for your family's Christmas tree, doorways, or mantle. All you need is a needle and some thread or fishing line. Try using fresh cranberries, too. Younger kids can count out the berries or popcorn to make a cool alternating pattern, and parents or older kids can do the threading. You'll be surprised at how much popcorn you go through. Buy it in bulk and save the rest for movie night.

5. Christmas Cookies

Peanut-butter blossoms! Spritz cookies! Gingerbread men! There are just too many tasty holiday cookies to choose from. Here are some of our family favorites. Children of all ages can get involved in the kitchen on "cookie day." Younger kids can add pre-measured ingredients, stir the bowl, and decorate cooled cookies. Older kids can pitch in at any stage. Get the kids excited with these fun shapes including classics like Santa, Snowmen, Stockings, Christmas Trees, and more.

6. Cookie Swap

After spending days in the kitchen baking up your favorites, why not organize a fun family-friendly evening with your friends?  Everybody brings some of their favorites to swap, and if it’s not a family secret include your recipe so they can be recreated for years to come. Not only will you get to share your favorites but you might find a new favorite while swapping with friends. 

Hosting the cookie swap? Get this easy and convenient cookie swap party kit.

7. Gingerbread House Party

Not a house party with gingerbread, this is a gingerbread house making party. Gather family or friends, some gingerbread walls and roofs, and all the candy and frosting you can get your hands on. Set everyone up with their own house, or work in teams to see who can make the most colorful gingerbread house. The challenge is also in keeping your house intact without it falling apart!  Follow these instructions for an easy gingerbread house. Looking for a fun twist on the classic gingerbread house? Try a gingerbread castle this year. If you’re looking for more gingerbread house kits, check out:

8. Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Decorating a Christmas tree is probably already on your to-do list. Make this holiday tradition even more special by adding a new kid-made Christmas ornament each year. Mark the year on your ornaments so that you can keep track of when each cutie was created! We love a hands-on DIY Christmas activity, and this one can easily become a family tradition that documents your child’s growth and creativity each year. Keep the kids busy the whole Christmas season with this 40-piece ornament making set.

9. Hot Chocolate Buffet

There's nothing like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold December night. Up your game for the holiday season with a buffet of toppings for your cocoa. Some ideas include whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, and cinnamon dots. Get creative! The kids will love customizing their hot cocoa— a fun and easy activity for Christmas Eve. Up the ante this year with these fun hot chocolate flavors including peanut butter cup, mint, Tootsie roll, and more.

10. Christmas Festivals

And speaking of coming together as a community, why not check out the local festivals? From tree lighting ceremonies in the town square, ugly sweater parties or church concerts, there's bound to be something happening in your area. There will likely be free fun Christmas activities popping up all over the place as organizations recognize that children and families need some holiday cheer.

11. Donating to Charity

Show your family's giving spirit this holiday season by shopping for a toy or two to give to Toys for Tots or another local toy drive. Since your kids are the toy experts, let them do the picking. It will brighten your Christmas and someone else's, too, and can easily become a new family tradition for this time of year. Since the kids are also surely expecting new loot this year, go through their toy box together and find the (gently used) toys they're willing to part with for charity. It's a good lesson in abundance and selflessness.

12. Advent Calendar

An Advent Calendar will last you 24 days instead of just 12, but it's a fun and visual countdown for kids who are anxious to engage in the Christmas spirit. Kids can have a mini Christmas party each day when they open a window and get a little closer to Christmas morning. Amazon has no shortage of choices from simple number Advent calendars, a small toy each day, or a fan favorite piece of candy each day.

13. Volunteer With NEWA Family

During the holiday season, there are always people in need of some extra Christmas cheer. Spread some joy by helping in some way. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen or bring joy to a children’s hospital. Pick a cause close to your heart and spend the day giving. Find opportunities