21 Festive Winter Holiday Activities for Kids That Will Make the Season Bright!

The winter holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. For kids, it’s an opportunity to create memories, embrace festive traditions, and explore a world of fun and creative activities.

Whether it’s snowing outside or you’re cozy indoors, there are endless ways to make the season special.

Here are 21 festive winter holiday activities for kids that will light up the season with excitement and wonder.

1. Build a Snowman

There’s no better way to embrace winter than by building a snowman. Whether it’s a classic snowman with a carrot nose or a snow princess with sparkly accessories, the possibilities are endless.

Gather your family outside, roll up snowballs, and get creative with decorations like scarves, hats, and buttons.

Kids will love the process of shaping the snow and watching their creations come to life. It’s a timeless winter activity that brings joy and encourages teamwork.

2. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is a thrilling winter activity that can quickly become a holiday tradition. Head to a local outdoor rink or an indoor ice arena and let your kids glide across the ice.

Whether they are beginners or pros, skating is a great way to stay active and embrace the crisp winter air. Don’t forget to warm up afterward with a cup of hot cocoa to complete the experience!

3. Decorate Holiday Cookies

Holiday baking is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season. Let the kids get creative by decorating holiday cookies with frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations.

Try making gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or snowflake-shaped treats. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to express their creativity while also indulging in a sweet winter treat.

4. Host a Winter Craft Party

A winter craft party is a perfect way to keep kids entertained and creative during the holidays. Set up a crafting station with supplies like construction paper, glitter, ribbons, and stickers.

Create projects like snowflakes, holiday cards, or DIY ornaments. Not only will they enjoy making festive decorations, but they can also gift their creations to family members for an extra-special touch.

5. Create a DIY Advent Calendar

Making a DIY advent calendar is a fun way to countdown to the big day. Use small boxes, bags, or even envelopes, and fill each one with a small treat or activity.

Each day, your kids can open a new door or bag to discover a surprise. This activity helps build excitement and anticipation while fostering a sense of tradition during the holiday season.

6. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon

On those cold winter days, a holiday movie marathon is the perfect way to relax and enjoy some family time. Choose a mix of Christmas classics like “Home Alone,” “The Polar Express,” and “Elf,” or winter-themed films like “Frozen.”

Make the experience even more special by creating a cozy movie-watching spot with blankets, pillows, and snacks like popcorn and candy canes.

7. Go Sledding

Sledding is one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities for kids during the winter holidays. Find a nearby hill and race down together on a sled or tubing hill.

It’s an excellent way to burn off energy and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Make sure to bundle up, and don’t forget to capture the fun moments with some holiday photos!

8. Make Holiday Cards

Creating holiday cards is a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills while spreading festive cheer. Provide them with markers, stickers, and glitter to design unique cards for family and friends.

Kids can also write their own messages inside to make the cards even more personal and heartwarming.

9. Create a Snowman Bowling Game

Take a classic game and give it a winter twist with a snowman bowling game! Use empty cans or plastic bottles and decorate them as snowmen.

Set them up like bowling pins and let the kids roll a ball to try and knock them over. This simple activity is a fun, indoor game that adds a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.

10. Host a Snowball Fight

If there’s snow on the ground, why not have a friendly snowball fight? Divide into teams or just have a free-for-all as you toss snowballs at each other.

Remember to keep it lighthearted and fun, ensuring the snowballs are soft and packed lightly. You can even add an element of creativity by building snow forts for defense.

11. Make Snowflake Crafts

Snowflakes are a hallmark of the winter season, and kids can make their own snowflake decorations with a little paper, scissors, and imagination.

Teach your children how to fold paper into different shapes to create unique snowflake patterns. Once they are done, hang them up around the house to create a beautiful winter atmosphere.

12. Organize a Winter Picnic

A winter picnic is a delightful way to enjoy the season’s beauty without staying inside. Pack warm treats like hot cocoa, soup, and sandwiches, and bundle up in cozy blankets.

Head to a local park or even your backyard, where you can enjoy the fresh air while eating your favorite winter snacks. Just be sure to bring along extra blankets and hats to stay warm.

13. Have a Snow Painting Session

If you have snow on the ground, why not let your kids try snow painting? Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring, then let them spray the snow to create vibrant designs.

This creative activity allows them to make colorful masterpieces on a winter canvas. Snow painting is especially magical at sunset when the colors glow in the soft light.

14. Build a Gingerbread House

Another festive activity that combines creativity and tradition is building a gingerbread house. Gather your kids and let them decorate a pre-baked gingerbread house with candy, icing, and gumdrops.

It’s a sweet way to get into the holiday spirit while indulging in some tasty treats. Plus, it makes for a fun family activity that can be displayed proudly.

15. Make Hot Chocolate with Toppings

Hot chocolate is a favorite winter drink, and making it extra special is a fun activity for kids. Let the kids help you prepare hot cocoa and set up a topping station with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and cinnamon sticks.

Kids will love customizing their hot chocolate, and it’s a perfect way to warm up after a long day of playing in the snow.

16. Go on a Holiday Lights Hunt

In the evenings, bundle up and take your kids on a holiday lights hunt. Visit local neighborhoods or drive around town to see the most festive and elaborately decorated houses.

Make it into a game by seeing who can spot the most Christmas trees, snowmen, or reindeer. This activity is a simple way to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the beauty of holiday decorations.

17. Create a Winter Wonderland Indoor Fort

If the weather is too cold or snowy, create an indoor winter wonderland by building a fort out of blankets and pillows. Decorate it with twinkle lights, stuffed animals, and cozy blankets to make it feel magical.

Your kids will love retreating into their cozy fort to read books, play games, or enjoy a snack in their winter hideaway.

18. Make Holiday Slime

For an indoor activity that’s sure to delight, try making holiday slime with your kids. You can create glittery red, green, and snow-themed slime using simple ingredients like glue, baking soda, and contact solution.

Kids will love squishing and stretching the slime, and it makes for a fun, hands-on winter craft project.

19. Winter Animal Tracking

If you live in a snowy area, winter animal tracking is a great way for kids to explore the outdoors and learn about wildlife. Take a walk outside and see if you can spot animal tracks in the snow.

Kids can look for deer, squirrels, and birds and try to identify what type of animal left the tracks. This activity teaches them about the natural world while keeping them engaged in the outdoors.

20. Host a Winter Dance Party

A winter dance party is a perfect way to burn off some energy while celebrating the season. Play holiday music or fun winter-themed songs and let your kids show off their best dance moves.

You can even turn it into a dance contest with fun prizes for the most creative dancers. This activity is ideal for getting everyone moving while having a blast.

21. Take Winter Photos

Winter provides a beautiful backdrop for taking memorable family photos. Bundle up in your favorite winter clothes, head outside, and capture moments of your family having fun in the snow.

Whether it’s a snowball fight, building a snowman, or just playing together, winter photos will provide lasting memories of your time together during the holiday season.

Winter is a time of celebration, creativity, and making memories with your loved ones. These 21 festive winter holiday activities for kids will ensure that your holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and magical moments that your family will cherish for years to come.

Enjoy the season and make the most of every winter day with these fun-filled ideas!