Festive Family Fun: 30 Magical Things To Do With the Kids This Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner. To keep the little ones occupied all throughout the festive season, we’ve rounded up 30 of the best Christmas activities for kids. From festive baking and holiday arts and crafts to outdoor light trails and festive adventures at the bowling alley, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for magical moments this December.
Indoor Christmas Fun for the Whole Family
When the weather turns chilly, bring the festivities indoors with these fun things to do in December.
Go Bowling at Hollywood Bowl - The Ultimate Indoor Treat
Celebrate the start of the Christmas holidays with a fun-filled family bowling trip. At Hollywood Bowl, we have a Christmas party package for every family. Whether you’ve got young kids, older teens or all the cousins down to visit, our packages include bowling, snack buffets or diner lunches, unlimited squash, ice cream, a Santa hat and amusement tickets and free game vouchers. It’s the perfect Christmas day out for families, that’s easy to plan and guaranteed to lift everyone's spirits.
Catch a Christmas Movie at the Cinema
Stock up on snacks and head to the cinema to catch this year’s festive film releases. This is the perfect way to spend a cosy afternoon when you want to get out of the house but the weather isn’t on your side.
Have a Festive Baking Day
Transform your kitchen into Santa's workshop and get the kids baking gingerbread men, mince pies and Christmas cookies.
Get Crafty with Homemade Decorations
From paper chains to hand-drawn ornaments, crafting is a great Christmas activity for kids that allows them to express their creativity. Plus, it's a budget-friendly way to spend a quiet afternoon.
Play Indoor Mini Golf or Try Interactive Darts
If you’re looking for fun things to do at Christmas, why not try something a bit different? Head down to Hollywood Bowl for a festive game of mini golf or go head-to-head in a friendly interactive darts competition.
Visit a Museum or Aquarium
Just because School’s out, doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Keep curious minds entertained with an educational day out at a museum or aquarium. Many will even host special Christmas events for kids, like themed trails or festive workshops.
Host a Christmas Movie Marathon
Snuggle up on the sofa and have a Christmas movie marathon. Show the kids some of your favourite festive films from throughout the years and get fully into the Christmas spirit!
Go Ice Skating Indoors
Many ice rinks are indoors, meaning you can go no matter the weather. Check out your local indoor ice rink and take some skates for a spin.
See a Pantomime or Festive Show
It wouldn't be Christmas without a panto! Head to your local theatre and soak up the seasonal cheer as a family.
Visit Santa’s Grotto
One of the best Christmas activities for kids is visiting Santa’s Grotto and meeting Santa Claus himself. Many local shopping centres will host themed grottos with photo opportunities for magical memories you can always look back on.
Outdoor Adventures and Festive Days Out
Wrap up warm and head outside to explore Christmas days for families filled with festive sparkle.
Explore Your Local Christmas Market
Head down to a Christmas market and try lots of food and drink from local vendors. Adults can indulge in a warming glass of mulled wine and stock up on some artisan gifts, whilst the kids can explore craft corners or rides.
Visit a Winter Light Trail
Light trails have become one of the most popular Christmas events for kids. Normally hosted at manor houses or in parks, bundle the family up and adventure through glowing wonderlands.
Go on a Family Walk to Spot Christmas Lights
Christmas activities for kids can be expensive and time-consuming. Taking a walk through your neighbourhood and checking out all of the festive lights and decorations is a budget-friendly way to celebrate the season.
Visit a Reindeer Farm or Festive Petting Zoo
Meet Rudolf and his friends! Many petting zoos or farms offer special Christmas experiences with food, drink and market stalls.
Attend a Christmas Fair or Parade
Check local listings for Christmas fairs, parades and carol concerts. These are perfect for families looking for things to do together at Christmas or to get to know their community.
Try Outdoor Ice Skating
With glittering lights and warming drinks to keep you energised, outdoor ice skating is a classic activity to do in December.
Pick Your Own Christmas Tree
Make picking your Christmas tree a family tradition. Head to a local farm and pick one together before taking it home, playing some Christmas music and decorating it with ornaments and baubles.
Explore a Winter Garden or Park
Many gardens and parks host Christmas days out for kids, with themed trails, markets or Santa’s grotto.
Join a Festive Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunts are a great way for kids to burn off some energy and have an adventurous day out.
Warm Up with a Hot Chocolate at a Local Café
After all that exploring and festive Christmas activities, reward yourself with a warming hot chocolate (don’t forget the marshmallows!) at a local cafe.
Cosy Christmas Activities to Try at Home
Some of the best Christmas memories are made at home - it’s a special time that the whole family will cherish and look back on in years to come.
Host a Christmas Karaoke Night
Kit the family out in a Christmas-themed fancy dress and belt out your favourite Christmas bangers for a night to remember.
Make Your Own Christmas Cards
Spread festive cheer to friends and family by having the kids make DIY Christmas cards with drawings of snowmen, robins or Christmas puddings on the front.
Build a Gingerbread House
Challenge each other to see who can make the prettiest gingerbread house, and then enjoy your creations with a cup of cacao in front of a Christmas movie.
Have a Family Board Game Marathon
Dust off the classics or try a new board game for hours of family fun.
Set Up a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
Marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate flakes and sprinkles - everyone can make their perfect cup (but be prepared for the sugar rush!)
Make Reindeer Treats or Festive Snacks
Give a festive twist to mealtimes by creating Christmas-themed snacks. Try making Christmas tree veggie platters or fruit skewers topped with marshmallow snowmen.
Watch Classic Christmas Films
You can’t go wrong with the classics – have a duvet day filled with festive films and yummy snacks.
Write Letters to Santa
Sometimes, going old school makes for the best Christmas activities for kids. Get out the arts and crafts box and let the kids write and decorate letters to Santa.
Create a Christmas Eve Box
Fill a box with a new book, festive pyjamas and a small toy as a new tradition that makes Christmas Eve almost as fun as the big day itself!
Have a Family Pyjama Day
Pop on your festive PJs, make pancakes and watch festive films – the perfect way to decompress together after a busy festive period.
Why Bowling Belongs on Your Christmas To-Do List
Whether you’re escaping the cold, celebrating the end of another School term or simply enjoying some quality time together, bowling is one of the most perfect Christmas activities for kids, filled with fun, food and festive cheer.
At Hollywood Bowl, you’ll find indoor Christmas activities that the whole family can enjoy, from bowling lanes and arcade games to delicious sharing platters and fun drinks. With locations across the UK, it’s a stress-free way to make your Christmas feel extra special.
Ready to plan your festive family day out? Check out our Christmas party packages or book a lane now and start the season off with a strike!
