10 Fun Christmas Activities to Do with Grandkids

Are your grandbabies coming over this Christmas season? Do you want to entertain them so their iPads and Nintendo Switches won’t have to? Then we’ve got your back! Here are a few fun festive activities you and your grandkids can enjoy doing together this holiday season!

1. Make some cookies.

Most kids love cookies and Christmas! The best way to combine those two loves? Make Christmas cookies together, of course! You can always find Christmas cookie recipes online or use pre-made dough. Get some icing, sprinkles, and other cookie-decorating supplies to make it even more fun. The result may not be pretty, but it’ll be delicious! It’s a Christmas memory your grandchildren are sure to never forget!

2. Do some holiday crafts.

Crafts are fun, but even more so around the holidays. If you have creative grandkids, let them put those gifts to use and make some Christmas crafts! You can make ornaments, decorate stockings, or create handmade Christmas cards. You can even repurpose old socks into snowmen. The possibilities are endless! Your grandkids may not remember the toy you got them a year from now, but they’re sure to remember your crafting time together.

3. Have a holiday movie marathon.

Did you know over 200 Christmas films were released in 2021? In other words, there are more than enough holiday movies to have a proper marathon! All you need to do is pick some, make some popcorn and hot cocoa, and let the binge-watching begin! Stuck on where to start? No worries! Check out Senior Resource’s list of the TEN best holiday movies to watch with your grandkids and go from there.

4. Visit Santa!

If your grandkids are on the younger side, then take a trip to see Santa Claus. Many malls and festive events have Santa appearances where kids can share their Christmas wishes and take photos. Christmas is even more special when kids believe in Santa. They won’t stay little forever, so make the most of every holiday where they are!

5. See Christmas lights.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to enjoy Christmas lights right in your neighborhood! If your neighbors aren’t very festive, you aren’t out of options. Plenty of places (like zoos and amusement parks) have Christmas lights and activities galore! Some city parks also go all out for the holidays, so you’ll have your pick!

6. Storytime!

This holiday season, give your grandkids the gift that keeps on giving: a love of the written word. Read Christmas stories or books together. You can choose traditional tales, modern holiday stories, or even create your own Christmas stories as a family. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is always a great place to start. You also can’t go wrong with Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder!

7. Decorate gingerbread houses.

Did you know that gingerbread houses originated in Germany back in the 16th century? Introduce your grandkids to this fun tradition by letting them decorate a gingerbread house. You can buy gingerbread house kits or make gingerbread pieces from scratch. Have a decorating competition or work together to create a festive gingerbread village. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or a gingerbread house-decorating pro. Everyone can enjoy this fun Christmas activity!

8. Do a Christmas carol sing-along.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” These words, from the movie Elf, couldn’t ring more true. When your grandkids come over this holiday season, sing with them! You can belt out Christmas carols or more contemporary favorites. You don’t need a voice like an angel to celebrate the holiday with a little music!

9. Have a Christmas scavenger hunt.

This holiday season, create a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt with clues leading to hidden holiday treats or small gifts. It might make your grandkids even more excited for Christmas morning, too!

10. DIY some Christmas gifts!

This year, help the grandkids make their own Christmas gifts. It could be anything from handmade ornaments to personalized photo frames. Or you help them knit some scarves or a glove! It’s a great way to show them that gift-giving doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It’s truly the thought that counts!

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