The festive season is here, and it's the perfect time to create magical memories with your little one. Whether you're looking for easy Christmas activities for toddlers, ways to fill the long December afternoons, or creative Christmas activities for kids that keep little hands busy during the holiday break, these simple crafts are perfect for creating special moments together.
The beauty of these Christmas activities is they require minimal supplies, can be adapted for different skill levels, and result in keepsakes you'll treasure for years to come. And, while you're crafting together, your toddler is building crucial fine motor skills, exploring their creativity, and learning patience through play.
These five fun and easy Christmas activities for kids are perfect for creating holiday memories without the stress.
1. Christmas cardboard box photo
Don’t know what to do with all those Amazon delivery boxes? Turn an ordinary cardboard box into a festive photo opportunity. Decorate a large box with wrapping paper, tinsel, or let your toddler paint it with Christmas colours. Cut out a window for their face and snap adorable photos.
What you'll need:
- Large cardboard box
- Wrapping paper or paint
- Scissors
- Tinsel or decorations
Why it's great: This activity helps develop fine motor skills as toddlers stick, paint, and arrange decorations. It also encourages decision-making ("Which colour wrapping paper?") and creativity. Best of all, you'll capture precious photos that document this magical age.
2. Salt dough ornaments
These homemade ornaments are a Christmas tradition waiting to happen in your household. The simple three-ingredient recipe creates a mouldable dough that toddlers love working with, and the finished ornaments can hang on your tree for years.
Let your little one use cookie cutters to make shapes like stars, trees, and candy canes, then once baked and cooled, they can paint and decorate their creations.
What you'll need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Cookie cutters
- Paint
- Ribbon for hanging
- Glitter (optional)
Why it’s great: Working with dough builds hand strength and coordination crucial for future writing skills. The multi-step process (mixing, rolling, cutting, decorating) also teaches sequencing and patience. Plus, these ornaments become treasured keepsakes that you can bring out year after year, creating a beautiful tradition of looking back at your child's handiwork as they grow.
3. Reindeer toilet roll craft
Before you toss those empty toilet rolls into the recycling, save them for this adorable reindeer craft! Your toddler will love transforming a simple cardboard tube into Rudolph and his friends. These cute characters make perfect decorations for the mantelpiece, tree, or even as gift toppers for presents to family members.
What you'll need:
- Empty toilet rolls
- Brown paint
- Googly eyes (or black marker)
- Red pom-poms for nose
- Pipe cleaners
- Glue stick
Why it's great: This craft is perfect for developing hand-eye coordination as toddlers practice gluing small pieces in the right spots. It also introduces the concept of following sequential instructions (paint, then eyes, then nose, then antlers), which helps with listening skills and focus.
4. DIY Christmas cards
There's nothing grandparents love more than a handmade card from their grandchild. Set up a Christmas card-making station and let your toddler's creativity shine as they design festive greetings for family and friends.
For older toddlers or those ready for a challenge, introduce simple pop-up cards that teach basic engineering concepts while creating something truly special.
What you'll need:
- Card stock or construction paper
- Non-toxic markers
- Crayons
- Stickers (think stars, trees, snowflakes)
- Stamps and ink pads
- Glue stick
- Safety scissors
Why it's great: Card-making develops pre-writing skills as toddlers practice gripping markers and making deliberate marks on paper. It also teaches the concept of creating something for others, building empathy and thoughtfulness.
The pop-up card variation introduces cause-and-effect thinking (“when I fold this, something happens”) and basic spatial reasoning, all of which are important foundations for later learning.
5. Paper plate Christmas wreath
This is probably the easiest craft on the list, making it perfect for younger toddlers or when you need a quick 15-minute activity.
Transform a simple paper plate into a festive wreath that's worthy of hanging on your front door. The best part? There's no wrong way to do it: every wreath will look uniquely beautiful.
What you'll need
- Paper plates
- Green tissue paper or paint
- Red ribbon
- Glue stick
- Safety scissors
- Optional: Handprints, pom-poms, and/or bells
Why it's great: Tearing paper and gluing builds fine motor skills and finger strength that are essential for future writing. The circular shape provides a natural opportunity to talk about shapes and patterns with your toddler.
This activity also offers sensory exploration through different textures (such as crinkly tissue paper, smooth ribbon, and sticky glue), which supports cognitive development in those early years.
Make memories this Christmas
These easy Christmas activities for toddlers don't require expensive supplies or hours of preparation: just a willingness to get a little messy and embrace the creative chaos that comes with toddlerhood.
Whether you tackle one craft or all five, these simple Christmas activities for kids are perfect for creating precious memories and helping your little one develop important skills along the way.
No time (or energy) to plan Christmas activities?
We hear you. If you're heading back to work or need care during the December break, let childcare take over. Find quality childcare near you that offers engaging programs all year round.
