If your house is anything like ours, the run-up to Christmas is one of the most magical but also one of the most chaotic times of the year. The children break up from school full of excitement, you have a million jobs to finish, and somehow everyone expects endless fun until the big day arrives.
The good news is that keeping the kids busy at home does not have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and some things you already have around the house, you can make this time feel really special while staying sane. Here are five fun and affordable Christmas activities to enjoy with your children at home.
Christmas Crafts for Kids: Easy at-Home Ideas
Setting up a Christmas craft and colouring station is a simple way to keep children entertained for hours. You do not need new supplies. Gather crayons, felt tips, scrap paper, bits of card, leftover wrapping paper, glue, and stickers. Free printable Christmas colouring sheets are a great idea, or let the children draw their own Santas, snowmen, and reindeer.
Create a little workstation on the table, put on some festive music, and let them get creative. This gives you a moment to tidy up, wrap presents, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea while they create their masterpieces.
Checklist:
🎄 Free printable colouring sheets
🎄 Old Christmas cards to cut up
🎄 Crayons, felt tips, and pencils
🎄 Glue, stickers, glitter if you’re feeling brave
🎄 Festive music to set the mood
2.
Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for Families
One of the simplest and most magical activities is a Christmas lights scavenger hunt. Wrap up warm, take a torch if needed, and wander around your local streets. Children love spotting different decorations, and the fresh air helps everyone unwind.
If the weather is miserable, you can set up a mini scavenger hunt indoors using fairy lights, decorations, and a few clues hidden around the house.
Checklist:
🎄 A house with a wreath
🎄 Santa lights or inflatables
🎄 A glowing reindeer
🎄 A snowman
🎄 A star or twinkling icicle lights
Create a Fun Hot Chocolate Bar at Home
For a cosy afternoon, set up a simple hot chocolate bar. You do not need anything fancy. Cocoa or instant hot chocolate works perfectly. Put out toppings you already have, such as marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes.
Let the children build their own drinks and give them fun festive names like Elf Fuel or Reindeer Boost. It is a lovely way to slow down and enjoy some family time.
Checklist:
🎄 Hot chocolate or cocoa
🎄 Marshmallows, sprinkles, and cream
🎄 Festive cups or mugs
🎄 A Christmas film to go with it
🎄 Warm blankets for extra cosiness
4.
DIY Christmas Movie Night for the Whole Family
Turn an ordinary evening into a Christmas movie night your children will remember. Ask them to design tickets and choose the film from family favourites such as The Snowman, Arthur Christmas. Create a cosy nest of blankets, cushions, and fairy lights, then dim the lights and enjoy the show.
You can even plan a mini interval with popcorn, fruit slices, or biscuits you already have at home. It feels like a treat but costs very little.
Checklist:
🎄 A festive family film
🎄 Blankets, cushions, and cosy lighting
🎄 Homemade tickets designed by the children
🎄 Popcorn or simple snacks
🎄 A comfy spot for everyone to snuggle in
5. Christmas Baking Together
Baking is a brilliant way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. You do not need complicated recipes. Children love helping with simple bakes like gingerbread men, shortbread stars, or fairy cakes topped with festive sprinkles. Decorated digestives work well if you want something very low effort.
Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the end result can be shared with family, friends, neighbours, or left out for Father Christmas.
Checklist:
🎄 Easy baking ingredients
🎄 Cookie cutters or shapes made by hand
🎄 Sprinkles and toppings
🎄 A cooling rack ready for the creations
🎄 A plate of treats to share or gift
Our Final Thoughts
Christmas at home does not need to be expensive or overwhelming. Children remember the small moments, the crafts, the lights, the warm drinks, and the cosy films—far more than big outings. With these simple and affordable activities, you can bring festive magic into your home, keep the kids happy, and enjoy the run-up to Christmas without the stress.
Extra Tip: Consider keeping a small diary or photo collection of the activities each year. It is a lovely way to look back and remember the magic of the season.
