Christmas Traditions with Kids: 15 Best Ideas for Holiday Fun

Create lasting memories by starting these fun and heartwarming Christmas traditions with kids.

From baking gingerbread cookies to making homemade keepsake ornaments, these activities will bring joy and warmth to the holiday season. Read on for this list of 15 Christmas traditions to start with kids.

15 Ways to Enjoy Christmas Traditions with Kids

As a mom of five boys (and two of those boys are over 18!), I know how quickly time flies by. And how essential it is to establish and enjoy simple traditions, especially around the Christmas season.

I've gathered some easy yet powerful ways to make the most of this special time with your children. I hope these ideas for Christmas fun and traditions with kids inspire you and help you create special memories for years to come 😊

Last year, we added playing board games on Christmas eve and a hot cocoa bar (on Cocoa Day - December 13). We're adding a few new traditions this year, like making Christmas cards and reading new-to-us Christmas books. 

These ideas are some of our favorite Christmas traditions and I genuinely hope that you enjoy with your extended family, too. I think you'll find special Christmas traditions that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages

1. Make A Santa Wish List Ornament by Planted in Arkansas

Make a yearly Santa wish list ornament to see how your child’s wish list changes. This simple idea creates a beautiful decoration that will be cherished for years to come.

2. The Best Movies to Watch on Christmas Eve by The Best Movies Right Now

Christmas movie nights are a fun tradition with kids. Grab some blankets, hot cocoa, and snuggle up on the couch to enjoy a Christmas movie. Need some inspiration? Here's a list of some of the best movies to watch on Christmas Eve.

3. DIY Advent Calendar For Kids Christmas Countdown by Mom Hacks 101

Advent calendars are an exciting way to countdown to Christmas. Create your own DIY advent calendar. Made from brown paper bags, it's a fun and budget-friendly way to countdown to Christmas with the kids. It can be so much fun to have your own Advent calendar.

4. Free Printable Christmas Dice Game by Two Kids and a Coupon

Spice up your holiday gatherings with gift exchange games! Roll the dice and have a blast while sticking to your budget. Get the free printable and learn how to play.

5. Christmas Trivia For Kids by Troubleshooting Motherhood

Start a tradition of Christmas trivia with the kids. These trivia suggestions include themes from heartwarming tales to holiday films. It's guaranteed to add some giggles and excitement to the holidays, especially on Christmas Day.

6. How to Make a Handprint Memory Christmas Tree Skirt by Homan at Home

Create a cherished family tradition with this handprint tree skirt. Add prints each year for a practical and stunning Christmas keepsake!

7. Christmas Eve Box Printables by Oh My! Creative

Get ready for a cozy Christmas Eve with pajamas, hot chocolate, and a special box filled with games and activities for the kids. Pop over and get the free Christmas Eve box printables to start planning your night.

8. Christmas Giving Jar by Printables Fairy

This is a holiday tradition that can be done throughout the year. Collect change all year and give back to those in need at Christmas. It will become a heartwarming tradition. 

9. The Ultimate 2023 Guide to Elf on the Shelf by Finding Myself Young

Discover the beloved Christmas tradition of The Elf on the Shelf! This friendly scout elf brings joy and magic to children's homes, reporting to Santa each night. This guide will help you navigate all the info you need to know to get started.

10. New Christmas Tradition to Celebrate Your Child’s Year by Coffee and Carpool

Make Christmas special for your kids by starting a tradition of choosing unique ornaments to commemorate their year. Get tips and ideas on how to begin this wonderful tradition.

11. Gingerbread Men by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

Start a family tradition of baking gingerbread men. This recipe features a warm ginger flavor that everyone will love.

12. Christmas Present Scavenger Hunt by Paper Heart Family

Enhance the joy of Christmas morning by concealing clues for children to find their last Christmas gifts. Get the free printable to help you plan the ultimate treasure hunt.

13. Christmas Lights and Decorations Scavenger Hunt by For the Love of Food

Hop in the car for this Christmas tradition. The whole family can participate in a cozy drive while enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights. Turn it into a scavenger hunt with the free printable (or use our free Christmas lights scavenger hunt!). 

14. Santa Sacks by Design Dazzle

Discover the magic of Santa sacks! These reusable fabric drawstring gift sacks are perfect for Christmas Eve. Leave them out for Santa to fill with gifts to be opened on Christmas morning. And apply these ideas and inspiration about how to use Santa sacks.

15. Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar with Free Printables by Lovely Indeed

Discover the true spirit of the season with this kindness advent calendar. Get the free printable and share this heartwarming tradition with your family. (Psst! You can also get our simple free Christmas Random Acts of Kindness activity for more ideas!)

Which of These Christmas Traditions with Kids Will You Try?

I recommend going through all of these ideas with your kids and family members (unless you want to make it a fun surprise!) and see what they think. Chat about what traditions they'd like to start around this time of year.

My boys and I have a bunch of Christmas traditions that we enjoy. We always make reindeer food and a plate of cookies with milk for Santa Claus. We love singing Christmas carols, baking Christmas cookies, making a gingerbread house, and watching our favorite Christmas movies, like The Grinch Stole Christmas. Our Christmas tree scavenger hunt is a big hit, too. Oh, and our Elf on the Shelf (Zylar) always makes it fun!

We would love to know which of these Christmas traditions (and Christmas Eve traditions) with kids you'll try this year. AND please share your current traditions in the comments area at the bottom of the post!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

More Fun Ideas for Christmas Traditions with Kids

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