The run-up to Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, especially if you have children. From twinkling lights to cosy traditions, the weeks before the big day are packed with opportunities to make lasting memories together. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some fun Christmas activities with kids to enjoy across the UK this festive season.
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1. Visit a Christmas Market
Exploring a Christmas market is one of the best Christmas activities with kids, combining festive shopping with fun. The UK is home to some of Europe’s most charming markets, with stalls selling handmade gifts, festive treats and twinkling decorations. Many markets also offer rides, ice rinks and even Santa visits. Popular choices include Manchester’s Albert Square, Bath Christmas Market, and Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens.
Tip: Wrap the kids up warm, and don’t forget a hot chocolate stop to keep spirits high.
2. Go Ice Skating
Outdoor ice rinks pop up across the country in December, and they’re a brilliant way to enjoy Christmas activities with kids. From Somerset House in London to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland and Birmingham’s Centenary Square, skating together guarantees festive fun. Even if your little ones are wobbly on the ice, the laughter and smiles make it a memory worth making.
3. Book a Santa’s Grotto Experience
No list of Christmas activities with kids would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas. From LaplandUK’s immersive experience in Berkshire to smaller grottos at garden centres and local attractions, children love sharing their wish lists and receiving a small gift. It’s a magical way to bring the season to life.
4. Have a Cosy Movie Night
Sometimes the simplest Christmas activities with kids can be the most special. Choose a weekend evening, draw the curtains, and snuggle under blankets for a festive film night. Classics like The Polar Express, Elf or Home Alone are guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Add popcorn, hot chocolate and maybe some mince pies, and you’ve got the perfect evening in.
5. Try Christmas Crafts at Home
Getting crafty is a perfect rainy-day activity and one of the easiest Christmas activities with kids to enjoy at home. From making paper snowflakes to salt dough tree decorations or homemade Christmas cards, there are endless possibilities. The results also make lovely keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
6. Explore the Local Christmas Lights
Taking a walk or drive to admire Christmas lights is one of those timeless Christmas activities with kids that feels magical year after year. Many towns and cities have switch-on events, while some neighbourhoods put on spectacular house displays for charity. Let the kids vote for their favourite display and leave a little thank-you note to spread festive cheer.
7. Bake Festive Treats Together
Cooking and baking are classic Christmas activities with kids that bring fun (and mess!) into the kitchen. Whether you’re making gingerbread men, mince pies, or simple sugar cookies, children love helping with rolling, cutting, and decorating. Best of all, you get to eat the results together.
8. Go on a Winter Woodland Walk
Not all Christmas activities with kids need to be noisy or crowded. Heading out for a woodland walk on a crisp winter’s day can be just as magical. Many National Trust and Forestry England sites run festive trails with decorations and clues to follow. A thermos of hot chocolate and a few mince pies make the walk even more special.
9. Read a Christmas Story Every Night
Advent doesn’t have to be all about chocolate. Another lovely Christmas activity with kids is wrapping up 24 Christmas books and letting your children open one each evening in December. Reading a festive story together before bed adds a calm and magical moment to the nightly routine.
10. Take a Ride on a Christmas Train
For something unforgettable, book a ride on one of the UK’s heritage “Santa Express” trains. These festive journeys are some of the most unique Christmas activities with kids, combining steam trains with storytelling, snacks and a visit from Father Christmas himself. Favourites include the Severn Valley Railway, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Bluebell Railway in Sussex.
Making the Most of the Festive Season
Whether you’re exploring light trails, baking treats, or simply watching a film together, there are so many ways to enjoy Christmas activities with kids in the UK. The countdown to Christmas can be just as magical as the big day itself—so fill it with laughter, twinkling lights, and plenty of hot chocolate.
If you liked this, you might also like How To Get Prepared For Christmas (Without The Stress).
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