27 Christmas Activities for Toddlers
Christmas is a magical time for little ones, filled with wonder, lights, and endless opportunities for fun.
For toddlers, the holiday season is the perfect chance to explore their creativity, build excitement, and bond with family.
From hands-on crafts to festive games, finding activities that match their energy and curiosity can make the season even more memorable.
This list of 27 Christmas activities for toddlers is packed with joyful ideas that are simple, engaging, and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
Christmas Activities for Toddlers
1. Christmas Tree Tray
The Christmas Tree Tray activity is a delightful way to engage toddlers during the holiday season.
Start with something as simple as a tray marked with tape to form the shape of a Christmas tree.
Surround this setup with colorful items such as bright pom-poms, shiny stars, and tiny reindeer figurines.
Each element captures the essence of the Christmas spirit, sparking joy and imagination.
2. Dice and Decorate
Imagine a cozy living room on a wintry afternoon, filled with the gleeful giggles of toddlers as they embark on a festive adventure.
In front of them lies a simple yet enchanting project—a paper Christmas tree eagerly awaiting decoration.
Armed with dice and a colorful assortment of pom-poms, little ones are set to blend learning with holiday cheer.
Each roll of the dice becomes a moment of anticipation, as the number shown determines the number of ornaments to be added.
3. Fizzy Holiday Fun
Looking for a unique way to merge play and learning this holiday season?
Try the fizzy holiday fun activity! It’s a simple way to introduce toddlers to the wonders of a basic science principle using common household items.
Picture a tray filled with Christmas-shaped molds, sprinkled with baking soda, a well-known kitchen staple.
Add a dash of vinegar, and let the magic unfold. Instantly, a fizzy reaction captivates young eyes, sparking curiosity and delight.
4. Christmas Sensory Bin
Imagine a wooden box filled with an array of intriguing holiday-themed objects that captivate young imaginations.
Among the tiny treasures are charming mini presents that can be lifted and opened, each one inviting a sense of delight and surprise.
Cookie cutters in festive shapes like stars and snowflakes are also scattered throughout, perfect for little hands to grasp and explore.
Faux greenery with its soft textures and vibrant greens adds a touch of nature to the mix without the mess.
5. Ball Toss Tree
The Ball Toss Tree is an inventive and seasonal activity designed to captivate toddlers’ attention during the holidays.
Imagine a large, festive tree cut from green cardboard, standing invitingly in a play area.
The tree is peppered with holes of various sizes, each one creating an exciting target for brightly colored balls.
These balls, vibrant and inviting, practically beg to be tossed with a joyous flick of the wrist by little hands.
6. Pom-Pom Sorting
In the enchanting world of Christmas activities for toddlers, the pom-pom sorting game stands out as both educational and festive.
The setup begins with a charming wooden Christmas tree board, designed to capture young imaginations.
This board acts as a canvas for vibrant pom-poms, which serve not just as engaging playthings but also as tools for learning.
The collection of pom-poms, rich in color, offers a tactile feast for tiny hands while inviting exploration of various shades and hues.
7. Ornament Poke Board
Christmas crafts offer simple joy and developmental benefits for toddlers.
Imagine a colorful cardboard Christmas tree with evenly spaced small holes outlined in vibrant hues.
This playful tree is a delightful canvas for toddlers, adorned with smooth, rounded sticks perfect for little hands to grasp and maneuver.
The activity encourages them to explore the tree’s festive colors, while their fine motor skills are honed as they carefully poke sticks into the inviting holes.
8. Nature Tree Decor
When it comes to Christmas activities for toddlers, nothing beats the charm of creating a nature-inspired tree decor.
This idea centers around using simple, natural elements that offer a sensory experience for little ones.
Leaves, with their varied shapes and shades, are a perfect start, offering a tactile feel and vibrant colors.
Pinecones bring a touch of woodland wonder, with their intricate patterns and earthy scent. Pebbles, smooth and cool to the touch, add a sturdy yet stylish touch to the design.
9. Christmas Collage
Imagine a world where toddler creativity meets holiday spirit. Providing young ones with paper stockings or trees as blank canvases, along with an assortment of festive materials, opens up a realm of possibilities.
Shimmering glitter catches the light, while shiny foil adds a metallic touch that reflects the joy of the season.
Decorative ribbons can be twirled or layered, introducing a splash of color and texture to these cherished keepsakes.
Simple materials like cotton balls can double as snowflakes, adding a playful, tactile element.
10. Holiday Rice Match
The Holiday Rice Match game is a delightful combination of color, texture, and imagination that captivates toddlers.
Picture a tray filled with vibrant Christmas-themed rice, each grain dyed in joyous hues of red, green, and gold.
Among these festive heaps lie wooden tiles, each meticulously crafted with holiday designs, from snowflakes to candy canes, charmingly invoking the spirit of the season.
These tactile pieces invite tiny hands to explore, encouraging play that is both sensory-rich and intellectually stimulating.
11. Handmade Holiday Cards
Handmade Holiday Cards are a delightful way to engage toddlers during the festive season.
Using vibrant and colorful paper as a canvas, little hands can let their creativity flow.
Pom-poms offer a playful element, bringing texture and a pop of color to the cards.
Ribbons can be used to add elegance, presenting a final touch that ties the whole creation together.
12. Christmas Learning Station
When creating a Christmas learning station, simplicity is key.
Start with a sensory bin filled with holiday-themed items like shiny bells, small ornaments, soft ribbons, and cotton to mimic snow.
Add themed learning cards displaying pictures and names of Christmas objects such as a tree, star, or candy cane.
These elements act as a visual and tactile introduction to the holiday, offering toddlers a chance to see, touch, and learn simultaneously.
13. Playdough Christmas Scene
Picture the joy on a toddler’s face as they delve into the vibrant world of playdough.
With green playdough shaped like a canvas, add charming holiday decorations like tiny candy canes, sparkling stars, and miniature presents.
Imagine vibrant red bows and shimmering sequins dotting the landscape, offering a sensory delight.
Each piece is an invitation for little hands to explore textures, developing their touch. Petite figurines of snowmen, reindeer, or elves can join the scene, sparking imaginative stories and endless adventures.
14. Button Christmas Tree
Imagine a delightful craft activity that combines creativity and skill development for your little one: the Button Christmas Tree.
Start with a simple tree outline drawn on cardboard. Gather a collection of colorful buttons, varying in size and shade, to mimic the ornaments on a Christmas tree.
These buttons serve not only as decoration but also as a playful way to enhance fine motor skills, encouraging the use of the pincer grip.
The tactile experience of manipulating the buttons helps refine toddlers’ hand-eye coordination.
15. Toilet Roll Trees
In the spirit of sustainability, turning ordinary toilet rolls into festive Christmas trees is a charming craft for toddlers.
Start by gathering toilet rolls and some cardboard, the perfect blank canvases for creativity.
Provide an array of paints and glitters to ignite their imagination. As toddlers dip brushes into vibrant colors or sprinkle shimmering glitter, they’re not just making decorations, they’re crafting memories.
With each brushstroke or glitter dusting, these young artists create tiny marvels that add a personal touch to holiday decor.
16. Pom-Pom Drop Tree
Imagine a bright, cheerful cardboard tree, standing invitingly with various cut-out holes in its sturdy branches.
This playful craft, inspired by the holiday spirit, is perfect for toddlers who love to explore textures and shapes.
Small, colorful pom-poms await eager tiny hands, ready to be dropped through the tree’s carefully designed openings.
The soft, fluffy pom-poms not only captivate with their vibrant hues but also stimulate toddlers’ curiosity and delight.
17. Christmas Rice Sensory
Rice sensory play during the Christmas season opens a world of imaginative exploration for toddlers.
Start by dyeing rice a vibrant green to resemble lush evergreen trees, making the activity visually stimulating.
Use a selection of cookie cutters shaped like trees, stars, or bells, which act as molds for little hands.
Incorporate tiny ornaments like glittery stars and colorful beads, adding sparkle and dimension. Soft, fluffy pom-poms in reds and whites resemble festive baubles, bringing in a playful contrast.
18. Holiday Art Table
Creating a holiday art table is a wonderful way to combine fun and creativity for toddlers.
Simple materials like colorful holiday-themed paper, non-toxic glue, and sparkly embellishments can turn a regular table into a crafting wonderland.
The addition of pre-cut shapes such as Christmas trees, stockings, and stars provides easy starting points for young imaginations.
Add in some child-safe scissors and washable markers for extra personalization.
19. Cotton Ball Tree
One festive activity sure to engage toddlers is creating a cotton ball tree.
This simple yet exciting craft only needs a few items but packs a sensory punch. Imagine soft cotton balls, reminiscent of fluffy snow, transformed into a tree shape.
Toddlers can explore texture and practice coordination as they use small droppers filled with vibrant, colored water.
The cotton absorbs and spreads the colors, creating a tie-dye effect that fascinates young eyes.
20. Twig Stars
Creating twig stars is a delightful Christmas activity that blends creativity with nature.
Gather twigs from outside, turning an ordinary walk into a treasure hunt for the perfect pieces.
These twigs become the backbone—a simple yet charming base for the stars. For little ones, painting the stars or adding glitter transforms them into sparkling decorations.
This activity encourages toddlers to explore textures and develop fine motor skills.
21. Cardboard Holiday Art
A fun and rewarding Christmas activity for toddlers involves using cardboard as a canvas for holiday-themed art.
By sectioning off a piece of cardboard, young children can enjoy an engaging experience by painting festive items like candy canes, Christmas trees, and Santa hats.
This activity focuses on encouraging creativity and introducing children to the joy of experimentation with different colors and textures.
The resulting pieces of art are not only vibrant and colorful but also have a personal touch, making them perfect for display or as heartfelt gifts.
22. Dot Garland Painting
Finger painting offers toddlers an opportunity to explore their creativity while indulging in the sensory delight of bright colors on paper.
With just a few shades of paint and a drawn garland line, little fingers can create a series of vibrant dots, turning a simple concept into an artistic masterpiece.
These cheerful dots highlight the innocence and joy that toddlers bring to any festive season.
The finished dot garland painting not only showcases their developing motor skills but also adds a whimsical touch to holiday decorations.
23. Gingerbread Play Baking
Engaging toddlers in gingerbread play baking is a delightful way to capture their attention this holiday season.
Provide kids with playdough, rich in the scent of ginger and cinnamon, to mimic the classic baking experience.
Include an assortment of cookie cutters—stars, gingerbread people, and holiday trees—to spark their creativity.
A miniature rolling pin will help them roll out the dough as they pretend to bake their creations.
24. Felt Tree Decorating
When the holiday season rolls around, parents are often on the lookout for engaging activities to keep toddlers entertained and stimulated.
Introducing felt Christmas tree cutouts can be both fun and educational.
These soft, safe materials come in various shapes and colors, allowing little ones to explore textures while staying secure.
Add elements like bright pom-poms, sparkly stars, and other cheery embellishments to inspire imagination.
25. Egg Carton Tree
Transforming egg cartons into a festive tree can be both fun and educational for toddlers.
This activity involves using egg cartons, which are usually discarded, to create something new and festive.
The tree-like shape emerges as you paint and stack the individual components.
For additional flair, pom-poms are used to mimic colorful ornaments, which adds a playful touch to the design.
26. Christmas Kinetic Sand
Christmas kinetic sand is a delight for toddlers, offering a playful and educational experience.
This activity involves the use of kinetic sand, which is remarkable for its easy manipulation, making it ideal for young hands to mold into festive shapes like Christmas trees.
Bright mini candy canes add a vibrant dash of color, capturing a child’s attention with their cheerful design.
Soft, fluffy pom-poms provide a tactile contrast to the smooth sand, engaging the sense of touch and sight simultaneously.
27. Festive Sensory Tray
A festive sensory tray is a delightful way to introduce toddlers to the joys of the holiday season.
This engaging setup is designed to captivate their young senses through a combination of winter-themed items.
Oats provide a soft, grainy texture that mimics the sensation of snow, offering a tactile experience that kids enjoy.
Pinecones, with their distinct shapes and earthy smell, add a touch of nature, stimulating both touch and smell.
