The 24 Best Christmas Activities to Do With Your Toddler This Holiday Season

Want to know the best Christmas activities to do with your toddler this holiday season? These are the classic, feel-good, and festive activities every toddler will love- simple traditions that make the season feel magical without adding stress to your already busy schedule.

The holidays with little ones are all about making memories in the everyday moments. Whether it’s baking cookies, looking at Christmas lights, or snuggling up for a story, these activities are designed to keep things fun and toddler-friendly.

In this post, you’ll find 24 of the best Christmas activities for toddlers that are easy to set up, affordable, and guaranteed to bring big smiles. Think of it as your go-to guide for creating holiday magic your toddler will actually remember (and you’ll enjoy, too).

Ready to make this Christmas season special? Let’s dive into the activities!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

The Best Christmas Activities to Do With Your Toddler

Bake & Decorate Cookies

Baking with toddlers is messy but magical. Let them help pour, stir, and decorate- they learn about ingredients and measurements while creating delicious holiday treats that double as gifts or sweet snacks. This is one of the best family Christmas activities that toddlers will actually remember.

Christmas Light Displays

Heading out to look at Christmas lights is pure magic. Twinkling colors, music, and festive decorations make for an exciting night out- it’s one of the best Christmas activities and a memory your toddler will cherish. Bring cocoa and a special snack to make it even more memorable!

Pick Out a Christmas Tree

Choosing the perfect tree together is a classic holiday tradition. Whether it’s up in the mountains or at a cute roadside Christmas tree lot, the experience of exploring, smelling the pine, and finding “the one” is a memory the whole family will remember.

Decorate the Christmas Tree Together

After picking it out, decorating the tree is a highlight. Toddlers can hang shatter-proof ornaments, tinsel, or ribbon, and even help place the star- a fun, hands-on way to bond and build excitement for the holidays.

Make Homemade Ornaments

From handprint ornaments to simple salt dough creations, making homemade decorations keeps toddlers engaged and creates keepsakes you’ll treasure for years. These crafts can also double as meaningful gifts for grandparents, making it a sweet family tradition.

Family Holiday Movie Time

Snuggle up for a short, toddler-friendly holiday movie like A Charlie Brown Christmas or Frosty the Snowman. It’s quiet, cozy, and one of the best family Christmas activities for winding down after busy days.

Read Christmas Books Together

Storytime is an easy and cozy tradition. Pick highly rated toddler favorites like The Very Snowy Christmas or Dear Santa to immerse them in festive tales, build reading habits, and spark holiday imagination.

Write (or Draw) a Letter to Santa

Even if it’s scribbles and stickers, letting toddlers “write” to Santa builds excitement and imagination. You can keep these letters as a keepsake or take a picture to remember the moment forever.

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Even simple crafts like making paper snowflakes or decorating ornaments keep toddlers engaged and creative. You can also make something as a gift for grandparents, turning crafting into a fun and thoughtful family activity.

Do a Toddler-Friendly Advent Calendar

Daily surprises like stickers, mini toys, or holiday-themed activities turn countdowns into magic moments. This is one of the best Christmas activities for toddlers and keeps them excited for each day leading up to Christmas.

Hot Cocoa Cheers

Nothing says cozy like a cup of cocoa topped with gooey marshmallows. Toast together in a “cheers” moment- extra fun if you add a festive mug or silly straw. It’s short, sweet, and pure holiday joy.

Sing Christmas Songs & Dance

Toddlers love music, and singing holiday songs adds instant cheer. Plus, it’s a great way to get the wiggles out! Throw in some instruments to put a fun spin on a traditional Christmas activity, and you’ve got a joyful, interactive experience for the whole family.

Create a Christmas Sensory Bin

Sensory bins are a holiday wonderland in a container! Fill one with fake snow, mini ornaments, pinecones, or holiday-themed scoops and toys. Toddlers get to explore textures, practice fine motor skills, and it keeps them entertained while learning- a classic Christmas activity for toddlers.

Do Puzzles Together

Toddlers may not master complex puzzles yet, but even simple holiday-themed ones can spark problem-solving and holiday curiosity. It’s a toddler-level activity that builds a love for Christmas puzzles that can carry on for years.

Help Wrap Gifts

Letting toddlers “help” wrap gifts may test your patience- yes, it’s likely they’ll make a mess of that perfect bow- but it’s a surprisingly fun way to get them involved. Gift wrapping is truly one of the best Christmas activities for toddlers for learning coordination and giving back.

Wear Christmas Jammies

Cute holiday pajamas make mornings, evenings, and especially Christmas Eve extra cozy. There are tons of fun options for kids to wear, and even better if parents want to match- or not!

Decorate a Gingerbread House

Decorating a gingerbread house is messy, fun, and a guaranteed toddler favorite. It’s one of those classic Christmas activities for toddlers that lets them get creative while sneaking in a few sweets along the way.

Go to the Snow

If you have snow nearby, bundle up for a short outdoor adventure- sledding, snowball toss, or just running around. When you get back, snuggle up under blankets to warm up and keep that snowy magic going indoors.

Set Up an Artificial Tree in Their Room

Add small, shatter-proof ornaments and fairy lights to create a mini festive wonderland. The lights are safe for little hands and add magic without worry, making it a perfect toddler-friendly setup.

Light a Fire in the Fireplace

A cozy fire is the ultimate winter mood-setter. Toddlers love watching flames dance and feeling that warmth- it’s a relaxing way to enjoy fun Christmas activities together.

Go to a Christmas Market or Festival

Festive markets offer sights, smells, and tastes that are exciting for toddlers. Even a quick visit to see decorations or enjoy a snack is a fun way to soak in the season.

Set Out Cookies (and Milk!) for Santa

A classic tradition that toddlers adore. Don’t forget the carrots for the reindeer! This simple act teaches giving, anticipation, and creates memories every holiday season.

Make Christmas Cards

Even tiny scribbles count! Let toddlers “sign” or decorate cards for family and friends. It’s a creative outlet and an early lesson in giving and thoughtfulness.

Take a Family Picture

Whether or not it’s for a Christmas card, capturing your family together during the holidays is priceless. These photos freeze the season and create memories to look back on for years.

The toddler years zoom by, and the holidays can feel like a whirlwind of tiny socks and sticky fingers. These traditional Christmas activities aren’t about being Pinterest-perfect- they’re about squeezing in the little moments that actually make the season feel magical. Pick a few favorites from this list, make them your own, and enjoy the chaos, the giggles, and all the toddler-approved holiday fun along the way.

This post was all about the best Christmas activities to do with your toddler to make the Christmas season magical and memorable!