Family christmas things to do near me

You've probably spent weeks—okay, months—counting down the days until it became socially acceptable to do all those Christmas activities and winter activities you love so much: putting up your favorite wreath, shopping for fun gifts until you drop, making lots of holiday craft projects, and generally getting in the Christmas spirit in every way imaginable. Now that your favorite time of the year is finally here, don't squander it! Make the most of your holiday season with our list of the best Christmas activities for kids and grown-ups alike. We've gone way beyond "prep your holiday menu" and "decorate your home."

These insanely fun Christmas activities for families will help you turn every day of December into a bona fide winter wonderland. Start new Christmas traditions by gathering up your friends and family for an ugly holiday sweater party, bundling up and hitting the streets for a rousing caroling session, or having a "family sleepover" by the twinkling light of your Christmas tree. Whatever route you choose, as long as you've got the spirit of Christmas in your heart, you really can't go wrong. Whether you incorporate these ideas for all of December or just steal a few to create lasting Christmas Eve traditions, you can't go wrong with these fun Christmas activities.

While you can certainly make your own strands of Christmas garland from faux pine or other greenery, why not step outside of the box this holiday season? There are tons of ideas for creative garlands, such as popcorn garland, dried fruit garland, or garland made out of mittens!

SHOP TWINE

You don't need a lot of snow to sculpt a charming design with classic elements like a carrot nose and eyes made from coal or stones. If it isn't a white Christmas where you live, you can make an easy snowman craft or snowman ornament instead.

SHOP SNOWMAN KIT

4

Cross-stitch some Christmas merriment.

While you're watching Hallmark Christmas movies, try stitching a sweet something for a friend, teacher, or relative. These 4" cross-stitch patterns make gifts that sleigh. (Sorry, not sorry!)

Not into a fresh Fraser fir or a pre-lit flocked beauty? No worries. Think outside the tree by creating a tree shape out of items you already have, or, arrange holiday photos and cards in a tree shape on a blank wall. Check out more alternative tree ideas here.

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6

Go on a winter scavenger hunt.

Arrange a winter scavenger hunt for kids by having them find animals and plants they are likely to see outside. You can also collect items to repurpose (like these pine cone crafts).

7

Add cheer to your front door.

Doors aren't just for wreaths! Try a pair of vintage ice skates packed with fresh greenery from around your yard. Bonus: you can leave it up through February without the neighbors talking!

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8

Decorate a tabletop tree

Add a tree to a small space by plopping a 3" variety on the table. Sprinkle on a few ornaments and garland, and you're done!

SHOP TABLETOP TREES

9

Hold a neighborhood cookie swap.

With all that beautiful Christmas cookie decorating you've been toiling away at all month, you should show off your cookie skills by hosting a cookie swap with your neighbors. Share recipes and ideas and taste the delicious batches of cookies your neighbors have whipped up!

SHOP HOLIDAY COOKIE BOXES

10

Hang stockings by the fireplace.

If you have a large family or group of friends, Secret Santa is a perfect way for gift giving that doesn't break the bank. Most games set a spending limit so that you can find cheap Christmas gifts or DIY Christmas gifts that are thoughtful and tailored to the person whose name you picked. Dress up solid paper with colorful yarn pom poms!

SHOP YARN

13

Read a bedtime story by the tree.

Gather the kids and the dogs and cuddle up by the soft glow of fairy lights as you read "The Night Before Christmas" or any favorite bedtime story.

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14

Bake a candy cane cake.

Store-bought peppermint bark and 7- minute frosting elevate this dreamy white candy cane cake.

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15

Create (or buy!) an advent calendar.

Haven't purchased an advent calendar yet? Then you've got the perfect excuse to craft one. The idea pictured here is beyond easy: Simply string together some galvanized pails, fill them with trinkets, and affix them to a garland.

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16

Don't forget to decorate your kitchen.

You don't have to relegate your holiday creativity to the family room. All those little details add up! Here, pops of red, festive greenery, and tartan dishware add to the holiday spirit in this Michigan farmhouse.

SHOP CHRISTMAS DISH TOWELS

17

Make your own Christmas centerpiece.

This color-coordinated Christmas craft can be added to your table long before Christmas Day—you'll just need to switch out the flowers every week or so. Begin by placing a small pillar vessel inside a larger vase, and fill the gaps between the two with red and white marbles. Next, fill the inner container with a mix of anemones, garden roses, and evergreen sprigs (or whatever white flowers are available in your area).

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18

Start a holiday-inspired collection.

Haven't collected Santa figurines before? Now's the time to start. Of course, you don't have to stick to a family of Saint Nicks; there are so many fun, Christmas-inspired trinkets to collect out there, from vintage train sets to vintage gift wrapping scissors.

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Find a fun way to display your holiday cards.

Say goodbye to holiday paper clutter by displaying the season's greetings in a creative way. See our favorite ways to display holiday cards with these DIY Christmas card holders.

SHOP INSTAX

20

Have a family slumber party under the tree.

Because nothing is more magical than staring up at the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree, snuggled inside a sleeping bag.

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21

Decorate a gingerbread house.

22

Craft your own Christmas cards.

A few thumbprints transform these plain white notecards into bona fide masterpieces. It's a craft anyone can master.

Greenery: Using green ink, stamp thumbs and press onto card to make leaves. Add berries and bow with a red marker and stems with green watercolor paint.

String Lights: Stamp thumbs in various link shades. Use a black fine-tip marker to draw a string connecting the lights.

Reindeer Herd: Stamp thumbs in brown ink and press onto blank card. Use fine-tip markers to draw antlers, eyes, and noses.

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23

Swirl up a new hot cocoa.

24

Make the tree room the game room.

Clear off the coffee table (or even the floor!) and store puzzles and games under the tree before Santa makes his visit.

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25

Make salt dough ornaments.

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Have a craft day with your kids.

There are so many cute holiday crafts for kids that your little ones will have a blast creating. You can keep them around the house as festive decorations, use during Christmas dinner for a table centerpiece, or your kids can gift them to family and friends.

SHOP CONSTRUCTION PAPER

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Make your own holiday tree trimmings.

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Head to a Christmas tree farm near you.

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Play Christmas tree eye spy.

A fun way to get your kids involved on a long car ride (or short!) is to have them play "eye spy" for all the Christmas trees they see in the windows of houses. Keep a running tally of white lights versus colored lights and see what number you have at the end. It might even give you some ideas for how to hang your Christmas tree lights.

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30

See a Christmas choir or orchestra.

There are plenty of music-related Christmas events to attend during the holiday season. Whether you want to see a big performance like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra or attend a local choir or holiday concert, there are countless musical performances that will deliver all the Christmas cheer you desire.

31

Share the fun with the birds!

Here's a perfect Christmas activity for kids to do with their parents—and it yields some pretty practical results too. This birdseed ornament looks good, and it'll help attract goldfinches to your yard.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP CHRISTMAS WREATHS

32

Go ice skating with your family.

Whether you've got a romantic date in mind or a fun afternoon with the kids, ice skating is never a bad idea. In fact, you may make some of your favorite Christmastime memories on the ice!

SHOP BESTSELLING ICE SKATES

33

Visit one of the best Christmas towns across the USA.

Christmas is the perfect time to bundle up and take a road trip with your whole family in tow. Why not spend the holidays in one of the quaintest and most spirited towns in the country? We've got a full list of our top Christmas towns right here (La Jolla, pictured here, is included).

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34

Whip up an eggnog cocktail.

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Celebrate the season with a Polar Express train ride.

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Throw on your favorite tacky Christmas sweater.

37

Mail a letter to Santa.

38

Hang mistletoe in every doorway.

Forget the fact that it looks pretty! We'll take any excuse we can to cover our loved ones in kisses—even if it embarrasses the kids.

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39

Video chat with an out-of-town friend or relative.

Take a few minutes to wish a faraway friend or family member a very merry Christmas.

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41

Make a DIY gift for a past or present teacher.

These holiday-scented potpourri jars are the perfect gift for a teacher that wishes Christmas would last all year.

Get the tutorial at Nest of Posies.

SHOP MASON JARS

42

Sip on homemade hot cocoa.

The season wouldn't be complete without a steaming mug of hot cocoa in your hand. Upgrade your hot chocolate with one of these decadent and rich homemade hot chocolate recipes.

SHOP COCOA MIX

43

Roast marshmallows in the fireplace for homemade s'mores.

S'mores aren't just for campfires! Take advantage of being stuck indoors on a snowy day by getting a fire going.

SHOP GRAHAM CRACKERS

44

Deliver homemade holiday treats to someone unexpected.

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Make a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes.

There's a reason you just can't seem to get catchy Christmas songs out of your head. A playlist keeps you favorite tunes at the ready no matter when you feel like getting in the holiday mood.

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46

Write a holiday greeting to someone in the armed forces.

Remind those who can't be with their families during the holidays that someone is thinking of them. Learn how to get involved at the Red Cross.

SHOP RED ENVELOPES

47

Visit a tree-lighting ceremony.

There's no better way to kick off the holidays than by attending a small town tree-lighting ceremony. Plan a trip to one of the best small towns for Christmas.

SHOP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

48

Watch a holiday favorite.

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Surprise the neighbors with Christmas carols.

Download free sheet music, round up a ground up friends, bundle up, and hit the streets!

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50

Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.

Because giving back to your community is the greatest way to celebrate the holidays. Find a local organization via FoodPantries.org or FeedingAmerica.org.

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Cut paper snowflakes to hang in your bedroom window.

52

Donate a toy to a local drive.

Donate something—whether it's money to a favorite charity, or toys, coats, and food to a local drive, it's what the season of giving is all about.

SHOP CHRISTMAS TOYS

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Read a holiday classic before bed.

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Open one small gift on Christmas Eve.

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Take a family drive to see the neighborhood holiday decorations.

Pile in the car, and go on a nighttime tour of your town, decked out in holiday lights and decorations.

SHOP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

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