Free or really cheap Christmas activities you can do with the kids
Believe it or not, Christmas fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best memories can be made with just paper, glue, and a bit of imagination! Here are some lovely free or super low-cost festive activities you can do with the kids this season, both in and outside of the house.
Out and about
IKEA free Christmas events - we all know these free events are worth a visit but they get booked up SO quick! With events such as free Santa breakfasts, cosy suppers, festive crafts and holiday fun for all ages be quick at booking these!
National Trust family events - if you’ve got a National Trust membership, most sites are offering Christmas-themed family activities such as woodland fairy trails, meet-Santa grottos, story-telling sessions, and more!
See the lights in your local area - we love taking the kids on a walk in our area to see the Christmas displays everyone has put up! I think there is just something so magical about it! Or if you know there’s an area close to you that really go to town with their Christmas decs take them on a little drive around! They will absolutely love it!
Local Christmas events - keep your eyes out for what’s going on locally! The kids can often meet Santa for free instead of paying extortionate prices For example at the local village hall in my area they have an event on the first weekend of December where you can attend for free and the kids can meet Santa and sing carols! I know a lot of places that do this too so keep a look out!
At home
Printable colour-in baubles - Print these free templates and let the kids colour and decorate them for the tree. Just add string or ribbon to hang!
Printable Christmas bingo or scavenger hunt - use this free template for the scavenger hunt pack and this one for Christmas bingo!
Paper plate snowmen - two paper plates, some glue, and a few pens or buttons make the cutest snowmen!
Cotton wool snow scenes - a sheet of card, a handful of cotton wool, and a sprinkle of imagination create a cosy winter wonderland picture.
These crafts can use recycled bits from around the house!
Toilet roll Santas, reindeer, and snowmen - save those loo rolls and transform them into adorable characters with a bit of paint and paper scraps.
Egg carton mini Christmas trees - cut and paint egg carton cups into cute Christmas trees and add a bit of glitter if you’ve got some lying around the house!
Some other classics that I loved making as a child:
Paper snowflakes - fold white paper and snip out shapes to make your own winter wonderland, and tape them to the windows for that magical snowy feel.
Cotton ball Santa faces - draw Santa’s face on card and glue on cotton balls for his fluffy beard - this one always brings out the giggles!
Christmas countdown paper chain – use strips of coloured paper to make a festive chain, number them and tear one off each day until Christmas morning!
Most of these crafts can be made with things you already have around the house — paper, glue, scissors, and a bit of creativity. Pop on some Christmas music, make a hot chocolate, and you’ve got yourself a festive family afternoon for free!
Comment below your favourite Christmas activity to do!
