Free Christmas activities for all the family
19 December 2023
The holiday season is here, and it's the perfect time to bring the family together for festive and budget-friendly activities that will create lasting memories.
In the spirit of spreading joy and togetherness, we've curated a list of five free Christmas activities that the whole family can enjoy. From crafting your own decorations to taking a stroll through your local area, these free Christmas activities to do at home will surely add a touch of magic to your celebrations.
Jump to:
Go on your own Christmas lights tour
Get crafty this Christmas
Visit free events near you
Get snug for a Christmas movie night
Enjoy a family photoshoot at home
Go on your own Christmas lights tour
'Tis the season for neighbourly warmth and festive cheer, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than taking a walking tour around your local community to see any extravagant, over-the-top decorations?
Why not take a couple of homemade hot chocolates, wrap up warm and step outside as you may spot a couple of homes illuminated with dazzling lights, or perhaps a friendly competition is underway as neighbours compete for the coveted title of the best-decorated house on the street, turning your winter walk into a sparkling showcase of festive creativity!
You'll need:
- A clean glass jar
- Cotton wool
- Scissors
- Coloured card
- Glue
Firstly, unscrew the lid and glue cotton wool to the inside of it to create a blanket of snow effect. Next, create a small festive scene from card, this could be a snowman, a Christmas tree, or even an ice skater.
Once you’ve finished your design, glue it to the cotton wool snow and screw the lid back on, turn the jar upside down to complete your winter scene snow globe.
How to make a Christmas wreath
You’ll need:
- Green card
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- Glue
- Ribbon
- Sequins or beads
Begin by cutting the green card into small strips and the middle out of a paper plate. Save the rim of the plate as this will act as a base for your wreath.
Glue your green strips all the way around your base and cut a V shape into the end of the card.
Once all of the base has been covered with your green card and you’re unable to see any of the plate, you’re ready to add sequins, beads or glitter for an extra festive feel.
Allow the glue to dry and use ribbon to hang your masterpiece on your door for a delightful homemade holiday touch.
For more fun, family-friendly and cost-effective crafts, check out our easy Christmas crafts to make at home blog.
Around Christmas time, there’s plenty to do and see for free.
Often, museums and art galleries will have free exhibitions to view, choirs may be looking for an audience to listen to their Christmas carols, markets will offer a fantastic atmosphere, and nearly every town showcases a Christmas lights switch-on.
If you live in a small area and are struggling to find events, why not organise your own event for the community? Your neighbours may enjoy a gathering that involves each family bringing homemade bakes. Or even be looking for an excuse to exercise their singing voices in a Christmas singalong.
If all else fails, try searching online or asking at your local community centre to find free events in your area.
Get snug for a Christmas movie night
Cosy up for a festive movie night this Christmas season! Dive into the holiday spirit with a movie marathon, and the best part is, you can enjoy it all for free.
Tune in to channels like GREAT! Christmas, available on Freeview, Freesat, Sky, and Virgin Media.
Grab the popcorn and blankets to create a snug and joyful atmosphere and let the enchanting stories unfold for a memorable movie night with your loved ones.
You don’t need a big budget or a professional photographer to snap some festive memories and portraits! You only need your camera phone or any camera to enjoy a DIY, family friendly photoshoot at home.
Children, in particular, tend to feel more at ease in the familiarity of their own home and often, the ideal backdrop for a perfect portrait is already set up in your living room.
So, why not embrace it? Dress in your snazziest clothes, matching pyjamas or even fancy dress and gather the family in front of the Christmas tree.
Capturing photos in front of the tree holds a unique charm, and brings a personal touch to your family photos.
In conclusion
However you choose to spend your time around the big day, remember the true spirit of the season lies in shared moments and cherished traditions.
From crafting handmade ornaments to cosying up for a movie marathon or embarking on a neighbourhood lights tour, the joy of the holidays isn’t confined by big budgets. Hopefully, these free Christmas activities to do at home create lasting memories for you and your loved ones, and you can also check out our other top tips for saving money at Christmas.
At Places for People, we know that the winter season can be hard for some families. If you’re struggling, we may be able to offer winter help, resources, and support.