7 Fun Christmas Activities for Families to Do Together

After years of trying everything from cozy nights in to full-on road trips, here are 7 Christmas activities for families to try out this holiday season.

7 Christmas activities for families at a glance

1. Host a Christmas game night

2. Create a Christmas countdown ritual

3. Turn decorating into an experience

4. Visit grandparents or plan a family reunion

5. Bake and decorate something special

6. Have a Christmas lights adventure

7. Build a cozy Christmas movie night

1. Host a Christmas game night

Game night is one of the easiest Christmas activities for families because it works with cousins, neighbors, or friends. I like to mix classic board games with fast-paced party games on our TV.

Rather than turning to separate activities, I lean into digital party fun and turn the TV into a Christmas game hub. Family-friendly voice-powered titles from Volley Games, like Song Quiz (a music trivia game featuring music categories across decades and genres), let everyone join in and shout answers into their microphones (TV remote or connected smartphones).

The entire evening, energy stays high while the learning curve remains low for grandparents and younger kids alike.​ Honestly, the best part is the bonding that just happens naturally. Everyone's crowded around the same screen and cheering or cracking up at each other's answers. Those are the moments my kids remember and talk about months later.

2. Create a Christmas countdown ritual

An intentional countdown shifts the season from chaotic to meaningful. It becomes one of those Christmas activities for kids that they ask about all year.

I like to keep a paper chain with a tiny activity written on each link (like “read one Christmas story” or “drink hot cocoa together”). This way, every day has one small moment to look forward to.​

Some years, I build a kindness or gratitude countdown instead of a treat one. This is where my kids and I choose someone to encourage, thank, or secretly surprise each day. It keeps us grounded and gives the countdown more heart than sugar rush.​

3. Turn decorating into an experience

Instead of rushing through decorating in between errands, I turn it into a Christmas tradition night. We play music, eat snacks, and there's zero pressure for the tree to look “perfect”.

I let the kids take over one area of the house, even if their version of “tasteful” involves way too much tinsel and clashing ornaments. The ownership lights them up and keeps them active.​

To make it feel special year after year, I add a tiny twist like new ornaments that represent something from our year, like a hobby, trip, or inside joke.

When we unpack them, we end up telling stories and reliving the year instead of checking off a decorating chore.​

4. Visit grandparents or plan a family reunion

Some of my favorite Christmas memories come from road-tripping to see family. I pack up the car, drive to my grandparents’ house, and watch three generations pile into one living room.

Now, I try to recreate that feeling for my own kids with at least one intentional visit that feels more like a mini family reunion than a quick check-in.​

To make the time together more fun than formal, I plan one simple shared activity we can all do. This could be a family photo in matching pajamas, a giant potluck brunch, or a big game night that spans kids, adults, and grandparents.

Building in something interactive helps everyone mingle beyond small talk and turns “visiting relatives” into a tradition everyone is actually excited about.​

5. Bake and decorate something special

Christmas baking can feel like one more obligation, so I choose one showstopper and go all-in. Decorating sugar cookies or building a gingerbread house becomes a fun Christmas activity for kids that doubles as a creative outlet.​

Most recently, we went with sugar cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Colored sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing for decorating

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until blended.

5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (this step helps with rolling).

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.

7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar if you like.

8. Bake for 8–10 minutes or just until the edges start to turn golden. Cool on pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

9. Once completely cool, decorate with your favorite icing (or leave them just as they are if you used sprinkles).

What surprised me is how the process matters more than the final product. When I let my kids take risks with the design, add too many sprinkles, and taste-test their way through, baking shifts from “don’t make a mess” to “this is our thing.” These are the feelings I want them to hold on to.​

6. Have a Christmas lights adventure

Driving or walking to see Christmas lights is one of those low-effort, high-magic family Christmas activities that works even on tired weeknights.

I like to turn it into an outing with hot cocoa in travel mugs, a simple playlist, and a “lights scavenger hunt” list. Everyone looks for things like “inflatable snowman” or “blue lights only”.​

If there’s a big light display or Christmas market nearby, I plan one special night to go all out so it stays exciting, not exhausting. My kids remember the feeling of staying up a little later to watch the lights glowing brightly as we turn the corner.

7. Build a cozy Christmas movie night

A Christmas movie night sounds basic, but when I treat it like an event instead of background noise, it becomes one of our most-loved Christmas traditions.

I let each person in the family “host” a night where they can pick the movie, the snack, and one little twist. The twists come in the form of building a blanket fort, wearing themed pajamas, or making a “ticket” for entry.​

Some of my favorite memories are from those ordinary nights. My kids half-asleep under piles of blankets, popcorn everywhere, and someone quoting lines long after the credits roll. It's something I'll hold on to long after they've left the nest.

Why family activities matter around Christmas

Family activities matter at Christmas because they turn a hectic season into a real connection. Shared traditions give kids security and belonging, grounding them even when plans, homes, or routines feel different during the holidays.

When my family actually does things together, we’re building a memory bank everyone can lean on later. Even in harder years, a few simple traditions keep us feeling like a team and create a family story that goes way beyond gifts or perfect photos.

Volley Games for your Christmas family get-together

Volley Games on smart TV turns your Christmas gathering into an instant game night. We bring classics like Jeopardy! (with 3 levels of difficulty) to your Roku, Fire TV, and Samsung or LG smart TVs.

Games like Song Quiz and 20 Questions add even more ways to keep friends and family laughing and engaged. Christmas activities for families have never been so entertaining and electric.

Our games give power to your voice to shout out loud answers to trivia and puzzles. It's simple for anyone to jump in, compete, and turn your Christmas season into a shared tradition.

Some of our other major titles include:

• Wheel of Fortune for fast-paced word puzzles
• Guess the Emoji for quick, silly guessing rounds
• Karaoke to turn the living room into a sing-along stage
• CoComelon: Sing & Play with JJ for interactive songs and learning with little ones

Enjoy a 7-day free trial of the Volley Games app on your Roku, Fire TV, or LG and Samsung smart TVs. You can bring everyone together around one screen this holiday season.

FAQs

Why are Christmas activities for families so important?

Christmas activities for families are important because they create shared experiences that strengthen bonds and help kids feel loved and included. When I plan even a few simple traditions, the season feels more about connection and less about pressure.

What are the best Christmas activities for kids?

The best Christmas activities for kids are hands-on and easy to set up, like decorating sugar cookies and enjoying Volley Games with the family. When I focus on sensory moments, my kids remember the feeling long after the season ends.

How can I start new Christmas traditions without feeling overwhelmed?

You can start new Christmas traditions without feeling overwhelmed by picking one or two and repeating them each year. I choose what fits my season of life so it feels grounding instead of exhausting.

Are digital games like Volley Games really good for family time?

Yes, digital games like Volley Games are definitely good for family time. They pull everyone to the same screen and get us talking. I’ve seen even quiet relatives laugh, sing, and shout out answers when the TV turns into a shared game hub instead of separate phones.​

How can I get the Volley Games app?

You can get the Volley Games app by downloading it directly on your LG or Samsung Smart TV. On my end, the easiest way is to open the app store on Roku or Fire TV, search for “Volley,” and add or install it from there. The process is similar on LG and Samsung smart TVs. Once it’s on your home screen, you just open the app and start playing with your remote or phone as your mic or buzzer.