Christmas Holiday

Usually around two weeks in late December and early JanuaryDates vary by school and local authorityAges 0-12Season: Winter

Festive activities for Christmas holidays, including kindness calendars, quiet printables, indoor games, crafts, and local family outings.

For parents

Christmas holidays can be busy and overstimulating. Plan simple festive ideas, quiet printables, fresh-air breaks, and flexible local trips.

For teachers

Useful for end-of-term calm, kindness prompts, winter activities, and printable countdowns before the break.

At home

At-home activities

Fun things to do around the school break.

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Christmas Kindness Calendar activity image

Christmas Kindness Calendar

A December calendar of small kind actions children can complete each day.

Age4-11
Duration5-20m
CostFree
Ages 4–115–20 minsFreeIndoor/outdoorRainy day
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Calm Colour Sorting activity image

Calm Colour Sorting

Sort household objects by colour for a quiet, sensory-friendly activity.

Age2-6
Duration10-25m
CostFree
Ages 2–610–25 minsFreeindoorRainy day
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Restaurant Waiting Games activity image

Restaurant Waiting Games

Quiet table games for waiting without screens or lots of materials.

Age3-9
Duration5-25m
CostFree
Ages 3–95–25 minsFreeindoorRainy day
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Indoor Treasure Hunt activity image

Indoor Treasure Hunt

A flexible clue hunt that works in a flat, house, classroom, or hall when outdoor plans are cancelled by UK weather.

Age4-11
Duration20-45m
CostFree
Ages 4–1120–45 minsFreeindoorRainy day
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Printables

Printable activities

Ready-to-use sheets, games, packs, and calmer backup activities.

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Rainy Day Bingo printable preview

Bingo

Ages 4–9Free2 pagesRainy day

Rainy Day Bingo

A cosy indoor bingo sheet for wet UK afternoons, school holiday downtime, and calm observation games at home.

Age4-9
Pages2

Budget planner

Free, low-cost, and paid ideas

Free ideas

  • Kindness calendar
  • Library books
  • Winter walk
  • Indoor bingo

Low-cost ideas

  • Craft afternoon
  • Printable countdown
  • Swimming session

Paid ideas

  • Family theatre
  • Cinema
  • Bowling

Local days out

Use these as starting points for local planning. Check each venue directly before travelling or booking.

Planning tips

Make the week easier

Balance busy days with calm home time.

Keep expectations realistic.

Use kindness prompts instead of only treat-based plans.

Check festive venue details early.

FAQs

Common questions

How do I plan christmas holidays activities on a budget?

Mix free at-home activities, library visits, parks, printable sheets, and one or two pre-booked trips if budget allows.

Should I check local venues before travelling?

Yes. Opening times, prices, booking rules, accessibility details, and availability can change, especially during school holidays.

How many activities should I plan each day?

One main activity and one calm backup is usually enough for many families. Leave space for rest, meals, travel, and weather changes.

Safety and data note

Activities and venue suggestions are provided as a starting point. Always check age suitability, safety needs, and official venue information before visiting or booking.

Related guides

More seasonal ideas