The Ultimate List of Holiday Activities For Kids of Every Age

Keep the holiday spirit alive with all kiddos by gearing special activities based on their age. Don't miss out on any beloved family traditions, but instead expand your list of must-do family fun that matures with your little one to ensure a memorable holiday season year after year. From spending a night camped out in the living room under your Christmas tree to helping them use their own money to grant a child in need's wish from Santa, this is the ultimate list for holiday fun broken down by age.

Ages 1-3
Flickr user RebeccaVC1

Ages 1-3

Take photos in honor of their first Christmas.

Flickr user kellypuffs

Use their handprint or footprint to create sentimental ornaments (and meaningful gifts!).

Have some fun at holiday parties with mini ugly sweaters.

Flickr user Josiah Samoff

Take them to a tree farm and let them help pick out the Christmas tree.

Flickr user Catherine

Dress them up like Santa Claus just for the fun of it.

Flickr user Helen Taylor

Have a pajama dance party.

Flickr user wck

Pick out matching Christmas outfits before they are old enough to refuse to wear them.

Flickr user henskechristine

Visit your local mall for the chance for photos with Santa Claus.

Ages 4-8
Flickr user jo(e)

Ages 4-8

Decorate Christmas cookies together.

Flickr user Charlotte Tai

Sing Christmas carols either around a piano or your neighborhood.

Flickr user Dennis Goedegebuure

Introduce your little one to Elf on the Shelf.

Flickr user Andrew Mason

Let them help place their favorite Christmas ornaments.

Flickr user Alvin Trusty Follow

Break out the seasonal books.

Flickr user nasir khan

Go ice skating or skiing.

Flickr user Loozrboy

Make gingerbread houses either as a family or as part of a competition.

Flickr user Vanessa Vancour

Write a special letter to Santa Claus.

Flickr user Sarah Horrigan

Start the countdown with an Advent calendar.

Etsy | StretchedCopper

Make room for Santa's delivery by collecting toys to give away.

Flickr user Patrick Q

Craft homemade ornaments to decorate your tree.

Flickr user Barb Watson

Paint a special plate just for Santa's cookies.

Flickr user Emily Hill Follow

Dress up in matching Christmas pajamas.

Flickr user Clay Bitner

Have a Christmas movie marathon (and snuggle session!).

Flickr user dion gillard

Take a tour of your neighborhood lights and pick out your favorite houses.

Ages 9+
Flickr user Howard Lake

Ages 9+

Volunteer together and work on spreading Christmas cheer to others.

Flickr user Elena Roussakis

Have a holiday cookie exchange party with friends.

Flickr user RedBoy [Matt]

Make gifts for teachers and other special adults in their lives.

Flickr user Bryan

Create spirited treat bags for classmates or groups of friends.

Flickr user JD Hancock

Come up with a themed Christmas tree and creative ways to execute their vision.

Flickr user Nicole Vaughan

Work on DIY presents for loved ones that they can actually use.

Flickr user countrykitty

Make small treats to hand out to strangers to spread some holiday cheer.

Flickr user Loren Kerns

Arrange an extended family photo session.

Flickr user stevendepolo

Sponsor a child in need by using their own money for a gift from Santa.