The holiday season is a magical time filled with cherished traditions, exciting activities, and moments to spend with family and friends. Whether you're decorating the house, skating at an ice rink, or exploring dazzling holiday markets, there are endless ways to celebrate and create memories. This year, why not embrace the joy with new experiences and festive ideas?
Here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do for Christmas in 2024, complete with cozy indoor activities, outdoor adventures, and ways to add sparkle to your holiday celebrations.
Looking for the perfect gift to match the season? Explore our Christmas experience gifts for unique ways to make the holidays unforgettable.
1. Holiday Traditions & Cozy Indoor Activities
Deck the Halls with Style
Decorating is one of the first steps to ushering in the holiday season. String colorful Christmas lights across your home, hang a festive wreath on your door, and adorn the mantel with garlands and stockings. For a truly magical touch, plan a visit to a Christmas tree farm and pick out the perfect evergreen. Whether you opt for an all-white theme or embrace a mix of family ornaments, decorating is an excellent way to channel your holiday spirit and spend quality time with loved ones.
Write & Send Holiday Cards
Reconnect with far-away loved ones by sending thoughtful Christmas cards. Writing cards can be an art in itself—opt for elegant designs or create your own with a hand lettering workshop. A handwritten note expressing gratitude and love can brighten someone's day and spread holiday cheer far and wide. Pair the card with a Christmas gift card for a personal yet versatile present that anyone will appreciate.
Plan an At-Home Family Date Night
Transform an ordinary night into something extraordinary with an At-Home Family Date Night. Play festive board games, make gingerbread houses, or share stories by the fireplace. It’s a cozy, budget-friendly way to bring the family together during the most wonderful time of year.
Holiday Movie & Treats Night
Few things rival the comfort of a classic Christmas movie paired with your favorite holiday snacks. Choose crowd-pleasers like Elf or Home Alone and serve warm hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Add bowls of popcorn and holiday treats for an evening everyone will enjoy.
DIY Advent Calendar
Counting down to Christmas Day is even more exciting with a DIY advent calendar. Personalize it with small surprises like candy canes, mini toys, or daily affirmations. Making your own calendar adds a creative flair and allows you to tailor it to your family’s traditions.
Host a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Bring the fun of gifting to life with a Secret Santa gift exchange. It’s an ideal activity for both family gatherings and office parties. Create a theme for the gifts or set humorous rules to add extra excitement. For curated gift inspiration, check out The Classic Holiday Collection.
2. Festive Outdoor Adventures
Visit a Holiday Wonderland
Stepping into a winter wonderland is like entering a real-life snow globe. Locations like the Mt. Charleston Winter Wonderland Sledding Escape offer a perfect mix of snowy activities and picturesque views. Slide down powdery hills, make snow angels, or simply enjoy the crisp air while sipping on a thermos of hot chocolate. These magical settings are ideal for creating memories that last a lifetime.
For those in warmer climates, "winter wonderlands" often include themed parks with snow machines, holiday markets, and dazzling Christmas decorations. It’s an accessible way to capture the magic of winter, no matter where you live.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® California
If you're near Southern California, Holidays at LEGOLAND® California is an adventure you won’t want to miss. This family-friendly event blends LEGO-inspired fun with the holiday spirit. Kids can marvel at intricate LEGO Christmas trees and holiday-themed displays while participating in festive activities designed just for them. For parents, it’s a chance to relax and watch the wonder in their children’s eyes as they take in the sights and sounds of this unique celebration.
Holiday Light Displays and Walking Tours
What’s better than seeing holiday light displays? Taking a leisurely walk through them. Cities across the country feature beautifully illuminated parks and neighborhoods, offering walking tours that immerse you in the brilliance of Christmas lights. For a romantic twist, consider a gift from our Christmas gift experiences for couples and plan a holiday date night under the lights.
Explore a Christmas Tree Farm
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about wandering through a Christmas tree farm, searching for the perfect tree to bring home. These farms often have festive extras, like hayrides, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and outdoor fire pits where you can warm up with cider or roast marshmallows. The whole experience becomes a cherished outing for family and friends, combining the excitement of the holidays with a refreshing dose of outdoor fun.
If cutting down your own tree isn’t your thing, many farms offer pre-cut options, along with wreaths and garlands to complete your holiday decor.
Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to engage both kids and adults in the festive spirit. You can set up a hunt around your home, yard, or even at a local park, with clues leading participants to iconic Christmas decorations or small holiday-themed prizes like candy canes or mini ornaments. For an added challenge, incorporate riddles or tasks like singing a Christmas carol or taking a family selfie with a festive backdrop.
Snowy Outdoor Adventures
For those lucky enough to experience snow during the holidays, take advantage of the natural playground outside your door. Activities like sledding, snowball fights, or making snow angels are timeless and fun for all ages. Want to take it up a notch? Consider skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing for a full day of winter thrills. And don’t forget the classic activity: build a snowman! Personalize it with accessories like scarves, hats, and even a carrot nose.
For non-snowy regions, artificial snow parks provide a similar sense of joy, offering sledding hills and snowy play zones.
Ice Skating
Few activities capture the magic of the holidays like ice skating. Whether you're gliding across a frozen pond or enjoying a modern rink, this activity is equal parts romantic and thrilling. Iconic destinations like Central Park Ice Skating at Wollman Rink in New York City offer breathtaking views and a festive atmosphere, complete with music and twinkling lights. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a steaming cup of hot chocolate after your session to warm up and complete the experience.
3. Performances & Festive Cruises
Attend the NYC Big Apple Circus Holiday Show
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in live entertainment, and the NYC Big Apple Circus Holiday Show delivers an unforgettable experience. With jaw-dropping acrobatics, whimsical clowns, and holiday-themed music, this show is a feast for the senses. It's a great option for families, as kids will marvel at the performers while parents can revel in the artistry and charm of the circus.
Sail with Santa
Combine festive vibes with scenic views by booking a NYC Holiday Cruise with Santa Claus. This experience allows you to enjoy the beauty of the New York skyline while celebrating the season in style. Kids will love meeting Santa on board, while adults can savor delicious food and drinks. For those on the West Coast, the Seattle Parade of Lights Holiday Dinner Cruise offers a similarly magical experience.
Mixology 101 Holiday Cocktails Class
Elevate your holiday hosting game with a Mixology 101 Holiday Cocktails Class. Learn to craft seasonal cocktails that will impress your guests, from spiced cider martinis to peppermint mochas with a twist. It’s a fun way to bond with friends or enjoy a unique date night while picking up skills you can use for years to come.
Supper Cruise with Santa Claus
For a dinner experience with a festive twist, hop aboard the Supper with Santa Cruise in Seattle. Enjoy a gourmet meal while mingling with Santa and taking in panoramic views of holiday-lit waterfronts. It’s a perfect blend of indulgence and seasonal magic.
Outdoor Caroling Concerts
Few things embody the Christmas spirit more than Christmas carols sung by a lively choir. Outdoor caroling concerts are a wonderful way to enjoy live music in a community setting. Grab a blanket, sip on hot cocoa, and let the melodies of holiday classics fill your heart with joy. Many cities host these events in parks or town squares, often featuring food vendors and pop-up markets to enhance the experience.
4. Creative DIY Holiday Fun
DIY Ornaments
Creating your own Christmas ornaments is a delightful way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor. Use simple materials like felt, glitter, or paint to craft unique designs that reflect your family’s style. For a natural touch, decorate dried orange slices, pinecones, or wooden shapes. This activity is perfect for families with children who will love seeing their creations proudly displayed on the tree.
Not only does DIY ornament-making give you one-of-a-kind decorations, but it also provides an opportunity to slow down and bond over the creative process during this busy time of year.
Gingerbread Village
Why settle for just a gingerbread house when you can design an entire gingerbread village? Set up a decorating station with colorful candies, frosting, and sprinkles, and let everyone create their own edible masterpiece. The end result is a whimsical, sugary town that doubles as a charming centerpiece for your holiday table.
For added fun, turn it into a friendly competition by voting for the most creative or festive design. This activity is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
DIY Wrapping Paper
Instead of using store-bought wrapping paper, add a personal touch to your gifts with DIY wrapping paper. Start with plain kraft paper and decorate it with stencils, stamps, or hand-drawn designs. You can use metallic markers for a bit of sparkle or tie the packages with colorful twine and fresh sprigs of greenery for a rustic look.
Holiday Craft Night
Gather your friends and family for a holiday craft night where creativity takes center stage. You can host your event at home or opt for a guided experience like a Paint and Sip class. Ideas include making wreaths, decorating stockings, or creating festive table centerpieces.
Pair the crafting with mulled wine or hot cocoa to make the evening even cozier. It’s the perfect way to relax and get into the holiday spirit.
Personalized Advent Calendar
Take the tradition of the advent calendar to the next level by creating a personalized version. Fill it with small, thoughtful surprises like handwritten notes, mini toys, or homemade cookies. For a unique twist, you can design each “door” to reveal a family activity or a clue for a holiday scavenger hunt.
Design Festive Centerpieces
Add an elegant and festive touch to your holiday meals by designing your own table centerpieces. Use a mix of candles, pinecones, berries, and greenery to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For an extra sparkle, incorporate fairy lights or gold accents.
DIY centerpieces not only elevate your table setting but also give you a chance to express your creativity while preparing for cherished gatherings with friends and family.
5. Festive Food & Drink Experiences
Baking Class and Competition
Make your holiday kitchen the heart of the celebration by hosting a baking session with family and friends. Enroll in a Bake with a Legend Virtual Masterclass to learn tips from professional bakers, then put those skills to the test in a friendly competition. Create festive treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced cakes, or holiday pies, and crown the best baker at the end.
Host a Hot Cocoa Bar
Transform a cozy evening into an indulgent treat with a hot cocoa bar. Set up a station with different types of cocoa, from classic milk chocolate to decadent white chocolate. Add toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and cinnamon sticks to let everyone customize their drink.
For adults, offer a spiked option with holiday liqueurs like peppermint schnapps or Irish cream. It’s a surefire way to spread holiday cheer on a chilly winter night.
Visit a Holiday Market
Holiday markets are a feast for the senses, featuring artisan crafts, festive foods, and twinkling Christmas light displays. Wander through rows of stalls offering unique gifts, warm drinks, and holiday-themed snacks like roasted chestnuts and spiced cider.
These markets often include live entertainment, like carolers or small orchestras, creating a magical atmosphere. Visiting a holiday market is not just about shopping—it’s an experience that immerses you in the festive vibes of the season.
Holiday Wine or Cider Tasting
Raise a glass to the season with a holiday-themed wine or cider tasting. Many wineries and breweries offer special blends for the holidays, featuring flavors like cranberry, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Attend a guided tasting to learn about pairings or host your own at home with bottles from local producers.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Party
Bring out your inner artist with a cookie decorating party. Bake a batch of sugar cookies in holiday shapes like stars, trees, and snowmen, and let everyone unleash their creativity with colorful icing and sprinkles.
For a competitive twist, host a decorating contest with fun prizes. It’s a simple yet endlessly entertaining way to gather friends and family and enjoy the sweetness of the season.
The holidays are about finding joy in the big and small moments—whether you’re sipping hot chocolate, exploring a Christmas tree farm, or sailing with Santa. This year, make the season extraordinary with Giftory’s Christmas Experience Gifts. Embrace the magic of the season and make this December one to remember!