Fun and Unusual Things To Do on Christmas Day (and Christmas Eve)

Fun and Unusual Things To Do on Christmas Day (and Christmas Eve)

Christmas is far beyond just gifts and a huge dinner. It’s when relatives have a chance to inaugurate different traditions, unveil new delights, and enjoy relaxing times together. So, Christmas fun should be planned ahead of time: this way, it will be easier to manage the circumstances and turn the holiday into a snug story that everyone will want to repeat.

Why it helps to plan things to do on Christmas Day

The whole planning process creates a sense of anticipation for the event, informs each family member of expectations, and smooths the day with calmness and happiness.

After everyone has opened their presents, there is often a “now what?” moment. A clear list of things to do on Christmas helps avoid this sag and maintains the festive mood.

A well-thought-out plan helps you balance family entertainment, quiet moments, and movie-watching. This is especially important for those who appreciate the holiday's harmony and want to minimize excessive “screen” time.

Fun things to do on Christmas Eve at home

Christmas Eve is a time to prepare for the holiday. It is important to create an atmosphere of warmth, anticipation, and calm joy. It is fun things to do on Christmas Eve that form the mood of the entire Christmas period.

  • Christmas Eve movie queue everyone actually agrees on

Create a common list of films - from classics to new releases. This is not just about Christmas activities at home, but about uniting different generations around one screen.

  • Hot chocolate bar and cozy lights in the living room

Hot chocolate with various additives and warm lighting make the evening magical. Such an atmosphere creates a real pre-holiday miracle.

  • Simple “wish for next year” notes to open next Christmas Eve

Everyone writes a wish for themselves for the next year, and puts it in a box that will be opened next Christmas Eve. It’s a warm tradition that transforms the evening into a moment of reflection and hope.

Classic things to do on Christmas Day with family

A holiday classic creates a sense of comfort and familiarity — something that families often need.

  • Board games and card games that work for mixed ages

Board games are suitable for the whole family and add holiday interaction. It’s also one of the easiest Christmas activities at home.

  • Cooking one dish together instead of one person doing everything

Cooking one dish together unites the family and divides responsibility. It creates a cozy Christmas atmosphere.

  • A short photo walk to capture your town on Christmas morning

A walk with a camera or phone allows you to see familiar streets in a new way. It’s a great family tradition and an opportunity to preserve the Christmas atmosphere in photos.

Unusual things to do on Christmas Day for families who love travel

For families who love traveling, there are special, unusual things to do on Christmas day that combine festivity and planning for future adventures. Such ideas create the magic of “future trips” while the lights on the Christmas tree twinkle. These are also ideal travel themed Christmas ideas.

Mark every park you’ve visited on a US national parks map

Get a stylish poster — a national park map poster or a map of national parks — and mark all the places you’ve visited. This inspires you to dream about new trips and reminds you of the moments you’ve already experienced.

Use a state park map to plan one new trip for each season

Use a state parks map or even a large wall version like a state park map for wall to plan four trips — one for each season. This is real planning trips on Christmas Day.

Create a “parks bucket list” together while the tree lights are on

Make a state parks bucket list together while the tree lights twinkle. This turns family plans into a tradition you want to continue.


Quiet, low-tech things to do on Christmas when you need a break

Sometimes the best holiday is quiet. It’s important to have ideas that don’t require technology and that let you relax.

  1. Read-aloud hour with one story or chapter per person

A read-aloud hour creates an atmosphere of unity and calm. It’s a great break from the holiday hustle and bustle.

  1. Puzzle, LEGO, or craft table, everyone can join and leave freely

A table with puzzles, a constructor, or handmade items allows everyone to come and go as they please. This is the perfect low-tech activity.

Turning these ideas into your own Christmas traditions

Traditions don’t come overnight — they emerge from small actions that you want to repeat over and over again.

Choose one favorite activity and repeat it every year, and add one new one each year. This way, you will create your own Christmas rituals.

Your plan of things to do on Christmas day should bring joy, not additional stress. Keep it simple, sincere, and in line with your family's rhythm.

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