50 Ways to Have as Much Fun as Ever This Christmas

The holidays present a unique opportunity for friends and family members to slow down, take any lingering vacation days, and enjoy fun Christmas activities together.

Of course there's no shortage of longstanding Christmas traditions, both religious and otherwise, to look forward to, starting with counting down the days to the 25th of December (wine advent calendars, anyone?) and leading right up to the whole family waking up on Christmas morning in matching pajamas, if that's your thing.

Even if you don't live in a snowy climate ripe for Christmas activities like sledding or sipping mulled wine with a holiday-themed book in front of the fire, you can still enjoy all the season has to offer. No matter where your interests lie, you're sure to find something to do that evokes that warm, fuzzy feeling the entire season is so well known for.

You'll find the inspiration you need on this list of Christmas activities that are anything but boring—even if you're staying home all day. Bake a winter dessert (like sugar or gingerbread cookies) as a family, play a Christmas game (looking for an adults-only option? Consider a Hallmark movie drinking game), sneak in some quality couple time binging romantic holiday films, or surprise the toddlers and kids with a a make-and-go DIY hot chocolate bar before an outing to browse all the light displays in your neighborhood. (And the answer to the million dollar question is yes, nearly everything on this list can be done with social distancing measures in mind.) Here's 50 fun things to do in the Christmas 2020 season.

Don't let December 1 pass by without indulging in your first Christmas activity—opening the premier door on your advent calendar. (Bonus points for spicing things up by getting one filled with beauty products, cheese, chocolate, or even kids' toys.)

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One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit? Infuse your home with the sounds of the season. From traditional carols like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” to modern hits like "All I Want for Christmas Is You," there are plenty of great Christmas songs to add to your playlist...and to karaoke to.

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If you've never tried this frothy holiday beverage, now's the time to double down. Make a batch from scratch, then enjoy it fireside.

Learn how to make Eggnog at How Sweet Eats.

There are options abound, and you don't have to step foot in a brick-and-mortar store to find the perfect ugly Christmas sweater. Browse online until you find just the right one, then wear yours to your virtual office party or plan a special family dinner—ugly sweaters mandatory. Of course, you could also DIY one yourself. Want something that's still festive but not as intentionally tacky? Check out these cute sweater options.

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For a quiet way to enjoy the season, dig into a great Christmas book. You can all take turns reading a story aloud. Go for a classic like The Nutcracker, or try a modern bestseller like Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand.

Instead of hitting the corner stand or the local nursery, consider a day trip to a tree farm, where you can cut down your own tree. It's a great way to get some fresh air, and when you throw in some hot chocolate afterwards it's a full-on family outing.

A sweet Christmas activity kids and adults alike adore. (After all, who could say no to something that involves plenty of icing and candy?) You could even add a little element of competition by challenging each family member to craft their own, then posting an unlabeled photo of each house on your social media accounts, and asking friends to rate their favorite. Up the stakes: Winner gets to open the first gift on Christmas! This is also a fun Zoom activity.

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Some theaters in your area may be open for limited showings of The Nutcracker and other holiday ballets and plays, but you can also catch this long-standing Christmas show online this year.

If you live in a winter wonderland, grab the sleds, bundle up, and take your kids to a big hill near you.

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If you're coupled up, hang a ball of mistletoe in your entryway—it'll serve as a great excuse to kiss your partner every time they walk through the door. (As if you needed one!)

Learn how to make a Christmas kissing ball at A Pumpkin and a Princess.

Throw on your matching Christmas jammies and your fuzziest socks, arrange sleeping bags under the tree, and have a family sleepover under the twinkling lights.

Looking to replicate some of the fun crafts the kids usually bring home from school? Stage your own afternoon full of themed arts and crafts. There are plenty of DIY decorations that even toddlers and preschoolers can help make, such as painting wooden shapes.

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There's nothing like a little bit of friendly competition on the pond. Grab the kids and teens for a game of ice hockey—or simply take a couple laps with your partner.

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When the weather outside is frightful, stockings are hung with care, and you've got your comfiest pajamas on, there's nothing quite as relaxing as curling up in front of a roaring fire. No fireplace? Consider one of these backyard fire pits or cozy up to a bunch of Christmas scented candles.

Don't just toss all of those adorable family Christmas cards into a basket somewhere—they deserve some daily attention. String some twine across a side table or along your stairway, then use clothespins to hang each special greeting.

SHOP CHRISTMAS CLOTHESPINS

Whether you're knitting simply to relax or to make a special Christmas gift for your mom, this is a fun Christmas activity that yields an impressive and usable product.

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A scenic train ride on a Polar Express (inspired by the beloved children's book of the same name) is the perfect family outing. And, yes, there are still some trains running this year.

Christmas games aren't just for kids—and dedicating your evening to playing a few is an easy way to infuse a regular old Friday night with some holiday merriment. Think: Christmas movie trivia, holiday charades, a kid-friendly scavenger hunt, festive Mad Libs, or a good old fashioned board game.

Don't wait until the last minute to wrap all those gifts under the tree. If you tackle the task early, it's actually a pretty fun Christmas activity—especially if you turn on a Hallmark movie and add a glass of wine to the mix.

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Whether you go for a simple holiday nail polish color—like ruby red or winter white—or opt for a smattering of festive nail art, gather your #quaranteam for an at-home mani party.

There's no shortage of traditional Christmas desserts, from the intricate French croquembouche to the British fruit cake. If you're really feeling ambitious, why not bake your way around the world during the advent season.

Learn how to make a yule log at Life, Love and Sugar.

If religion is important to you, you can't forget the reason for the season. For an extra-special treat, put your parish's midnight mass on your calendar. The candlelit service is like none other you'll attend all year. Alternatively, if you plan to attend mass virtually this year, why not use the opportunity to "visit" one of the world's most famous churches—like St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

If you're looking for a way to give back, why not volunteer to cook or serve a holiday meal at your local soup kitchen. (Bonus: Doing so as a family is a great way to teach kids that Christmas is about so much more than presents!) To find local food banks near you, check out Feeding America or FoodPantries.org.

This year, travel beyond your next door neighbors house, and turn up somewhere that could really use an extra dose of holiday cheer—like outside of a local nursing home.

Trade your typical glass of vino for a popular European winter beverage: warm red wine infused with spices like cinnamon and clove.

Learn how to make mulled wine at Gimme Some Oven.

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If the kids go crazy for a cup of cocoa, they'll really love this interactive Christmas activity. Make a big batch of hot chocolate and set out plenty of toppings—think marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and crushed peppermints—then let everyone in the family go to town.

Learn how to set up a hot chocolate bar at How Sweet Eats.

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No matter what provider or streaming service you have, there are plenty of holiday movies to choose from, whether you prefer classic Christmas movies or modern Hallmark films.

In this traditional office party game, participants select a name at random (usually out of a hat), then shop for a small Secret Santa gift under about $20. If you're celebrating from a distance this year, you can still partake in the celebratory Christmas activity—simply arrange a game via mail. It takes a little more planning, but it's just as fun.

A traditional Christmas wreath with a distinctly Scandinavian vibe is easy to make. All you need is a few simple supplies, including an embroidery hoop, greenery, and a flameless candle.

Learn how at A Pumpkin and a Princess.

SHOP EMBROIDERY HOOP

While there are plenty of store-bought ornaments to turn to, why not start a fun family tradition that doubles as an afternoon activity: Have each person makes one special DIY ornament to add to the tree every year. (Don't forget to label it with the date!)

Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois.

You likely already have "decorate the tree" on your family's Christmas bucket list, but you can add another layer of excitement to this activity: Give each kid a mini spruce for their room and encourage them to come up with a creative theme for trimming it.

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This modern Christmas tradition presents a fun daily activity for kids: finding their family's elf. Though hiding the elf is quite an undertaking for parents, there is an upside: According to lure, your elf watches over the house, reporting back to Santa, so he can craft his naughty and nice list.

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Details are still vague about whether or not in-person tree lightings—like the one in Rockefeller Center—will still happen this year, but there will be some televised events. Plus, if you have the right spruce, there's no reason you can't stage your own mini version.

If you still have some shopping to do or are simply looking for a winter date idea, stroll through your local Christmas market. Make the most of the evening by sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine while shopping for unique gifts.

In addition to any photo cards you mail out, consider crafting DIY cards for people who could use a little cheer. Think: first responders, including doctors and nurses. Alternatively, most nursing homes accept cards to spread merriment amongst residents. To find out if your local nursing home accepts cards, give them a call, or go through an agency like Love for Our Elders.

Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.

Embrace this messy, but 0h-so-sweet activity by setting out a rainbow of colored frosting in piping bags and plenty of decorative candies, including sprinkles, peppermints, chocolate, and more. If you end up with more than you could possibly consume, tuck some into clear plastic bags and deliver the goods to neighbors.

SHOP CHRISTMAS COOKIE CUTTERS

Typically cookie swaps are in-person parties where each guest bakes a few dozen cookies of a single variety, then everyone trades, so they end up with a few of each. For a socially-distant spin on the tradition, limit the group to 5-10 people, and ask each person to drop a half-dozen treats on the doorstep of each participant. In the end, you'll still end up with plenty of homemade cookies.

Learn how to make the most popular cookie on Pinterest.

In a year where everyone could really use a little extra cheer, one of the easiest ways to spread merriment is to go all-out with your outdoor decorations. String lights across bushes, down lamp poles, and—if you dare to climb—along your home's roof line.

SHOP OUTDOOR LIGHTS

Take a simple stroll around your block to admire the handiwork of your neighbors, or for a truly unique experience, see if you can find a nearby spot that's really gone above and beyond. Some intricate displays even have lights that are synced with popular Christmas songs.

Add a charitable element to a holiday that often feels totally commercialized by "adopting" a child through a local non-profit organization, like Toys for Tots. In most cases, the service will provide a small wish list to guide your shopping. Then, you simply wrap the gift and drop it off at a pre-determined location.

Hanging stockings takes all of five minutes, so why not extend the fun by crafting your own? You don't need any knitting skills. For an easy activity even your preschoolers can do, buy simple stockings and supplies like glitter puff paint, then let everyone get to work personalizing their own.

SHOP STOCKINGS

Your kids will undoubtedly want to pen lengthy wish lists, but while you're at it, why not consider also answering a letter to Santa. Involve the whole family in shopping for the gift (even if online) and then delivering the wished-for toy to the designated drop-off spot.

SHOP LETTERS TO SANTA KIT

Even if you don't have an extensive collection of ceramic houses and figurines, you can still reserve an afternoon to assemble a little Christmas village. Paint wooden houses from the craft store (or make your own from craft sticks!), then set the scene with faux snow and other little baubles.

Learn how to make a colorful Christmas village at Studio DIY.

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Once your house is fully decked, challenge the kids to an afternoon scavenger hunt. Whoever checks all of the items off of their list first gets to choose the evening's holiday movie—and snack pairing!

For a fun activity that doubles as an excuse to make homemade gifts for neighbors, make your own scented candles. It's surprisingly easy, plus there's dozens of essential oils that make delightful Christmas scents. Think: frankincense, cinnamon, vanilla, and—of course—Douglas fir.

SHOP ESSENTIAL OIL

Sure, a pre-made bit of holiday flare is just a click away—but making your own garland is inexpensive, and the creative possibilities are endless. String together bits of felt, paper, leftover tree greenery, or even snacks to create visually-impactful decor for your tree or banister. You might find it's an oddly meditative exercise, too.

Learn how to make a popcorn cranberry garland at Little Cooks Reading Books.

Holiday dinner at home is the safest option this year, but dressing up your dining table helps to make it something special. If your decor aesthetic is "festive rustic," think scattered greenery, pine cones, and putting your plates on these log-like wood slices. Cranberries, oranges, ball ornaments also make a low-effort visual impact—and Pinterest is chock full of tablescape inspiration.

Use washi tape, the Japanese masking tape that's become a U.S. crafting staple in recent years, to make a wildly-patterned "tree" that takes up zero floorspace and keeps the kids busy. You can also tape your holiday cards in a tree shape, or make a cute pegboard version.

Learn how to make a pegboard Christmas tree at Sugar & Cloth.

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Christmas can be an lonely time for those who aren't able to celebrate with friends and family, and isolation in the pandemic has made that situation even more common. Brighten a senior's day with a call by volunteering through a service like DOROT, which connects elders with folks willing to check in and chat awhile.

If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, why aren't you toasting marshmallows *right now*? The classic dessert doubles as a fun family activity that'll make you feel toasty inside, too.