20 Toddler Christmas Activities You’ll Both Love

Last updated: November 16, 2025

Looking for fun and festive Christmas activities for toddlers? Whether you’re trying to keep little hands busy while you prep for the holidays or just want to create magical memories, there are so many easy and affordable ways to make the season special for your toddler.

1. DIY Christmas Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are a hit with toddlers. You can create a Christmas-themed bin using dried pasta dyed red and green, cotton balls as snow, plastic ornaments, and jingle bells. Add scoops and cups for extra fun.

Bonus Tip: Always supervise sensory play to keep it safe and stress-free.

A young girl in a red dress with white polka dots sits on the floor, holding white toy blocks. She has light brown hair in pigtails and is surrounded by colorful building blocks.

2. Toddler-Safe Ornament Decorating

Pick up some clear plastic ornaments and let your toddler fill them with sparkly pom-poms, shredded paper, or stickers. It’s mess-free and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

3. Christmas Music Dance Party

Create a festive playlist and let your toddler boogie down in the living room. Add some ribbons or scarves for movement. It’s great for burning off energy indoors on chilly days.

4. Paper Plate Crafts

Grab some paper plates, cotton balls, and markers, and create Santa faces or reindeer masks. Toddlers love seeing their creations come to life.

Bonus Tip: Use googly eyes and glue dots instead of liquid glue to keep it less messy.

A young child with paint on their hands and face is painting wooden toys at a table. Behind them is a decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. The scene looks festive and creative.

5. Cookie Decorating Party

Use plain sugar cookies and set up a toddler-friendly decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Even if they eat more than they decorate, it’s all part of the fun.

6. Felt Christmas Tree Wall Activity

Create a large felt tree on the wall and cut out felt ornaments for your toddler to stick and rearrange. This is a reusable activity that can entertain for days.

7. Read Holiday Books Together

Create a mini holiday book nook and rotate festive picture books throughout December. Classics like The Snowy Day or Llama Llama Holiday Drama are always a hit.

Bonus Tip: Wrap each book and do a toddler-friendly version of a book advent calendar.

A young child wearing reindeer antlers and a red plaid dress hangs a gold ornament on a snow-covered Christmas tree decorated with baubles.

8. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt

Bundle up and take a walk or drive to spot neighborhood Christmas lights. Give your toddler a list of things to find—like a snowman, a star, or a red light.

9. Edible Christmas Playdough

Make homemade playdough with festive scents like peppermint or gingerbread. Toddlers can squish, roll, and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.

Safety Note: Make sure all ingredients are toddler-safe and edible in case they sneak a taste.

A smiling adult and a toddler in festive pajamas stand by a decorated Christmas tree with red, gold, and white ornaments, surrounded by string lights and presents.

10. Decorate a Toddler Tree

Set up a small toddler-height Christmas tree with soft ornaments, ribbon, and plush decorations. Let them redecorate it as often as they like.

11. Christmas Card Station

Give your toddler some stickers, crayons, and folded cardstock to create cards for grandparents or neighbors. It encourages creativity and kindness.

Two young children in festive red outfits play with a large toy dump truck in a living room decorated for Christmas, with a tree and wreath in the background. Both children are smiling and appear happy.

12. Watch a Toddler-Friendly Holiday Movie

Set up a cozy corner with blankets and snacks and have a mini movie night. Movies like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas or Elmo’s Christmas Countdown are perfect.

Bonus Tip: Keep movie sessions short—toddlers have limited attention spans.

13. Pretend Play: Santa’s Workshop

Turn a corner of your playroom into Santa’s Workshop using toy tools, boxes, and wrapping paper. Toddlers can “wrap” toys and pretend to deliver gifts.

14. Gingerbread Man Storytime & Craft

Read The Gingerbread Man and then make a simple craft version using brown paper, stickers, and crayons. You can even make a felt board version to retell the story.

15. Advent Countdown Activities

Instead of candy, create a countdown with small activities or notes like “Sing Jingle Bells,” “Make hot chocolate,” or “Color a Christmas picture.”

A young boy in light-colored clothes sits on the floor by a Christmas tree, playing with a red toy tractor. Golden ornaments and gift boxes are visible under the decorated tree in the background.

16. Ice Cube Painting

Freeze colored water in an ice tray with popsicle sticks and let your toddler paint on paper with the melting cubes. Add a little glitter for a frosty effect.

17. Christmas Sticker Collages

Give your toddler a large sheet of paper and a variety of Christmas-themed stickers to create their own holiday masterpiece.

18. Toddler Gift Wrapping Station

Set up a wrapping area with small boxes, tissue paper, bows, and safe tape so your toddler can “wrap” items and practice fine motor skills.

19. Reindeer Food Mixing

Let your toddler mix oats and glitter or edible sprinkles to make “reindeer food” to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve.

20. Holiday-Themed Sensory Bottles

Fill clear bottles with water, glitter, sequins, and a few small festive items to create calming sensory bottles that toddlers can shake and explore.

A child sitting on the floor eating candy.

Why Christmas Activities Matter for Toddlers

Toddlers thrive on routine and stimulation, and the holiday season is the perfect time to introduce sensory play, crafts, music, and simple games. These activities not only entertain but also help develop motor skills, language, and social interaction.

There are so many magical Christmas activities for toddlers that don’t require much prep or money. From crafts to music to outdoor adventures, each one offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the wonder of the season through your toddler’s eyes.

Whether you’re a first-time toddler parent or a seasoned pro, these ideas can help you create meaningful, memory-filled moments this December.

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