If you’re in the thick of sticky hands, endless “Why?” questions, and the energy of a hundred sugar cookies, you know one truth: The holidays with toddlers are equal parts magical and… mayhem. But here’s the good news—these Christmas activities for toddlers take stress off your plate and add a whole lot of magic to your December calendar. Whether you’re after time-saving crafts, mess-friendly play, or just a few minutes to finish your coffee while your kid “helps” decorate (air quotes intentional), this list is your real-parent holiday toolkit.
1. DIY Felt Christmas Tree
What’s awesome? Your toddler can decorate and redecorate (and redecorate) their own “tree”—no broken ornaments, no panicked gasps.
What You’ll Need
- Felt Christmas tree (store-bought or DIY)
- Felt ornaments with Velcro backs
How to Do It
- Hang the felt tree at your toddler’s height on a wall.
- Let your child stick, rearrange, and “decorate” as many times as they like.
Why Parents Love It
Zero worry about broken glass or tangled light cords. FYI: My toddler once used the star as a hat for the dog. His face said “I regret this,” but I had to snap a photo.
2. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Handprint ornaments make the ultimate “aww” keepsakes (and yes, your kitchen will get messy).
What You’ll Need
- Flour, salt, and water for dough
- Acrylic paint and ribbon
How to Do It
- Mix up salt dough, roll it flat.
- Press your toddler’s hand or foot into the dough.
- Cut out shapes and punch holes for hanging.
- Bake until hard, then let your little artist go wild with paint.
Why Parents Love It
The nostalgia factor is through the roof. These ornaments look “eclectic” but capture a moment in time—like when my own kid painted his toes and the tree.
3. Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses
Why buy a kit when crackers, frosting, and a wild toddler imagination can make kitchen magic?
What You’ll Need
- Graham crackers
- Cream cheese or frosting
- Chopped fruit, sprinkles, puffs
How to Do It
- Assemble “houses” with crackers and frosting.
- Give kids fun toppings and let them stick, squish, and snack.
- Display the edible art… or eat it for dessert.
Why Parents Love It
It’s creative, delicious, and forgiving—especially when walls collapse and “oh well” becomes the motto. IMO, goldfish crackers are a wild (but yummy) roof material.
4. Christmas Light Neighborhood Walk
Short, sweet, and magic in the eyes of a tiny human.
What You’ll Need
- Warm clothes
- Holiday playlist
How to Do It
- Bundle up.
- Stroll around your neighborhood (or drive) and let your toddler point out “twinkle lights.”
Why Parents Love It
You get fresh air, zero setup, and a tired kiddo ready for bedtime. My son called all lights “wow sparkles”—melted my heart.
5. Book Nook: 12 Days of Holiday Reads
Bring the holidays to life, one adorable story at a time.
What You’ll Need
- Stack of Christmas or winter-themed books
How to Do It
- Wrap each book and stack them under the tree.
- Each day, let your toddler unwrap a new story and snuggle up.
Why Parents Love It
Simple, screen-free, and sparks tradition. I tried swapping a book for socks one year as a joke—unamused toddler alert!mommy-diary+1
6. DIY Christmas Cards
Messy, heartfelt, and sure to end up on grandma’s fridge.
What You’ll Need
- Blank cards or paper
- Stamps, stickers, paints, markers
How to Do It
- Cover the table (trust me) before handing out supplies.
- Help your toddler stamp, sticker, and scribble “cards” for loved ones.
Why Parents Love It
Handmade cards beat store-bought every time—even if they’re mostly stickers and one big swoosh of paint. Extra tip: “Washable markers” are not a suggestion, they’re a lifestyle.lulubabe
7. Candy Cane Hunt
Sweet as it sounds—and a sneaky way to burn off energy!
What You’ll Need
- Candy canes or pipe cleaner “candy canes”
- A hidden stash around your home
How to Do It
- Hide candy canes at toddler-eye level.
- Let your little one “hunt” them with a basket or bag.
Why Parents Love It
It’s instant fun and works for solo or sibling play. A friend used carrots as decoys—hilarious confusion ensued.
8. Christmas Sensory Bin
Toddlers LOVE getting hands-on. This activity keeps tiny hands busy and out of the snack drawer (for five whole minutes, anyway).
What You’ll Need
- Plastic tub
- Rice, beans, or fake snow
- Small holiday toys, scoops, and cups
How to Do It
- Fill a bin with sensory base and scatter tiny toys.
- Let your toddler scoop, pour, and dig for prizes.
Why Parents Love It
Sensory bins = happy, focused little ones. Note: Vacuuming is inevitable, but the giggles are worth it.
9. Paper Plate Wreaths
No one said “wreath” has to mean greenery—paper plate wreaths are made for toddler hands.
What You’ll Need
- Paper plates
- Markers, pom-poms, ribbon, glue
How to Do It
- Cut out centers of paper plates.
- Let your toddler glue, stick, and color with abandon.
- Tape a ribbon “bow” and hang for instant festivity.
Why Parents Love It
Decor that’s toddler-proud and house-guest approved. IMO, pom-poms always end up everywhere—but they’re so fun.
10. Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Classic party game, Christmas style.
What You’ll Need
- Poster board
- Markers
- Cut-out red noses with tape
How to Do It
- Draw a big (and very forgiving) Rudolph.
- Blindfold your toddler, give them a red nose, and let the giggling begin.
Why Parents Love It
It keeps them laughing, and everyone can join—yes, even the cat. Our family’s record for “closest nose” stands unbeaten by me… toddler aim is fierce.
11. Santa Letter Drop
Turn wish lists into a magical mailbox moment.
What You’ll Need
- Paper, crayons
- Envelope
- Mailbox (real or makeshift)
How to Do It
- Help your toddler “write” or dictate a letter for Santa.
- Decorate and drop it in the mailbox—bonus points for a special walk to deliver it.
Why Parents Love It
You get insight into your child’s wish list (and, let’s be honest, their wild imaginary world). FYI, mine once requested a pet giraffe and “no bedtime.” Dream big, little one.
12. Cookie Decorating Party (Toddler Edition)
Expect chaos, sprinkles, and lots of sugar-fueled art.
What You’ll Need
- Pre-baked sugar cookies
- Kid-friendly icing
- Sprinkles, small candies
How to Do It
- Lay out cookies and decorating supplies.
- Let toddlers go wild, then display (or eat) their creations.
Why Parents Love It
Less about perfection, more about sticky smiles. Honestly, “taste testing” is at least half this activity in my house.
13. Holiday Pajama Parade
Cutest. Family. Memory. Ever.
What You’ll Need
- Cozy holiday pajamas
- Music for marching
How to Do It
- Dress everyone in holiday pajamas.
- Parade around the living room to your favorite holiday music.
Why Parents Love It
It’s silly, sweet, and makes for great photos. My toddler once added superhero capes to the mix—festive and fearless.
14. Christmas Tree Fingerprint Art
Tiny fingers + paint = instant holiday art.
What You’ll Need
- Paint (washable!)
- Paper or blank canvas
- A smock or old shirt
How to Do It
- Draw a tree shape, let toddlers “dot” it with colorful fingerprints.
- Add names and date for a keepsake.
Why Parents Love It
It’s quick, mess-contained, and fridge-worthy. IMO, you can never have too many squiggly masterpieces.
15. Reindeer Snack Cups
Yummy crafts you actually want them to eat.
What You’ll Need
- Clear plastic cups
- Brown pipe cleaners, googly eyes
- Snacks (like cereal, popcorn, or grapes)
How to Do It
- Help your toddler glue eyes and twist pipe cleaners for antlers.
- Fill with snacks for a reindeer treat.
Why Parents Love It
Snack + craft = double win. Try explaining why you ate the antler—been there, chewed that.
16. ‘Snowball’ Toss Game
Forget snow outside—cotton balls make winter magic inside.
What You’ll Need
- Cotton balls
- Large mixing bowl
How to Do It
- Mark a “tossing line.”
- Have your toddler toss “snowballs” into the bowl.
Why Parents Love It
Simple to set up, and even younger toddlers get the hang of it. Bonus: No one actually gets cold (or wet—thank you!).
17. Musical Christmas Statues
Classic “freeze dance” with a holiday spin.
What You’ll Need
- Holiday playlist
How to Do It
- Play Christmas music and dance around.
- When the music stops, everyone “freezes” like a statue.
Why Parents Love It
Moves energy from chaos to giggles. Even grandma melted into laughter.
18. DIY Christmas Countdown Chain
Tear-off chains build the hype (and sneak in a counting lesson).
What You’ll Need
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Tape or glue
How to Do It
- Cut strips, decorate, and loop together for a paper chain.
- Remove one each night until Christmas.
Why Parents Love It
Visually shows time passing (a.k.a., fewer “Is it Christmas yet?” questions—well, maybe).
19. Holiday Storytime Picnic
Snack time + story time = happy toddler.
What You’ll Need
- Blanket
- Favorite holiday books
- Snacks
How to Do It
- Lay out the blanket and snacks.
- Read stories and munch together.
Why Parents Love It
Slows the holiday “rush” for a few peaceful minutes. If snack crumbs collect, just call it “festive snow.”
20. Decorate Christmas Window Clings
No mess, all magic.
What You’ll Need
- Holiday window clings
- Spray bottle of water
How to Do It
- Let your toddler “arrange” clings on accessible windows.
- Re-stick till their masterpiece is perfect.
Why Parents Love It
Keeps little hands busy and your windows festive. (FYI, “redecorating” is a toddler’s superpower.)
21. Toddler-Friendly Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A holiday adventure… minus the meltdown.
What You’ll Need
- List of simple holiday items to spot (candy cane, red ornament, Santa figurine, etc.)
- Basket or bag
How to Do It
- Walk around your home or yard with your child.
- Help your toddler collect or point to each item.
Why Parents Love It
Fun, flexible, and a perfect activity for days when the weather says “nope.” My own kid once got distracted and “collected” half the dog’s toys instead—close enough, right?
Wrapping Up: Memories Made Easy
There you have it: 21 sweet, simple Christmas activities for toddlers—each one designed for actual parents and real (messy, magical) life. You get mess-friendly crafts, energy-busting games, and new traditions to cherish. Grab your coffee, your camera, and a wipe or two… the holidays are about to get a whole lot merrier in your house! (If all else fails? Put on “Jingle Bells” and dance it out. It always works—promise.)
