Christmas Activity Pack for Kids: Free Printable Crafts and Colouring

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What Christmas activities can I do with a 3 to 5 year old?

These ideas are grouped into craft, baking and play. Pick one or two a day so the fun lasts right up to the big day.

Christmas craft and cards

1. Colour a Christmas tree and add real wool or ribbon tinsel
2. Fold a card and print baubles using a cork dipped in paint
3. Make paper chains from strips of red and green paper
4. Press a hand onto paper and turn it into a reindeer
5. Tear coloured paper to fill a stocking shape with glue
6. Thread beads or pasta onto string for a tree garland
7. Draw a snowy scene and dab on white paint with a cotton bud
8. Cut out stars with child scissors while you hold the paper
9. Stick cotton wool onto a Father Christmas beard shape
10. Make a paper plate wreath with torn green pieces

Festive baking and kitchen fun

1. Wash hands and put on aprons before you begin
2. Measure flour and sugar into a bowl and stir together
3. Rub in butter with your fingers until it feels like sand
4. Roll out the dough and press gingerbread shapes with cutters
5. Add raisin eyes and buttons before baking
6. Let a grown up handle the hot oven and tray
7. Mix icing and spoon it into a small bag to pipe
8. Decorate cooled biscuits with icing and sprinkles
9. Check for nut and other allergies before sharing with friends
10. Thread a ribbon through a biscuit to hang on the tree

Christmas play and countdown

1. Count the sleeps to Christmas on your fingers each morning
2. Hide a toy reindeer and give warm or cold clues
3. Sort decorations by colour into bowls or boxes
4. Build a stable or sleigh from wooden blocks
5. Go on a walk to spot lights, trees and wreaths
6. Sing a counting carol and hold up the right number of fingers
7. Match pairs of Christmas socks from the laundry
8. Act out a simple nativity with teddies and toys
9. Make a list of people to thank and draw each one
10. Wrap a pretend present and practise saying thank you

How to run the Christmas Activity Pack, step by step

1. Pick one craft, one kitchen job and one game for the day.
2. Lay out everything you need before you start.
3. Show the first step, then let your child try.
4. Keep it short and stop while they are still enjoying it.
5. Display the craft or share the treat together.

Ways to use the Christmas Activity Pack

• Make a countdown ritual. Choose one activity each morning in December so there is always something to look forward to.
• Turn craft into gifts. Help your child make cards and decorations for grandparents and friends. It teaches giving and gives little hands a purpose.
• Pair play with learning. Count, sort and match using festive objects, then move on to a counting toy like the Maths counting game when the pack is done.
• Build a cosy games night. Finish the day with a simple family game such as Snakes and Ladders and Ludo by the tree.
• Keep a memory folder. Pop finished pictures and photos of your bakes into a folder to look back on next Christmas.

Games and gifts for Christmas with little ones

These toys and games suit ages 3 to 5 and make lovely stocking fillers or shared presents. Choose a craft set for quiet mornings or a family game for cosy afternoons.

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Mini Whiteboard - Educational ToyShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop nowKids Art Set - Water Colouring PencilsShop nowPaint PensShop nowMaths Game - Number CountingShop nowCounting Caterpillar - Number PuzzleShop nowKids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyShop nowClassic Board Game - Snakes and Ladders & LudoShop nowThreading Beads - Threading Beads for KidsShop nowWooden Noahs Ark - Wooden Animal ToyShop nowWooden Animal SkittlesShop nowWooden Kids Puzzle - Animal PuzzleShop nowWooden Xylophone - Music ToyShop nowShape Sorter - Learning GameShop now

Christmas activities by age and key stage

What children learn from Christmas activities

• Fine motor. Cutting, threading, sticking and stirring all build the small hand muscles used for writing.
• Early maths. Counting sleeps, sorting colours and matching pairs support number and pattern skills.
• Language. Talking through each step adds new words and helps children follow instructions.
• Creativity. Open craft lets children make choices and feel proud of what they made.
• Taking turns. Simple games and shared baking build patience and the give and take of play.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Charades CardsFree printableChristmas Maths MysteryFree printableChristmas Eve Box PlannerFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoFree printableChristmas Scavenger HuntFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

Christmas activities become the memories children carry for years. Try doing one small thing together each day in December, even if it is just a song and a cuddle. Keep the bar low so it stays joyful rather than a chore. Over time these little rituals become the things your family looks forward to most.

Frequently asked questions

What age is this Christmas pack for?

It is aimed at ages 3 to 5, which is the EYFS stage. Many ideas work for slightly younger and older children with a little tweaking.

How long does each activity take?

Most take 10 to 30 minutes. Young children often enjoy short bursts, so stop while they are still having fun.

Do I need special supplies?

No. Most activities use paper, crayons, glue and basic kitchen ingredients you already have at home.

Is baking safe with little ones?

Let a grown up handle the hot oven and tray. Children can measure, stir and decorate. Always check for allergies before sharing food.

Can I use child scissors?

Yes, use safety scissors and supervise closely. For tricky cuts, hold the paper and let your child make small snips.

How do I keep more than one child happy?

Give each child a job that suits their age. Older children can do fiddly steps while younger ones stick and sort.

What if my child loses interest?

That is normal. Keep sessions short, follow their lead and come back to it later. There is no need to finish everything.

What makes a good Christmas gift for this age?

Craft sets, counting toys and simple family games all work well. See the gift ideas above for choices that suit ages 3 to 5.

Browse by age and type

Craft sets for kidsEducational toys for 3 to 5 year oldsToys for 4 year oldsWooden toysFamily gamesLet's Create rangeGifts for kidsChildren's jigsaw puzzles

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.