Christmas holidays are magical… and long. Whether you're a childcare business or a parent looking for inspiration - keeping kids entertained can feel like an impossible task.
To make things easier, we’ve gathered some of our favourite screen-free, creativity-boosting, boredom-busting ideas for the holiday season. They’re simple to set up, fun for all ages, and perfect for those slower summer days leading up to Christmas.
🎨 1. Set Up a Christmas Craft Table
A craft table is a guaranteed win during the holidays. Kids can decorate their own ornaments, make Christmas cards, or create festive bunting.
Try adding: coloured paper, glue, markers, pom poms, collage materials, glitter, paint and easy craft kits.
Tip: Leave the craft station set up for self-directed play.
Browse craft essentials → Art & Craft Supplies
✂️ 2. DIY Cards for Family & Friends
Cardmaking is not only creative — it teaches kids to think of others. Provide blank cards, stickers and stamps, and let them personalise messages.
Explore → Paper, Cards & Collage Materials
⭐️ 3. Build a Christmas Storyboard
Encourage imagination by letting kids bring their stories to life using magnetic boards, puppets, figurines or themed props. It’s a fun literacy activity disguised as play.
Explore → Storytelling & Dramatic Play
🧱 4. Create a STEM Challenge Area
Use simple materials like blocks, marble runs or magnetic tiles to set challenges such as:
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“Build the tallest Christmas tree you can!”
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“Create a ramp and see how fast your sleigh can go.”
Kids stay entertained for ages while developing problem-solving skills.
Browse → STEM & Construction Resources
🔍 5. Set Up a Christmas Treasure Hunt
Hide small objects or clues around your space and send children on an adventure.
This is a great way to get kids moving and working as a team.
🌈 6. Sensory Play Bins
Fill tubs with rice, pasta, kinetic sand or water beads, then add festive scoops and containers. Great for calming overstimulated little ones during the holiday hype.
Browse → Sensory Play Resources
🧘 7. Create a “Calm Corner”
The excitement of Christmas can be overwhelming. A quiet nook with cushions, sensory toys, books and soft lighting gives children a place to reset.
Explore → Fidgets & Sensory Regulation Tools
🧩 8. Puzzles & Quiet Table Activities
Set out puzzles, matching games or pattern-making boards for peaceful moments when everyone needs a breather.
Browse → Puzzles & Fine Motor Activities
🎵 9. Host a Mini Christmas Concert
Give kids simple percussion instruments and let them put on a festive singalong. Perfect for confidence building and gross motor movement.
🔨 10. Hands-On Building & Construction
Let kids build their own “Christmas village” using blocks, wooden planks, or recycled materials. A brilliant way to keep multiple age groups engaged.
Browse → Blocks & Construction Play
🧁 11. Christmas Cooking & No-Bake Treats
From decorating biscuits to making fruit skewers, festive cooking encourages independence, measuring, counting and creativity.
🏖️ 12. Outdoor Water Play
If you’re in a childcare setting or have a safe outdoor space, water play is a holiday staple. Buckets, sponges, funnels and wobbly mats turn hot days into fun days.
Browse → Sand & Water Play
🎭 13. Dress-Up Plays & Performances
Set out capes, hats, costumes or puppets and let children create their own “Christmas show.” Great for social skills and imaginative expression.
Explore → Dramatic Play & Puppets
📚 14. Christmas-Themed Reading Corner
Choose a mix of festive stories and summer favourites.
Add comfy cushions and decorations to make it magical.
🧸 15. Open-Ended Play Invitations
Loose parts, wooden toys, dollhouses, figurines and sensory materials allow for endless creativity. Perfect for independent play during busy holiday periods.
Explore → Open-Ended Play Resources
🎄 Explore Our Full Product Range
Let this Christmas be full of creativity, connection and play — and a little less “Muuuuum, I’m booooored!”
