The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for traditional activities or new ideas, here are 20 fun things to do in the UK this Christmas to celebrate the festival spirit.
1. Decorate Your Home for Christmas
Transform your home into a winter wonderland by decorating for Christmas! Gather your family and friends to hang ornaments, and string lights, and set up your tree. Whether you choose a colour theme or mix all your favourite decorations, each ornament tells a story. The process of decorating together can be just as enjoyable as the final result.
Christmas magic fills the air when you crank up your favourite holiday tunes, so don’t leave them out of your decorating mix! You’ve earned a moment of pride – stop, gaze around, and let the joy of creating a beautiful space wash over you. The holiday season kicks into high gear with this spectacular opener, and from here, the celebrations only get bigger and better.
2. Visit a Christmas Market
Christmas markets are a magical way to embrace the holiday spirit. You’ll find marketgoers galore clustering around stalls overflowing with handcrafted goodies, tantalizing treats, and piping hot drinks, an atmosphere tailor-made for forming unforgettable memories with the people who matter most. Strolling through the market, you can soak in the festive atmosphere and admire the beautiful decorations.
As you wander from stall to stall, indulge in festive snacks like mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread. The sensory details are downright magical – warm fireplaces, twinkling lights, and cinnamon-spiced treats transport you to a winter wonderland. The Christmas market becomes a seasonal anchor, ground zeros for exploration and indulgence. Year after year, the same streets filled with bustling vendor stalls and intoxicating aromas beckon you back, eager to surprise and delight.
3. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Snuggle up for a cosy movie marathon featuring all your holiday favourites. Whether it’s classic animations or romantic comedies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Cosy up with a warm blanket, a bucket of fresh popcorn, and a goofy grin – it’s going to be a day filled with belly laughs and holiday cheer! It’s officially okay to get cosy on the couch and binge on your favourite holiday shows – the ones you’ve been saving all year.
Set the mood with festive flair: hang colourful ornaments, brew hot chocolate, and offer snacks like crunchy candy canes or creamy peanut butter blossoms. The time spent together, sharing laughs and memories, will surely create a warm and joyful environment. After the marathon, you might even find new favourites to add to your list for next year!
4. Organise a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Spice up your holiday gatherings by introducing a thrilling Secret Santa gift exchange – it’s the perfect way to break the ice and create unforgettable memories! Gather a group of friends, family, or colleagues and draw names to give a special gift to your chosen person. Having a budget in mind allows you to put your thinking cap on and find a gift that screams “I know you!” instead of breaking the bank.
Anticipation grows as the countdown begins, and everyone’s curiosity is piqued about what’s in store. On the day, the reveal is filled with laughter and joy, as gifts are unwrapped and gratitude is expressed. From whispers of “This is the best gift ever!” to beaming faces, this exuberant activity kindles a connection between loved ones that stays lit long after the celebration is over.
5. Attend a Christmas Concert or Pantomime
Get into the holiday spirit by attending a Christmas concert or pantomime. Plugged-in entertainment, cheerful vocalists, and riotous on-stage antics mean venues big and small are alive with seasonal spirit. Step into the festive spirit with these events, where loved ones gather, memories are made, and laughter echoes through the air. They’re the ultimate way to slow down, be present, and cherish the people and moments that matter most.
From cosy Christmas markets to festive parades, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer to be had – and it’s probably closer than you think! Flip through local listings to find the perfect activity to make your season shine. There’s something special about being surrounded by loved ones at a live show – the energy is palpable, and the memories last a lifetime. Here’s a fuzzy feeling to ponder: every time you buy local art, you’re giving a festive high-five to the makers and dreamers who call your city home.
6. Bake Holiday Treats Together
Bake a batch of holiday treats and watch as a stranger becomes a friend, a neighbour becomes family, and your home becomes a warm and welcoming haven. Gather your loved ones to whip up festive cookies, gingerbread houses, or traditional cakes. Gather your friends, bring your A-game, and get ready for a recipe rumble – who can create the most scrumptious sweet sensation? The air in the kitchen transforms as warm, sugary scents swirl together, making everyone feel like they’re coming home.
Once your creations are out of the oven, don’t forget to taste-test together! Enjoying the sweet results of your efforts is a joy in itself. The kitchen becomes a social hub where sweet indulgences bring people together, forging memories that’ll be recalled with a fondness for years to come – think warm, fuzzy feelings and all the right flavors.
7. Create Homemade Ornaments
Get crafty this holiday season by making homemade ornaments! Break out the arts and crafts box and get creative with decorations for your tree – think festive felt shapes, sparkly glitter accents, and vibrant paint jobs. Add a pinch of self to your holiday decorations – this activity encourages you to think outside the box and bring your flair to the table.
As you bring your ornaments to life, inject some personality into the mix by sharing funny anecdotes and joyful moments – it’s the perfect recipe for a blast. After you’ve put the finishing touches on your crafts, show them off on the tree – the satisfaction of seeing your handmade decor shines through! Your holiday ornaments become more than just decorations – they’re tangible reminders of the special moments you’ve shared with family and friends.
8. Go Ice Skating
Embrace the winter season by going ice skating at a local rink! For a refreshing blast of winter fun, gather your squad and get ready to zip, zoom, and stumble your way across the ice – ages, and skill levels don’t matter here. With holiday magic filling the air, a skate under twinkling lights unleashes pure joy.
After skating, warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine to complete the experience. Sharing stories about your skating adventures will surely lead to lots of laughs, whether you glide gracefully across the ice or take a tumble. Skating on a frozen pond or a bustling rink, ice skating seals the deal on winter wonderland. You don’t need gifts, garlands, or gingerbread to feel the holiday cheer – just the sound of blades gliding, winter air crisp, and your favourite people by your side.
9. Volunteer Your Time
The holiday season is a great time to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local charity or food bank to help those in need. When we extend a helping hand, it’s not just the recipient who benefits – we, too, feel a surge of joy and warmth in our hearts.
Surround yourself with loved ones while giving back, and you’ll discover that the experience becomes just as much about them as it is about the cause. By joining forces, we get a chance to gain a fresh perspective on life’s blessings and cultivate a sense of generosity that truly embodies the holiday spirit.
10. Have a Christmas Craft Night
Gather your friends for a Christmas craft night! Do you have a hankering for some holiday craftiness? Round up your favourite art supplies and get ready to unspool your imagination, crafting everything from holly-jolly wreaths to customised cards that pop with personality and artworks that render the essence of the season in vivid colour. Beautiful things happen when creativity meets love, and this activity sparks just that – a chance to design heartfelt gifts or decorations that bring joy to those who matter most.
As you craft together, enjoy snacks and holiday music to keep the spirits high. Imagine a setting where mingling comes naturally and people can’t help but open up – that’s what you get when you’re surrounded by an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. Imagine being surrounded by heartfelt, handcrafted items that exude love and attention to detail – perfect for keeping or sharing.
11. Explore Local Light Displays
Take a magical evening stroll to explore local light displays or festivals in your area. When holiday lights snap on, everything else fades into the background, letting the festive rhythm of towns transport you to a state of joyful idleness, where life moves at a slower, sweeter pace. The holiday season is aglow with festive decorations that bring magic to homes and public spaces alike – grab a cup of hot cocoa and take it all in!
Don’t forget to capture some photos to remember the enchanting experience! It’s a time-machine effect: captivating displays suddenly summon warm, fuzzy feelings, and the magic of the season unites families and friends in shared delight.
12. Attend a Christmas Fair
Check out a local Christmas fair for a day filled with fun and festivities. Imagine a day filled with screaming_with_delight on a rollercoaster, beating your best friend at a ring toss, and indulging in a warm funnel cake – these events have it all, wrapped up in a bundle of seasonal cheer. A visit to the fair with friends or family fills the air with giggles and happy chatter.
Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, where twinkling lights and vibrant music set the tone for a joyful shopping spree and a sweet tooth’s paradise. Whether you’re a child at heart or simply a fan of all things merry and bright, Christmas fairs offer a captivating atmosphere that meticulously brings people together, creating moments that linger long after the holiday lights dim.
13. Take a Winter Walk
Enjoy the beauty of winter by taking a leisurely walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park. As the holiday frenzy dissipates, the calm atmosphere wraps around you like a soothing blanket, blanketing your senses in tranquility. Double the fun by inviting friends or family to join you – suddenly, it’s a relaxed gathering that fosters real connections and memorable chats.
Afterward, warm up with hot drinks like tea or hot chocolate. If you let it, winter will wrap its icy arms around your senses, sheltering you from life’s frenzy. This fleeting season of rebirth brings a grateful stillness, when all that’s required is to stop, look, and listen to the beauty around you.
14. Create a Christmas Playlist
Put together a festive playlist of your favourite Christmas songs! Gather ’round and get everyone sharing their most beloved songs, along with the special moments they’re tied to – it’s a surefire way to spark some amazing conversations! Playing your playlist during gatherings, while decorating, or simply to enjoy a relaxing evening at home enhances the festive spirit.
Something magical happens when the right tunes fill the air – it’s like a spark is lit, making every moment feel extraordinary. Get ready to jingle bell rock – or smooth, soulful croon – your way into the holiday spirit! When you share the joy of singing carols, new or old, with others, it creates a joyful buzz and memories that linger long after the festivities fade.
15. Host a Christmas Themed Game Night
Organise a game night with a holiday twist! Choose board games, card games, or trivia that revolve around Christmas themes. Boost the fun factor by asking everyone to chip in with their favourite snacks and drinks – it’s a party must-have!
Imagine sipping hot cocoa and swapping stories by the fire – this is what holiday magic is all about. Laughter and good company will fill your home with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Let the stress of the year melt away at this laid-back gathering, where friends and family can reunite over friendly games and cherished memories that never get old.
16. Share Your favourite Holiday Traditions
Gather your loved ones to share your favourite holiday traditions. Whether it’s a specific meal, activity, or story passed down through generations, discussing these traditions fosters connection and understanding. Passing along holiday memories lets your family’s special traditions shine, highlighting what makes them truly special.
Introduce some new family rituals to the mix and watch how quickly they become beloved traditions that will be cherished for generations to come. It’s amazing what happens when you blend cherished family traditions with fresh ideas – suddenly, the holidays become an occasion that’s equal parts warm, fuzzy, and flat-out fun.
17. Host a Potluck Dinner
Gather friends and family for a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish to share. Think of it as a culinary jam session – each person brings their prized holiday dish, and the resulting menu is a true reflection of our collective creativity. Something special happens when flavors blend in harmony – it becomes an open invitation to share in the journey, heritage, and legacies that shape each dish’s character.
A potluck fosters a sense of community and connection as everyone participates in the meal preparation. The vibrant atmosphere of the holiday season breeds memorable moments, and none are more cherished than those created around the dinner table.
18. Attend a Holiday Workshop
Take part in a holiday workshop, such as wreath-making, cookie decorating, or crafting personalised gifts. Picture this: gathering with friends and neighbors at a local workshop, creating unique gifts or decorations under the guidance of a talented artisan or community center.
Nothing brings people together like doing something fun as a group – the laughter, excitement, and camaraderie are unparalleled. The result?_One-of-a-kind masterpieces that capture the essence of you, ideal for spreading joy at your holiday soiree or sending love to those closest to your heart.
19. Enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at a local café or restaurant. Warm tea comforts as you indulge in delicate finger sandwiches, tender pastries, and treats bursting with seasonal flavors. Picture this: you, surrounded by loved ones, in a setting that’s equal parts festive and refined – the perfect blend of warmth and elegance to make your holiday season truly shine.
Gather ’round for a steaming cup of holiday cheer as restaurants and cafes dish out special teas, complete with decked-out decor and flavors that evoke the magic of the season. Kick back, relax, and let the warm atmosphere do its magic – it’s the perfect antidote to the holiday season’s overspending, overeating, and overtiring.
20. Book a Paint and Sip Class with Prime Pass
For a unique and creative way to celebrate, consider booking a paint and sip class with Prime Pass! With brush in hand and drink by your side, these classes let you merge your creative side with a fun night out. Brush off those beginner jitters – this activity is the perfect playground for anyone looking to unleash their creative side, regardless of skill level.
