Christmas Magic: Activities for Little Ones

There’s something extra sweet about Christmas when you’re experiencing it through the eyes of little ones. The sparkle, the sensory overload (the good kind!), the colours, the rituals - it all becomes magic again. If you’re looking for simple, low-prep and joy-filled festive activities that feel doable and delightful, here are some of our favourites for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Christmas Water Play

Water play is one of the easiest ways to channel energy, spark imagination and keep everyone cool through December.

For babies under 1:

Create a sensory “squish bag.” Add Christmas-themed sparkles, pom poms, a drop or two of food dye and water into a zip-lock bag, then seal it tightly and tape it to the high-chair tray. They can safely press, squish and explore without anything ending up in the mouth.

For toddlers (1–3 years):

Set up a shallow water tub in the shade. Pop in Christmas items (sparkly pom poms, silicone baubles, scoops, funnels) and let them pour, stir, scoop and splash. It’s simple, calming, and guaranteed fun.

For ages 3+:

Freeze your sparkly water mixture in bowls overnight. The next day, drop the frozen Christmas “ice cakes” into a clamshell or paddling pool. They slowly melt into magical coloured water - perfect for hot afternoons.

Colour-In Stickers & Christmas Trees

An easy, low-mess activity you can pull out at any time.

Print out Christmas tree outlines and give your little one coloured dot stickers to decorate the tree, or invite them to colour it in with pencils or crayons.

Great for fine motor development, quiet play, and filling those in-between moments.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Turn your home into a festive adventure.

1. Make a small list (3–6 things) using decorations you already have - a red bauble, a star, a Santa figurine, a wreath, a reindeer, etc.

2. For toddlers, draw a super simple sketch.

3. For preschoolers, use words and let them "read" the list.

4. For the very little ones, take a photo of each item and let them match the picture in real life.

Then send them off to find each treasure. Simple, merry fun - and a perfect pre-dinner or pre-bath activity.

DIY Christmas Ornaments

A keepsake you’ll treasure for years or a great stocking filler for the grandparents!

Use air-dry clay to create sweet, simple ornaments:

1. Roll the clay to about 1cm thick.

2. Gently press your little one’s hand into it to make an imprint.

3. Use a metal straw to poke a hole for a ribbon.

4. Let it dry completely.

5. Add paint or leave them beautifully minimal.

Hang them on the tree, gift them to grandparents, or keep one tucked away as a memory of tiny hands.

Bringing the Magic Home

The best festive activities don’t need to be complicated. With a few everyday items and a little creativity, you can bring Christmas magic into your home - in ways your little ones will remember (and that won’t leave you overwhelmed).

Bring the magic home with our Christmas Jingle Collection. Perfect for little hands, festive fun, and holiday keepsakes.