27 Things To Do on Christmas Day to Bring the Day Back to Life in 2025
Things to do on Christmas Day don’t always come easily once the morning excitement fades. It’s normal to hit that “what now?” moment, especially as an adult or if you’re spending the day without a big crowd. It’s also the point where the day can go flat unless something gives it shape. According to researchers interviewed by The Washington Post, even small holiday rituals — cooking something together, decorating, crafting or doing anything intentional — can help people feel more grounded and genuinely happier.
That makes Christmas a chance to build a few moments you actually enjoy, whether you’re with family, celebrating solo or trying to keep kids entertained after the presents are open. A little creativity goes a long way, and the right Christmas activities can turn the holiday into something meaningful, playful or just a welcome change of pace. So, eat all the Christmas party food, dance around the tree and truly enjoy this Christmas season!
Jump to Section
- Unusual Things to do on Christmas Day
- Things To Do on Christmas Day for Adults
- Things To Do on Christmas Day With Family
- Free Things To Do on Christmas Day
- What To Do on Christmas Day With No Family
Unusual Things to do on Christmas Day
If the usual gifts-food-movie routine has started to feel a bit flat, unusual things to do on Christmas Day can shake the day up in a good way.
1. Take an Art Class
If you want to break out of the usual Christmas rhythm, an art class near you is a completely different way to reign in that holiday spirit. Whether you paint, sketch or try pottery, it gives your brain a breather from the usual holiday noise.
Lean in on simple winter or Christmas painting ideas, and you’ll still get that seasonal feel while ending up with something you actually enjoyed making.
2. Have a Christmas-themed Puzzle Marathon
Looking for quieter things to do on Christmas Day? A puzzle marathon brings the energy down in the best way before anyone even realizes it. Pick a few festive puzzles, set up a small table and let people join in whenever they feel like it. By the time evening hits, you’ll have a half-finished masterpiece and a day that felt calmer without trying too hard.
3. Stargaze
It might seem like one of the more unusual things to do on Christmas Day, but stargazing can feel surprisingly festive. Bundle up, take a hot drink outside and spend a few quiet minutes looking up. Winter skies tend to be clearer, so you get sharper stars, brighter constellations and that rare feeling of calm you only really find on a cold holiday night.
4. Go on a Run
If you're thinking about more active things to do on Christmas Day, why not go for a run? Whether it's a quick jog around your neighborhood or participating in a Christmas-themed charity race, it’s a great way to start your day feeling energized and healthy. Don your favorite holiday gear, like a Santa hat or festive leggings and embrace the crisp winter air. Your body might just thank you for it after all the holiday treats.
5. Take a Winter Hike
A winter hike is a simple option if you’re looking for something calmer to do on Christmas Day. Find a nearby trail and enjoy the crisp air, serene surroundings and scenic views for a welcome break from all of the holiday chaos.
6. Visit a Christmas Market
Visiting a Christmas market can add a bit of atmosphere to the day. Wander through rows of stalls offering handmade gifts, holiday treats and unique Christmas crafts. Sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate as you browse, and enjoy the live music or festive lights that make the experience truly magical.
Things To Do on Christmas Day for Adults
It’s hard to find the magic of Christmas once you’ve grown up, but these activities can help you feel festive again. Look for things to do on Christmas Day for adults that will help give the day some shape again, so it feels like a holiday, not just a long stretch of time off.
7. Decorate
If you’re looking for fun things to do on Christmas Day as an adult, decorating is an easy place to start. Whether you’ve been busy leading up to the holiday or just love adding finishing touches, there’s no better time to add the small finishing touches (or the whole set up). Hang a few lights, refresh a garland or make a couple of DIY Christmas decorations. Decorating adds instant holiday cheer and makes your space feel festive, giving you that warm, cozy feeling Christmas is all about.
8. Play Festive Music
A bit of Christmas music in the background can change the tone of the day instantly. Maybe you lean into carols, maybe you prefer something modern — either way, it adds warmth while you move through the holiday. Create a Christmas playlist filled with your favorite songs, and let it play while you cook, open presents or relax with loved ones. Music sets the mood for a joyful Christmas experience that everyone can enjoy.
9. Create a Christmas Cocktail
Mixing a Christmas cocktail makes the day feel grown up in the best way. Try something festive with cranberry, cinnamon or peppermint and enjoy it slowly, or go all-out with a snow globe cocktail. It doesn’t need to be a whole production, though, just something seasonal to sip while everything else keeps moving.
10. Host a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
A Secret Santa gift exchange adds a bit of playful suspense to Christmas Day. Gather a group of friends or family members and have everyone draw names in advance to set things in motion. Remember to allow enough time for everyone to do their Christmas shopping and don't forget to set a price limit. It’s a great way to focus on the joy of giving and adds excitement to your holiday gathering.
11. Attend Holiday Events
If you're looking for things to do on Christmas Day that bring real atmosphere, wander through a local Christmas market. Some towns keep parts of their markets or holiday precincts open on the day, with lights still glowing and small events running. Whether you stop for a quick skate, catch some live music or just stroll past the decorations, it’s a great way to soak up holiday cheer while enjoying your community.
12. Plan a DIY Ornament Crafting Session
For a creative twist on things to do on Christmas Day, plan a DIY ornament crafting session. Gather supplies like glitter, paint, felt or clay, and make your own unique ornaments. This activity is perfect for spending time with family or friends while also making memories through your creations. You might even surprise yourself and learn how to fold your own wire ornament loop.
13. Get New Christmas Pajamas
If you’re leaning towards cozier things to do on Christmas Day, treat yourself to a new set of Christmas pajamas (and matching sets for your family of course). Whether it’s a classic flannel set or something fun and quirky, there’s nothing like slipping into festive sleepwear to make the day extra special. Take photos, lounge by the fireplace or have a movie marathon in your new PJs. It’s a delightful way to add some extra holiday magic and comfort to your Christmas celebration.
14. Host a Potluck Dinner
Thinking about more communal things to do on Christmas Day, consider hosting a Christmas potluck dinner. Invite friends or neighbors to bring a favorite dish, and enjoy a relaxed, shared meal. This is a great way to ease the stress of cooking everything yourself and ensures a variety of delicious holiday treats. It’s also a great choice if you’re celebrating with people who don’t have a nearby family.
Things To Do on Christmas Day With Family
If you’re lucky enough to have people under the same roof, things to do on Christmas Day with family can turn that time into something everyone remembers a little more clearly. Doing things together rather than just being in the same room makes the day feel more connected and a bit less like everyone drifting to their own corner.
15. Bake Off
Turn your kitchen into a competitive space by hosting a Christmas bake-off. Christmas cookies, pies, cakes — anything goes. If you want things to do on Christmas day that play to everyone's competitive side, this is your activity. Keep the competition friendly and the scoring loose. Half the fun is in the chaos, and the other half is eating whatever comes out of the oven.
16. Have a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Want things to do on Christmas Day for kids that burn off that post-present energy? Try a Christmas scavenger hunt. Create a list of holiday-themed items for them to find around the house, like candy canes, ornaments or small wrapped gifts.
A few simple clues are all it takes to turn the house into a holiday treasure trail — and kids absolutely lean into it.
17. Take Family Photos
Capture the joy of the season by taking some family photos on your list of things to do on Christmas Day. Whether you hire a professional photographer or set up your own camera, taking family pictures on Christmas creates lasting memories. Coordinate festive outfits, choose a scenic backdrop and have fun posing with holiday props like Santa hats or candy canes.
Christmas is one of the few days the whole crew ends up in the same room, which makes it the perfect moment for family photos. Pick a spot, pull everyone in and capture a few frames before the day gets away from you.
18. Christmas Cookies
Baking Christmas cookies is one of the sweetest things to do on Christmas Day for kids. Let them choose cookie cutters in holiday shapes like snowflakes, trees and stars, then help them roll out the dough and decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles. It’s a delicious way to spend time together, and they’ll love showing off their cookie creations.
Free Things To Do on Christmas Day
You don’t need a big budget to have a good Christmas. And it's not that hard to find free things to do on Christmas Day that are often the ones that feel the most relaxed and real, because they rely on time and attention rather than spending.
And it holds up. YouGov notes that “practically all (99%) kids who celebrate Christmas say that they enjoy it,” mostly because families put in the small moments that make the day feel special.
19. Play Christmas Games
Kids never seem to run out of energy (could it be the sugar overload?) on Christmas Day, which is why a few Christmas games can be a lifesaver. You can set up a variety of activities like Pin the Nose on Rudolph, a holiday Christmas movie trivia game or even a Christmas charades session. The games can be tailored to different age groups and are a great way to keep kids engaged and excited throughout the day. Adding small prizes for the winners makes it even more fun.
20. Show Them Santa Visited
Anything Santa-related is going to appeal to the kids, and one of the easiest (and free) things to do on Christmas Day for kids is to show them that Santa has visited. Leave out a half-eaten cookie and an empty glass of milk by the fireplace, scatter some reindeer “tracks” around and place their gifts under the tree. Seeing the evidence that Santa stopped by will fill them with excitement and wonder. It’s a heartwarming tradition that keeps the magic of Christmas alive for little ones.
21. Do a Christmas Craft
Getting the kids set up with Christmas crafts is one of the more creative things to do on Christmas Day for kids. Set up a crafting station with supplies like construction paper, glue, glitter and markers, and let their imaginations run wild. Whether they’re making crochet Christmas ornaments, decorating DIY Christmas cards or creating DIY Christmas decorations, this activity keeps little hands busy while adding a creative touch to the day. Plus, they can proudly display their crafts as part of the holiday decor.
22. Make Reindeer Food
Looking for adorable things to do on Christmas Day? Help kids make reindeer food. This simple activity involves mixing oats with glitter or colored sugar to sprinkle on the lawn, creating a “treat” for Santa’s reindeer. As the kids scatter the mixture outside, it adds a magical element to their holiday experience, allowing them to feel like they’re helping take care of Santa’s sleigh team.
23. Go Sledding (If Possible)
If there’s snow outside, sledding is one of the most exhilarating things to do on Christmas Day for kids. Bundle them up in warm clothes, grab a sled and head to the nearest hill for an afternoon of winter fun. Sledding brings excitement and laughter as they glide down snowy slopes, making the day extra special. Even if there’s no snow, you can still find ways to enjoy outdoor winter activities like ice skating or a chilly nature walk.
24. Watch a Christmas Movie
Ending the day with a holiday movie marathon is one of those things to do on Christmas Day for kids when they just can't (or you can't) anymore. Let them pick their favorite Christmas movies, whether it’s Home Alone, The Polar Express, The Grinch, Elf, A Christmas Carol, Klaus or A Charlie Brown Christmas, and create a cozy movie-watching environment with blankets and popcorn. Watching Christmas movies together helps wind down the excitement while keeping the holiday spirit alive through beloved stories and characters.
What To Do on Christmas Day With No Family
When you’re spending the day without family, it’s easy for Christmas to feel like something you’re watching from the outside. Doing things on Christmas Day with no family is really about building a few simple moments that still feel like yours. Small rituals, creative projects or helping someone else can give the day some meaning and take the edge off that quiet.
19. Participate in Angel Tree Lists
Looking for what to do on Christmas Day with no family around? Participate in an Angel Tree program. These programs allow you to donate gifts to children in need, helping to ensure they have a special Christmas. You can shop for toys, clothes or school supplies, and drop them off or send them to the organization hosting the list. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy and make a difference during the holidays, embodying the true spirit of giving.
26. Volunteer at a Shelter
Volunteering at a local shelter is one of the most heartwarming things to do on Christmas Day. It’s a wonderful way to spread kindness and give back to the community. Help serve meals, assist with donations or just spend time talking to those in need. You’ll not only make someone’s day brighter but also experience the true spirit of Christmas, and for a few hours, you’re part of a little community — a kind of temporary holiday family that makes the day feel fuller.
27. Build a Gingerbread House
Building a gingerbread house is one of those Christmas Day projects that works surprisingly well when you’re spending the day on your own. It gives you something creative to focus on and fills the afternoon in a really satisfying way. And if you do happen to have people around, turn it into a friendly gingerbread house competition and see whose candy-covered house holds up the longest.
Christmas Day doesn’t have to follow the same script every year. A few small choices can shift the mood, whether you’re spending the day with family, celebrating with friends or making the most of a quiet house. The right activity doesn’t just fill time. It gives the day a bit of shape and helps you enjoy the moments that might otherwise slip by.
Try one of these things to do on Christmas Day or mix a few together. With a little intention, you can bring the day back to life in a way that feels natural and meaningful for you.
For even more fun things to do on Christmas Day, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
