11 Brilliant Kids’ Activities for Christmas Day

Christmas lunch is in the oven and still 40 minutes away. The kids have unwrapped their presents and the sugar high is starting to kick in. Energies are high, tempers may be fraying… meltdown incoming!

Here are 11 low-mess, creative and brilliant ways to keep to the kids entertained until lunch hits the table (and possibly once the plates have been cleared as well!). The more activities for Christmas Day, the less chance of a meltdown.

Wishing you all a tantrum-free Christmas Day filled with good cheer!

More ways to entertain the kids:

Feature Image: Hello Wonderful

11 Christmas Activities - AU

DIY Place Setting

Roll out some brown paper and drawing tools. Let the kids design the table settings!
Decorate with Paper Cone Printable

Print a stack of these paper cones from Picklebums. Leave out the markers, scissors and glue.
A simple way to keep the kids entertained with minimal set-up or clean-up. Win!
Christmas Paper Tube Characters

Print out the super cute template, leave out some paper tubes (save your empty toilet rolls), glue and scissors and the kids can create their own cast of Christmas characters. Activity via hello, Wonderful
DIY Party Crackers

What Christmas lunch is complete without some party crackers?
Leave out some craft supplies, ask Dad or Grandpa to supply some dodgy jokes, and the kids can create the Christmas crackers. Find some How-To tips here.
Make Some Faux Stained Windows

You'll never guess what pantry item is used to create these striking faux stained glass windows. Only 4 items are required for this activity. It's sure to keep the kids occupied long enough for you to engage in at least 5 full, uninterrupted conversations. Activity via You Clever Monkey
Set Up Some Outside Activities

The kids can play a spirited game of Fly- you only need sticks to set them up. Or select from 20 more suggestions for exciting outdoor games here.
Craft Some Paper House Luminaries

Kids can colour, fold and tape to create their own Christmas village with this sweet printable from hello, Wonderful.
Weave Some Yarn Trees

This activity from Babble Dabble Do will require some pre-Christmas Day prep. But look at these gorgeous, colourful results!
Create a Fairy Garden or Dinosaur House

If the backyard cricket is getting a bit too competitive and causing too many complaints, keep the kids outside still but with a renewed focus.
Send them on a nature hunt and get them to collect the items necessary to create a fairy house or dinosaur garden.
DIY Party Hats

Create a little craft space where the kids can embrace their inner-milliner and create their own Christmas hats.
DIY Photo Booth

Raid the dress-up box and entrust a phone or camera to the kids. Instant photo booth! Find the instructions on Chickabug.