With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to start planning a memorable time for your family and friends. This year, instead of sticking to the same old traditions, why not try some new and exciting activities to make your Christmas extra special?
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of festive ideas and activities that will bring joy and laughter to your family Christmas this 2023.
Here’s what’s included in our Family Christmas Guide:
- General Christmas activities and ideas
- Christmas bucket list ideas
- Christmas walks
- What to do on Christmas Eve 2023
- Christmas day activities
- Christmas movie bucket list
- Christmas things to do with kids
- Magical Christmas events in Malvern
General Christmas Activities and Ideas
The Christmas season is all about creating cherished memories with your loved ones. So, to kick off your family Christmas in 2023, indulge in some classic and creative Christmas activities that will fill your home with warmth and holiday spirit!
1. Deck the halls
Get the whole family involved in decorating your home with festive lights, ornaments, and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. Why not theme your decorations this year or get crafty and create your own ornaments for a personal touch.
2. Bake Christmas delights
Spend a cosy day in the kitchen baking delicious holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and fruitcake. Anything you can sprinkle icing sugar and cinnamon on will do the trick. Experiment with new recipes and flavours, and involve the kids in the baking process. Don’t forget to set up a hot cocoa station with marshmallows and whipped cream for a delightful treat co complement your Christmas ideas for kids!
3. Use the holiday spirit to craft
Channel your family’s creativity with DIY Christmas crafts like homemade ornaments, wreaths, and greeting cards. Set up a crafting station with an assortment of supplies and let everyone’s imagination run wild. Handmade decorations can add a sentimental touch to your holiday decor.
4. Christmas carol karaoke
Unleash your inner Michael or Mariah with a fun Christmas karaoke night with all the classic songs that will have everyone singing along. Make it interesting by introducing prizes for the best singers.
Christmas Bucket List Ideas
Tick items off your Christmas bucket list and you’ll easily create lasting memories. We at Winter Glow have put together our own Christmas bucket list ideas for you this 2023 Christmas. We’ve included some fun Christmas bucket list ideas for kids, too!
1. Visit a Christmas market
- Explore local Christmas markets for unique gifts, festive foods, and holiday entertainment.
- Challenge yourselves to find the quirkiest or most heartwarming holiday trinket.
- Take photos with Santa and indulge in seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
2. Attend a Nativity Play
Experience the true meaning of Christmas by attending a nativity play at your local church or theatre. Encourage your children to participate in a community nativity scene or even put on a small play at home. This can be a beautiful way to teach them about the holiday’s significance.
3. Host a festive feast
Invite friends and family over for a grand Christmas dinner featuring traditional and favourite dishes. Expand your culinary horizons – incorporate international dishes into your feast.
Bonus: Consider organising a potluck dinner where each guest brings their favourite dish.
4. Additional Christmas bucket list ideas to consider
- Volunteering – Give back to the community by volunteering as a family at a local charity or food bank. Teach your children the values of empathy and compassion by actively participating in acts of kindness during the holiday season. You can easily turn volunteering into a cherished family tradition that extends beyond Christmas.
- Going to the theatre – A great Christmas bucket list idea for kids is a trip to the theatre to watch the panto.
- “Oh, no – it isn’t!”
- “Oh, yes, it is!” – It’s the best way to get into the Christmas spirit and have a great day out.
- Ice skating – Whether you cling to the side or triple Salchow your way around the rink, ice skating is a super fun activity for all ages.
Christmas Walks
The beauty of the winter season is best cherished by going on an enchanting Christmas walk. Illuminated light trails and festive displays can leave your family in awe.
1. Magical light trails
Explore mesmerising Christmas light walks in your area, such as the Winter Glow Light Trail. These trails often feature breathtaking light installations, interactive displays, and seasonal music to create an immersive experience.
2. Christmas common walks
Discover scenic routes and nature reserves perfect for a family winter walk. Bundle up in warm coats, scarves, and mittens, and bring along a thermos of hot cocoa to enjoy during your outdoor adventure.
3. Local Christmas displays
Keep an eye out for local homes decorated with extravagant Christmas light displays. Some neighbourhoods go all out with synchronised light shows that are truly impressive. Plan a driving tour or Christmas light walk to visit these festive houses, and don’t forget to plan your festive playlist for the journey.
What to Do on Christmas Eve 2023
Christmas Eve is a special time filled with anticipation. Here are three quick (in other words – “basic”, haha) ideas about things to do on xmas eve to make the most of this enchanting evening:
- Movie night – Pop on your matching PJ’s and cosy up on the couch with a Christmas eve movie marathon featuring classics like “Home Alone” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
- Christmas stories – Share heartwarming Christmas stories with your children the night before Christmas. Gather around the fireplace or under the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree and take turns reading aloud.
- Cookies and milk – A classic Christmas eve idea that keeps the festive tradition alive is leaving out mince pies and milk (or a drop of port) for Santa Claus. We have it on good authority that the reindeers actually prefer a mouthful of moss over a carrot, too!
Christmas Day Activities
The big day has arrived, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do on Christmas day to enjoy with your whole family.
The big Unwrapping can start the day off with excitement – opening presents and discovering what Santa has left for you somehow never gets old!
Christmas brunch, prepared by or for someone special, can have your family licking their fingers. Then, some outdoor fun (if the weather permits) can help walk off your stuffed tummy. Or just go ride the new bike you got for Christmas and enjoy it! Outdoor activities and some fresh air always help make room for more mince pies.
Bonus: Bring out the board games – If you’re still wondering what to do after all the fun on Christmas Day, then it’s time to bring out the board games! And there will no doubt be plenty to choose from!
Christmas Movie Bucket List
What’s Christmas without a few heartwarming movies? Here are some feel-good movies to add to your Christmas movie bucket list:
1. Classic Favourites
Watch timeless feel-good Christmas movie classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “Miracle on 34th Street” to keep the Christmas spirit alive.
2. Family animation
You can also revisit classic family-friendly animated films like “The Polar Express“, “The Grinch” and “Frozen“.
3. Christmas Comedies
Laugh together with golden comedy movies such as ”Home Alone”, “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation“.
Last, but not least, the team here at Winter Glow has listed Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” and “The Christmas Chronicles” as their all-time favourites to watch during the holidays.
Christmas things to do with kids
Make sure the little ones have a magical Christmas with a plethora of Christmas things to do with kids:
- Elf on the shelf adventures – Embark on daily adventures with your Elf on the Shelf, creating delightful surprises for your children. Use your creativity to stage fun and imaginative scenes that will leave your kids excited every morning.
- Letter to Santa – Help your kids write their heartfelt letters to Santa Claus, sharing their Christmas wishes.
- Christmas crafts – Engage in festive arts and crafts, from making paper snowflakes to crafting personalised ornaments. This is the perfect Christmas activity for all ages. From toddlers or grown ups, everyone enjoys a Christmas crafting session.
Our Family Christmas 2023 guide is your ticket to a joyful and memorable Christmas holiday! Embrace the magic of Christmas and adopt traditions you can treasure for years to come! Merry Christmas!
Discover Magical Christmas Events Near You in 2023 in Malvern
As we continue to explore the joys of Christmas 2023, the Winter Glow Christmas Park in Malvern stands out as a beacon of festive celebration. Building on our extensive list of activities, we bring an additional layer of holiday cheer, offering a diverse range of experiences suitable for all age groups.
Dive deeper into the season’s festivities at this captivating destination, where every corner is alive with the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas days out at Winter Glow
- Festive fun for everyone – Explore our park for the best Christmas days out near you. We offer a wonderland of activities, from the Santa Experience to exhilarating Ice Skating adventures.
- Your go-to destination for Christmas activities in 2023 – Embrace the season’s spirit with our curated Christmas events, perfect for family outings and making lasting memories.
Xmas events near me: Why choose Winter Glow in Malvern?
Unique blend of Christmas joy. We are a top choice for Christmas events in the UK. From our stunning Light Trail to the heartwarming Santa Experience, there’s something special for everyone. Did you know your pup can meet Santa, too?
Christmas activities near me: What’s new in Malvern in 2023?
New attractions and experiences. Dive into our latest offerings for Christmas activities in 2023. We’re excited to introduce new experiences that capture the essence of Christmas, ensuring your visit is filled with wonder and delight.
Planning the perfect Christmas day out in Malvern
To get here and make the most of your visit, make sure you plan ahead. You can get tickets via the button below to plan your visit for an unforgettable Christmas day out. We provide tips on getting to our park and suggestions for maximising your festive experience with us. You can also find the address at the bottom of the page.
Takeaways
- Christmas is the perfect time to create cherished family memories through a variety of activities.
- A Christmas bucket list can add excitement and novelty to your holiday celebrations.
- Enjoy the beauty of the season with enchanting Christmas walks and light displays.
- Make Christmas Eve and Christmas Day special with traditions like movie nights and festive meals.
- Keep the Christmas spirit alive with a Christmas movie bucket list and engaging activities for children.