10 Fun Holiday Break Activities to Keep Kids Entertained

Around the winter holidays, parents face an annual challenge: how to keep kids occupied during their newfound free time. It's not easy to find engaging activities for children all day long. To ease your burden, we've compiled 10 holiday break activities to help keep kids entertained. Check them out below and see what works best for your family!

Entertain Kids with These 10 Holiday Break Activities

1. Bake Holiday Treats

When the snowflakes start flying, it's time for one of the best holiday baking activities: baking! Sugar cookies of all shapes are a great option, and you can involve kids in assembling cookie plates to safely distribute to friends and family. If you need a no-bake option for younger kids, try making chocolate-covered pretzels or Oreos.

2. Go Sledding

There's nothing better on your holiday break than sledding! If you live in a snowy area, sledding is a quintessential winter activity. Just be sure to check if local sledding hills are open, as some don't start making snow until after New Year's Day.

3. Create a Hot Cocoa Bar

After sledding, warm up with a hot cocoa bar! Make a classic hot chocolate base and lay out a variety of add-ins and toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint syrup, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips.

4. Make Christmas Tree Ornaments

For crafty kids, making Christmas tree ornaments is a fun way to celebrate the season. There are plenty of easy ornament projects that kids can create with minimal supervision, and these decorations can be cherished year after year.

5. Taste Test Holiday Ice Cream

If your family has a sweet tooth, gather everyone for a holiday ice cream taste test. Many limited flavors hit the shelves during the holidays, including candy cane, gingerbread, and eggnog. Sample a few pints and vote on your favorites!

6. Craft Hanukkah Decorations

If your family celebrates Hanukkah, keep kids busy with Hanukkah crafts. This guide includes ideas for making menorahs and dreidels from colored popsicle sticks, perfect for adding a festive touch.

7. Build Gingerbread Houses

Building gingerbread houses is a beloved holiday activity. Whether you make a gingerbread house from scratch or buy a kit, it's a fun, festive, and edible project that brings joy to the season.

8. Cut Out Paper Snowflakes

Looking for inexpensive Christmas decorations? Paper snowflakes are a fantastic option! All you need is paper and scissors. Teens can make snowflakes independently, while younger kids will need supervision.

9. Write Letters to Santa

For young children, writing letters to Santa is an essential Christmas tradition. Encourage them to draw pictures to send with their letters, providing at least an hour of fun. Parents can collect the letters and write responses, or send them to the Santa Claus Post Office in Indiana, where volunteers reply.

10. Attend a Holiday Light Show

Completing our list of holiday break activities is the popular tradition of attending a holiday light show. Many shows are held outdoors, with options for walking or driving through displays. Check local listings to find a show near you!

Keep Kids Occupied This Holiday Season

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained during the holiday break. We hope these activities make your life a little easier. Don't forget to share this post with other parents who may be in the same boat!

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