100 Fun and Memorable Christmas Day Traditions

Christmas Day Traditions

Christmas Day is often filled with excitement as families gather to open presents in the morning. But what about the rest of the day?

After the wrapping paper has been cleared and the stockings emptied, there are plenty of ways to keep the festive spirit alive.

Here are 100 traditions you can start or continue to make Christmas Day even more magical:

Morning Traditions

1. Make a special Christmas breakfast (pancakes, cinnamon rolls, or a breakfast casserole).
2. Read the Christmas story from the Bible together.
3. Take a family walk to enjoy the quiet of Christmas morning.
4. Watch the sunrise together with hot cocoa.
5. Have a “pajama day” where everyone stays cozy all day long.
6. Do a Christmas scavenger hunt around the neighborhood, or with small surprises hidden around the house.
7. Write thank-you notes for gifts received.
8. Share what you’re grateful for this Christmas.
9. Have a family prayer or blessing to start the day.
10. Create a “Christmas morning playlist” and play it while unwrapping gifts.

Mid-Morning Activities

11. Call or video chat with extended family and friends.
12. Play with new toys, games, or gadgets together as a family.
13. Take a family photo in front of the Christmas tree.
14. Build a gingerbread house or decorate Christmas cookies.
15. Do a “white elephant” gift exchange.
16. Have a big breakfast or brunch together.
17. Have a “Christmas karaoke” session.
18. Start a puzzle that the whole family can work on throughout the day.
19. Make a scrapbook page or memory box of this year’s Christmas.
20. Write down your favorite memories from the year.

Lunch and Food Traditions

21. Prepare a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner together as a family.
22. Have a potluck-style meal where everyone contributes a dish.
23. Host a “build your own sandwich” bar with leftovers.
24. Bake Jesus a Birthday Cake.
25. Make a family recipe passed down through generations.
26. Enjoy a “Christmas picnic” indoors by the fireplace.
27. Try foods from another culture’s Christmas traditions.
28. Create a hot cocoa bar with fun toppings.
29. Make a Liege Waffle Bar.
30. Have a “cookie tasting” with a variety of holiday cookies.

Afternoon Fun

31. Play board games or card games as a family.
32. Go sledding, skiing, ice skating, or ice blocking.
33. Go see a new movie at the theater.
34. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight.
35. Do a Christmas craft or DIY project.
36. Have a family talent show or skit.
37. Play charades with Christmas-themed prompts.
38. Watch a holiday concert or play online.
39. Take turns reading a Christmas book aloud.
40. Have a “Christmas trivia” competition.

Giving Back Traditions

41. Deliver homemade treats to neighbors or friends.
42. Write cards or letters for people in nursing homes.
43. Donate gently used toys or clothes to charity. (Here’s how to get the kids involved while having fun!)
44. Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen.
45. Make care packages for the homeless.
46. Call someone who might be spending Christmas alone.
47. Start a “Christmas kindness jar” with ideas for giving back.
48. Donate to a cause or charity as a family.
49. Share a meal with someone in need.
50. Deliver treats to your local fire + police stations while they are away from family.

Evening Traditions

51. Have a big “Christmas dinner” – make traditional foods, surf and turf, homemade personal size pizzas, or fondue.
52. Go to a candlelight Christmas service.
53. Go for a drive to see Christmas lights one last time.
54. Watch a holiday comedy for some laughs.
55. Host a family game night with prizes.
56. Have a “Christmas dessert bar” featuring everyone’s favorite sweets
57. Do a family “year in review” and talk about your favorite moments.
58. Make a bonfire and share stories.
59. Play a cozy card game by the fire.
60. Write down goals or dreams for the coming year.

Outdoor Adventures

61. Go for a family hike or nature walk.
62. Visit a local park or playground.
63. Take a scenic drive and sip hot cocoa.
64. Go caroling in your neighborhood.
65. Go hot tubbing.
66. Take family photos in the snow or at a favorite outdoor spot.
67. Visit a local landmark or festive display.
68. Bundle up and go for a festive bike ride through decorated streets or trails.
69. Do a Polar Plunge.
70. End the day with stargazing and look for the “Christmas Star.”

Cozy Indoor Ideas

71. Have a “Christmas book club” where everyone reads a short story.
72. Make homemade ornaments for next year.
73. Try a new recipe together as a family.
74. Act out/ read the nativity.
75. Create a vision board for the upcoming year as a family.
76. Create a “Christmas memory jar” to open next year.
77. Watch home videos or look through old photo albums.
78. Write letters to your future selves to open next Christmas.
79. Have a “dance party” to your favorite Christmas songs.
80. Have a holiday film marathon.

Christmas Day Traditions for Kids

81. Have a Christmas treasure hunt to find their last gift to open.
82. Set up a “Christmas carnival” with games and prizes.
83. Have a video game tournament – parents play too.
84. Do a “Christmas science experiment” (like making snow slime).
85. Play hide-and-seek with a stuffed Santa or elf.
86. Create a “Christmas play” for the family to watch.
87. Build a Lego Christmas village.
88. Have a “Christmas coloring contest.”
89. Make a fort with blankets and watch a movie inside.
90. Host a kids-only “tea party” with their new toys.

Christmas Day Traditions for Adults

91. Sip on festive mocktails.
92. Host a “Christmas book exchange.”
93. Have a “cozy reading hour” by the fire.
94. Write reflections on the past year in a journal.
95. Plan a trip or experience for the coming year.
96. Enjoy a “Christmas spa night” with bubble baths and candles.
97. Make personalized thank-you notes for loved ones.
98. Play nostalgic games from your childhood.
99. Try a new craft or hobby you’ve been wanting to explore.
100. Have a quiet moment to pray, meditate, or journal.

Christmas Day is a wonderful time to create lasting memories and deepen connections with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection, outdoor fun, or cozy indoor activities, these traditions will help make the day even more special.