Christmas activities to enjoy at home
The countdown to Christmas has begun and it can be an expensive time of the year for some, especially when entertaining the younger members of your family. We have put together some fun activities that everyone can enjoy, without feeling the pinch.
Create your own Christmas cards
Making your own Christmas cards is a great way to save money, while adding a personal touch for your loved ones. Creating cards at home is better for our planet and a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy on those dull rainy days. Get creative by using left over wrapping paper, ribbon, buttons, fabric scraps and items you can find on walks such as twigs and pinecones.
Citrus garland
A citrus garland is a great way to decorate your home, while also making your home smell fruity and festive! Choose a variety of fruits such as oranges, apples, limes and lemons, and slice them evenly. Place the fruit onto a baking tray and bake until they are visbily dry. Adding cinnamon will make them smell extra Christmassy! Leave the fruit out to air dry and thread them together with string or twine. The garland will not only look great but will smell festive too!
Festive baking
Baking cookies and decorating them at home, is a fun activity everyone can enjoy, and can also be given to loved ones as a personalised edible Christmas gift. A simple cookie recipe can be found here: www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-chunk-cookies
Festive bingo
Festive bingo is a free activity to make, and can be enjoyed over and over again. Make a list of 24-30 items, phrases or images, and design your bingo cards. Each bingo card a should have a 5x5 grid and randomly place items from your list into some of the squares, making sure each bingo card has a variety of items and ensure no bingo card is the same. Cut the list of items, phrases or images and place them into a bowl and you’re set to play! Simply hand out the cards and use coins, pencils or buttons to mark the items onto your bingo card, so you can use it again. The bingo caller will then call out the items from the bowl and the first person to get a full row or the whole board shouts ‘BINGO!’ to win.
Family talent show
A family talent show is a free and fun way to spend time with loved ones, while showing off your skills! Pick a time when everyone is free, and create some invites with the date and time of the show. Encourage everyone to take part, and for those less confident, why not suggest a group act or a duet. Acts could include singing, dancing, magic tricks, storytelling, poetry, pet tricks or even stand up comedy.
Christmas Activities this December
Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez
Start your family’s New Year celebrations earlier in the day on Wednesday 31 December, by visiting the Royal Festival Hall at the South Bank Centre for Just Vivez children’s set filled with Caribbean, Soca, disco and Latin music! The event is for under 12’s, it’s free and no ticket required, but please make sure to get there early to avoid disappointment.
To find out more go to: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/kids-countdown-with-just-vibez/
Visit London’s Chistmas lights
Seeing London’s Christmas lights is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, without breaking the bank. Here are the main three routes:
Central London Walk: Start at Tottenham Court Road, walk through Oxford Street, Selfridges, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Regent Street, which features the iconic Christmas Angels.
West London Walk: Start in Chelsea along the King’s Road and walk towards Belgravia, Mayfair and Marylebone Village.
Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square: A popular spot to see Christmas trees and the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. While you’re there, why not pop into the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery for free!
Winter by the River
London Bridge City have announced they are returning Winter by the River. The festival features market stalls, a new curling experience, pop up bars, food stalls and lots more! This free event is running until Sunday 4 January and is located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
To find out more go to: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/kids-countdown-with-just-vibez/
Christmas Carols
Christmas in London is a magical time, and singing to your favourite carols is something the whole family can enjoy while getting into the festive spirit. Check out your local community centres and churches for carol services within your local area, or Visit London have put together both ticketed and free carol services happening across the city.
To find out more go to: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/best-christmas-carols-in-london