Fun Christmas Activities for Teens: 16 Engaging Holiday Ideas

The holiday season is here, and for teens, it’s the perfect time to get creative, connect with friends and family, and make the most of the festive spirit. Whether your teen loves music, social media, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged and entertained over the Christmas break. 

From planning fun activities with friends to giving back to the community, this list is packed with ideas that are not only enjoyable but also meaningful. Let’s dive into these festive activities that your teen is sure to love!

1. Write & Produce a Festive Song

Encourage your teen to write and produce their own Christmas song. It’s a fun way to express creativity and develop songwriting skills.

At Song Academy, we offer holiday songwriting workshops (our next one is on the 16th of December!) and provide personalised feedback to help teen songwriters refine their songs, and we can even help them produce & record them. Why not encourage your teen to write their own song this holiday season and consider entering our Young Songwriter Competition in the new year?

How to do it:

• Start with inspiration: Discuss what makes Christmas meaningful to them—family traditions, the excitement of gift-giving, or even the winter weather.
• Write lyrics together: If they’re new to songwriting, help them brainstorm rhymes or phrases that reflect the holiday spirit.
• Create a melody: If they play an instrument, encourage them to experiment with chord progressions. Otherwise, they can use apps like GarageBand or BandLab to build a simple backing track.
• Record and share: Use a smartphone or basic recording equipment to capture their song. Share it with family and friends, or even sing it on Christmas morning!

2. Create a DIY Christmas Content Studio

Turn a corner of your home into a festive space for creating social media content like TikToks, Instagram photos, or Christmas music videos.

How to do it:

• Set up the backdrop: Use fairy lights, baubles, tinsel, and maybe even a small Christmas tree.
• Props and costumes: Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and wrapped presents make great additions.
• Lighting tips: Experiment with warm, soft lighting for that cosy Christmas glow.
• Get creative: Teens can use the space to film their original Christmas songs, create fun lip-sync videos, or photograph their holiday outfits.

3. Plan a Christmas Party With Their Friends

Hosting a party gives teens the chance to socialise and showcase their planning skills. Does that sound like a lot of work? Get your teenagers to pitch and help you cook and clean! The threat of being naughty for Santa may not work anymore but I am sure you have more tricks up your sleeve.

How to do it:

• Choose a theme: Ugly Christmas sweaters, festive movie characters, or a traditional holiday theme.
• Plan activities: Include a Secret Santa exchange, karaoke, or a gingerbread decorating contest.
• Decorate together: Let your teen choose decorations that fit the theme, from fairy lights to festive balloons.
• Snacks and drinks: Think hot chocolate stations, mini mince pies, and holiday-themed cupcakes.

4. Try Out Winter Photography

Teens can capture the beauty of winter while working on their photography skills. Whether they are snapping pics with a camera or a cellphone this is a great way for them to get creative and they will have some good shots to share on the gram.

How to do it:

• Find a scenic spot: Parks, town squares with Christmas lights, or snow-covered landscapes.
• Experiment with perspectives: Try close-ups of frost on leaves or wide shots of snowy hills.
• Edit and enhance: Free apps like Lightroom or VSCO can bring out the best in their photos.
• Make it a project: Encourage them to compile their photos into a digital album or print them as Christmas gifts.

5. Learn a New Christmas Cover

For musically inclined teens, learning a Christmas cover can be both fun and rewarding. Maybe they want to go at it solo or perhaps a Christmas band is in order.

How to do it:

• Choose a song: Classics like Silent Night or modern hits like All I Want for Christmas Is You.
• Customise it: Encourage them to add their own flair, like a different tempo or instrumentation.
• Perform or record: Share the song with family or post it on social media for friends to enjoy.

6. Start a Festive Challenge on TikTok

Help your teen create a viral-worthy challenge for the holidays. Or if they are at that point in life where they think you’re uncool, just suggest the idea to them.

How to do it:

• Brainstorm ideas: A holiday dance routine, a Christmas lip-sync, or a creative decorating challenge.
• Use trending sounds: Add a festive twist to popular TikTok audio.
• Get their friends involved: Challenges are more fun when shared.
• Track the trend: See how many others join in on the fun by using hashtags like #ChristmasChallenge.

7. Volunteer for a Local Charity

The holiday season is the perfect time for teens to give back to their community. There are plenty of people out there who need a little extra help or kindness during this time of year. 

How to do it:

• Find opportunities: Local food banks, charity shops, or shelters often need help.
• Get creative: Suggest organising a carol performance or a fundraising bake sale.
• Reflect on the experience: Volunteering can be a great way for teens to appreciate the season of giving.

8. Watch Christmas-Themed Movies

A cosy movie marathon is a classic holiday activity that never gets old and always gets you in the Christmas spirit.

How to do it:

• Pick the lineup: Include a mix of classics (It’s a Wonderful Life) and new favourites (Love Actually).
• Set up a cosy spot: Pile up blankets, cushions, and snacks for the ultimate experience.

9. Plan a Festive Quiz Night

A Christmas-themed quiz is a great way to challenge their minds while having fun with friends or family.

How to do it:

• Prepare categories: Favourite Christmas movies, holiday traditions, and seasonal music are great options.
• Use online tools: Platforms like Kahoot or Google Forms make hosting easy.
• Make it competitive: Offer small prizes for the winners, like festive treats or gift cards.

10. Curate the Ultimate Christmas Playlist

Encourage your teen to craft a personalised playlist for the holidays. Whether the playlist is jampacked with Michael Bublé only or it features a few different Christmas favourites, having music fill the air is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

How to do it:

• Combine classics and modern hits: Think Jingle Bells alongside Santa Tell Me.
• Add original tracks: Suggest including their own songs for a personal touch.
• Host a mini concert: Play the playlist during family gatherings or while decorating the tree.

11. Go Ice Skating

Take advantage of local rinks or outdoor venues to enjoy this festive winter sport.

How to do it:

• Plan ahead: Book tickets early for popular rinks.
• Dress warmly: Gloves, hats, and thermal socks are essentials.
• Capture the moment: Take photos or videos to remember the fun.

12. Create an Advent Calendar & Fill It

A DIY advent calendar makes counting down to Christmas even more exciting. And who doesn’t like getting gifts every day?

How to do it:

• Design the calendar: Use envelopes, mini gift bags, or small boxes.
• Pick the contents: Fill with chocolates, notes, or festive challenges.
• Make it meaningful: Include ideas like “write a gratitude note” or “bake cookies together.”

13. Play Cards or Board Games

Classic games are a wonderful way to spend time together during the holidays. However, if you’re anything like my family, it will get a bit competitive so consider yourself warned.

How to do it:

• Choose a mix: Light-hearted games like Uno or more strategic options like Catan.
• Add a festive twist: Make holiday-themed house rules or include Christmas trivia.
• Make it a tradition: Host a game night every holiday season.

14. Go to a Christmas Market or Fair

A trip to a Christmas market is a sensory delight and a great family outing. If you’re lucky the fair may even have a couple of rollercoasters and rides.

How to do it:

• Explore the stalls: Look for handmade crafts, festive decorations, and unique gifts.
• Try the food: Warm up with mulled cider, hot chocolate, or roasted chestnuts.
• Enjoy the atmosphere: Take in the lights, music, and festive cheer.

15. Host a Cousin Sleepover With a Hot Chocolate Bar

A sleepover brings teens closer while celebrating the festive season, so whether you invite friends or family, it’s a surefire way to get some good quality bonding done.

How to do it:

• Set up a hot chocolate bar: Include marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
• Plan activities: Movies, board games, or even DIY crafts.
• Make it cosy: Provide matching pyjamas or festive blankets for extra fun.

16. Go to a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

A candlelit service is a peaceful way to embrace the festive spirit and sing a couple of Christmas carols with your older kids.

How to do it:

• Find a local service: Check for times at nearby churches or chapels.
• Dress warmly: These events can be quite chilly, even indoors.
• Reflect together: Use the quiet time to appreciate the meaning of the season.

Wrapping Up Our List of Christmas Activities for Teenagers

Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and making memories that last a lifetime with the whole family. With these engaging activities, your teen can explore their creativity, strengthen their friendships, and even start new Christmas traditions. 

Whether they’re writing their own Christmas song, planning a festive party, or giving back to the community, these activities for teens offer something for everyone. So grab some hot chocolate, crank up the Christmas playlist, and let the holiday magic unfold!

Happy holidays!