18 Unmissable Christmas Activity Ideas in the UK for a Festive Celebration

There are so many Christmas activities to choose from, it can be very overwhelming. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to immerse yourself in the joyous spirit with a plethora of delightful Christmas activity ideas across the UK. From creative crafting sessions to heartwarming visits with Santa, here are 18 festive suggestions that promise to make your celebrations in the UK truly memorable.

Book a Sip and Paint Class

Of course we had to start here! Unleash your inner artist, all with a drink in hand, by booking a Sip and Paint class – a unique Christmas craft activity offered by venues like Pinot and Picasso (who’s that?). Find your Christmas cheer with a not-so Silent Night creating your own festive masterpiece that you can gift to a loved one or hang in your home.

The artist will guide you step-by-step through an artwork and you can enjoy plenty of delicious drinks from their bar. This hands-on experience is perfect for individuals and groups alike, making it an ideal festive fun gathering.

Go and Visit Santa

Turn those Santa figurines into the real deal. Create heartwarming memories by taking the family to visit Santa Claus. Whether it’s at a local grotto or a special holiday event, there’s nothing like seeing the happy smiles of kids seeing Santa (or the loudest screams and cries).

This fun Christmas activity is great for the whole family and always makes a cute Christmas card to send to family and friends. Be sure to get your visit done before Christmas Eve – Santa will be quite busy by then.

Take a Trip to the Christmas Tree Farm

Embark on a festive adventure by visiting a Christmas tree farm (cue Taylor Swift) – a delightful Christmas activity that is always so exciting. Wander through rows of fragrant evergreens, selecting from the Christmas trees to become the feature of your home.

It is one of those great Christmas activities for kids, loved up couples or roommates to enjoy together. Will you find the perfect Christmas tree this season?

Plan a Holiday Photoshoot

Christmas activities can be a real laugh, like capturing the essence of the season by planning a holiday photoshoot. You can make it as fun or traditional as you like – maybe an ugly sweater contest can be a part of it?

Choose a picturesque location full with holiday decor, don coordinating outfits, and let a professional photographer or a talented friend snap those candid moments. We can’t wait to see them on Instagram and in your holiday cards.

Christmas Carols

Gather friends and family for a heartwarming Christmas carol session, an age-old tradition that never loses its charm. Whether you’re singing classic hymns or modern favourites, there’s nothing quite as fun as belting out a tune with friends.

Consider organising a neighbourhood carolling event or join an existing one to spread the Christmas cheer throughout your community.

Bake Some Christmas Cookies

Indulge in the sweet tradition of baking festive cookies – nothing that fills your home and tummy more than Christmas activities in the kitchen.

Whip up some salt dough ornaments, gingerbread or sugar cookies and get the kids involved in mixing, baking and decorating these sweet treats. These are memory making moments waiting to happen!

Put up Some Christmas Lights

Get the string lights out and start decorating your home to get you into the holiday spirit. Attend a tree lighting ceremony for some inspiration to transform your home into a winter wonderland with twinkling Christmas lights.

Whether decorating the exterior with colourful displays or creating a cosy vibe indoors, let your creativity shine indoors and out.

Build a Gingerbread House

Not many Christmas activities combine creativity with candy like making a gingerbread house. Gather your favourite sweets, icing, and the gingerbread house kit to construct a festive masterpiece that will be bittersweet to dig into over the holiday.

Get creative with your home with a popcorn garland, a liquorice chimney or a roof covered in M&Ms? Okay, we can’t give you all of the ideas!

Make Some Christmas Cards

If you love decorating, personalise your holiday greetings by crafting handmade Christmas cards. Draw inspiration from arty designs like the artworks from Pinot & Picasso or see what others are doing on Pinterest. You can never go wrong with using the colours of the season paired with a message to your loved ones.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a novice, the effort put into your holiday cards will be appreciated by those who receive them. Go on, be extra festive with the glitter. We hope you’ll write letters and cards to us!

Get an Advent Calendar

Make the countdown to Christmas more delicious with an advent calendar, always enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Fill the days with chocolates, candy canes, sweets or small gifts – with weather like this, fill the advent calendar with things that will brighten your day (even when the sun can’t do that!).

Many brands now create their own advent calendars full of surprises, meaning you can purchase it and open to surprises everyday until Christmas Day!

Enjoy Some Hot Cocoa

Whether enjoying on Christmas morning or after a long day at work, a mug of hot cocoa can never disappoint on the cold winter nights. Go as crazy as you like and add marshmallows, whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Christmas ideas as simple as this can put the biggest smile on your kids face or enjoy sipping your hot cocoa solo. The diet starts in the new year, remember?

Prepare a Christmas Dinner

Family traditions like gathering loved ones for a delicious Christmas dinner. Cook seasonal recipes for a festive feast like turkey with trimmings or experience with unique culinary creations (ooh!). You can’t go wrong with a Christmas feast – just make sure the drama stays out of the kitchen.

Whether you host on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, bring a side dish to the family holiday parties or tag along with a partner, don’t forget to always compliment the chef!

Secret Santa

Add mystery, excitement and a touch of Christmas spirit to your celebrations with a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Whether with friends, family, or colleagues, Secret Santa is one of those fun Christmas activities that can leave you feeling grateful, even if someone bought you a pair of socks or a candle (does that mean I smell?).

Decorate the Christmas Tree

There’s nothing more wholesome and exciting than finally decorating your home for Christmas. A cherished Christmas activity like this always marks the beginning of the holiday season, even if you do it the day after Halloween.

Gather a collection of ornaments, lights, and tinsel, and make this one of the Christmas activities for kids to do together or the whole family. Turn on the Christmas music and start decorating until you can’t decorate no more.

Go Ice Skating

Fun Christmas activities like ice skating allows you to embrace the winter chill, feel the magic of Christmas and bring back that fear of trying to not fall over on the ice.

Many cities in the UK set up temporary ice rinks during the holiday season, providing the perfect opportunity for family outings or romantic dates.

Enjoy a Christmas Movie

One of the best Christmas activities you can do in December is cosy up with loved ones for a Christmas movie marathon. Turn the lounge room into a family slumber party.

Whether it’s a timeless holiday movie like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, modern favourites like ‘Elf’ or ‘Love Actually’ or movies that make it feel like Christmas, a movie night with hot cocoa or mulled wine in hand will always be a good time. Don’t forget the popcorn and festive snacks!

Go for a Family Walk

Take a stroll with your family through festive neighbourhoods full of twinkling lights and decorations – a simple yet heartwarming Christmas activity.

Enjoy the crisp winter air as you explore the magical displays around your community – who knew it could look this pretty?! Whether it’s a planned route or a spontaneous adventure, a family walk enhances the festive atmosphere and fosters a sense of togetherness.

Play a Game of ‘Christmas Song Bingo’

Put a musical twist on the classic bingo game by playing ‘Christmas Song Bingo’ – talk about a lively Christmas activity! Create bingo cards featuring popular holiday tunes, and as each song plays, mark off the corresponding squares.

This interactive and entertaining game brings laughter and joy to your gatherings, and impromptu concerts in the living room.

This festive season, make it a December to remember with these 18 Christmas activity ideas. Whether you’re unleashing your creativity at a sip & paint workshop, sipping cocoa by the fire, or enjoying the company of loved ones, these Christmas activities will have you feeling the warmth and joy of the season despite the winter chill.

FAQs

Does Pinot & Picasso Offer Discounts For Group Bookings?

We sure do! Any transactions with 8 or more tickets are eligible for a 10% discount with code GROUPBOOKINGS. Save on your tickets and spend more at the bar on the delicious drinks on offer at our paint & sip studios.

Are There Local Studios In My Area?

While we don’t know your address, we can sure help you find the closest Pinot & Picasso studio to you. Just click here to see all of our current paint and sip studios in the UK.

Do I buy drinks at the studio?

Yes! We have a bar stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for you to purchase from that will help you get into the Christmas spirit. We are not a BYOB studio, so please leave your drinks at home and save them for another day.