December is a magical month, filled with holiday cheer, sparkling lights, and the warmth of family traditions. Whether you’re looking to embrace the festive spirit with a fun outing or create lasting memories in the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of activities that families can enjoy together. Here are some of the best holiday activities to bring your loved ones together and make this December unforgettable. Our family tries to pack in as much fun in December as we can. From Filoli Gardens to Enchant in San Jose, there is no shortage of holiday magic to be seen in and around the Bay Area. I’ve gathered some of my favorite activities to do with my family during the holidays to see if it sparks any ideas for you and your family.
1. Visit a Local Holiday Lights Display
One of the most beloved holiday traditions for families is driving or walking through elaborate holiday light displays. Many towns and neighborhoods go all out with festive decorations, transforming streets and parks into dazzling winter wonderlands. Some light shows even feature synchronized music, and many have special events like hot cocoa stands, holiday markets, or Santa meet-and-greets. Check out local parks or city events to find the best light displays near you.
2. Bake Holiday Treats Together
Baking is a wonderful way for families to bond and create delicious memories. Whether you’re making cookies, gingerbread houses, or pies, the kitchen is the perfect place to get hands-on together. Kids can help with mixing, decorating, and of course, sampling the treats along the way. To make it extra festive, try decorating cookies with colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Once you’ve baked your goodies, share them with neighbors or take them to holiday parties to spread the joy.
3. Go Ice Skating
If you’re looking for an active way to enjoy the season, ice skating is a fantastic family outing. Many cities set up outdoor ice rinks during the winter, offering a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy some fun on the ice. Whether you’re an experienced skater or just learning, ice skating is a great way to stay active while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Many rinks offer skate rentals, hot chocolate stands, and even holiday music to enhance the experience.
4. Holiday Movie Marathon
Nothing says “holiday cheer” like cozying up on the couch with loved ones to watch classic holiday movies. Create a movie marathon lineup that includes favorites like Home Alone, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Elf, and The Polar Express. Don’t forget the popcorn, blankets, and maybe even a hot cocoa station! You can also make it a themed movie night with a pajama party or a Christmas movie trivia contest to keep things fun and engaging for everyone.
5. Take a Family Photo for Holiday Cards
A fun family activity in December is taking your annual holiday photo. Whether you’re dressing up in matching sweaters or keeping it casual, it’s a great way to capture the spirit of the season. Take a photo in front of the Christmas tree, in the snow, or even at a local holiday event. Afterward, you can use the photos to create personalized holiday cards to send to family and friends. It’s a meaningful way to preserve memories while spreading holiday cheer.
6. DIY Craft Projects
Creating handmade decorations and gifts is a great way to spend quality time with the family while adding a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Set up a crafting station with supplies for making ornaments, wreaths, or holiday cards. Kids can create their own unique gifts for loved ones, while adults can help with the more intricate designs. You can also make a holiday centerpiece to display at home or give it as a gift to someone special.
7. Attend a Holiday Concert or Performance
Many cities and towns offer special holiday concerts, plays, and performances throughout December. Whether it’s a local choir performing carols, a live theater production of A Christmas Carol, or a ballet performance of The Nutcracker, attending a holiday show is a memorable way to get into the festive spirit. These performances often feature beautiful music, stunning costumes, and timeless stories that the entire family can enjoy together.
8. Volunteer as a Family
The holidays are a great time to give back to the community. Volunteering as a family not only helps those in need but also instills the spirit of kindness and generosity in children. Look for local charities or organizations that need help with food drives, toy donations, or serving meals to the less fortunate. Many families find that volunteering together is a rewarding and meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season.
9. Host a Family Game Night
If you’re looking for a fun, low-key evening, hosting a holiday-themed family game night is the perfect activity. Play holiday trivia, charades, or board games that everyone can enjoy. You can even create a special holiday edition of classic games like Monopoly or Pictionary. As you play, enjoy some holiday treats and festive music in the background to keep the mood light and fun.
10. Go Sledding or Build a Snowman
If you’re fortunate enough to have snow this December, spending time outside is a great way to embrace the winter season. Grab a sled and head to the nearest hill for a day of fun. Afterward, you can all work together to build the best snowman or have a friendly snowball fight. It’s a great way for families to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of the winter season.
11. Take a Holiday-Themed Family Walk
For a peaceful and relaxing family outing, consider taking a holiday-themed walk. Bundle up and stroll through your neighborhood to admire the holiday decorations, or visit a local park that has seasonal displays. If you have younger children, you can make it a game by having them spot certain decorations or by having a scavenger hunt to find specific holiday items, like Santa’s sleigh or a snowman.
12. Create a Family Time Capsule
A fun and meaningful family tradition to start this December is creating a holiday time capsule. Gather small mementos of your year—photos, notes, ticket stubs, or special items—and place them in a decorated box or container. Seal it up and agree to open it together in the future, whether it’s next Christmas or in a decade. This activity not only captures the spirit of the season but also creates a special keepsake for your family’s future.
13. Make a Gingerbread House
Building a gingerbread house is a classic family activity that everyone can enjoy. Whether you buy a pre-made kit or make the gingerbread from scratch, decorating the house with candy, icing, and other sweet treats is a creative and delicious way to spend the day together. Once it’s finished, you can display the gingerbread house as part of your holiday decor or eat it as a family once the season is over.
14. Go to a Holiday Market or Festival
Holiday markets are perfect for families who want to soak up the festive atmosphere while browsing unique gifts and goodies. Many holiday festivals feature outdoor shopping stalls, local artisans, live music, food trucks, and entertainment. It’s a fun way to support local businesses while getting into the holiday spirit.
December=Memories
December is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your loved ones, and there are countless activities that can help make the holiday season special for your family. Whether you’re enjoying a fun outing or staying cozy at home, the key is to spend quality time together and embrace the joy of the season. So gather your family, start a new tradition, and make this December a time to remember! If you or a loved one may need some extra help with making the most of December and enjoying more activities reach out to FirstLight Home Care of Alameda at 510-954-3878 and we can help with ensuring that seniors get to experience some of the wonderful December activities that are available in the Bay Area (Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, Hayward, Castro Valley, and beyond!)
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