Top Things to Do With Kids During the Holidays in Canada

Things to do with kids during Christmas in Canada with festive family activities

The holiday season in Canada is a magical time for families, filled with snow-covered landscapes, festive lights, and moments that children remember for years. Parents often look for different activities to engage their kids. There are many things to do with kids during Christmas. These activities are not only a great way to spend time with your kids but also bring the family together in exciting ways. 

Whether you're looking to stay at home crafting Christmas ornaments or enjoy going outside with your kids, there are fun Christmas activities that everyone will enjoy, no matter how young or old. Kids will appreciate putting their imaginations to the test while adults bask in the smiles they bring all season long. Santaville believes that the holiday season is not only about exchanging gifts but about experiences that bring families closer together and create everlasting memories.

1. Create a Family Christmas Craft Day

Holiday crafts are a wonderful way to keep kids entertained while encouraging creativity. One of the most enjoyable things to do with kids during Christmas is setting aside time to decorate, paint, and build festive items together. Making personalized kids' ornaments allows children to feel proud when they see their creations hanging on the tree year after year.

For younger children, simple projects like handprint decorations or soft baby ornaments make beautiful keepsakes that families cherish long after the holidays end.

2. Visit Local Holiday Markets 

Many cities in Canada host Christmas markets, winter festivals, and drive-through light displays during the holiday season. These events feature live music, delicious treats, and fun activities, especially for children.

In Ontario, families often go to WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland for ice skating on Snowflake Lake and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. Meanwhile, the Distillery Winter Village in Toronto gives a fun outdoor market experience with a towering 55-foot tree. If you're out West, the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver provide a breathtaking walk through millions of twinkling lights high above the forest floor.

3. Enjoy Outdoor Winter Adventures

Winter opens the door to classic Canadian experiences that kids love. To truly embrace the season, head to Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto or the Robson Square Ice Rink in Vancouver for iconic public skating. If you are in the nation's capital, skating the Rideau Canal Skateway is a rite of passage for every Canadian child.

Activities such as sledding at Mount Royal in Montreal or exploring the "SnowDays" play zone in Banff help children burn energy and enjoy the season outdoors. These simple adventures also provide opportunities for parents to teach kids about winter safety and teamwork, all while having fun in the fresh, crisp air.

4. Start Cozy Indoor Holiday Traditions

Not every holiday activity needs to happen outside. Indoor traditions can be just as special. Families can plan movie nights with holiday classics, bake cookies together, or gather around the fireplace to hang decorative stockings for the big night. 

Many parents also find the holidays a meaningful time to explore conversations around belief and imagination topics, often discussed when talking to kids about Santa in an age-appropriate and thoughtful way.

5. Neighborhood Holiday Light Tours

To make things a bit more interesting, visiting neighborhood areas to look at lights on other people's homes is a fun Christmas activity for you and your kids. Gather your whole family and make your way to the neighborhoods that go all out for the holidays and stroll around. 

To make the night even more interesting, create a checklist of items for your kids to spot, like an inflatable reindeer or a house with synchronized music. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the houses that make your jaw drop, so you can post them on social media to show your friends.

6. Plan a Festive Learning Day

The holiday season is a great time to combine fun with learning. Sharing fun Christmas facts helps kids understand why certain traditions exist, how holidays are celebrated around the world, and what makes Christmas special in Canada.

You can turn learning into games, quizzes, or scavenger hunts to keep kids engaged without it feeling like schoolwork. This approach turns simple holiday moments into engaging and educational things to do with kids during Christmas without feeling like schoolwork.

Unique Holiday Activity Planner for Kids

Activity Type

Best for the Age Group

Indoor/Outdoor

Memory Value

Holiday Crafts & Decorating

Toddlers to Teens

Indoor

Keepsakes & Creativity

Christmas Markets & Lights

All Ages

Outdoor

Festive Experience

Snow Play & Skating

Ages 4+

Outdoor

Physical Fun

Movie & Story Nights

All Ages

Indoor

Family Bonding

Holiday Learning Games

Ages 5+

Indoor

Knowledge & Curiosity

Conclusion

Spending time with your kids is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Doing holiday activities together can bring families closer together. The holiday season gives endless opportunities to connect, explore, and make traditions that your kids will remember into adulthood. Whether you’re crafting at home, enjoying winter adventures outside, or just involved in meaningful conversations, these experiences shape how kids remember the holiday season.

Santaville believes in turning simple holiday moments into fun, exciting, engaging, and educational things to do with kids during Christmas without feeling like schoolwork.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best activities to do with kids in Canada during Christmas?

The best activities to do during the holidays are crafting, outdoor winter games, visiting Christmas markets, family movie nights, and learning festive activities.

Q2. Are indoor activities good options for kids during the holidays?

Yes, indoor activities such as crafts, baking, storytelling, and holiday games are fun activities to do with kids during Christmas, particularly when it is very cold outside.

Q3. How can parents make Christmas memorable for children?

Parents can make Christmas memorable for kids by focusing on shared experiences, family traditions, and quality time rather than just giving gifts.

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