- by Admin
10 Fun Christmas Activities for Nursery Kids to Try This Holiday Season
Christmas is a magical time for little ones, and the best preschool Christmas activities blend fun with early learning. With the festive season inspiring creativity, curiosity, and joy, nurseries can use this time to support children’s development in meaningful ways.
According to the EYFS framework, expressive arts and sensory exploration play a key role in building confidence and imagination, making Christmas the perfect moment to enrich learning experiences.
In this blog, we’ll share engaging activity ideas perfect for early years settings.
Fun Christmas Activities for Early Years at Wimbledon Day Nursery
These early years Christmas activities are easy to set up and support core EYFS learning goals like creativity, communication, and physical development. They’re designed to suit the routines and spaces of early years settings, especially nurseries in colder winter months.
Here’s a closer look at each Christmas activity.
1. Paper Plate Snowmen
These cute snowmen are easy for preschoolers to make and help strengthen fine motor skills. Children can stick cotton wool, draw buttons, and add colourful scarves for a personal touch.
2. Handprint Christmas Trees
Handprint crafts encourage sensory exploration and give children something meaningful to take home. Once the trees are stamped, children can decorate them with stickers, stars, or eco-friendly glitter.
3. Festive Sensory Bins
Sensory play supports language development and imaginative thinking. Try filling trays with pine cones, bells, pom-poms, and safe winter spices for an engaging seasonal setup.
4. Recycled Christmas Baubles
Using recycled materials supports sustainability and creativity. Let children fill clear baubles with tissue paper or nature finds collected during outdoor walks.
5. Gingerbread Dough Play
Homemade gingerbread-scented dough adds a festive twist to classic sensory play. This boosts creativity and early math skills as children roll, press, and shape.
6. Jingle Bell Music Time
Music activities strengthen coordination and rhythm. Give each child a small bell shaker and try simple Christmas tunes together.
7. Santa’s Sorting Game
Sorting “presents” by size, colour, or shape supports early numeracy. Use small gift boxes or coloured counters for quick setup and endless fun.
8. Nativity Role Play
Role play encourages empathy, communication, and imagination. Children can act out the story using simple costumes and soft props.
9. Reindeer Treasure Hunt
Outdoor hunts keep little ones active during the colder months. Hide small reindeer or stars around your outdoor area and let children work in teams to find them.
10. Christmas Story Circle
A cosy story circle brings children together. Choose classic festive tales to spark imagination and support early literacy skills.
These ideas are perfect for encouraging creativity, early learning, and joyful festive fun across early years settings.
Tips for Planning Safe and Inclusive Preschool Christmas Activities
Planning ahead ensures activities are safe, inclusive and enjoyable for all children, regardless of age, background or ability. These simple guidelines help nurseries create a festive environment that feels welcoming and well organised.
Keep Activities Inclusive and Welcoming
Choose activities that focus on winter themes, kindness and togetherness so every child can join in comfortably.
Encourage Parent Involvement Where Appropriate
Simple take-home packs or festive photo boards help families feel included.
Plan for Safety, Allergies and Supervision
Choose age-safe materials, avoid strong scents where needed, and always supervise closely.
Wimbledon Day Nursery: A Warm, Festive Place for Little Learners
If you want a setting where your child is supported, inspired, and genuinely cared for, Wimbledon Day Nursery offers the warm, nurturing environment families trust. Our dedicated team creates meaningful learning experiences throughout the year, ensuring every child feels confident, joyful, and ready to grow.
Contact us today to book a visit and to learn why so many local families choose Wimbledon Day Nursery for their child’s early learning journey.
FAQs
Q1. What if my child doesn’t celebrate Christmas?
Most activities are winter-themed, creative, or sensory-based rather than religious, so all children can join in comfortably and feel included.
Q2. How messy are these activities for preschoolers?
Most of these ideas are low-mess and quick to tidy, but crafts like dough play or painting may need a little extra supervision. We balance fun with a practical setup so it doesn’t overwhelm staff or children.
Q3. Can younger toddlers join in, too?
Yes, many activities can be adapted for younger toddlers by using larger materials, shorter sessions, or simplified steps. Sensory play and music activities work especially well for mixed-age groups.
Q4. Do I need special materials to set these up?
Not at all. Most activities use items nurseries already have, like paper plates, pom-poms, recycled card, or natural materials. A few seasonal extras like bells or baubles can be added cheaply.
Q5. How do I keep children engaged during group Christmas activities?
Keep activities short, interactive, and full of movement. Switching between crafts, songs and sensory play helps maintain attention and keeps the festive energy positive and calm.