Creative Cheer: Fun Family Arts Activities for the Holidays

Here at PSAE, we love Arts Integration in the classroom.

​Did you know that you can also blend arts activities into your winter break? The holiday season is the perfect time to gather as a family and create lasting memories through art. With a little creativity and a few supplies, you can infuse your home with festive charm and spend quality time together. Here are some fun, holiday-themed arts activities to brighten the season:

1. Holiday Themed Charades
This is a favorite game in our house. Write simple holiday themed words or shapes on slips of paper for younger kids who may be working on reading skills. Write names of holiday oriented movies for older kids and adults. Take turns pulling slips of paper and acting out the words on the paper. Trust me, it’s truly a fun time watching your kids work through how to pantomime things like “snow” or “elf.” It’s also very fun to watch older family members act out the plot to “Home Alone!”

2. Gingerbread House Creations
I see gingerbread kits everywhere around the holidays! We may not be the best at assembling complex cookie villages, but my boys love to use candy and icing. This year, we chose a simple kit – a “Tree-A-Saurus Rex.” Perfect for my dino-loving kiddos. Not only is this activity deliciously fun, but it also encourages creativity and teamwork.

3. Family Sing-Alongs
You don’t have to play a musical instrument or be able to read music for a family sing-along to be fun! Enthusiasm and a fun attitude are what makes a family sing-along magical. Simply ask “Alexa” to play your favorite song, grab your kiddos, and dance like crazy. Use this stage trick from an old comedy performer, commitment to the bit is what will bring out the family fun.

These holiday arts activities are more than just projects; they’re opportunities to bond, share laughs, and create memories. By dedicating time to creative fun, you’ll be building a collection of cherished family traditions to revisit year after year.

What holiday-themed arts activities does your family enjoy? Share your ideas in the comments below!

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Author

Jenny Kabool has been the Executive Director of Palmetto State Arts Education since 2022. A life-long lover of all things theater, she has performed on stage in musicals, as a part of an improv team, and as a storyteller. She is mom to two awesome dino-loving boys.