The festive season is the perfect time to bring magic, creativity, and joy to children through hands-on activities. Whether you’re planning holiday sessions at your club, organising family entertainment, or creating memorable experiences for young people, these Christmas-themed stations offer something special for every child.

Each activity is designed to be adaptable for different ages and abilities, including children with SEND, ensuring everyone can participate in the festive fun.

Reindeer Food Making

Materials Needed:

• Oats
• Edible glitter or sprinkles
• Small bags or envelopes
• Ribbon or string
• Scoops and bowls
• Labels or tags

Instructions:

1. Set up mixing bowls with oats and edible decorations
2. Children scoop oats into their bags
3. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for “magic”
4. Seal bags and attach festive labels
5. Discuss leaving reindeer food outside on Christmas Eve

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Pre-measure ingredients, focus on scooping and pouring
• Ages 6-8: Children measure and mix independently
• Ages 9-11: Add creative label design and gift wrapping

SEND Adaptations:

• Use larger scoops for easier grip
• Provide visual step-by-step cards
• Offer sensory-friendly alternatives to glitter
• Allow extra time for fine motor tasks

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Snowflake Symmetry Art

Materials Needed:

• White paper (various sizes)
• Scissors (safety and standard)
• Blue and silver paint
• Cotton buds or brushes
• Glitter and glue
• Paper doilies (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fold paper into quarters or eighths
2. Cut shapes along the edges
3. Unfold to reveal symmetrical snowflakes
4. Decorate with paint, glitter, or patterns
5. Display on windows or walls

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Pre-folded paper, simple cuts with safety scissors
• Ages 6-8: Independent folding and cutting with guidance
• Ages 9-11: Complex patterns and symmetry challenges

SEND Adaptations:

• Provide pre-folded paper or templates
• Use adapted scissors for easier cutting
• Offer hand-over-hand support as needed
• Celebrate all attempts, regardless of symmetry

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Christmas Sensory Bottles

Materials Needed:

• Clear plastic bottles with secure lids
• Water or clear glue
• Glycerin (optional, for slower movement)
• Christmas-themed items: mini baubles, sequins, bells, tinsel, pompoms
• Food colouring
• Strong tape to seal lids

Instructions:

1. Fill bottles halfway with water or glue
2. Add Christmas items and decorations
3. Add drops of food colouring (red, green, gold)
4. Fill to top, leaving small air gap
5. Secure lid tightly and seal with tape
6. Shake and observe the festive magic

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Adult supervision for filling, focus on choosing decorations
• Ages 6-8: More independence with filling and sealing
• Ages 9-11: Experiment with different liquid densities

SEND Adaptations:

• Excellent for sensory regulation and calming
• Use larger bottles for easier handling
• Provide visual choices for decorations
• Allow exploration time without pressure

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Festive Obstacle Course

Materials Needed:

• Cones or markers
• Hoops
• Soft balls or beanbags
• Tunnels or cardboard boxes
• Christmas music
• Festive decorations

Instructions:

1. Set up course with Christmas theme: “Santa’s Workshop Challenge”
2. Weave through “Christmas trees” (cones)
3. Crawl through “Santa’s chimney” (tunnel)
4. Toss “presents” (beanbags) into hoops
5. Balance walk along “icy path” (line or beam)
6. Time trials or team relays

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Shorter course, wider spaces, adult support
• Ages 6-8: Add complexity and timing elements
• Ages 9-11: Team challenges and competitive elements

SEND Adaptations:

• Adjust spacing and difficulty for mobility needs
• Use visual markers and clear pathways
• Offer buddy support or adult assistance
• Celebrate participation over competition

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Gingerbread House Decorating

Materials Needed:

• Pre-made gingerbread houses or graham cracker houses
• Royal icing or ready-made icing
• Assorted sweets: gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate buttons, sprinkles
• Piping bags or squeeze bottles
• Plates or boards
• Aprons

Instructions:

1. Provide each child with a gingerbread structure
2. Use icing as “glue” and decoration
3. Attach sweets to create unique designs
4. Add details like snow (icing) and paths (sweets)
5. Allow to set before taking home

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Pre-assembled houses, focus on decorating
• Ages 6-8: Simple assembly with support, creative decorating
• Ages 9-11: Full assembly and intricate designs

SEND Adaptations:

• Provide stable bases to prevent frustration
• Use squeeze bottles for easier icing control
• Offer hand-over-hand support
• Focus on sensory exploration of textures

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Christmas Card Creation

Materials Needed:

• Card stock or pre-folded cards
• Stamps and ink pads
• Stickers and festive cutouts
• Markers, crayons, coloured pencils
• Glue sticks
• Ribbon and buttons
• Envelopes

Instructions:

1. Choose card base
2. Design front with stamps, drawings, or collage
3. Write festive message inside
4. Decorate envelope
5. Discuss who they’ll send cards to

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Focus on stamping and sticking
• Ages 6-8: Independent design and simple messages
• Ages 9-11: Complex designs and personalised messages

SEND Adaptations:

• Provide templates or outlines
• Use adapted grips for markers
• Offer communication cards for message ideas
• Allow alternative expression methods (drawing instead of writing)

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Christmas Story Corner

Materials Needed:

• Festive books and stories
• Comfortable seating (cushions, bean bags)
• Christmas decorations
• Soft lighting or fairy lights
• Story props (optional)

Instructions:

1. Create cozy reading area
2. Offer selection of Christmas stories
3. Adult-led story time or independent reading
4. Discussion about favorite parts
5. Act out stories with props

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Picture books, interactive stories
• Ages 6-8: Longer stories, reading practice
• Ages 9-11: Chapter books, independent reading

SEND Adaptations:

• Provide sensory-friendly seating
• Use visual story boards
• Offer audio books or story apps
• Allow movement during listening

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Jingle Bell Freeze Dance

Materials Needed:

• Christmas music playlist
• Jingle bells (wrist or handheld)
• Open space
• Optional: festive props (scarves, hats)

Instructions:

1. Give each child jingle bells
2. Play Christmas music
3. Dance and shake bells
4. When music stops, freeze in position
5. Last to freeze or anyone moving is “out” (or just continue for fun)

Age Adaptations:

• Ages 3-5: Simple movements, no elimination
• Ages 6-8: Add dance moves to copy
• Ages 9-11: Choreographed routines or challenges

SEND Adaptations:

• Provide visual cues for “freeze”
• Allow seated participation
• Use scarves for visual movement tracking
• Focus on fun rather than rules

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These Christmas activities bring festive joy while supporting physical development, creativity, and social skills. By using the station-based approach, you can accommodate different ages, abilities, and interests, ensuring every child has a magical Christmas experience.