Christmas Show Ideas: Holiday Activities Your Kids Will Love

In what will come as a surprise to no one, kids absolutely love Christmas! A YouGov survey found that 99% of kids who celebrate Christmas say that they enjoy it. Of course, there's a lot to love-and we're not just talking about the presents!

The twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine, and the excitement in the air, Christmas is a truly magical time of year. As parents, teachers, or organizers, there's nothing quite as rewarding as putting together a delightful Christmas show for kids.

This blog post will be your ultimate guide to creating an entertaining and fun-filled holiday extravaganza that will leave your kids with cherished memories for years to come. Let's get started!

Decorations Galore

The Christmas holiday season is all about spreading joy and cheer, and what better way to do that than by getting crafty and creating dazzling decorations? Let's share some tips to ensure that your Christmas show is looking its very best this festive season.

Merry Christmas Banners

No Christmas show is complete without cheerful banners. Provide colorful paper, markers, stickers, and other embellishments to the kids. They can write "Merry Christmas" or other festive messages on the banners and decorate them to their hearts' content. String the banners together and hang them as a delightful backdrop for the stage or performance area.

Santa's Sleigh Centerpieces

Create adorable Santa's sleigh centerpieces to adorn the tables where the kids will sit during the show. Using small cardboard boxes, paint them red and add black lines to resemble Santa's iconic sleigh.

Glue small wooden craft sticks as the sleigh's runners. You can fill the sleigh with small gifts or candy canes for the kids to enjoy during the show.

Sparkling Snowflakes

There's something mesmerizing about snowflakes, and we can capture that magic with our very own sparkling snowflake decorations. Provide the kids with white paper, scissors, and glitter glue, and let them cut out intricate snowflake shapes.

Once they're done, they can add a touch of sparkle with glitter glue to make them twinkle like real snowflakes! Hang these creations around the performance area to create a winter wonderland vibe.

Holiday Themed Skits

Lights, camera, action! It's time to bring out the stars of your Christmas show-the talented young performers ready to shine in holiday-themed skits.

This segment promises to be a highlight of the event, as the kids step into different roles. It's a chance for them to showcase their acting prowess while spreading festive cheer. Let's explore some exciting ideas for holiday-themed skits.

The Elf Workshop Mishap

Imagine the chaos that ensues in Santa's workshop when a mischievous elf accidentally spills a magical potion on the toys, making them come to life!

The skit can involve the kids playing Santa, the clumsy elf, and a group of animated toys that create humorous havoc. This skit allows the young actors to infuse their roles with humor and creativity, bringing laughter to the audience.

Reindeer Games

Santa's reindeers are gearing up for their big night, but there's a friendly competition amongst them to determine who will lead the sleigh. Each reindeer showcases their unique talents, such as dancing, singing, or telling jokes, in an attempt to impress Santa.

This skit allows the kids to display their individual skills and personalities while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and friendship.

A Present for Santa

Santa Claus receives countless gifts each year, but what happens when the tables turn, and the kids decide to surprise Santa with a special present?

The skit can involve the children secretly planning and preparing a heartfelt gift for Santa, like a handcrafted ornament or a gratitude letter. This skit emphasizes the joy of giving and reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Magical Christmas Tree

In this enchanting skit, a group of kids discovers a magical Christmas tree that grants wishes. Each child shares their heartfelt wish, such as:

• Reuniting with a loved one
• Bringing happiness to someone in need
• Spreading kindness throughout the world

Through their wishes, the kids showcase the values of love, compassion, and selflessness.

Letters to Santa

Santa receives countless letters from children all over the world, but what happens when some of the letters get mixed up? The skit can revolve around the comical chaos that unfolds when the kids accidentally switch their letters to Santa.

Each child must try to navigate their way through the wishes of others, resulting in hilarious misunderstandings and heartwarming resolutions.

Singing Christmas Carols

Singing Christmas carols is a heartwarming tradition that brings people together and spreads the joy and spirit of the season. Let's highlight how to make this musical journey even more magical and memorable.

Song Selection

Choosing the right Christmas carols is key to setting the mood and creating a heartwarming atmosphere. Opt for classic favorites like "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," "Silent Night," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Consider adding some modern favorites as well, such as "All I Want for Christmas Is You" or "Last Christmas." Ensure that the song selection is age-appropriate and allows each child to shine.

Rehearsals and Vocal Training

To make the singing truly harmonious, start with regular rehearsals well in advance. Practice the carols together as a group, focusing on enunciation, dynamics, and blending of voices.

Consider providing vocal training sessions to help the kids improve their singing techniques and build their confidence. The children will not only improve their vocal skills but also learn the value of teamwork and perseverance.

Audience Participation

Engage the audience by inviting them to participate in the singing. After performing a familiar carol, encourage the audience to join in for a heartwarming sing-along. Providing lyric sheets or displaying the lyrics on a screen will make it easier for everyone to participate.

The joyous sound of children and the audience singing together will create a magical moment that embodies the true essence of Christmas.

Props and Visuals

Enhance the carol performances with simple yet effective props and visuals. For instance, during "Jingle Bells," the children can jingle small bells in their hands.

For "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," they can wear cute reindeer antlers or red noses. A backdrop depicting a snowy landscape or a festive Christmas scene will add a delightful touch to the carol performances.

Christmas Movie Screening

Another tip is to take a break from the live performances and host a Christmas movie screening. Let's look at how to create a relaxing interlude while still keeping the holiday magic alive.

Movie Selection

Choose a selection of family-friendly Christmas movies that cater to different age groups and preferences. Classics like "Home Alone," "The Polar Express," and "Elf" never fail to charm both kids and adults alike.

Additionally, consider including some lesser-known gems to surprise and delight the audience. Ensure the chosen movies align with the values and themes you want to promote during the show.

Cozy Movie-Watching Area

Create a cozy and inviting movie-watching area to set the mood for a memorable cinematic experience. Arrange comfortable seating with cushions, blankets, and bean bags to make everyone feel at ease.

String twinkling lights or hang some paper snowflakes to add a touch of magic to the surroundings. The ambiance will transport the audience into the enchanting world of Christmas.

Festive Treats

No movie screening is complete without delicious treats! Offer a selection of festive snacks like popcorn, hot cocoa with marshmallows, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies.

You can even set up a hot chocolate station with various toppings, allowing the kids to personalize their own cups. These delightful treats will add to the joy and coziness of the movie experience.

Movie Trivia and Prizes

Add an element of family time fun and competition by hosting movie trivia during intermissions. Prepare some questions related to the movie being screened and reward the kids who answer correctly with small Christmas-themed prizes or treats.

This interactive activity will keep everyone engaged and enhance their connection with the movie.

Christmas Show Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, and organizing a delightful Christmas show for kids allows us to share these wonderful feelings with the little ones. The above tips will help you create a memorable Christmas live show.

Are you interested in family-friendly shows near Lancaster, PA? If so, Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater is your premier choice. We have incredible shows throughout the year, including Christmas shows during the festive period. 

Click here to learn more about our amazing shows.