Fun Christmas vacation activities

Christmas vacation is just around the corner and with it comes the big question: how do we keep the kids busy? Two weeks of vacation can be quite a challenge, especially when you still have to work yourself. Luckily, we’ve gathered lots of activities and tips for you for all ages, so no one will be bored.

Amusement parks and zoos

Nothing screams Christmas vacation more than a day at the amusement park! The Efteling, for example, is in full Christmas spirit and transforms into a magical winter world. A little tip: go early, as popular attractions can have long wait times.

The zoo is a wonderful place for a day of entertainment. Many zoos host special winter activities and scavenger hunts. Check the website first for exact programming. The advantage? It’s suitable for all ages, even young children can come along in the stroller.

Skating

Red cheeks from the cold and adrenaline on the rink: skating is the Dutch winter activity! The Netherlands has plenty of beautiful skating rinks, especially around the Christmas period. Afterwards, the whole family enjoys hot chocolate or glühwein. Delicious!

Christmas markets and winter events

Conviviality guaranteed! Christmas markets have become increasingly popular in the Netherlands in recent years. The smell of mulled wine and baked apples, beautiful lighting and cozy stalls. And usually you’ll also meet Santa Claus who is happy to take your picture!

Treasure hunts and city tours

Make the city your playground! Special Christmas scavenger hunts are available, for example the Lotje Smartphone Scavenger Hunt, specially designed for children between the ages of 6 and 12. This gives city walking a fun twist. Older kids with a little more daring? A Horrorwalk offers a spooky city walk with exciting stories and history – with no scare moments, and completely offline!

Museum visit

A day at a museum is entertainment and culture at the same time. Choose a museum that suits your family – art museums for toddlers are less suitable. From hands-on museums to toy museums, there is something for everyone. Many museums offer enough interaction to keep kids busy. The Fort Island Geofort has an extensive Christmas holiday program where you can generate energy, learn about the secrets beneath our feet to make fire and craft winter creations.

Nature walks

Getting some fresh air is not just something for spring! Winter walks have their own charm. Beaches are pleasantly quiet in winter, and forests are wonderful to explore. Bring a steady four-legged friend and make it a real family day. Afterwards, enjoy hot drinks in a cozy pavilion.

Crafts

Crafting is perfect for rainy days. The Internet is full of ideas – Christmas wreaths made of paper, homemade Christmas cards for grandparents, garland made of colored paper. Pinterest is your best friend! Kids can also crochet or cut pictures from magazines and combine them into collages.

Creative Assignments

Photo scavenger hunts are genius: make a list of subjects to photograph (yellow car, cat in gardens, etc.) and send kids on them. This also works indoors. Or to make it extra special, give them your old camera and have them take pictures with it. Have older children write a story on pre-chosen topics. Even better, have them create a mini-workpiece with pictures and creative elements.

Baking together

Christmas cookies, cupcakes or a cake – baking is a fun activity that also results in something delicious to eat. Both small children and teenagers enjoy this. It makes for a cozy living room that smells like cinnamon and vanilla. Don’t forget: make them clean up the kitchen nicely afterwards!

Board Games

A game is perfect when you just don’t know what to come up with. From classic games to modern variants like Exploding Kittens – there is something for every taste. Games don’t have to be long and complex. For parents and teens, you can organize a complete game night!

Building your own cabin

For kids, having their own cabin is golden. Grab sheets, towels, pillow and pegs and create a cozy spot. The building process itself is hours of entertainment. Reward success with juice and some goodies for the cabin. And who knows: a night sleeping in the tent is extra special after all!

Fun apps and online activities

Sometimes a little screen time is okay (really!). For little ones: the Zeppelin app offers safe games and movies. Dr. Panda is educational counting, and Discover the Ocean is perfect for dinosaur lovers. For older children: Duolingo teaches language, Scratch lets them program games, and Google Earth offers endless exploration.

Activities especially for teens

Teens need a little more creativity to avoid getting bored.

Out and about with friends

Go out with friends! Explore shopping streets, visit museums (Instagram Museums are hip!), browse Christmas markets or enjoy ice skating. A lunch or dinner somewhere is always welcome, too.

Make money

December is expensive. Sell stuff you no longer use on Marketplace or Vinted. Photograph, write an attractive description, and who knows, your money might be there soon! Or ask for extra hours at your side job, employers appreciate it.

Let them keep themselves busy

Let your teen have a little party to themselves! A music on, provide snacks, and conviviality is soon present. Or let them organize a picnic around the house. Or let them help out around the house. Empty the dishwasher, vacuum or run errands. Saves you time again!

Give playful assignments

Have them clean up their teenage room by sorting toys or books into boxes, and have them deliver what they no longer want to the neighbor kids. Then they will have something fun to do as well. Everyone happy.

Happy Christmas vacations!

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa and Canva.com