23 Fun Things to Do on Christmas Day in 2024

1. Tour the Christmas Lights

Once all the leaves have fallen from the trees and winter sets in, the landscape can look a little drab—especially in the absence of fresh-fallen snow. That’s precisely why the appearance of ornate and enchanting Christmas light displays is a sight for sore eyes. I always look forward to our family tradition of touring the impressive light displays in the nearby neighborhood of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, but you can savor the holiday magic of your own illuminated neighborhood on Christmas Day no matter where you live. If it’s too frosty to take a tour on foot, you can always pile the family in the car for a drive-thru Christmas lights event. (Note: Hot chocolate and Christmas cookies are optional, but highly recommended.)

2. Watch a Christmas Movie

…or several. From black-and-white classics that will leave you misty-eyed under the mistletoe (It’s a Wonderful Life, anyone?) to slapstick holiday favorites that will make the whole family jolly, there is no shortage of excellent Christmas movies for any crowd to enjoy. Gather your buddies or snuggle up solo for a Christmas Day viewing experience that promises plenty of holiday vibes, and pairs well with a hot cocktail to boot. Not sure which film to choose? I’m particularly fond of A Christmas Story, but if that’s not up your alley, you can always consult our list of Christmas classics to find a feel-good film for audiences of all ages.

3. Check Out a Ballet Performance of ‘The Nutcracker’

Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ might have started off as a flop, but this gorgeous classical ballet has evolved into one of the most widely-recognized features of the Christmas season—and one that I enjoyed watching my sisters, skilled ballet dancers, perform every year throughout my childhood. The music alone is worthy of your Christmas playlist, but nothing beats the experience of hearing it performed as it was intended (i.e., brought to life with ballet). The graceful and gravity-defying movements of professional dancers provide a holiday feast for the eyes. If you can score some tickets, a live performance definitely ranks among the most memorable things to do on Christmas Day.

4. Clean Up and Donate

What better way to get into the holiday spirit on Christmas Day than by giving back? But if you’re suddenly inspired to volunteer, keep in mind that most nonprofits get inundated around the holidays and actually need help at other points in the year. Instead, make room for your new loot by working your best Marie Kondo magic and then donating gently used items to organizations that need it like the Salvation Army, Dress for Success, Goodwill and Soles4Souls. Not only will it feel great to free up some space in the closet (because if your home looks anything like mine, the clutter is out of control) but scientific research also shows that kindness makes people happier.

5. Make It a Themed Family Game Night

Not up for a major outing on Christmas Day? I don’t blame you...after all, the fire pit is so inviting. In fact, the holiday season is a perfect occasion to cozy up and relax—and if you find yourself searching for something more to do, simply make it a game night. To keep things appropriately festive, I suggest you stick to holiday-themed games. Good news: This can be done even if your game closet isn’t already stocked with holiday options—just check out our roundup of family-friendly (and a few grown-up) Christmas games and let the play begin.

6. Go Caroling

If you’re looking for fun things to do on Christmas Day, this one is a no-brainer. Sure, Christmas carols have been playing on a loop in every store, home and head for about a month now, so we get it if you’d rather pull the plug on festive music and put on some death metal instead. That said, if you’re still digging the Christmas tunes, why not gather your brood and go caroling? It’s a great excuse to take a stroll, while also spreading the holiday spirit to your neighbors.

7. Cook a Christmas Day Feast

The holidays are all about being with loved ones, and what better way to bring people together than with a massive amount of mouth-watering food. You’ve had a solid month to recover from Thanksgiving, so get your oven mitts back on and round up your support team for a few hours in the kitchen for a fun thing to do on Christmas day that yields an Insta-worthy spread. Plus, a delicious, indulgent meal is perfectly fit for the occasion and made all the better by the company you share it with..

8. Go for a Nature Walk

After consuming your body weight in stuffing, it’s time to go outside for some exercise and fresh air. Put on your winter coat and enjoy a walk in the Great Outdoors (if you don’t have a state park within a reasonable distance, any other natural setting will do the trick). And for the grown-ups in the group, may we suggest using one of these hot cocktails as a tasty hand warmer?

9. Get Crafty with Thank You Cards

Thank you cards: The one Christmas tradition that has a nasty habit of falling by the wayside if you aren’t vigilant. Avoid that mistake by making it a Christmas Day activity—and be sure to get crafty with it for extra fun in the process. Pull out some scrapbooking supplies and sit down for an art project and an opportunity to express gratitude (before you commit the cardinal sin of forgetting whether it was your grandma or your great aunt who gave you those fuzzy slippers).

10. Build a Gingerbread House

This classic holiday activity is an excellent way to spend time with the family, and a particularly kid-friendly craft to boot (just beware the sugar rush). The hands-on project is sure to keep everyone entertained after the frenzied present-opening rush has passed and the future snacking potential promises to keep the holiday spirit alive for at least another couple of days. Hint: For an extra challenge, try your hand at gingerbread houses after you’ve done a Christmas lights tour of your neighborhood so you can try to recreate some of your favorite decorations.

11. Hit the Ice Skating Rink

After the excesses of the holiday season and a big Christmas Day brunch, a little exercise promises to be a refreshing change of pace. But hitting the gym isn’t exactly top of our list of things to do on Christmas Day (if you can even find one open), and a jog around the neighborhood doesn’t seem particularly festive either. Enter ice skating: The ideal way to get your body moving and breathe in the fresh winter air, while still being surrounded by the twinkling of Christmas lights, of course. Gather your loved ones and hit a nearby rink for an afternoon outing once the morning festivities are finished.

12. Go on a Candy Cane Hunt

Yep, you don’t have to wait for Easter to give your kids a chance to search high and low, home and yard, for candy. Simply hang or otherwise hide some candy canes around and sit back while the young sugar fiends race around trying to find the goods. There is no shortage of good hiding spots when it comes to stashing candy canes, so this activity can last as long as you wish—and if you bring the game outdoors, stir-crazy kids can benefit from some much-needed fresh air, too. (Check out this tutorial to pull it off.)

13. Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange

Alas, once the wrapping paper has been unceremoniously ripped off the last parcel under the tree, the merriment of giving and receiving gifts will have come to an end. Unless, that is, you planned a white elephant party as a thing to do on Christmas Day. This popular gift exchange game boasts an extra element of surprise—anonymity—and plenty of irreverent fun, since selfishness is the strategy at work.

14. Rock Your Ugly Christmas Sweaters

You may have to literally beg your loved ones to don the ugly Christmas sweaters you bought them, but don’t give up, they will indeed look smashing on your Instagram feed. If you’re facing some serious resistance, up the ante by turning it into a competition where everyone gets to vote for their favorite ugly sweater at the end of the day. Winner gets first dibs on dinner.

15. Host a Revenge Christmas Party

If you spent last year’s Christmas riding solo, you’re fully allowed to host a Christmas bash for your loved ones this year (just follow all relevant health and safety protocols, OK?). Check temperatures, make sure everyone in attendance is vaccinated and have a blast.

16. Perform a Christmas Classic

Because why simply watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas when you can have way more fun performing the classic tale? (We suggest doing a rendition of the book since the film is an hour and 45 minutes long). Other good picks? Miracle on 34^th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer and plenty more. You can even do it over Zoom for the family members who weren’t able to travel.

17. Host a Christmas Karaoke Night

Show all the haters that you are indeed the Mariah Carey of your friend group by belting out “All I Want for Christmas is You,” at the end of a joyous Christmas karaoke night. Bonus points if you can remember all the lyrics after several glasses of eggnog.

18. Go to the Mall

Nothing cures that post-lunch, we-can’t-wait-till-dinner midday slump like a nice trip to the mall and some retail therapy. Take a picture with Santa, treat yourself to something sweet and, hell, maybe even pick up a nice gift (or two) for yourself because honestly, can you really have too many presents?

19. Brainstorm New Year’s Resolutions

The winter holidays don’t end with Christmas, so why not get a headstart on the next celebration by drafting up a list of New Year’s resolutions once the gifts are unwrapped and the festivities have died down? You can get the whole family involved and make it a social activity, or seize the opportunity for a little quiet time alone. Plus, the merry mood of the holiday practically guarantees you will be in a positive head space when you consider what you value and what you want to change in the coming year.

20. Connect with Family and Friends on a Video Call

Chances are you have several friends and relatives who couldn’t fly out for the holidays. Use your Christmas Day downtime to reconnect with a video call (or several) to the people who are near to your heart, but live far away. You can show off gifts and shoot the breeze or even keep them on call for a Christmas flick (psst: here’s how to watch movies together)—either way, all parties will be rewarded with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Naturally, your floor is littered with shredded wrapping paper after the present opening frenzy…but don’t reach for that garbage bag just yet. Instead, upcycle the pretty gift wrap with this easy paper bead craft. All you need is Mod Podge and some festive detritus. Best of all, the process is easy enough for family members of all ages to participate and the end result is a pretty piece of wearable art.

Sure, Swiss Miss is fine, but there are tons of more creative (and tastier) variations on the classic holiday beverage. Check out our roundup of the best hot chocolate recipes of all the time for inspiration and head to the kitchen with the family to whip up a decadent holiday drink that will leave everyone feeling cozy and oh-so satisfied. Bonus points if you turn it into a competition by appointing a judge and having everyone else make a different recipe to see which hot cocoa is the winner. 

While you might think that most volunteer opportunities happen in the weeks following Christmas, there are actually plenty of ways to give back on Christmas Day. For example, Feeding America has plenty of openings for folks who want to serve hot meals to the needy at soup kitchens across the country, and you’d be hard pressed to find a more meaningful way to celebrate the true spirit of the season.