Christmas is a special time to make memories with your grandkids. As a grandparent, you have a unique chance to create fun holiday traditions and activities that will stick with them for years to come. Planning some festive holiday parties and activities is a great way to bond with your grandchildren during the Christmas season.
There are lots of easy and enjoyable Christmas party ideas perfect for grandparents to do with kids of all ages. From baking cookies to decorating the tree, simple activities can become cherished traditions. With a little creativity, you can come up with fun ways to celebrate the holidays together that everyone will look forward to each year.
1) Bingo with Holiday Prizes
Christmas bingo is a fun and easy game for grandparents to enjoy at holiday gatherings. You can find free printable bingo cards online with festive themes.
To set up, print enough cards for everyone playing. Cut out calling cards with holiday images or phrases. Shuffle these cards to use for calling out during the game.
Give each player a unique bingo card and some markers. You can use candies like M&Ms as festive markers.
Call out items one by one. Players mark matching squares on their cards. The first to get three in a row wins.
Make it extra special by offering holiday-themed prizes. Small ornaments, cookies, or candy canes work great as rewards.
This game is perfect for all ages. Grandparents and grandkids can play together, creating fun memories. It’s an ideal activity for a cozy afternoon or as part of a bigger Christmas party.
2) Christmas Cookie Decorating
Gather your grandparents for a festive cookie decorating party. Set up a table with pre-baked sugar cookies, gingerbread, or shortbread shapes.
Provide a variety of colorful frostings, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Don’t forget piping bags for detailed designs.
Create a cozy atmosphere with holiday music and warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced cider. This activity is perfect for all skill levels and encourages creativity.
Let grandparents show off their artistic skills or team up with grandkids for intergenerational fun. You can even have a friendly competition for the most creative cookie.
Consider themes like winter wonderland, Santa’s workshop, or classic holiday symbols. Provide stencils or cookie cutters in festive shapes for inspiration.
Remember to take photos of the decorated cookies and the smiling faces of your grandparents. These memories will be cherished for years to come.
At the end, package up the cookies in festive boxes or tins. Grandparents can take their creations home or give them as gifts to spread holiday cheer.
3) Ornament Crafting Station
Set up a fun ornament crafting station for your grandparents’ Christmas party. This activity brings out everyone’s creative side and makes for great bonding time.
Cover a table with brown craft paper to protect the surface. Gather plain glass or plastic ornaments in various shapes and sizes.
Provide paint, ribbons, buttons, and beads for decorating. Don’t forget glue, scissors, and paintbrushes. Make sure everything is easily accessible for older hands.
Put out pictures of decorated ornaments for inspiration. Your grandparents and their friends can let their imagination run wild.
This craft is perfect for all skill levels. Even those who aren’t artistic can create beautiful, personalized ornaments.
At the end of the party, each guest takes home their handmade ornament as a special memento. It’s a thoughtful keepsake they’ll cherish for years to come.
You can also use this as a chance to make ornaments as gifts for family members. Your grandparents will love giving personalized decorations to their loved ones.
4) Holiday Karaoke and Sing-Along
Get ready to belt out those festive tunes with a holiday karaoke and sing-along party for grandparents. Set up a karaoke machine with a mix of classic and modern Christmas songs.
Encourage everyone to join in, even if they’re not confident singers. The goal is to have fun and spread holiday cheer. You can create song books with lyrics to make it easier for everyone to participate.
Don’t forget to include some oldies that grandparents might remember from their younger days. Songs like “White Christmas” or “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” can bring back fond memories.
For those who aren’t keen on singing solo, organize group performances. You could divide guests into teams for a friendly competition or have everyone sing together for a heartwarming chorus.
Add some festive touches to your karaoke setup. Hang tinsel around the TV or projector screen, and provide Santa hats or reindeer antlers for singers to wear while performing.
Remember to keep the volume at a comfortable level for older ears. Take breaks between songs for chatting and sipping on hot cocoa or mulled wine.
5) Grandchildren Talent Show
A grandchildren talent show is a fun way to celebrate Christmas with your family. Ask your grandkids to prepare performances to showcase their skills. This can include singing, dancing, magic tricks, or telling jokes.
Set up a small stage area in your living room. Use Christmas lights or decorations to make it festive. Give each child a chance to perform for the whole family.
You can act as the host, introducing each act with enthusiasm. Encourage everyone to cheer and applaud for the young performers. This boosts their confidence and makes them feel special.
After the show, hand out silly awards to each grandchild. Make categories like “Best Dancer” or “Funniest Joke Teller.” Use paper certificates or small trophies as prizes.
This activity creates lasting memories and helps your grandkids bond. It also gives them a chance to shine and feel proud of their talents. You’ll love seeing their creativity and watching them grow more confident each year.
6) Gingerbread House Competition
Want to add some sweet holiday fun to your grandparents’ Christmas party? Try a gingerbread house competition! This activity brings out creativity and holiday cheer for all ages.
Set up a table with pre-made gingerbread house kits, frosting, and various candies for decorating. You can find these kits at most grocery stores during the holiday season.
Divide everyone into small teams or let them work individually. Give a time limit, like 30 minutes, to build and decorate their houses.
Encourage grandparents to team up with grandkids. This pairing creates special bonding moments and lets different generations share ideas.
After time’s up, have a judging session. Create fun categories like “Most Colorful,” “Best Roof Design,” or “Most Likely to Attract Santa.”
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures! These will make great memories to look back on. You might even start a new yearly tradition.
At the end, let everyone enjoy some hot cocoa while admiring all the gingerbread creations. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season together.
7) Ugly Sweater Contest
Get ready for some festive fun with an ugly sweater contest! Ask your grandparents and other guests to wear their most outrageous Christmas sweaters to the party.
You can set up a voting station where everyone can pick their favorite (or least favorite) sweater. Use colorful ballots or a digital voting system to make it easy for all.
Consider having different categories for the contest. You might have prizes for the “Ugliest Sweater,” “Most Creative,” and “Best Homemade Design.”
Don’t forget to have some spare ugly sweaters on hand. This way, if someone forgets to wear one, they can still join in the fun.
To make it even more exciting, you can have a DIY station. Set out craft supplies like glitter, bells, and tinsel. Let guests add extra flair to their sweaters right at the party.
Remember to take lots of pictures! You can create a photo wall with a festive backdrop for everyone to show off their ugly sweater creations.
8) Christmas Movie Marathon
Get cozy with your grandparents for a festive movie marathon. Pick a mix of classic and modern Christmas films to enjoy together. Create a comfy viewing area with soft blankets and cushy pillows.
Serve up some holiday-themed snacks like popcorn with red and green M&Ms or hot cocoa with candy cane stirrers. You can even make little movie tickets for a fun touch.
Take breaks between movies to chat about favorite scenes or share memories of past Christmases. This is a great chance for grandparents to tell stories about their holiday traditions.
Consider having everyone wear matching pajamas or Christmas sweaters to amp up the festive mood. You could also set up a small Christmas tree or string some lights to create a magical atmosphere.
Remember to keep the volume at a comfortable level for everyone. Provide closed captions if needed. This laid-back activity lets you spend quality time together while enjoying the magic of Christmas on screen.
9) Secret Santa Gift Exchange
A Secret Santa gift exchange can add fun and mystery to your grandparents’ Christmas party. Each person draws a name and buys a gift for that person without revealing who they picked.
Set a reasonable price limit, like $20-$30, so everyone can join in. Ask guests to bring wrapped presents to the party without names on them.
At the event, put all the gifts in a pile. Take turns picking and unwrapping gifts. You can allow people to “steal” already opened gifts if you want extra excitement.
For grandparents, suggest thoughtful gift ideas like cozy slippers, photo frames, or gift cards to favorite stores. Homemade treats or personalized items often make meaningful presents too.
This game lets everyone get a nice gift without the pressure of buying for the whole group. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and create fun memories together.
Remember to keep things simple and relaxed. The goal is for your grandparents and their friends to enjoy themselves and feel the warmth of the season.
10) Photo Booth with Fun Props
Setting up a photo booth is a great way to make your grandparents’ Christmas party more fun. You can create a festive backdrop using a red or green sheet and some sparkly decorations.
Add a small Christmas tree or wreath to the background for extra holiday cheer. Don’t forget to hang some twinkling lights to give the photos a warm glow.
Next, gather some fun props for your guests to use. Think Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and big candy canes. You can also include silly glasses, fake beards, and holiday-themed signs with funny sayings.
Make sure to have a camera or smartphone ready to take pictures. You can even set up a tripod with a timer so everyone can join in the photo fun.
Encourage your grandparents and other guests to get creative with their poses. They can pretend to be wrapping presents or decorating a tree.
After the party, print out the best photos and send them to your guests as a special memento. Your grandparents will love having these fun memories to look back on.
11) Christmas Caroling
Gather your grandkids for a merry night of Christmas caroling. This fun activity brings holiday cheer to your neighborhood and creates lasting memories.
Choose easy songs everyone knows. Print out lyrics or use carol booklets so no one forgets the words. Practice a few times before heading out.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Bring flashlights to read the lyrics in the dark. Small bells or tambourines add a festive touch to your singing.
Plan a short route through your neighborhood. Pick houses with holiday decorations – they’re more likely to enjoy carolers. Stick to well-lit areas for safety.
After caroling, warm up with hot cocoa and cookies at home. Share stories about past Christmases while you snack. The kids will love hearing about your holiday traditions.
Consider inviting neighbors or friends to join your caroling group. More voices make the experience even more fun. Plus, it’s a great way to socialize during the holidays.
Remember, it’s not about perfect singing. It’s about spending time together and spreading joy. Your grandkids will treasure these special moments with you.
12) Holiday-Themed Photo Album Making
Gather the grandparents for a fun photo album crafting session. This activity lets them relive cherished holiday memories while creating a beautiful keepsake.
Start by collecting holiday photos from past years. Ask family members to bring their favorite snapshots or print out digital images.
Set up a cozy crafting area with supplies like photo albums, scissors, glue, and festive stickers. Don’t forget to include markers for writing captions or dates.
Let the grandparents choose their favorite pictures and arrange them in the album. They can add personal touches with holiday-themed decorations or handwritten notes.
Encourage them to share stories about the photos as they work. This can spark lively conversations and bring back happy memories.
Consider making it a group project where everyone contributes to one big family album. This way, the finished product becomes a shared treasure.
Serve some hot cocoa and holiday treats to make the activity even more festive. Put on some soft Christmas music in the background for extra cheer.
When finished, the grandparents will have a special album to look through during the holidays. It’s a great way to celebrate family traditions and create new ones.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
A warm and inviting setting can make your grandparents’ Christmas party extra special. The right lighting and scents will help create a cozy mood for everyone to enjoy.
Warm Lighting Tips
Soft lighting sets the perfect tone for a cozy Christmas gathering. Try using strings of white fairy lights to add a magical glow. Wrap them around banisters or drape them across mantels.
Place candles in festive holders on tables and windowsills. Battery-operated candles are a safe option if you’re worried about fire hazards. Don’t forget about lamps – use warm bulbs and add lampshades in rich, deep colors.
A crackling fire in the fireplace is the ultimate cozy touch. If you don’t have a fireplace, play a video of a yule log on your TV for a similar effect.
Holiday Scent Suggestions
The right smells can really boost the festive mood. Fill your home with classic Christmas scents to delight your grandparents and other guests.
Simmer a pot of water on the stove with cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves. The aroma will spread through the house. Or use scented candles in flavors like pine, gingerbread, or vanilla.
Bake some cookies or bread before the party. The smell of fresh baked goods is sure to make everyone feel cozy and at home. You could even set up a hot cocoa station with mix-ins like marshmallows and peppermint sticks.
Fun and Games
Christmas parties with grandparents can be full of laughter and joy. Try these fun activities to create lasting memories and bring everyone together.
Memory-Lane Activities
Create a family history tree craft. Gather old photos and have grandparents share stories about each family member. Make a scrapbook together with pictures from past Christmases. Kids can decorate pages while grandparents write down memories.
Watch home videos from holidays long ago. Pop some popcorn and cozy up on the couch to relive funny moments. Ask grandparents to bring their favorite childhood Christmas ornaments and explain the stories behind them.
Set up a hot cocoa bar with toppings. Sip warm drinks while grandparents tell tales of their own childhood holidays. These activities let generations bond over shared experiences.
Grandparent-Friendly Party Games
Play Christmas bingo with festive images like Santa, reindeer, and snowmen. Make large-print cards so everyone can join in easily. Try a gentle version of musical chairs using holiday tunes. When the music stops, find the nearest seat.
Have a gift-wrapping relay race. Teams work together to wrap presents with silly challenges like using only one hand. This gets everyone laughing. Set up an easy bean bag toss game with holiday-themed targets.
Do a Christmas movie trivia quiz. Mix classic and new films so all ages can participate. Play “Name That Christmas Carol” by humming tunes for others to guess. These low-key games keep the fun going without being too tiring.
