The holidays can be magical, but they can also be expensive. You might want to try to fit in a bunch of different activities into the last few weeks of the year. However, you don’t want to blow your budget. Here are eight activities you can plan that are free or low-cost to get yourself in the Christmas spirit.
1. Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Decorating gingerbread houses can be an affordable holiday activity to do with family and friends. Many sets go on sale as the holiday draws nearer. You can also find sets under $20 on Amazon, at Target, Walgreens, or Walmart. This can be a fun creative activity that you can use for holiday decorations or centerpieces as well.
2. Pictures with Santa
There are many locations where pictures with Santa are free. Sometimes you only have to pay for pictures that you buy. Check out your local mall, Bass Pro Shop, or library for events with Santa. You don’t necessarily have to have children to get in on the fun.
3. Drive Around and See Neighborhood Lights
Another free holiday activity is driving around to see your neighborhood’s Christmas decorations. There’s no need to pay high admission costs for light displays. Some communities list where the best light displays are, so check out local message boards, Facebook groups, or social media influencers in your area. To make this activity even more magical, pack thermoses of hot chocolate and cookies for the ride.
4. Go Ice Skating
The best kind of ice skating is on a nearby lake or pond. Take safety precautions first before skating on the ice though. Some ice skating rinks are more affordable than others. Keep an eye out for open skates that are low-cost.
5. Watch Christmas Movies
Why not host a holiday movie-watching marathon? Classics like Elf, The Polar Express, The Grinch, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation are always a hit. You can incorporate delicious holiday snacks as well to make this holiday activity extra special. Christmas pajamas can make the whole experience that much more cozy.
6. Attend a Parade or Tree Lighting
Does your community have an annual tree lighting or parade? These free holiday activities are sure to get you in the Christmas mood. Many towns also have holiday strolls to help you finish all your holiday shopping. There are usually things like carolers, cookie decorating, and hot chocolate too.
7. Volunteer
One of the best holiday activities is to help those in need as a family. From local soup kitchens to toy drives, there are many organizations that need extra help over the holidays. One of my personal favorite activities during the holidays is helping out a local senior center where they host a Christmas brunch.
8. Host a Cookie Swap
Do you love to bake? Get your friends and family together for a cookie swap party. Each person will bring a certain number of cookies for each person participating, packaged however they’d like. They’ll include the recipe for the cookies they made as well. You’ll also make a dozen to share at the party itself. So, if you decide on a half dozen for each person and there were 10 participants you would make 60 cookies to give out and 12 for the get-together.
Celebrate The Season with Holiday Activities
Just because you’re trying to stick to a budget, doesn’t mean that you can’t partake in exciting holiday activities. By thinking outside-the-box you and your family can have a holiday season full of cheer. What are some of your favorite holiday activities?
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Teri Monroe
Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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