New Christmas traditions are so much fun to start, especially if the whole family is on board. If you’re into trying new things for the holiday season, then you’re going to love these tradition options with your friends and family.
What is a Christmas tradition?
A Christmas tradition is simply something you do every year to celebrate the holiday season. It could be any number of things, from a certain food that’s served each year, to an event where all family members can spend time with each other. The possibilities are endless when it comes to traditions for the holidays!
1. Make gingerbread houses together
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, then making gingerbread houses is a great choice. You can get creative and make all kinds of different structures, from a tiny village to a giant castle! Plus, it’s always satisfying to see the final result once you’ve decorated the house.


2. Go caroling with friends and family
Nothing says Christmas like singing holiday songs in the cold! If you have a group of friends or family members who want to do something fun together, then going caroling is a very traditional activity that’s sure to be enjoyable for everyone involved. Even if you don’t know all the words to the songs, it’s still fun to be able to sing together and celebrate this special time of year.
3. Watch holiday movies as a family
There are so many great holiday movies that make an excellent tradition for families during this time of year. Whether you all watch them together or simply get in the spirit by watching one movie each night, these films are sure to get you in the mood for Christmas. Some of the classics include “The Grinch,” “Home Alone,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”


4. Make cookies with your kids
Christmas is all about treats, especially when it comes to baked goods. That’s why making gingerbread cookies or other Christmas treats with your kids is a great activity to try this year. You can also get creative by decorating the cookies in fun ways, which can be a very enjoyable activity for everyone involved!
The Most Delicious Vintage Cookie Recipes
Grinch Christmas Truffles
Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe
Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
5. Organize a secret Santa exchange with friends
If you have friends you enjoy spending time with during the holidays, then organizing a secret Santa exchange is a fun activity that’s sure to get you all in the spirit. Secret Santas can be a lot of fun if they are planned and executed correctly.
6. Visit a Christmas market with family and friends
Christmas markets are so much fun to visit, even if you don’t buy anything. You can simply walk around and enjoy all the sights and smells of the market, or get some hot chocolate with friends in between purchases. Either way, it’s a great holiday activity for people of all ages!
7. Go see a holiday play or concert
If you’re into live music and theater, then a holiday play or concert is sure to be an excellent way to celebrate the season. Whether you go with your significant other, friends, family members, or all of the above, going to see some Christmas music is always a great time!
8. Take a trip up north to look at the lights
Some of the most beautiful sights you can see during the holidays are all the Christmas lights that light up towns and cities. If you live in a place where this is possible, then it’s definitely worth taking a trip to go look at these festive decorations. It’ll put you in the holiday spirit for sure!
9. Make gifts for your loved ones
While it’s always nice to receive presents from loved ones, the act of making a gift is an equally meaningful experience. Plus, if you’re crafty or creative, this can be a fun project for you and any children in your life. Whether it’s hand-painted mugs or knitted scarves, homemade gifts are sure to be appreciated by everyone on your list! New Christmas traditions need built within families and this is a great one to start.
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Simple Handmade Christmas Gifts
Christmas Crafts for the Whole Family
DIY Ornaments for Christmas Woodland Creatures
10. Go skiing or snowboarding with friends and family
If you live in a place where there’s snow, then take a trip up the mountains for some winter sports fun. Now, this is one of the newest Christmas traditions that I could get behind. You get to experience winter and a whole new tradition that you can invite new people to every single year.
11. Go see Santa Claus in person
Another great way for kids and adults alike to feel festive during the holidays is to visit Santa Claus in person. Whether it’s at the mall, a Christmas market, or even on the street, this is a great way to get excited about Christmas and give your children some good memories!
12. Visit a live nativity
Another great way to get into the Christmas spirit is to visit a live nativity scene. Many churches put on these plays during this time of year, so finding one in your area shouldn’t be hard. A live nativity scene can teach you more about the holiday’s deeper meaning, as well as provide some beautiful sights and sounds to enjoy.
More Holiday Tradition Options
13. Go see a tree lighting ceremony
14. Get a customized video from Santa
15. Let the kids decorate their own tree
16. Make reindeer mix with the kids
17. Take the kids to have breakfast with Santa
18. Go a Polar Express night
19. Spend time at a soup kitchen
20. Sponsor a child from the Angel Tree
More Christmas Fun:
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- How to Have a Christmas with No Gifts
- How to Shop After Christmas Sales
- French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Eggnog Pancakes Recipe
- Christmas Drinks for the Whole Family
These 20 new Christmas traditions to start will make your holiday even brighter. If you’re looking for something to do with the family, all of these traditions work wonderfully. What tradition would you add to this list?