December can feel like a lot when you’re trying to create a magical Christmas without overspending, but I’ve learned that the moments my boys cherish most aren’t the expensive outings or big presents, it’s the simple things we do together. This year, I’m leaning into that and exploring new, low-cost traditions with them, from festive movie nights and baking days to blanket forts, scavenger hunts and dance parties in the living room. These activities cost little to nothing, but they create the kind of memories children hold onto. If you’re looking for ways to make the season feel special without stretching your budget, these ideas will help you bring the magic back to December in a way that feels calm, intentional and full of connection.
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10 Free or Low Cost Activities to Do With Kids in December
December is one of my favourite months of the year. Not because of the shopping or the spending, but because of the moments I get to create with my family. The cosy evenings. The loud laughter. The simple traditions that remind me how quickly childhood moves and how important it is to slow down and enjoy it.
But we also know December can get very expensive very quickly. Everywhere you look there is something to buy or somewhere to go. The reality is, if you are not intentional, you can spend your entire Christmas budget before the school holidays even begin!
Over the years I have learned that the most meaningful Christmas memories do not come from expensive outings or gifts. They come from simple moments and quality time. Here are 10 free or low cost activities you and your family can enjoy in December.
1. A Christmas Lights Walk
We have never done this before, but we are starting it this year and I already know it is going to become one of our favourite festive traditions. It feels magical, it gets everyone outside and it does not cost a thing.
The plan is simple. We will wrap up warm, make hot chocolate in travel cups and head out just after sunset. I can already picture the boys running ahead, pointing out decorations and arguing about which house has the best lights. There is something special about seeing the streets you walk every day suddenly transformed with colour and sparkle.
I am looking forward to the peace of it. Watching the children take everything in without distractions or pressure. I have a feeling this is one of those small traditions that will become a big memory in years to come!
2. Making Christmas Cards Together
My third son loves anything DIY, so I already know this is a tradition he is going to love.
This year we’re planning to pull out a box of random craft supplies and let the boys create their own Christmas cards. Nothing expensive, just paper, glue, stickers and whatever bits we already have at home. Handmade cards feel so personal and meaningful, and they cost almost nothing to make.
It is such a simple way to slow down, get creative and let the children make something special for the people they love, and I know it’s going to become one of our favourite new traditions.
3. Festive Movie Night
Movie nights are already a big thing in our house, but this year I want to make them feel even more festive. I’m planning to create a little Festive Film Jar so we can pick a Christmas movie at random, dim the lights, grab blankets and let the boys rearrange the living room like a cinema. Check out this list of all the essentials you’ll need for your movie night.
4. Baking Day
This activity always ends with a messy kitchen, but the joy on the kids faces makes it worth it.
We bake whatever we have ingredients for. Cookies, cupcakes, gingerbread or simple biscuits. The boys take turns stirring, cracking eggs and licking the bowl at the end.
It is loud and chaotic but also one of the ways we bond as a family. And the warm treats at the end feel like a little reward for all the effort. Grab all the items you’ll need to bake today on Amazon.
5. The Reverse Advent Calendar
This is a new tradition I want to start with the boys. Instead of focusing only on receiving, I want them to experience giving too.
Each day we’ll add one item to a box, pasta, tins, cereal, toiletries. By Christmas it will be full. We’ll then donate it to a food bank and talk about why it matters. I think this will be such a simple but great way to teach my boys about gratitude and generosity.
6. Christmas Dance Party
Sometimes the boys have so much energy in December that I need them to burn it off, and a Christmas playlist does the job every single time.
We’ll move the sofa back, turn the music up and dance around the living room. And this year I want to make it even more fun by bringing back old school party games — musical statues, musical chairs, musical bumps, the whole lot.
It is pure chaos in the best way, the boys absolutely love it and it is always guaranteed fun at zero cost.
7. Letters to Future Selves
This is such a lovely reflective activity for all the boys to take part in. I’ll be getting them to write letters to our 2026 Christmas selves. In the letter we’ll include things like our favourite memories of the year, what we are grateful for and our hopes for the future.
We’ll pack the letters away with the Christmas decorations. I’m sure opening them the following December will be emotional and meaningful.
8. Build a Blanket Fort
There is something so magical about turning everyday items into a little hideout. The boys gather blankets, cushions and chairs and start building their own cosy fort, carefully draping everything until it feels just right. Once it’s finished, they decide how to use it. Sometimes they curl up inside with a book, sometimes they sneak in snacks, and other times they simply sit together chatting and giggling.
It is such a simple activity, but the excitement it brings them is priceless. Moments like this remind me that children don’t need much to create their own little world.
9. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is such a simple idea, but it instantly turns an ordinary walk into something exciting. I’m planning to create a little list for the boys to follow — things like a house with blue lights, a star in a window, a snowman decoration, a shiny bauble or anything that sparkles. We can do it indoors on a rainy day or take it outside during an evening stroll.
The boys are naturally competitive, so I already know they’ll throw themselves into it. It is an easy, free way to add some fun and adventure to an otherwise normal outing.
10. Games Night
This year I really want to bring back the kind of games night we had growing up. Nothing fancy, just the board games and card games we already own, a few snacks and an evening with no distractions. Once everyone gets involved, the laughter, the playful arguments and the little moments of teamwork create the best atmosphere.
It’s a reminder to the boys that fun doesn’t come from expensive outings. It comes from being present with the people you love and making space to enjoy each other’s company.
Final Thoughts
If December feels financially stretched, please remember this. Your children do not need big days out or piles of gifts to feel loved. They don’t need a perfect Christmas, they need a present parent, someone who brings warmth, steadiness and moments they can hold onto.
The magic they’ll remember isn’t tied to money. It’s found in the traditions you create together, the conversations you share and the time you choose to give them. Everything in this list is proof that connection will always matter more than cost.
