Fun Places Near Me for Christmas: 10 Magical Things to Do With Kids
December has arrived, which means three things are happening at the same time:
- Your kids are jumping with excitement.
- Your calendar is suddenly very full.
- You’re typing fun places near me for Christmas into Google like it’s part of your daily routine.
You are looking for the magic, the memories, the moments they can talk about for years to come, for sure. But you also want something simple yet fun, something close, doable, and not emotionally exhausting.
So, here’s the good news: Christmas fun doesn’t have to be a 10-page planning kind of thing to be special. Some of the best holiday memories are hiding right near you - covered in lights, sprinkles, and just enough fun to make them memorable.
Let’s talk about 10 Christmas activities kids genuinely love (and parents can actually enjoy).
1. Christmas Light Displays (Instant Holiday Magic)
You know that moment when you’re driving along and suddenly you see a house with enough Christmas lights to light up the whole city - and your kids gasp like they’ve spotted Santa throwing gifts himself? That moment never gets old.
Christmas light displays are a let’s go right now thing. Drive-through ones are perfect for cold nights or younger kids, while walk-through displays turn into mini adventures in themselves as well. Kids point, debate which house is “winning Christmas,” and narrate the experience like tiny holiday commentators, now what’s fun if this isn’t?
Minimal planning. Maximum magic. Honestly, please do it.
2. Meeting Santa (Yes, It’s Still a Big Deal)
You might think your kids would eventually get over Santa. They do not - because no matter the age, no one can get over Santa, even you parents. Isn’t it true?
So, whether it’s at a mall, holiday event, local festival, or a fun place near you, meeting Santa feels monumental to kids. There’s the outfit, the candies, and pure fun. So why not?
Pro tip: from one parent to another: earlier visits usually mean shorter lines and happier kids. Everyone wins, even Santa.
3. Holiday Train Rides (Choo-Choo, But Festive)
Trains are already fun and exciting, and it’s even better at Christmas.
So, make one at home, add Christmas music, lights, and maybe an elf or two at the engine. Or take them to an actual ride and suddenly it’s the highlight of the season and for your kids.
Kids would feel like they’re on a real adventure. Parents get adorable photos and a moment of adoration for sure. And at the end, everyone leaves humming holiday songs for the rest of the day.
Worth every second.
4. Christmas Markets & Winter Villages
Holiday markets are sneaky good family outings.
There’s food (very important), lights everywhere, and usually something fun for kids - rides, crafts, or performers.
It’s festive without being overwhelming. You can wander, snack, take photos, and soak it all in at your own pace. It feels like Christmas without a strict schedule, which is exactly what December needs.
5. Ice Skating (Festive Chaos, But Make It Cute)
Ice skating with kids is in equal parts magical and mildly happening. There will be wobbling. There may be falling. But there will absolutely be laughter and proud little smiles. So get ready for those.
Most rinks offer beginner helpers, which means fewer spills and more confidence. And even if your kids spend more time clinging to the side than skating, it still feels like a holiday moment worth remembering.
6. Cookie Decorating (Sprinkles Solve Everything)
Cookie decorating is pure joy - especially when it’s not happening in your kitchen.
Kids get frosting, sprinkles, and total creative freedom. Plus, parents get fewer crumbs to clean up. Everyone leaves happy, sticky, and very proud of cookies that look… abstract.
Eating them immediately is not just allowed - it’s expected.
7. Holiday-Themed Museums & Exhibits
For kids who love to explore, holiday exhibits are a great change of pace.
Think festive displays, hands-on activities, and just enough learning to make parents feel like they’re winning at life.
It’s calm (by Christmas standards), engaging, and a nice break from high-energy events without losing the holiday vibe.
8. Christmas Movies at the Theater (Sit Still, But Festive)
A Christmas movie at home is cozy. A Christmas movie on the big screen? Yes please.
Many theaters show family favorites during the holidays, and it’s one of those outings that feels special without requiring much effort. Popcorn and hot chocolate with dim lights, familiar stories - and kids actually sitting still for a bit. A holiday miracle.
9. Holiday Crafts & Ornament Making
Craft workshops are perfect for kids who love making things with their own little hands. Ornaments, decorations, little keepsakes - they get to create something meaningful and take it home.
Fair warning: glitter will follow you back home or to your bedroom. But those handmade ornaments? They somehow become the ones you treasure most.
10. Winter Festivals & Holiday Parades
Winter festivals and parades bring everything together - music, lights, characters, snacks, and that buzzing Christmas energy kids thrive on.
Yes, it’s loud. Yes, it’s busy. But it’s also joyful, exciting, and the kind of experience kids talk about for weeks. Bundle up, lean into it, and let the chaos be part of the fun.
A Quick Reality Check (Because December Is a Lot)
Planning all these outings can feel like a second job - especially when December already feels packed. That’s why some families use platforms like Funfull to discover kid-friendly places and seasonal experiences in one spot.
Let’s say you want to go skating, or watch a happy Christmas movie, or visit an arcade near you - your FunPass covers you. Or even if it’s freezing outside and you wish to stay home but don’t want to get bored, you can have a cozy Christmas time with Funfull at home, included in your FunPass, with thousands of activities at your fingertips.
So, fewer tabs open, less decision fatigue, and more time actually enjoying the fun instead of planning it.
The Real Magic of Christmas With Kids
When you’re searching for fun places near me for Christmas, remember this: kids don’t need perfection. They need moments.
A night of lights. A cookie covered in sprinkles. A parade where they waved a little too enthusiastically. Those are the memories that stick.
Pick a few activities, keep expectations realistic, and give yourself permission to enjoy it too. Christmas isn’t about doing everything-it’s about doing something together and laughing through the rest.
And honestly? That’s more than enough.
