The holiday season is a magical time for children, but finding inclusive, enjoyable, and sensory-friendly activities for children with special needs can sometimes be a challenge. Here’s a list of 25 Christmas activities tailored for kids with diverse needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for sensory-friendly options, creative crafts, or calming online activities, there’s something here for every child to enjoy.


Sensory-Friendly Activities

Sensory play is a wonderful way for children to explore textures, colors, and even smells in a safe, enjoyable way. Here are some festive, tactile activities perfect for the holiday season:

  1. Sensory Christmas Rice
    Use dyed red and green rice for an exciting tactile experience. Kids can run their hands through it, fill cups, or scoop with spoons.
  2. Christmas-Themed Sensory Bin
    Fill a bin with water beads, mini ornaments, and other small festive items to give children a hands-on Christmas adventure.
  3. Artificial Snow Play
    Create artificial snow using Super Snow Powder or make your own with baking soda and water. Perfect for kids who love to mold and shape.
  4. Styrofoam Christmas Tree Decorating
    Give kids a styrofoam cone to decorate with pushpins, pom-poms, and more for a unique, tactile experience.
  5. Drive-Through Christmas Lights Tour
    Take a calming tour of holiday lights from the comfort of your car, allowing your child to enjoy the sights and sounds safely.
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Creative Crafts

Holiday crafts encourage creativity while also enhancing fine motor skills. These Christmas-themed projects are simple and fun for children with various abilities:

  1. Tactile Christmas Trees
    Use foam sheets, Velcro dots, and felt shapes for children to create and re-create their own Christmas trees.
  2. Personalized Stocking Decorating
    Provide a variety of art supplies like markers, glitter, and stickers so kids can personalize their stockings.
  3. Symmetrical Tree Paintings
    Use paint droppers and fold paper in half to create beautiful, symmetrical Christmas trees. The process is mesmerizing!
  4. DIY Christmas Ornaments
    Help your child make ornaments using felt, clay, or wood to add a personal touch to your holiday decor.
  5. Gingerbread House Decorating
    Use a pre-made kit or homemade materials to design gingerbread houses. This is a creative and delicious way to bring holiday fun to the kitchen!


Culinary Activities

Cooking and baking are great ways to involve children in hands-on, sensory-rich activities. Here are a few holiday-themed treats to make together:

  1. Gingerbread Cookie Baking
    Allergy-free options make this accessible to everyone! Decorate cookies with icing and festive sprinkles.
  2. Reindeer Snacks
    Make fun snacks using graham crackers, icing, pretzels, and M&Ms to resemble reindeer faces.
  3. Festive Hot Chocolate
    Whip up hot chocolate and add marshmallows, whipped cream, or candy canes for an extra festive touch.

Movement and Play

Keeping kids active during the holidays is essential. These activities let them move, jump, and dance while enjoying the Christmas spirit:

  1. Indoor Obstacle Course
    Use Christmas decorations like tinsel or plush holiday items to create an obstacle course that’s safe and fun.
  2. Christmas Dance Party
    Play holiday music and encourage kids to dance and move. A perfect activity for all ages and abilities.
  3. Christmas Freeze Dance
    Pause the music, and have kids pose like ornaments, reindeer, or Christmas trees when the music stops!
  4. Winter Gymnastics Area
    Set up pillows and cushions for a safe space where children can roll, jump, and play indoors.

Online and Virtual Activities

For children who are homebound or prefer quieter activities, these online options provide safe and interactive Christmas experiences:

  1. Virtual Santa Visit
    Participate in a video call with Santa for a personal and memorable experience.
  2. Online Christmas Craft Workshops
    Join virtual craft sessions that guide children through holiday-themed projects.
  3. Virtual Christmas Concerts
    Enjoy festive performances online from the comfort of your home.
  4. Christmas-Themed Educational Games
    Play holiday-themed puzzles or games online that cater to various skill levels.
  5. Sensory-Friendly Christmas Movie Screenings
    Many platforms offer sensory-friendly holiday movies with adjusted sound and lighting.


Quiet and Calming Activities

For children who benefit from calm, relaxing activities, these Christmas options offer peace and quiet while still engaging in the festive spirit:

  1. Cozy Blanket Fort for Storytime
    Build a blanket fort, fill it with pillows, and enjoy Christmas stories in a comforting, enclosed space.
  2. Calm-Down Corner with Christmas Sensory Items
    Set up a corner with items like squishy Christmas toys or snow globes for a safe, quiet place.
  3. Soothing Christmas Music and Audiobooks
    Play soft Christmas music or listen to holiday-themed audiobooks for a relaxing activity.

Creating a Memorable Holiday Season

These activities cater to children with various needs, providing inclusive options that allow everyone to celebrate in their own way. Whether you’re creating a sensory bin, baking treats, or simply enjoying Christmas music, these activities help bring the joy of the holidays to children with special needs. Remember, the best part of the season is sharing these moments together!