‘Tis the season to be making special memories with your family. Whether it’s looking at Christmas lights, going to carols in the park or just hanging out watching a movie, spend some quality time with your kids.
Here’s a Holiday Bucket List printable that you can download!
- Drive to see Christmas lights
- Enter a Christmas raffle or competition
- Get a photo with Santa. Here’s a list of local places to get a photo with the big guy
- Enjoy food, entertainment and browse for gifts at Christmas markets. There’s heaps to choose from around the region. Suggestions: Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Farmers Markets, Olive Tree Market and Five Senses Market
- Participate in Elf on the Shelf
- Send a letter to Santa. (Kids will get a reply back from Santa). Use address Santa, North Pole, 9999
- Do a Christmas sensory play activity
- Make a Christmas craft
- Sing along to Christmas carols with your friends and family
- Read a Christmas kids book with your kids.
- Attend a Christmas pantomime or musical
- Stage an ugly sweater Christmas portrait session. Charlestown Square is offering Cringeworthy Christmas photos in November and December
- Eat your way through a box of mangoes.
- Enjoy a fresh Christmas tree this year or decorate with some Christmas bush
- Watch a Christmas movie with your kids. Here’s some suggestions
- Hit the beach at Christmas time to make your Northern Hemisphere friends and family envious
- Cool down and have a water fight
- Go down to the beach and spot a surfing Santa
- Play beach or backyard cricket
- Make a homemade Christmas gift
- Listen to some Christmas tunes with the Newy with Kids Christmas Spotify playlist
- Eat Christmas cherries
- Give back at Christmas time to those in need. Here are ideas on how your family can help those less fortunate
- Perform a random act of kindness
- Cut back on physical gifts and give an experience gift
- Make Christmas ornaments
- Play board games. Here are some fun ones to enjoy with friends and family
- Follow Santa’s progress on Christmas Eve on the NORAD Santa Tracker
- Leave carrots for Santa’s reindeers and cookies for Santa
- Enjoy a seafood lunch
- Do the Boxing Day sales
- Watch the Boxing Day Test
- Go camping
- Ring in the New Year at home or at a local NYE event
Any other suggestions for Christmas family fun?
You might also like:
How to Get Organised For Christmas (Without Losing Your Mind)!
10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers
How to Save Money & Have an Amazing Christmas on a Budget

Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.