18 Fun Things to Do on Christmas Day in 2022

Once all the leaves have fallen from the trees and winter sets in, the landscape can look a little drab—especially in the absence of fresh-fallen snow. That’s precisely why the appearance of ornate and enchantingChristmas light displaysis a sight for sore eyes. Savor the holiday magic as long as possible by making a point to tour your illuminated neighborhood (or one nearby) on Christmas Day. If it’s too frosty to take a tour on foot, you can always pile the family in the car fora drive-thru Christmas lights event. (Note:Hot chocolateandChristmas cookiesare optional, but highly recommended.)

…or several. From black-and-white classics that will leave you misty-eyed under the mistletoe (It’s a Wonderful Life, anyone?) to slapstick holiday favorites that will make the whole family jolly, there are no shortage ofexcellent Christmas moviesfor any crowd to enjoy. Gather your buddies or snuggle up solo for a Christmas Day viewing experience that promises plenty of holiday vibes, and pairs well with ahot cocktailto boot. Not sure which film to choose? Consult our list ofChristmas classicsand you’re guaranteed to find a feel-good film for audiences of all ages.

Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ might have started off as a flop, but this gorgeous classical ballet has evolved into one of the most widely-recognized features of the Christmas season. The music alone is worthy ofyour Christmas playlist, but nothing beats the experience of hearing it performed as it was intended (i.e., brought to life with ballet). The graceful and gravity-defying movements of professional dancers provide a holiday feast for the eyes—so if you can score some tickets to a live performance, we highly recommend it.

What better way to get into the holiday spirit on Christmas Day than by giving back? But if you’re suddenly inspired tovolunteer, keep in mind that most nonprofits get inundated around the holidays and actually need help at other points in the year. Instead, make room for your new loot by working your best Marie Kondo magic and then donating gently used items to organizations that need it likethe Salvation Army,Dress for Success,GoodwillandSoles4Souls. Not only will it feel great to free up some space in the closet, but scientific research shows thatkindness makes people happier.

Not up for a major outing on Christmas Day? We don’t blame you...after all, thefire pitissoinviting. In fact, the holiday season is a perfect occasion to cozy up and relax—and if you find yourself searching for something more to do, simply make it agame night. To keep things appropriately festive, we suggest you stick to holiday-themed games. Good news: This can be done even if your game closet isn’t already stocked with holiday options—just check out our roundup of family-friendly (and a few grown-up)Christmas gamesand let the play begin.

Christmas carols have been playing on a loop in every store, home and head for about a month now, so we get it if you’d rather pull the plug on festive music and put on some death metal instead. That said, if you’re still diggingthe Christmas tunes, why not gather your brood and go caroling? It’s a great excuse to take a stroll, while also spreading the holiday spirit to your neighbors.

The holidays are all about being with loved ones, and what better way to bring people together than witha massive amount of mouth-watering food. You’ve had a solid month to recover fromThanksgiving, so get your oven mitts back on and round up your support team for a few hours in the kitchen. The payoff will be anInsta-worthy spreadand a delicious, indulgent meal fit for the occasion and made all the better by the company you share it with.

After consuming your body weight instuffing, it’s time to go outside for someexerciseand fresh air. Put on yourwinter coatand enjoy a walk in the Great Outdoors (if you don’t have a state park within a reasonable distance, any other natural setting will do the trick). And for the grown-ups in the group, may we suggest usingone of these hot cocktailsas a tasty hand warmer?

Thank you cards: The one Christmas tradition that has a nasty habit of falling by the wayside if you aren’t vigilant. Avoid that mistake by making it a Christmas Day activity—and be sure to get crafty with it for extra fun in the process. Pull out somescrapbookingsupplies and sit down for an art project and an opportunity to express gratitude (before you commit the cardinal sin of forgetting whether it was your grandma or your great aunt who gave you those fuzzy滑pers).

This classic holiday activity is an excellent way to spend time with the family, and a particularlykid-friendly craftto boot (just beware the sugar rush). The hands-on project is sure to keep everyone entertained after the frenzied present-opening rush has passed and the future snacking potential promises to keep the holiday spirit alive for at least another couple of days. Hint: For an extra challenge, try your hand atgingerbread housesafter you’ve done aChristmas lights tourof your neighborhood so you can try to recreate some of your favorite decorations.

After the excesses of the holiday season and a big Christmas Daybrunch, a little exercise promises to be a refreshing change of pace. That said, it doesn’t get much more depressing than going to agymon Christmas Day (if you can even find one open) and a jog around the neighborhood doesn’t seem particularly festive either. Enterice skating: The ideal way to get your body moving and breathe in the fresh winter air, while still being surrounded by the twinkling of Christmas lights, of course. Gather your loved ones and hit a nearby rink for an afternoon outing once the morning festivities are finished.

Yep, you don’t have to wait forEasterto give your kids a chance to search high and low, home and yard, forcandy. Simply hang or otherwise hide some柺杖糖saround and sit back while the young sugar fiends race around trying to find the goods. There is no shortage of good hiding spots when it comes to stashing candy canes, so this activity can last as long as you wish—and if you bring the game outdoors, stir-crazy kids can benefit from some much-needed fresh air, too. (Check outthis tutorialto pull it off.)

Alas, once the wrapping paper has been unceremoniously ripped off the last parcel under the tree, the merriment of giving and receiving gifts will have come to an end. Unless, that is, you planned awhite elephantparty on Christmas Day. This popular gift exchange game boasts an extra element of surprise—anonymity—and plenty of irreverent fun, since selfishness is the strategy at work.

You may have to literally beg your loved ones to don theugly Christmas sweatersyou bought them, but don’t give up, they will indeed look smashing on your Instagram feed. If you’re facing some serious resistance, up the ante by turning it into a competition where everyone gets to vote for their favorite ugly sweater at the end of the day. Winner gets first dibs ondinner.

If you spent last year’s Christmas riding solo, you’re fully allowed to host a Christmas bash for your loved ones this year (just follow all relevant health and safety protocols, OK?). Check temperatures, make sure everyone in attendance is vaccinated and have a blast.

Because why simply watchHow the Grinch Stole Christmaswhen you can have way more fun performing the classic tale? (We suggest doing a rendition of the book since the film is an hour and 45 minutes long). Other good picks?Miracle on 34^thStreet, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeerandplenty more. You can even do it over Zoom for the family members who weren’t able to travel.

Show all the haters that you are indeed theMariah Careyof your friend group by belting out “All I Want for Christmas is You,” at the end of a joyous Christmas karaoke night. Bonus points if you can remember all the lyrics after several glasses ofeggnog.

Nothing cures that post-lunch, we-can’t-wait-till-dinner midday slump like a nice trip to the mall and some retail therapy. Take a picture withSanta, treat yourself to something sweet and, hell, maybe even pick up a nicegift(or two) for yourself because honestly, can youreallyhave too many presents?