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Are you looking for holiday activities for your teenagers?
With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to get into the festive spirit and make some amazing memories.
Whether you’re looking for ways to bond with your pals, give back to your community, or just have a whole lot of fun, we’ve got you covered.
I’ve got a huge list of fantastic holiday activities for your high schoolers.
From the classics like White Elephant and Secret Santa to creative crafts and lending a hand, we’ve got a little bit of everything.
Every holiday season, we print off a calendar and fill it with fun holiday activities for our family.
So, let’s jump right in and make this holiday season truly special!
Fun Holiday Activities for High Schoolers
Classic Holiday Fun for Teens
White Elephant Gift Exchange
White Elephant is basically the ultimate gift exchange game.
It’s just as funny as it is heartwarming. Grab your friends or family, set a budget, and have everyone bring a wrapped gift.
The catch? The gifts can be wacky, useless, or downright quirky.
It’s all about the element of surprise and having a good laugh when the gifts get unwrapped. Trust me; you’ll be talking about those hilarious gifts for years!
You can keep the gifts under $10, do a thrift shop-only gift, or use items from your house!
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a time-honored tradition. Write down everyone’s names and have a drawing to see who’ll be buying a gift for whom.
The twist?
It’s all a big secret, and you won’t find out who your Secret Santa is until the big reveal.
It’s a sweet way to show you care without blowing your budget.
Related: 7 Christmas Party Ideas for Teens
Bingo with Prizes
Bingo is a classic game, but we’re going to take it up a notch.
Create custom bingo cards with holiday-themed items or activities.
Instead of just yelling “Bingo!” for a line, make it a rule that participants have to do a holiday-themed task to win a prize.
It adds an extra layer of excitement and makes for an unforgettable game night.
Teenagers Make Great Volunteers
Food Drives
The holidays are a time for giving, and one great way to give back is by organizing a food drive.
Get your friends involved and collect non-perishable items for your local food bank or church.
It’s a simple yet impactful way to make a difference in your community.
Volunteering at Soup Kitchens
For a more hands-on way to give back, consider volunteering at a soup kitchen.
Serving hot meals to those in need during the holidays is a humbling experience that’ll leave a lasting impact on your teenagers.
We’ve always tried to have our kids involved in helping those in need.
Related: Christmas Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls
Gift Packs for the Homeless
Another idea that’s full of love is making small gift packs to pass out to the homeless (perfect to keep in your car).
You can include toothbrushes, soap, granola bars, gloves, and anything else you think would bless someone.
Gingerbread House Contest
Let your creativity shine by hosting a gingerbread house decorating contest.
Provide the essentials like gingerbread, icing, and an array of candies, and watch the artistic magic unfold.
You could even invite friends over for a gingerbread house decorating party. Don’t forget fun prizes for the most unique gingerbread house.
Holiday Hunts and Challenges
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Transform your home or neighborhood into a festive treasure trove with a Christmas scavenger hunt.
Create a list of holiday-themed items or riddles and see who can find them all first.
It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday decorations and lights while having a blast with friends.
Cookie Decorating Contest
Baking cookies is a holiday must, but why not kick it up a notch with a cookie decorating contest?
Bake a batch of sugar cookies and have a decorating competition.
This is a tradition we do each year in our family, no matter how old the kids get.
Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious results afterward.
Christmas Crafts
Get crafty this holiday season with some DIY decorations.
Create ornaments, wreaths, and other decorations to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.
Crafting can be a fantastic way to relax and bond with friends and family.
It’s perfect for small children to participate too!
More Holiday Ideas Activities for Teens
Holiday Movie Marathon
Choose your favorite holiday movies, whip up some snacks, and host a movie marathon.
From Home Alone to Elf, there are plenty of classics to choose from.
Make it cozier by inviting friends and family over for hot chocolate.
Ice Skating
If you live in a cold climate, don’t miss the opportunity to go ice skating.
Many rinks open during the winter months, and gliding on the ice is a perfect way to embrace the season.
Holiday Photo Booth
Set up a holiday-themed photo booth with props and backdrops for unforgettable photo sessions.
This will keep your teens busy for hours at any holiday party.
These memories will be cherished for years to come.
DIY Gift Exchange
Instead of buying gifts, challenge your friends to create homemade gifts.
It’s a thoughtful way to show you care, and it can be a lot of fun crafting together.
Sledding and Snowball Fights
If you’re lucky enough to have snow during the holidays, make the most of it.
Grab your sleds and have a friendly competition down the best hill, followed by an epic snowball fight.
The holiday season is all about sharing love and joy, and these holiday activities for high schoolers are the perfect way to do just that.
Whether you prefer classic games, community service, creative challenges, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season, there’s something for everyone.
Related: Educational Stocking Stuffer Ideas!
Remember, it’s not about the presents you receive but the moments you create.
So, go out there, have an absolute blast, and make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
From White Elephant giggles to heartwarming acts of kindness, the magic of the holidays is right in your hands. Embrace it, share it, and most importantly, savor every single moment.
Wishing you an incredible, warm, and joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Let us know what holiday activities for high schoolers your family loves!
Happy holidays, high schoolers!
