Updated 3rd of November 2026
'Tis the season...for parents to worry whether they're doing enough to make Christmas magical for their kids. It feels like every year the goalposts get moved back a bit more and you're expected to literally have Rudolph in the back garden to stroke on Christmas Eve. But let's reassure ourselves with what, deep down, we know to be true. The festive season is about connection, not cash or impossible feats.
We've pulled together some of the Save the Children parents' favourite ways to spend time with their kids at Christmas, and we'd love to share them with you. Happy holidays!
Free and low-cost Christmas activities for families
- Getting out and about. Map out a walking route through your local area to see the best light displays. Pack a flask of hot chocolate and make it an annual tradition. It costs nothing but creates memories that last.
- Community events. Wherever you live, there are likely free carol concerts, school fairs, library activities and Christmas markets. Check your local council website and community boards. These events are designed to be accessible, so make the most of what's right on your doorstep.
- Carol services. Most churches hold free services with refreshments afterwards. Whether you're religious or not, there's something special about singing carols together as a community.
- Staying home. Charity shops are goldmines for Christmas DVDs, often under £1. Yes, we've (almost) all got Netflix, but choosing a "real life film" (as my daughter calls it) is somehow more fun. One parent suggested printable "film tickets" to make streaming feel special. Let each family member choose the movie one night.
- Baking together. Homemade mince pies, gingerbread and Christmas cake cost a fraction of shop-bought versions. The real value is in the time spent together in the kitchen, with Christmas music blaring, delicious smells filling your home and flour absolutely everywhere. Just pretend it's snow. It adds to the magic.
- Feed the reindeer (not actually). Mix porridge oats with edible sprinkles and scatter it outside on Christmas Eve. Simple, magical and safe for wildlife.
Thoughtful Christmas gifts that don't cost the earth
- Experience vouchers. Print free templates online or make your own, then fill them with promises for friends and little ones: babysitting, dog walking, hair styling before a night out. Your time and skills are valuable gifts. Or, for your kids, a "Yes!" day where they get to decide everything, unlimited hugs, or for Bluey fans, 5x Dance Mode opportunities (Google it).
- Framed artwork. Your child's drawings and paintings become treasured keepsakes when framed. Pick up cheap frames from pound shops or charity shops. Grandparents especially love these.
- Christmas letters. Handwritten notes sharing memories from the year mean more than expensive presents. They're keepsakes that get read again and again. Writing one for each child helps them feel special and recognise the unique joy they bring to your family.
- Looking for more meaningful alternatives? Head to our guide to giving instead of panic buying, filled with ideas.
Traditions don't need to be expensive to be meaningful. Everyone's suggestions came back to one thing: when families embrace simple rituals, whether that's annual light tours, movie nights or baking together, they become uniquely yours. These are the moments children remember. Not what you spent, but how you made them feel. I can't wait to try some of these this year!
If money feels tight this Christmas
If Christmas is about more than stretching a budget this year, you're not alone, and there is help. Baby banks give families free essentials like clothes, nappies and cots, usually through a referral from a health visitor or midwife. Our Parent Hub has free advice and ideas for the early years. You can also read why child poverty happens here too, and what we're doing about it.
This Christmas, give your family what they really want: your time, your presence and the warmth of being together. And if you'd like to help another family this year, see how one more delivery can make a difference.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make Christmas special on a budget? Focus on time together rather than spending. Free ideas include walking routes to see the lights, local carol concerts, baking together, family film nights and handmade gifts like experience vouchers or framed artwork.
What are good free Christmas activities for kids? Light trails in your neighbourhood, community carol services, library events, Christmas crafts at home and the "reindeer food" tradition on Christmas Eve all cost little or nothing.
