The holiday season is truly magical, especially when you’re a kid! From twinkling lights to sugary treats, every moment feels special. But what really cements those cherished memories are the traditions we create, and often, that includes enjoying some fantastic festive entertainment or activities. If you’re on the hunt for the best Christmas specials for kids this year, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up a delightful collection of books, activities, and unique gifts that are sure to sprinkle some extra cheer on your family’s holiday season.
Finding the perfect Christmas specials for kids can sometimes be a challenge with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve curated this list, focusing on items that bring joy, spark imagination, or even offer a bit of learning, all wrapped up in a festive bow. Get ready to discover some wonderful ways to make this Christmas unforgettable for your little ones!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: A Christmas Holiday Book
This isn’t just a book; it’s a heartwarming holiday tradition in the making. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” tells the hilariously chaotic, yet profoundly touching, story of the Herdman kids—the rowdiest children in town—who somehow end up casting themselves in the annual church Christmas pageant. What unfolds is a fresh, unforgettable take on the classic Nativity story that reminds us all about the true spirit of Christmas. It’s a delightful read-aloud that’s perfect for cozy family nights.
- Key Features:
- A timeless tale loved by generations
- Humorous and relatable characters
- Delivers a powerful message about kindness and understanding
- Engaging narrative perfect for family reading
- Pros:
- Sparks important conversations about empathy and perspective
- Great for a range of ages, from young children to pre-teens
- Offers genuine laughs and touching moments
- Cons:
- Some vocabulary might require light explanation for younger kids
- The story is relatively short, leaving you wanting more!
- User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this book for its ability to convey the true meaning of Christmas without being preachy. Kids are often captivated by the unruly Herdman children and their unexpected journey.
- See it on Amazon here
Best Kids’ Christmas Jokes Ever!: Festive Collection of…
Get ready for belly laughs and festive giggles with “Best Kids’ Christmas Jokes Ever!” This collection is packed with kid-friendly humor that’s perfect for breaking the ice at holiday gatherings, entertaining during long car rides, or just bringing a smile to your child’s face. It’s an ideal stocking stuffer that guarantees cheerful moments and helps create a lighthearted atmosphere throughout the season. Who doesn’t love a good Christmas pun?
- Key Features:
- Hundreds of holiday-themed jokes
- Clean, age-appropriate humor
- Compact and portable for fun on the go
- Encourages reading and sharing aloud
- Pros:
- Perfect for developing a child’s sense of humor
- Great ice-breaker for family events
- Provides screen-free entertainment
- Cons:
- Jokes can sometimes be repetitive for an adult ear
- Some humor might be too simple for older, more cynical kids
- User Impressions: Families rave about the endless laughter this book brings. Kids love being able to tell jokes to family members, and parents appreciate the wholesome content.
- See it on Amazon here
Funcils Christmas Special – Dot Stickers for Toddlers,
Unleash your toddler’s creativity this Christmas with the Funcils Christmas Special Dot Stickers kit! This incredible set provides a mess-free, screen-free activity that’s perfect for sparking imagination and developing fine motor skills. With enchanting canvases and thousands of vibrant stickers, including glitter and holographic options, your little artist can dive into a festive world of holiday crafts. It even includes a delightful Santa Claus play pal to encourage storytelling!
- Key Features:
- Holiday Special Sticker Art Activity with 8 canvases and 3000+ stickers
- NO GLUE, NO MESS – offers screen-free entertainment
- Includes a Santa Claus play pal for imaginative play
- Ideal gift for 3-7 year olds and a great stocking stuffer
- Fosters vocabulary, expressive language, and storytelling skills
- Develops hand-eye coordination, pincer grip, color recognition, and more
- Compact and travel-friendly, perfect for cars & airplanes
- Pros:
- Excellent for fine motor skill development and creativity
- Provides hours of quiet, independent play without any cleanup
- Engaging for toddlers and preschoolers, keeps them focused
- Travel-friendly design makes it a lifesaver on journeys
- Cons:
- Stickers are for one-time use on the canvases
- May need adult supervision for very young toddlers initially
- User Impressions: Parents absolutely adore the mess-free aspect and the quiet engagement it provides. Children are completely absorbed in creating their sticker masterpieces, with many calling it a fantastic travel essential.
- See it on Amazon here
Twirl: God Loves You and Created You with Your Own…
“Twirl” is a beautiful, faith-based book that offers a powerful message of self-love and acceptance to young children. This inspiring story gently reminds kids that they are uniquely made and deeply loved by God, encouraging them to embrace their individuality. With its uplifting narrative and comforting tone, it’s a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf, particularly during the reflective Christmas season.
- Key Features:
- Instills a strong sense of self-worth and belonging
- Shares a positive Christian message about God’s love
- Features colorful, engaging illustrations
- Perfect for bedtime stories and quiet reflection
- Pros:
- Promotes confidence and positive self-image
- Offers comfort and reassurance to children
- Encourages discussions about faith and identity
- Cons:
- Religious theme may not appeal to all families
- Simpler text might be less engaging for older elementary children
- User Impressions: Families looking for faith-filled stories highly recommend “Twirl,” praising its gentle approach to important themes. Children often connect with the message of being loved and unique.
- See it on Amazon here
My Weird School Special: Deck the Halls, We’re Off the…
Join A.J. and the gang for a wild and wacky holiday adventure in “My Weird School Special: Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls!” Fans of the popular My Weird School series will delight in this festive installment that promises plenty of laughs and a good dose of holiday mischief. It’s an ideal book for independent readers who enjoy humorous stories and a slightly unconventional approach to school life, all set during the most wonderful time of the year.
- Key Features:
- Part of the beloved My Weird School series
- Full of characteristic humor and silly situations
- Features popular characters in a holiday setting
- Engaging chapter book format for young readers
- Pros:
- Excellent for reluctant readers due to its engaging, funny style
- Provides continuity for fans of the series
- A refreshing, non-traditional take on Christmas stories
- Cons:
- Humor might be an acquired taste for some children
- Best enjoyed if familiar with the series’ characters
- User Impressions: Kids who love the My Weird School books absolutely devour this one, appreciating the consistent humor and the festive twist. Parents are happy to find a book that gets their children excited about reading.
- See it on Amazon here
Mobiusea Creation Christmas Gift Tags Labels | 2 Inch |…
Add an extra sprinkle of North Pole magic to your gifts this Christmas with Mobiusea Creation Christmas Gift Tags Labels! These adorable 2-inch stickers are designed to look like Santa’s special delivery tags, complete with “nice list” and “elf note” details. They’re a super easy and cost-effective way to make every present feel extra special, bringing a big smile to your little one’s face even before they unwrap their gift!
- Key Features:
- Unique “From the North Pole” Santa’s helper design
- Includes fun details like “Santa’s airmail” and “nice list”
- 60 adhesive gift stickers, 2 inches in diameter
- Premium design with bright Christmas colors and special gold foil text
- Versatile for various gifts, packages, and holiday events
- Pros:
- Elevates gift presentation with a festive, playful touch
- Easy to use, simply peel and stick
- High-quality design and vibrant colors
- Makes gifts feel more personalized and exciting for kids
- Cons:
- A purely decorative item, not an activity or toy
- Might be too small for very large gifts
- User Impressions: Customers love these tags for their charming designs and quality. They mention how much kids adore seeing their gifts labeled with “Santa’s official” tags, adding to the holiday excitement.
- See it on Amazon here
Floor Tom Drum for Kids 10 inch Percussion Instrument…
Let your child unleash their inner rockstar with this Floor Tom Drum! This 10-inch percussion instrument is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the joy of music and rhythm. Crafted with a durable wooden body and a high-quality plastic drum head, it produces a great sound that encourages musical exploration. Its attractive, cute pattern makes it visually appealing, and it’s super easy to play, whether on the floor or a table. This is one of the best Christmas specials for kids who love to make some noise!
- Key Features:
- High quality plastic drum head with 2 mallets
- Montessori Music Instrument, great for developing rhythm and creativity
- Durable wood drum body wrapped with a pretty cute pattern
- Four rubber feet for convenient playing on various surfaces
- Special Gift Option: colorful appearance, easy to play, nice sound
- Pros:
- Encourages musical development and creative expression
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting fun
- Easy for young children to pick up and play immediately
- Can be a fun addition to family jam sessions
- Cons:
- Can be loud, might require a designated play area
- Limited to a single percussion sound
- User Impressions: Parents are thrilled with how much their kids enjoy making music with this drum. Many highlight its durability and the engaging way it helps children develop a sense of rhythm and beat.
- See it on Amazon here
The Polar Express: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
Hop aboard for a timeless journey with “The Polar Express,” a beloved Christmas holiday book that captures the wonder and magic of believing. Chris Van Allsburg’s classic tale, with its stunning illustrations and enchanting narrative, tells the story of a young boy’s extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. It’s a must-have for any family seeking to instill the true spirit of Christmas and the joy of imagination in their children.
- Key Features:
- An iconic, award-winning Christmas story
- Breathtaking, atmospheric illustrations
- Explores themes of belief, courage, and the magic of Christmas
- Perfect for creating cherished family reading traditions
- Pros:
- Evokes a strong sense of wonder and holiday spirit
- Beautiful artwork makes it a visual masterpiece
- Great for encouraging imagination and discussion
- Cons:
- Can be a bit long for very young toddlers with short attention spans
- Some illustrations might be slightly dark or intense for very sensitive children
- User Impressions: A universal favorite, this book is consistently praised for its ability to transport both children and adults into the heart of Christmas magic. Many families consider it an essential part of their holiday celebrations.
- See it on Amazon here
Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament 2023, Paw Patrol…
For all the Paw Patrol fans out there, the Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament 2023 featuring Rubble’s Special Delivery is a festive delight! This charming ornament showcases the lovable construction worker pup, Rubble, donning a Santa hat and hoisting a gift. It’s more than just a decoration; it’s a tiny piece of holiday magic that celebrates your child’s favorite character and helps create lasting memories on your family tree. A fantastic collectible and a sweet reminder of this year’s joyful moments.
- Key Features:
- Features Paw Patrol’s Rubble in a festive “Santa” pose
- High-quality craftsmanship synonymous with Hallmark Keepsake ornaments
- Comes in a gift box for easy gifting, preservation, and storage
- Measures approximately 2.19 x 3.74 x 2.58 inches
- Pros:
- Perfect for Paw Patrol enthusiasts and collectors
- Durable design ensures it will last for many Christmases
- A wonderful way to commemorate the year and cherished interests
- Cons:
- Specific to Paw Patrol, may not appeal to all children
- Collectible nature means it’s an annual purchase if building a set
- User Impressions: Paw Patrol fans absolutely adore adding Rubble to their tree. Reviewers consistently note the excellent detail and quality, making it a beloved addition to their holiday decorations.
- See it on Amazon here
Yrissmiss Autism Sensory Toys for Autistic Children, Fidget…
The Yrissmiss Autism Sensory Toy is a fantastic choice for children who benefit from sensory stimulation, making it a thoughtful addition to our list of best Christmas specials for kids, especially those with special needs. This unique fidget toy, comprising 20 interconnected small balls, can be rotated into various shapes, offering a calming and engaging experience. It’s not just a stress reliever; it also helps improve color perception and concentration, all in a safe, portable design perfect for travel.
- Key Features:
- Fun sensory toy with 20 seamlessly combined small balls
- Can be rotated into different shapes, promoting creativity and anxiety relief
- Toddler Travel Toy: quiet, small, and portable
- Educational: improves color perception and concentration
- Child’s Good Partner: balls are connected, cannot be disassembled or swallowed
- Best present choice for kids and those with autism, good for stimulating sensory development
- Pros:
- Provides effective anxiety relief and encourages focus
- Excellent for sensory development and fine motor skills
- Highly portable and quiet, ideal for travel or quiet corners
- Safe design with no detachable parts, peace of mind for parents
- Cons:
- While universally beneficial, it’s not specifically Christmas-themed
- Might be too simple for older children seeking complex fidgets
- User Impressions: Parents praise this toy for its calming effects and ability to keep children engaged for extended periods. It’s frequently recommended for its durability and its significant benefits for kids with autism or those needing sensory input.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I choose the best Christmas special for my child?
A: Consider your child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. Are they into reading, crafting, music, or sensory play? Our list offers a diverse range, so think about what sparks their joy and helps them learn or relax. Reading reviews can also give you a good idea of what might be a good fit!
Q2: Are these Christmas specials suitable for all ages?
A: While many items on our list have broad appeal, some are better suited for specific age groups (e.g., dot stickers for toddlers, chapter books for elementary kids). Always check the product descriptions for age recommendations to ensure the best fit for your child.
Q3: Can these items be given as Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers?
A: Absolutely! Many of the products featured, from the joke book and sensory toy to the gift tags and ornament, make fantastic Christmas gifts or thoughtful stocking stuffers. They’re designed to add joy and value to the holiday season.
Q4: What makes a Christmas special “special” for kids?
A: For kids, a “Christmas special” often means something that creates lasting memories, sparks their imagination, or engages them in a festive way. It could be a beloved book, a fun craft, a new musical instrument, or even just a silly joke that brings out their holiday spirit!
Q5: How can I make Christmas traditions more memorable for my kids?
A: Incorporate activities that involve the whole family, like reading a Christmas book together every night, decorating the tree with special ornaments, or engaging in festive crafts. The key is consistency and creating a sense of anticipation and shared joy.
Q6: Are there options for kids with special needs on this list?
A: Yes! The Yrissmiss Autism Sensory Toy is specifically designed to provide calming and developmental benefits for autistic children and those with sensory needs, making it a wonderful and inclusive option for the holidays.
Q7: What’s the benefit of reading Christmas books with kids?
A: Reading Christmas books together is a fantastic tradition that boosts literacy skills, sparks imagination, introduces new vocabulary, and provides valuable bonding time. It also helps children understand the diverse meanings and traditions associated with the holiday season.
Q8: Where can I find more Christmas-themed activities for children?
A: Beyond this list, you can explore local library events, online craft blogs, educational websites, and even community centers for more holiday-themed activities. Pinterest is also a treasure trove of festive ideas for kids of all ages!