10 December Activity Ideas for Church Groups

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Let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this December with fun and creative activities you can do with your church group or family. We've gathered ten December activity ideas for Young Women, Young Men, Primary, family home evening, and Relief Society groups that combine Christmas fun with opportunities to learn, serve, and draw closer to the Savior. Each includes a connection to the gospel so we always draw closer to Christ no matter what activity is planned. Whether you have a full evening to plan or just a handful of supplies and an hour together, we hope you'll find something your group will enjoy.

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This is an AI example of activity idea #7

1. Rejoice! Christmas Music Video

Growth Areas: Spiritual, Social, Intellectual, Physical

FSY Tie-in

December's For the Strength of Youth focus is "Jesus Christ Brings Joy." What better way to celebrate that joy than making a music video together? Pick an upbeat Christ-centered Christmas song or hymn and spend the evening creating a simple one-take music video together.

We’re not going for a polished production but something fun and meaningful you can create together. Try things like holding up signs with words from the lyrics, creating simple Nativity silhouettes, waving paper stars, or moving in and out of the picture as the song progresses. Give everyone 15–20 minutes to plan and practice before filming. Those who don't want to appear on camera can make props, direct, or handle the music. Watch the finished video together, and enjoy seeing how everyone's ideas came together.

You can split into several groups with their own song or one verse of the same song if you need smaller groups. The point of this activity isn't to make a video for social media. It's to create something joyful about Jesus Christ that you can rewatch later.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: At the beginning, listen to your chosen song and what it says about why Christ’s birth brings joy. Then go make something. Finish off the evening by sharing your testimony that the Savior brings lasting joy, not just during Christmas but throughout our lives.

2. Reindeer Games: Christmas Minute-to-Win-It Fun

Growth Areas: Physical, Social

Bring a little friendly competition to your Christmas activity with our Reindeer Games! These quick, silly challenges use everyday supplies like plastic cups, balloons, cotton balls, and painter's tape, making them easy to set up without spending a fortune.

Try Hungry, Hungry Reindeers, where players use plastic cups as hooves to gather cotton balls; Be Still, where players try to keep a tissue floating inside a taped square using only their breath; or Santa's Coming to Who's Town?, where opponents use balloons to blow a cup across the table. Choose four or five games, divide into teams, and turn the evening into a tournament. Our original post includes instructions and a fun playing-card scoring system that gives everyone a chance to earn points, even when their reindeer skills aren't exactly Olympic caliber.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: The angel announced the Savior's birth as “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). End the evening with a short testimony of Jesus Christ and the joy His coming brings to the world. We can express that joy even when we play silly Christmas games. Invite everyone to think of one way they can share that joy with someone else this Christmas. As Elder Gérald Caussé says, “Our testimony is not a talent to be hidden. It is a gift to be shared- with grateful hearts and in a spirit of humility and love.” and “Whenever we express Christlike love to those around us, we bear witness of Him, the source of all perfect love” (October 2026).

3. Christmas Pillowcases for Someone Else

Growth Areas: Intellectual, Spiritual, Social

Learn a useful skill while making Christmas a little brighter for someone else. Arrange in advance with a local shelter, foster care organization, people in your ward or neighborhood, missionaries, or a hospital to donate handmade pillowcases. Be sure to ask what sizes, fabrics, and donation requirements they accept before purchasing supplies.

Invite an experienced seamstress to teach the basics of measuring, cutting, pinning, and sewing straight seams. Divide into groups so everyone can help, even if they've never touched a sewing machine. Some can cut fabric, others can pin or sew, and others can iron and fold the finished pillowcases. Use a simple beginner pillowcase tutorial so groups can follow the same instructions. Rotate through the jobs every 10-15 minutes so everyone can try it all.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: Read Matthew 25:40 and talk about how the Savior sees and values each person. These aren't just pillowcases for strangers. They're gifts for individuals Heavenly Father knows by name. Encourage everyone to think about the person who might receive their pillowcase and how a small act of love can remind someone they matter.

This is an AI mockup using our printables for idea #4

4. Christmas Story Studio

Growth Areas: Spiritual, Intellectual, Social

Can you tell part of the Christmas story in just 60 seconds without saying a word? In this creative activity, groups will bring scripture accounts surrounding the Savior's birth to life through silent storytelling.

Divide everyone into small groups and give each a different Nativity account. Make handing out assignments extra sweet with our Christmas Nativity Gift Set. Each candy wrapper features someone from the Christmas story, and you can cut the accompanying scripture study sheet into strips to give each group its assignment. For more story options, try our newer Nativity Candy Circle Labels with 24 pictures and matching scripture references.

Possible accounts include Mary's visit from Gabriel (Luke 1:26–38), Joseph's dream (Matthew 1:18–25), the shepherds (Luke 2:8–20), Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25–38), the wise men (Matthew 2:1–12), and the signs of Christ's birth in the Americas (3 Nephi 1:8–21).

Give groups 20–30 minutes to read their scriptures and create a 60-second silent retelling using paper figures, shadow puppets, drawings, stop-motion photography, or simple props. Our Nativity Sticker Scene Sets are another fun way to illustrate scenes from Christ's birth. Scripture references and background music are welcome, but no spoken dialogue!

Gather everyone to watch the finished creations and see if they can identify each scripture account. Prefer to keep things screen-free? Have groups create illustrated story scroll boxes instead, using a long strip of paper that rolls through a cardboard viewing box to reveal each scene. Leaders can prepare the boxes ahead of time so groups can focus on creating their stories.

To finish, let everyone assemble an extra package of Nativity candies to take home or give away. Include the matching scripture study sheet so recipients can enjoy the treats while learning more about the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a sweet way to keep sharing the Christmas story!

GOSPEL CONNECTION: After sharing the stories, invite everyone to consider what the people in these accounts teach us about recognizing and responding to Jesus Christ. Some listened, some acted in faith, some waited patiently, and others shared the good news. How can we follow their examples as we make room for the Savior in our own lives?

5. The Great Christmas Contraption

Growth Areas: Intellectual

Your mission: create the most complicated machine possible to accomplish one very simple Christmas task. Ring a bell.

Gather cardboard tubes, plastic cups, dominoes, toy cars, string, marbles, ramps, cardboard, tape, and any other supplies that might help create a chain reaction. Divide into smaller teams and assign each group one section of a giant Rube Goldberg-style machine.

One ball might roll down a ramp, knock over dominoes, release a toy car, and pull a string that finally rings the Christmas bell. Give teams about 20 minutes to build their sections, then work together to connect everything. Allow time to test, troubleshoot, and make adjustments before the final attempt. Expect a few spectacular failures, unexpected detours, and lots of laughter along the way!

GOSPEL CONNECTION: Talk about the covenant path and how life doesn't always go exactly as planned. We make mistakes, encounter obstacles, and sometimes take detours. But Jesus Christ doesn't give up on us. Through His Atonement, He helps us repent, change, and return to the path that leads to Heavenly Father. Just as we kept working on our contraption when something went wrong, the Savior continues to help us move forward. Elder Patrick Kearon’s talk from April 2024 goes so well with this message and you could quote so many great parts of his talk like, “The veil of the temple was rent in twain when Jesus died upon the cross, symbolizing that access back to the presence of the Father had been ripped wide open—to all who will turn to Him, trust Him, cast their burdens on Him, and take His yoke upon them in a covenant bond.

“In other words, the Father’s plan is not about roadblocks. It never was; it never will be. Are there things we need to do, commandments to keep, aspects of our natures to change? Yes. But with His grace, those are within our reach, not beyond our grasp.”

6. Christmas Hacks and Helpful Hands

Growth Areas: Intellectual

We could all use a few clever Christmas tricks so we’re not found wrestling toys out of impossible packaging at 1 A.M. or struggling to make a basketball look presentable under the tree. Gather for a fun, hands-on evening of practical holiday hacks, creative gift wrapping, and thoughtful giving.

Set up several stations where participants can learn new skills, try out useful tricks, and share a few of their own favorites. This is a great activity to get people from your ward involved by teaching the different classes. Draw on their expertise.

• Gift-Wrapping Magic: Learn how to wrap oddly shaped presents, fold crisp corners, and make gifts look extra special without spending a fortune on supplies. If you don’t have someone in your ward to teach you, try these handy tutorials:

  • Make a gift bag from wrapping paper for those awkwardly shaped presents.

  • Create a built-in card pocket so your Christmas card or gift tag stays with the present.

  • Make decorative bows from leftover wrapping paper instead of throwing away the scraps.

Provide reusable boxes, wrapping paper scraps, and ribbon so everyone can practice without wasting good supplies.

• Christmas Eve Rescue: Save some late-night frustration by demonstrating how to safely open those stubborn plastic toy packages using a can opener, remove those zip ties, and remove those annoying little screws that hold toys in place. Share a few other lifesavers, like checking battery requirements early, assembling complicated toys ahead of time, and storing tiny pieces in labeled bags. Keep a small Christmas Eve rescue kit stocked with scissors, screwdrivers, tape, spare batteries, and other useful tools. This is a great hands-on station so people can practice and actually use the skill later.

Helpful tip: These box cutters definitely come in handy when breaking down boxes and tearing through those stubborn packages.

• Picture-Ready Christmas: Learn a few easy tricks for capturing better Christmas memories. This is where it’s extra handy to have someone in person to answer questions and give tips. We recommend having at least one person who knows Apple phones and another that can help the Android phone users. Practice photographing the Christmas tree without flash, finding flattering lighting, and positioning family members so the tree lights glow beautifully in the background. Photographer Lissa Anglin shares some great Christmas tree photography tips, or check out these 12 Christmas photography tips for Android and iPhone. For Christmas morning, try hiding a large trash bag inside a decorative laundry hamper or basket to keep wrapping-paper clutter out of your photos. Set up a tree with lights and practice a few poses and camera angles so everyone can capture some beautiful memories.

• Wrap a Little Kindness: Now it’s time to put those new skills to work. Assemble simple gifts for neighbors, ministering families, missionaries, or others who could use some Christmas cheer. Use inexpensive treats, small useful items, or donated supplies, and use one of our 50+ free printable Christmas gift tags to top them off. Arrange the supplies and recipients ahead of time so everyone can spend the evening creating something meaningful to share.

Encourage participants to share their own Christmas shortcuts throughout the evening. You may discover a clever trick for keeping wrapping paper from unrolling, organizing Christmas lights, or saving time during holiday preparations.

PLANNING TIP: Choose three or four stations based on your group's interests and available time. Invite a few participants to prepare short demonstrations, and provide the tools and supplies needed for hands-on practice. Use reusable materials whenever possible, and arrange any ministering or service gifts in advance. Plan approximately 60–75 minutes for the activity, including the gospel discussion.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: Christmas preparations can fill our schedules, but the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Watch The Reason Behind Christmas and discuss how giving our time, talents, and love can help us follow His example. What could we simplify this Christmas to make more room for the Savior? What gift could we offer Him through faith, repentance, or service? Close with a testimony of Jesus Christ and the joy that comes from giving as He gave.

7. Christmas Experiments

Growth Areas: Intellectual

It's time to put some Christmas science to the test. From engineering Santa's sleigh to creating spectacular chemical reactions, these challenges combine friendly competition, creativity, and a little scientific discovery. Set up three or four experiment stations using inexpensive supplies and divide into teams. At each station, teams make a prediction, test their ideas, and see what actually happens. Give groups approximately 10 minutes per station.

Here are some fun experiments to get you started:

• North Pole Foam Factory (Elephant Toothpaste): Create an impressive foaming reaction and experiment with what makes it happen faster.

• Christmas Color-Changing Chemistry: Use red cabbage indicator to investigate mystery liquids and watch the colors change before your eyes (needs some prep).

• Santa's Hover-Sleigh: Build a balloon-powered hovercraft and compete to see whose design glides the longest. Draw Santa on the balloon.

• Save the Candy Cane: Can you protect a fragile candy cane from a four-foot drop? Give each group a candy cane, two sheets of paper, a paper towel, a sandwich bag, and 12 inches of masking tape. Work together to design protective packaging, test it, and see whether your candy cane survives. If it breaks, discuss what happened and try improving your design. You can bring a ladder and have an adult climb it to drop the different designs safely. Remember to put some protective covering on the floor just in case.

• Dancing Christmas Trees: Can you make a Christmas tree spin using nothing but copper wire, magnets, and a battery? Create your own miniature motor, decorate your tree, and discover how electricity and magnetism work together to bring it to life.

• Let It Snow!: No snow outside? Make your own. Explore four different fake snow recipes, compare their textures, and see which ones are best for building tiny snowmen. It's a little messy, a little magical, and a fun way to explore the science of snow. Plus, it comes in handy when you need an activity at home.

Each linked experiment includes instructions, supplies, and an explanation of the science involved. Some require advance preparation or additional time, so choose your experiments beforehand and have supplies ready. Encourage teams to test their designs, make adjustments, and try again. The fun is in discovering what works, what doesn't, and what happens when you change your approach.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: In Alma 32:27, Alma invites us to "experiment upon my words" and exercise even a particle of faith. Bring out our free Gospel Elements Table, a fun gospel-inspired twist on the periodic table of elements. Just as scientists study different elements and their properties, we can explore gospel principles and discover what happens when we put them into practice. Invite everyone to choose a gospel element from the chart. What would it look like to experiment with that principle in their own lives? How might they recognize its influence? Invite them to experiment with their chosen “element” during the Christmas season. Our printable also includes a blank experiment sheet they can use to record their plans and discoveries. Close by sharing your testimony that Jesus Christ invites us to act in faith. As we experiment upon His word, we can strengthen our testimonies and discover for ourselves the blessings of following Him.

This is an AI mockup of idea #8 with our Stocking Stumper game

8. Christmas Puzzle Parlor

Growth Areas: Social, Intellectual

Skip the usual Christmas dinner and gather for a relaxed evening of puzzles, brainteasers, and good company. Play some Christmas music in the background and bring in the atmosphere of a cozy family living room. Set up tables with a variety of puzzles, from easy Christmas word searches to challenging mysteries and jigsaws. Invite everyone to find something they enjoy, pull up a chair, and work together. There's no competition, no time limit, and no need to finish everything. They can switch to a different table or puzzle anytime.

Invite specific people to bring their Christmas jigsaw puzzles already started, with pieces sorted into trays or shallow containers so people can jump right in. Include different difficulty levels and plenty of options for those who prefer something other than jigsaws. Ask people ahead of time to bring the other puzzles as well.

Puzzle ideas include:

• Jigsaw puzzles: Christmas, winter, and Nativity scenes with a variety of piece counts. Include smaller puzzles that can be finished in one sitting and larger ones that people can enjoy together.
• Hands-on brainteasers: Set out Rubik's Cubes, Kanoodle, Rush Hour, tangrams, Foldology, sliding-tile puzzles, wooden packing puzzles, and metal disentanglement puzzles. Include a mix of easy and challenging options that participants can solve individually or work on together. Ask members to bring favorites from home to share for the evening (just remember to keep track of whose is whose).
• Mystery and logic puzzles: Try Murdle-style detective mysteries, logic grids, Sudoku, Cross It Out If, or number puzzles. Have a few easier mysteries alongside more challenging ones.
• Christmas paper puzzles: Offer word searches, crosswords, cryptograms, picture puzzles, and our Stocking Stumpers Christmas Game, featuring Christmas song picture riddles.

Free puzzle resources:

• Craft & Solve Christmas Word Searches has regular and challenging adult versions with answer keys.

• Senior Puzzles Daily Christmas Crosswords offers free, large-print crosswords suitable for groups.

• Print Puzzles Logic Puzzles includes free printable logic-grid challenges with solutions.

• Ring North Pole Christmas Picture Grids offers printable picture-logic puzzles in several difficulty levels.

Optional Puzzle Exchange: Invite participants to bring a complete jigsaw puzzle, brainteaser, or puzzle book they're ready to pass along. Set up a separate exchange table so everyone can browse and take something home. Keep participation optional so nobody feels they need to bring something to attend.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: In Sister Tamara W. Runia's October 2026 general conference talk, The Sculpting of Our Souls, she shares an experience about her young grandson who loved building with LEGO bricks. When asked whether he could follow the instructions without seeing the picture on the box, he explained that he could trust the one who designed it. Our lives can feel a little like an unfinished puzzle. We don't always understand how the pieces fit together, and sometimes the picture looks nothing like we expected. But Heavenly Father sees what we cannot, and Jesus Christ can help us through the experiences we don't understand. Read 1 Nephi 11:17, where Nephi acknowledges that he doesn't know the meaning of all things, but he knows God loves His children. Discuss how we can trust the Savior even when we cannot see the whole picture. Close with your testimony that Jesus Christ knows our individual stories and can help us find peace, purpose, and joy as we trust Him.

9. Christmas Questions & Cocoa

Growth Areas: Social

Set up a hot cocoa bar and invite everyone to enjoy a relaxed evening getting to know each other a little better. Place folded question slips on the tables (use our printable below), mixing funny Christmas questions with more meaningful conversation starters.

We made you a list with questions like these:

• Which Christmas song would make the worst alarm clock?

• What was your childhood Christmas tree like?

• Which person in the Nativity story would you love to sit and talk with?

• Which Christmas character would be the most exhausting houseguest?

Have everyone take turns drawing and answering questions, with the option to pass. Switch tables or conversation partners throughout so participants have an opportunity to visit with more people. The questions are simply there if they need them. They can absolutely talk about anything else too.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: Jesus Christ noticed individuals and made time for them. As we participate in Light the World this Christmas, we can follow His example by seeing and loving the people around us. Hopefully, you talked to someone new tonight or at least a little more than normal. Invite everyone to try to notice someone they can reach out to this week, whether through a visit, a thoughtful message, or an invitation to spend time together. A little genuine friendship can be a meaningful Christmas gift.

10. Christmas: See It, Draw It, Act It!

Growth Areas: Social, Spiritual, Intellectual

Laugh, draw, and act your way through the Christmas story with two games in one printable. Our Christmas: See It, Draw It, Act It! cards below combine Reverse Charades with Eyes to See, a gospel drawing game, for an activity that's easy to adapt to your group.

Start with Reverse Charades, where the usual rules get flipped around. Instead of one person acting while everyone guesses, the whole team acts out a scene while one person tries to figure out what's happening. Divide into groups, choose a guesser, and have the remaining players silently act out a card together. Give the guesser 60–90 seconds before switching roles.

The cards include scenes from the Nativity, such as shepherds hurrying to find Jesus, wise men following the star, and Mary visiting Elisabeth. We've also included some everyday Christmas fun, like untangling Christmas lights, building a snowman, and decorating a tree.

Next, pull out the Eyes to See drawing cards. Players take turns drawing Christmas and Nativity pictures while everyone else guesses. No talking, letters, or numbers allowed. You can play as one group or divide into teams. Artistic talent is optional, and sometimes the less recognizable the drawing, the more entertaining the game becomes.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: After playing, gather the Nativity cards and invite everyone to put the events surrounding Jesus Christ's birth in order. Use the scriptures to check the sequence, including the accounts of His birth in the Bible and the signs given to the Nephites in the Book of Mormon. Talk about how Heavenly Father prepared people in different parts of the world for the coming of His Son. Invite everyone to share something they love about the Christmas story, and close with a brief testimony of Jesus Christ and the joy His birth brings.

Looking for EVEN MORE ideas? We’ve got 10 more for Christmas right here.

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