25 Toddler Days of Christmas

0

Christmas is such a special time of year in our family. With a toddler in the house and baby #2 on the way, it has really put into perspective how much fun our future holidays hold. 

Last year, my daughter was just a year old around Christmas time. I quickly learned that all of the fun holiday activities I wanted to do with her were just a little over her head. Then I realized that this would be the case for at least a couple more years. Some activities and events are just not in her age range yet. So this year, I decided to make a countdown of age-appropriate activities and local events to help my little one understand and celebrate the holiday season!

Christmas Countdown Chain

Start the season off right with a fun craft project! My little one is only 2 but she loves pretty paper and helping glue things together. This activity is ideal for an older toddler or preschooler because it promotes number awareness. But don’t be dismayed if you have younger toddlers! It’s a great time to learn. 

Story Walk at Panorama Park

Story hour is happening along Panorama Park’s adventure trail. This event is for kids 0-8 and their caregivers. What kid doesn’t love to get outside and hear a good story? Be sure to bundle up! 

Gingerbread Play Dough

There’s something about the scent of gingerbread that takes me back to my grandma’s house during Christmas time. Play dough is such a fun sensory activity, so add some holiday spirit to it by adding in gingerbread scent! 

Nature Hike with Santa

Happening locally at Fountain Creek Nature Center on December 10th & 17th is a Nature Hike with Santa! My toddler loves being outside, even in the winter. Bundle up your littles and get outside to go on an adventure with Santa!

Santa Letters

Of course, you will probably be the one to write this letter but it’s so much fun to see what they have to say to Santa! Let them dictate while you write. My toddler told me she wanted a pinecone, which is the most recent word she learned. 

Forest Bend Christmas Farm

One of our favorite places to spend a holiday evening is at Forest Bend Christmas Farm! They have everything from hayrides to cookie decorating to marshmallow roasting. Plus kids 24 months and younger are free! Check out their schedule for ticket availability! 

Christmas Eve Book

One of my favorite traditions that we have started is unwrapping a new book to read on Christmas Eve. There are so many fun Christmas books out there so pick one up and wrap it for a fun bedtime story! 

Put Up a Bedroom Tree

Decorate at your own risk, but this year we decided to get our toddler her own Christmas tree for her bedroom. It’s hot pink and has fun ornaments that we picked up at Dollar Tree! She loves to turn the lights on at night and sit by the tree before bed. Keep in mind that you’ll want shatter-proof ornaments and maybe a secure place to put it like a desk or table. 

Santa at the Market

I’m probably biased, but this is one of my favorite events this holiday season! The COS Mom Collective is hosting our fifth annual holiday event, Santa at the Market. This is happening on two days this year, December 4th & 11th at the Hillside Gardens & Event Center. Here you can enjoy cookie decorating, hot cocoa, holiday crafts and games, letters to Santa, a Christmas market, giveaways, and more! Grab your tickets now! 

Electric Safari

Definitely a fan favorite in our house, because who doesn’t love the zoo?! The Electric Safari is a great way to see Christmas lights and celebrate with zoo friends! This year they will have activities, inflatables, hot cocoa stations, sky rides, and more! Check it out early to grab your tickets before they are gone!

Bake Cookies

If you are one to make Christmas cookies and holiday treats every year, then this is a great opportunity to get your littles involved. Yes, it’ll be messy. Yes, they will try to lick the batter. But I promise you, it’s worth it! My toddler decorates the prettiest cookies! 

Neighbor Gifts

We have the sweetest neighbors next door and we love to stop and visit any chance we get. Take your baking skills and throw them together as Christmas gifts for your neighbors. Ours love cinnamon rolls! 

Reindeer Food

This is an easy activity that kids will love! Sprinkle it out on the lawn on Christmas Eve and wait to see if the reindeer eat it! Obviously keep it safe for our wildlife friends. 

Festival of Lights Family Fun Day

This is a free event put on by the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum! They have a full performance schedule, crafts, and activities led by a variety of community organizations. This is a tradition of over 30 years! Check out their event page to register for tickets!

Salt Dough Ornaments

This is one of my favorite activities. You can whip together the dough in no time. Give your toddlers some cookie cutters to cut out their own ornament, or use hand and feet prints to make them personalized! Don’t forget to paint them! 

Christmas Eve Box

Sort of like your Christmas eve book, but even better! Prep a little box with all of the fun bedtime things to get your toddler in the holiday spirit before Santa stops by! Christmas jammies, warm socks, bath bombs, Christmas books, and hot cocoa are perfect things to add to their box. 

Trampoline Days

When it’s cold out, it’s harder to run out of all the energy that toddlers somehow have. One of our favorite activities to get us to nap time is toddler time at the Springs Adventure Park! This happens every Wednesday and Friday morning. So take a break and jump into the holiday season!

Christmas Lights Tour

Bundle up and take the whole family for a drive (or walk) around to look at Christmas lights! Pack some Christmas cookies and hot cocoa (or chocolate milk) to enjoy as a treat! Don’t forget the blankets! 

The North Pole

If you are local to Colorado Springs, then The North Pole is a must any time of year, but especially during the holiday season. Ride the rides, visit with Santa or grab a sweet treat. Either way, experience Santa’s village and get in the holiday spirit!

Movie Marathon

I love Christmas movies! Thankfully, my toddler does too. Make a list of movies you want to watch one day and clear your schedule to snuggle on the couch. Make a hot cocoa bar and snack box, build a blanket fort, and turn on the Christmas lights! This is a great idea for a snowy afternoon. 

Christmas Sensory Bins

Okay, these are a bit messy, but super fun. Pick up some fun sensory items from your local dollar tree, holiday-themed of course, and put together a bin for your toddler to play with. Mine will stay occupied for hours! 

Play Street Museum 

If you haven’t been to the PSM, here’s your sign to go. It’s like a toddler town with different activity centers around the room. They offer a variety of events throughout the month but one of our favorites is the Grinch Slime day! Check out their event calendar for special holiday events or just pick a normal play day. 

Felt Christmas Tree

Grab some felt from the local craft store. Cut out a tree shape and tape it to the wall. From there you can cut out other shapes and designs of felt. Let your toddler stick them on the felt tree in whatever way they like! Now they can decorate their own tree! 

Christmas at the PPLD

The Pikes Peak Library District has so many programs, tools, and resources to make the most out of the holiday season with your little ones. You can find everything from holiday card making, to ornament crafts, to Christmas story time. Check out your local library for a list of events happening!

Santa Express Train

This is one of those fun holiday events I think everyone should experience at least once. The Polar Express is one of my favorite movies and the Santa Express Train is the next best thing for locals! This year they are offering morning and evening rides, so check out their website to book your seats! 

We hope your Christmas season is magical and hopefully a little less stressful with the help of some of these events and activities!