7 Family Holiday Ideas to Celebrate the Season

Two hands working on a colorful jigsaw puzzle spread across a green-striped cloth, surrounded by festive treats including shortbread, chocolate chip cookies, peppermint candies, marshmallows, and jars filled with candy canes and Lindt truffles.

The holidays aren’t just about presents or packed calendars; they’re about the moments that bring everyone closer. A shared laugh over a board game, a quiet hour spent reading, or the comfort of a familiar story can turn an ordinary evening into something special. Here are a few simple ways to make the most of time with your family at Christmas and create memories that last long after the tree comes down.

Try these fun and festive family holiday ideas with your loved ones.

  1. Set the Scene for the Ultimate Family Game Night

Four people sitting around a wooden table playing a colorful board game, with one person holding a game piece and another holding a green plate and a mug, in a cozy indoor setting with warm lighting.

Transform your living room into the ultimate family game night hub with twinkling Christmas lightsholiday decor, and festive eats. Make it a tradition: schedule a weekly holiday game night and rotate who chooses the game to keep each gathering fresh. For more entertaining inspiration, check out our tips and must-haves for holiday hosting!

  1. Mix Tech & Tabletop

Close-up of two people sitting on the floor playing a video game with a black controller, in a cozy indoor setting with warm lighting and casual outfits.

Blend old-school fun with modern play by pairing classic board games like Settlers of Catan with your favourite PlayStation and Nintendo gaming consoles. It’s the perfect balance for kids and adults alike, creating moments that feel both nostalgic and new. Explore our best tech picks of the season to upgrade your holiday setup (and get some gifting inspo while you’re at it!).

  1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Person sitting on a sofa reading a colorful children’s book to a child holding a stuffed toy, next to a decorated Christmas tree with glowing lights and ornaments.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a cozy corner designed for relaxation. Add soft lighting with a gorgeous mosaic lamp, a seasonal candle, and a few throw blankets to take your setup to the next level. Keep it simple! The family reading nook is a place to grab a comforting cup of tea and sink into a good book.

LD Holiday Tip  

London Drugs makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the moment with cozy winter comforts for the whole family. Discover essential holiday finds to turn your home into a warm and welcoming Christmas oasis with our top 25 tips for cozy comfort

  1. Choose Snacks That Make Family Time Tastier 

Hand dipping a shortbread cookie into a Santa-shaped mug filled with whipped cream, next to a wooden tray with assorted holiday treats including chocolate chip cookies, marshmallows, and peppermint candies on a green and white striped cloth.

No Christmas family activity is complete without great snacks! Set up a hot cocoa bar, set gingerbread cookies and chocolates on a serving tray, or serve bowls of popcorn for an effortless evening of fun. Other easy-serve treats like Poppi Cranberry Fizz Soda and Niederegger Marzipan Loaf add even more holiday flair to the mix, while sleek SMEG appliances make prep easy so you can focus on spending quality time with your nearest and dearest.

 

  1. Slow Down With Puzzles 

Close-up of hands assembling a jigsaw puzzle on a wooden table, with scattered blue and white puzzle pieces and part of the completed image showing a sandy beach and ocean waves.

Puzzles are a simple way to slow down and reconnect during the holidays. Between parties and travel, spreading out a puzzle offers mindful downtime that everyone can enjoy together. It’s one of those activities that brings all ages to the table—no pressure, just quiet focus and shared accomplishment.

 

  1. Capture the Joy with Cameras for Every Moment

Two instant photos clipped to the branches of a decorated Christmas tree, one showing a wrapped gift and the other featuring a group gathered near a Christmas tree with presents, surrounded by silver ribbon ornaments and warm holiday lights.

Capture the joy of the season with a camera that fits your family’s style. From candid laughter to cinematic holiday moments, today’s point-and-shoot and mirrorless camera options make it easy to savour every detail. Afterward, use London Drugs PhotoLab to turn your pics into prints or personalized photo keepsakes.

LD Holiday Tip 

Want to know the secret to incredible holiday photos? Skip the posed shots. Use natural window light and focus on emotion—laughter during game night, quiet moments reading or putting together a puzzle, and cozy snuggles on the sofa tell the best holiday stories.

  1. Share the Soundtrack of the Season

Close-up of a vinyl record spinning on a turntable, with the stylus needle positioned on the grooves of the record, highlighting the texture and details of the black vinyl and the tonearm mechanism.

Bring the holiday spirit to life with a custom Christmas playlist. Build a mix that blends family favourites. From classic carols, cozy instrumentals, and a few upbeat tracks for decorating or game night. Let music fill every corner of your home with the help of a premium JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for tunes on the move or a retro-but-better Kanto Turntable that makes it easy to set the mood.

Find Christmas Activities for the Whole Family at London Drugs  

The best part of the holidays is the time you share with the people who matter most. From puzzles and game nights to cozy reading corners and photo-worthy memories, these family holiday ideas bring connection into every home. When you’re ready to spread that joy beyond your living room, explore our Holiday Treasure Hunt guide for thoughtful gifting inspo that makes every celebration a little brighter. 

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