20 Screen-Free Christmas Evening Ideas

The glow of fairy lights. The crackle of the fire. The sound of laughter spilling from the kitchen. Christmas evenings have a magic all their own — but so often, we find ourselves defaulting to screens. There’s nothing wrong with a good festive film or cosy Christmas special, of course, but sometimes it’s refreshing to unplug, set the devices aside, and create moments that live in memory rather than on a screen.

If you’d like to spend more of your Christmas evenings screen-free this year, here are 20 simple and joyful ideas. They’re easy, inexpensive, and guaranteed to fill your home with laughter, connection, and festive cheer.

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1. Bake Together

Whip up a batch of cookies, mince pies, or brownies. Let the kids decorate with icing and sprinkles while the adults enjoy a mulled wine nearby.

2. Play a Board Game

From Scrabble to Monopoly to Christmas-themed trivia, board games are the perfect way to spend an evening together without screens.

3. Do a Christmas Puzzle

Clear the table, pour hot chocolates, and work together on a festive jigsaw puzzle. It’s surprisingly meditative.

4. Storytelling by Candlelight

Switch off the lights, light a few candles, and take turns telling stories — whether they’re Christmas memories, fairy tales, or family legends.

5. Knit, Sew, or Craft

Bring out simple crafts like knitting, crochet, or hand-stitching. Even making paper chains or folding origami stars keeps hands busy and hearts calm.

6. Decorate Gingerbread

Whether you bake from scratch or buy a kit, decorating gingerbread houses or biscuits together is endlessly fun — and delicious.

7. Play Charades

Go classic with a round of charades. Add a Christmas twist with categories like festive films, carols, or holiday traditions.

8. Sing Carols Together

Print out the lyrics (or dig out an old songbook) and sing your favourite carols. Harmonies optional — enthusiasm essential.

9. Write Christmas Cards

Spend an evening writing cards for friends, family, or neighbours. Add little doodles or personal notes to make them extra special.

10. Try Christmas Bingo

Create simple bingo cards with festive items like “star,” “bells,” “Santa,” “gingerbread,” or “snowman.” Use buttons or sweets as counters.

11. Candlelit Dinner at Home

Even if it’s just soup and bread, set the table with candles, play gentle background music, and savour a slow meal together.

12. Memory Sharing Night

Take turns sharing your favourite Christmas memories from childhood or years gone by. Kids love hearing stories from the past.

13. Play Cards

Rummy, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or even poker with matchsticks or chocolate coins — card games are timeless, screen-free fun.

14. Do a Random Act of Kindness

Assemble treat bags for neighbours, bake extra for a friend, or write anonymous kind notes to slip under someone’s door.

15. Christmas Charms Game

Hide small festive trinkets (bells, ornaments, candy canes) around the room and let everyone search for them — like a mini scavenger hunt indoors.

16. Read Aloud Together

Choose a Christmas story — The Night Before Christmas, The Snowman, or even a seasonal chapter book — and read a little each evening.

17. Make a Hot Chocolate Bar

Lay out toppings like marshmallows, cream, chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes. Let everyone design their perfect cup.

18. Do a Christmas Quiz

Prepare questions about carols, films, traditions, or even family history. Divide into teams and keep score with festive prizes.

19. Go for a Night Walk

Bundle up and take a slow walk through your neighbourhood to admire the Christmas lights. Bring travel mugs of cocoa for the journey.

20. Have a Gratitude Circle

Sit together and share one thing you’re grateful for from the day or season. It’s a beautiful way to wind down and anchor in what truly matters.

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Wrapping Up

The best Christmas evenings aren’t necessarily the ones spent in front of a glowing screen, but the ones where laughter echoes, stories flow, and hands are busy with something simple and real.

This year, give yourself the gift of presence. Turn off the devices, pour something warm, and enjoy the beauty of being together — screen-free, memory-rich, and truly in the moment.

✨ May your Christmas evenings be merry, bright, and filled with joy.

Chat soon,

Ciara x

For more festive inspiration pop over and say hi on Instagram – @ourlittlehouseinthecountry