December is here, and the festive season is in full swing! To help you make the most of this magical month, we’ve created the ultimate Christmas advent calendar with 25 delightful activities to enjoy this December.
Grab a mug of hot chocolate, snuggle up, and let the festive fun begin!
1. Deck the Halls (and Beyond!)
First things first: bring the sparkle into your home! Pull out your favourite tinsel, baubles, and beloved homemade decorations and sprinkle a little festive magic around. Don’t stop there – why not add a touch of Christmas cheer to your car, your garden, or even your workplace? The more sparkle, the merrier!
2. Festive Photoshoot Fun
Time to don your Christmas jumpers, Santa hats, or even some glittery elf ears! Capture the joy of the season with a festive photoshoot. Fake snow, fairy lights, or maybe even a dusting of real snow – anything goes! These photos make perfect keepsakes and are great for sharing with friends and family.
3. Handmade Christmas Cards
Bring out your inner artist! Create handmade Christmas cards with paints, pens, glitter, and a lot of festive cheer. For a modern twist, turn some of your photos from your Christmas photoshoot into digital cards to save on paper while still spreading the joy.
4. Festive Tunes to Set the Mood
No Christmas is complete without a soundtrack! Whether you love timeless classics or upbeat modern hits, create a playlist to fill your home with festive cheer. Play it while decorating, baking, or just sipping hot chocolate by the fire – you might even discover a new favourite tune!
5. Santa’s Grotto Magic
There’s nothing quite like that moment when little eyes widen and smiles stretch from ear to ear at the sight of Santa himself. It’s pure Christmas magic, the kind that makes all the festive bustle worthwhile.
And guess what? Our sister park, Lady’s Mile, is spreading even more cheer this season with meet-and-greet experiences with Santa – complete with delicious food! Whether you fancy a hearty breakfast or a festive carvery feast, it’s the perfect way to make memories that’ll warm your heart long after the decorations come down.
Go on – make it a day to remember! Take a look here.
6. Christmas Baking Bliss
Few things say “Christmas” quite like the scent of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. Gather your loved ones, dust off those treasured family recipes (or find a new favourite online), and get baking! From gingerbread men with cheeky grins to golden mince pies fresh from the oven, festive baking is a wonderful way to share laughter, stories, and sweet memories.
And the best part? You get to enjoy the fruits of your labour – preferably warm, with a mug of mulled wine or cocoa in hand!
7. Brave the Shops (and Make It Fun!)
We know, Christmas shopping can be hectic! But with the right mindset, it can be a festive adventure. Go early, take your time, and soak it all in: the twinkling lights, the scent of spiced treats, and the joyful buzz of people finding the perfect gift.
It’s all part of the Christmas experience, and when you picture the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they unwrap their presents, every queue and chilly dash between shops suddenly feels worth it.
8. Christmas Carols & Cosy Evenings
Few things capture the spirit of the season like carols sung by candlelight. Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and let the music fill your heart. Whether you’re joining in or just listening, it’s the perfect way to feel connected to the magic of the season.
Top tip: Check out your local churches, halls, or town squares – there are usually plenty of carol events throughout December!
9. Host a Festive Get-Together
Why wait until Christmas Day to celebrate? Gather your favourite people, put on your best Christmas jumpers, and host a cosy evening full of laughter, delicious food, and a touch of sparkle. Whether it’s a small gathering or a full-blown festive feast, make it a night to remember.
Bring out the good wine, turn up the Christmas tunes, and don’t forget the crackers. After all, who says they’re just for Christmas Day? It’s the perfect excuse to eat, drink, and be merry surrounded by the ones who make the season special.
10. Christmas at Powderham Castle
Step into a real-life Christmas fairytale at Powderham Castle. Each December, this historic gem transforms into a wonderland of lights, decorations, and festive cheer. Wander through grand rooms decked in garlands, explore twinkling gardens, and feel the magic of the season all around you.
It’s the perfect festive day out – a blend of history, beauty, and Christmas spirit that’s sure to leave you glowing inside and out.
11. Wander Through a Christmas Market
Nothing captures the magic of the season quite like a Christmas market. The smell of roasted chestnuts, the sound of carols floating through the air, and rows of twinkling stalls filled with handmade gifts and festive treats – it’s pure Christmas enchantment.
If you’re nearby or staying with us, the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a must-visit. Just a short journey by train – perfect if you fancy a glass of mulled wine or two! It’s the ideal place to find unique gifts, indulge in tasty treats, and soak up that joyful, Christmassy atmosphere.
Here are some favourites you won’t want to miss:
- Dawlish Christmas Market (29 to 30 November)
- Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre (Saturday 29 November)
- Newton Abbot Victorian Evening (Wednesday 3 December)
- Exeter Christmas Market (20 November to 19 December)
- Plymouth Christmas Market (28 November to 15 December)
12. A Christmas Getaway to Remember
Dreaming of a change of scenery this Christmas? Escape to Oakcliff, where the festive season feels extra special. Breathe in the crisp South Devon air, wander along peaceful countryside trails, and unwind in your cosy home-from-home.
For an added touch of indulgence, choose accommodation with a private hot tub and let the bubbles work their magic as the stars twinkle overhead. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Oakcliff has everything you need to make this Christmas truly unforgettable.
13. Build Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar
Turn a simple treat into a full-on festive experience! Gather your cosiest mugs, melt real chocolate until it’s rich and velvety, and let everyone create their own dreamy hot chocolate masterpiece.
Add a dash of peppermint, orange, or caramel syrup for a flavour twist, then pile on the toppings. Whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, maybe even a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra Christmassy touch. It’s comfort in a cup and the perfect way to warm up after a chilly winter’s day.
14. Festive Games Night
Bring everyone together for a night of laughter and friendly competition! Whether you stick to timeless favourites like Charades and Pictionary or add a festive spin to your usual games, there’s no better way to fill the room with joy and giggles.
Fancy something extra fun? Try Pin the Nose on Rudolph – it’s delightfully silly, wonderfully festive, and guaranteed to have everyone laughing from start to finish.
15. Christmas Light Hunt
There’s something truly magical about wandering through streets twinkling with Christmas lights. The sparkle of fairy lights, the glow of lanterns, and the creativity of festive displays bring such warmth to the season.
Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and head out to find the most dazzling displays in your area. It’s a simple tradition, but one that always fills hearts with wonder and joy.
Just remember to admire from a respectful distance – after all, these beautiful displays are part of someone’s home!
16. Make Gift Wrapping Magical
Gift wrapping doesn’t have to feel like a chore – it can be a little creative adventure of its own! Turn up the Christmas tunes, pour yourself something warm (or a cheeky glass of fizz), and make it fun.
Try a friendly wrapping competition with a loved one, or see who can make the most beautiful gift. Think ribbons, bows, pinecones, and even a sprinkle of glitter for that extra festive sparkle. You’ll love seeing your handiwork stacked under the tree, ready to delight everyone on Christmas morning!
17. A Trip to the Panto
Do you want to see a pantomime this year? Oh yes, you do!
Pantos are a Christmas classic; full of colour, comedy, and a little bit of cheeky fun. Boo the villains, cheer the heroes, and join in with all the “it’s behind you!”s. Whether you’re introducing little ones to their first show or reliving your own childhood excitement, a trip to the panto is guaranteed to leave everyone smiling from ear to ear.
18. A Winter Beach Walk
There’s something wonderfully peaceful about a seaside stroll in winter. Pull on your warmest coat, wrap up in your cosiest scarf, and take a gentle walk along the shoreline. The cool sea breeze, the crunch of sand beneath your boots, and the rhythmic sound of waves can be the perfect antidote to all the festive hustle and bustle.
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and soak it all in – the stillness, the sparkle of the sea, and that unmistakable sense of calm that only nature can bring. Afterwards, reward yourself with a steaming hot chocolate or a mince pie back home. Bliss!
19. Secret Santa Fun
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a Secret Santa! Whether it’s at work, among friends, or within the family, it’s a brilliant way to spread a little extra cheer.
Set a budget, draw names, and let the plotting begin – will you go heartfelt or hilarious? Watching everyone’s reactions as gifts are unwrapped is half the fun! And who knows, you might just win the award for “best surprise” this year…
20. Festive Movie Marathon
No Christmas season is complete without a cosy movie night! Snuggle up with blankets, turn on the fairy lights, and press play on your festive favourites. Whether it’s heart-warming classics, laugh-out-loud comedies, or a good old rom-com, nothing beats that mix of comfort and nostalgia.
Don’t forget the snacks: popcorn, candy canes, and maybe a mug of that rich hot chocolate you made earlier!
(And yes… the age-old question remains: is Die Hard a Christmas film? We’ll let you decide!)
21. Build a Gingerbread Wonderland
Few things capture the spirit of Christmas quite like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread! Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and build your own delicious winter wonderland.
Turn it into a fun competition – who can create the most festive masterpiece? Think icing icicles, stained-glass windows made from boiled sweets, and snowy sprinkle gardens. Don’t forget to snap a photo before it gets eaten… because once you start nibbling, there’s no going back!
22. Bay of Lights
Prepare to be dazzled by the Bay of Lights illumination trail in Torquay! A magical journey through 19 sparkling light displays that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas fairy tale. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and take your time wandering through the glowing pathways as the night sparkles around you.
Not local? Why not turn it into a festive getaway and stay with us at Oakcliff? You’ll be just a short hop away from the magic.
23. A Taste of Christmas Around the World
Who says you have to stay local to enjoy Christmas cuisine? Take your taste buds on a festive adventure this year by sampling traditional dishes from around the globe.
Japan – Believe it or not, KFC is the Christmas dinner of choice!
Italy – Feast of the Seven Fishes, perfect for seafood lovers.
Sweden – Julbord, a smorgasbord of meats, cheeses, and festive treats.
Philippines – Bibingka, a soft rice flour cake with sweet toppings.
South Africa – Malva pudding, a golden sponge cake glazed with apricot jam.
Pick one (or several!) and bring a little international magic to your table this Christmas, it’s the perfect excuse to add something new to your festive feast!
24. Curl Up with a Christmas Classic
There’s nothing quite like the joy of losing yourself in a festive story. Light the fire, wrap up in a blanket, and pour yourself something warm as you dive into a good book.
Whether you prefer timeless tales like A Christmas Carol or modern festive stories filled with laughter and love, a Christmas read is the perfect way to slow down and savour the season.
25. The Christmas Eve Box Tradition
End the countdown to Christmas on a high with a magical Christmas Eve box! Fill it with festive pyjamas, tasty treats, a hot chocolate sachet, and maybe even a little game or Christmas film for the family to enjoy together.
It’s the perfect way to build the excitement for the big day – a heart-warming tradition that brings everyone together for one last cosy evening before Santa arrives. And let’s be honest… who doesn’t love slipping into brand-new PJs on Christmas Eve?
Making This Christmas Truly Unforgettable
From twinkling lights and festive markets to cosy nights by the fire, December is full of little moments that create the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re building gingerbread houses, wandering through sparkling light trails, or simply sipping a rich hot chocolate while wrapped in a blanket, every experience adds to the joy of the season.
The best part? These festive moments are made even more special when shared with the people you love. Laughter echoing through your home, stories exchanged over baking, and the simple pleasure of seeing eyes light up at Santa’s grotto – these are the memories that last long after the decorations come down.
So go on, embrace the sparkle, the scents, and the sounds of the season. Let yourself be immersed in the festive magic, try something new, and cherish every shared smile and cosy evening. After all, Christmas is all about those heartwarming moments that make life feel a little brighter, a little merrier, and a whole lot more magical.
Here’s to a December full of joy, wonder, and memories that will stay with you for years to come and to making this Christmas your most enchanting one yet!
So, book your stay at Oakcliff now! Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!
If you enjoyed your ultimate Christmas advent calendar, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.
