Holiday classroom activities can be hit or miss for a lot of teachers. It’s hard not to acknowledge the excitement of the season, but it’s also important to create activities that are thoughtful, engaging, and inclusive for all students. With winter break just around the corner, the key is finding ways to channel that seasonal energy into meaningful and creative lessons.
Whether you’re looking to weave holiday themes into your curriculum or simply want to embrace the festive atmosphere, there are plenty of ways to strike the right balance. From exploring classic short stories like The Gift of the Magi to crafting holiday-inspired writing projects or playing educational games, there’s something here for every secondary ELA classroom.
In this post, I’ll share 10 holiday-themed activities designed to keep students engaged, encourage creativity, and make the most of the season. These ideas are flexible, fun, and adaptable for various skill levels, ensuring your classroom stays focused while celebrating the season in a way that’s accessible to all. Let’s dive in!
#1: The Gift of the Magi Short Story Unit
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a timeless short story that beautifully captures the true spirit of selflessness and the deeper meaning behind gift-giving. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and irony make it a perfect choice for December, when students are already reflecting on the holiday season.
If you’re looking for an engaging and meaningful way to incorporate this classic into your classroom, I have a ready-to-use mini-unit that’s designed specifically for secondary ELA. This unit includes everything you need to guide your students through the story while fostering rich discussions, honing literary analysis skills, and even sparking personal connections to the themes.
Want more ideas for teaching this story? Check out my blog post with five creative teaching strategies that bring this classic to life in your classroom. From exploring the story’s ironic twist to comparing the characters’ sacrifices to modern-day dilemmas, there’s something for every teaching style.
Personally, this is one of my favorite units to teach all year— not just because of its heartfelt message, but because it resonates so deeply with students. Watching them discover the story’s layers and connect its themes to their own lives is incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s the perfect way to weave a little holiday magic into your curriculum without losing focus on critical thinking and literary analysis.
#2: Holiday Mad Libs
You probably know by now that Mad Libs are one of my favorite ways to practice parts of speech, but did you know they can also double as a fantastic classroom culture activity? They’re perfect for getting students laughing and collaborating, which is especially valuable during the often hectic holiday season. My pre-made, classroom-appropriate holiday set of Mad Libs is ready to go and offers a fun, low-prep way to keep students engaged while reinforcing their grammar skills. You can check it out here.
If you have a little extra time, why not take it a step further? Challenge your students to create their own holiday-themed Mad Libs! They can write a short, festive story, strategically leave blanks for parts of speech, and then swap with classmates for an interactive twist. Sharing the results aloud always leads to plenty of laughs and helps build a sense of camaraderie in the classroom. Whether you use the pre-made set or let students craft their own, Mad Libs are a surefire way to bring holiday cheer into your lessons while keeping the focus on learning.
#3: Holiday Short Stories
There are plenty of traditional holiday texts to explore if that’s the route you’re looking to take, and they can add a warm, festive touch to your lessons while still fostering literary analysis and critical thinking. There are also tons of contemporary options to give you a fresh take on the season. Click here to see a round-up of short stories that are perfect for the holiday season. These timeless tales offer rich themes, memorable characters, and thought-provoking messages that resonate with the spirit of the season.
If you’re looking for flexible activities to pair with these stories, I’ve got you covered! My versatile resource is designed to work with any short story, making it easy to adapt to your students’ needs and your teaching style. From discussion prompts to creative writing extensions, this resource is packed with ideas to help students engage deeply with the text. You can check it out here.
Whether you’re focusing on traditional tales or experimenting with modern holiday-themed stories, pairing them with thoughtful activities can elevate your classroom experience and ensure your students stay engaged while embracing the holiday spirit. These texts and resources are the perfect blend of fun and academic rigor, making them a win-win for the busy season ahead!
#4: My True Love Gave to Me + Short Story Activities
If you’re looking to bring more diversity into your holiday stories, My True Love Gave to Me, edited by Stephanie Perkins, is an excellent choice. This short story compilation highlights a variety of holiday traditions, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, and more, offering students a broader perspective on how the season is celebrated across cultures. It’s a refreshing addition to the world of YA literature, which often overlooks such inclusivity, and provides a perfect opportunity to introduce students to narratives that may reflect their own experiences or expand their understanding of others’.
To make the most of this text, pair it with my Short Story Activities for Any Short Story resource. This versatile tool provides discussion guides, literary analysis activities, and creative extensions that are perfect for unpacking the rich themes and characters in My True Love Gave to Me. With this combination, you’ll have an engaging, inclusive activity that resonates with your diverse classroom.
Not only does this approach help students connect with the material on a personal level, but it also sparks meaningful discussions about culture, traditions, and the universal themes of love and connection that make the holiday season special for everyone.
#5: Holiday Choice Reading
Independent reading is always a reliable and engaging option, but have you ever considered dedicating a round solely to holiday-themed reads? Seasonal reading adds an extra layer of excitement and festivity, making it a memorable experience for students. It’s a fun way to capture the energy of the holidays while fostering a stronger culture of reading in your classroom.
Imagine your students diving into a cozy winter romance, an intriguing holiday mystery, or a heartwarming story about family and traditions. These seasonal reads not only make independent reading feel fresh and relevant, but they also provide opportunities for rich discussions about themes of giving, community, and resilience—concepts that resonate during the holidays.
Not sure where to start? Click here to see a round-up of my favorite holiday novels, perfect for middle and high school readers. Then, pair these books with my Independent Reading Activities resource, which can be adapted to any novel your students choose. Whether they’re reading a classic holiday story or a contemporary winter tale, this resource will help them dive deeper into the text through engaging activities like journaling, plot analysis, and theme exploration.
Holiday-themed independent reading isn’t just about enjoying great stories—it’s about building a tradition of joyful reading that students will carry with them long after the holiday season ends.
#6: Roll a Holiday Story
Creative writing is a fantastic way to spark imagination and build writing skills at any point in the year, but there’s something extra special about tapping into the holiday spirit. That’s why I love this holiday-themed activity, Roll a Holiday Story. It’s a fun, interactive way to inspire creativity while tying into the festive mood of the season.
Here’s how it works: Students roll a dice to determine their narrative story elements, such as the setting, character, conflict, and plot twists. The randomness adds an element of surprise and challenge, encouraging students to think outside the box as they weave their holiday tales. Whether it’s an adventurous elf on a mission or a heartfelt story about family traditions, the possibilities are endless.
To make the experience even more engaging, this resource includes themed holiday paper that students can use for their final drafts. These polished stories are perfect for a bulletin board display, adding a festive touch to your classroom. As an added bonus, these creative pieces can also double as thoughtful gifts students can share with their families—a meaningful way to combine academics with holiday cheer.
Ready to give it a try? Click here to check out my Holiday Roll a Story resource and get ready to see your students’ creativity shine. It’s a festive, low-prep activity that’s sure to be a hit.
#7: Argumentative Letters to Santa
This is hands down one of my favorite holiday classroom activities, but as always, it’s important to know your audience before diving in. In this engaging and creative exercise, students craft persuasive letters arguing their way onto Santa’s nice list. It’s a playful way to practice argumentative writing while tapping into the festive spirit of the season.
One of the reasons this activity is such a hit is its flexibility. You can tailor it to different grade levels and skill sets, making it accessible for all your students. For older students, you can raise the stakes by requiring them to incorporate rhetorical techniques they’ve learned in class. For example, when I taught 9th grade ELA, I challenged my students to include at least one example of ethos, pathos, and logos in their letters. Watching them strategize their appeals and balance logic, emotion, and credibility was both fun and rewarding.
To make the activity even more special, this resource includes themed holiday writing paper, giving students a polished, festive backdrop for their arguments. Once complete, these letters can double as thoughtful keepsakes or holiday gifts for students to share with their families, adding a personal touch to their writing efforts.
If you’re looking for holiday classroom activities that are both academically meaningful and full of festive cheer, this one is a must-try. It’s a creative way to teach persuasive writing while embracing the holiday season. Click here to check it out and bring this delightful activity to your classroom!
#8: Winter Holidays Around the World Close Reading Activity
Bring the spirit of inclusivity and global awareness to your classroom with the Holidays Around the World Close Reading Activities! This resource is perfect for immersing students in the diverse celebrations of winter holidays while sharpening their reading and writing skills. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-implement lesson for the days leading up to winter break or a meaningful way to explore traditions worldwide, this resource has something for everyone.
One of the best aspects of this activity is its focus on cultural diversity. Students will learn about celebrations like Diwali, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Ramadan, and more, expanding their understanding of the world while fostering empathy and respect for different traditions. The informational text is paired with thought-provoking comprehension questions and vocabulary practice to challenge students’ critical thinking skills.
But that’s not all! This resource also includes a creative project where students design their own holiday celebration. It’s a perfect way to spark imagination and tie everything together in a fun, hands-on way. Bonus: the included activities are versatile and can be used for sub plans, fast finishers, or as a complete holiday lesson.
If you’re searching for holiday classroom activities that are both educational and festive, the Holidays Around the World Close Reading Activities is an excellent choice. It’s designed to celebrate diversity, inspire creativity, and keep students engaged during the busy holiday season. Click here to grab this resource and make the most of the winter holidays in your ELA classroom!
#9: Host a Holiday Book Swap
A Holiday Book Swap is one of the most enjoyable and meaningful holiday classroom activities you can organize for your students. This activity encourages students to share their love of reading while fostering a sense of community in the classroom. Have each student bring in a gently used book they’ve loved, along with a short recommendation about why they think others would enjoy it. This recommendation can be shared on a tag attached to the book, or students can read them aloud during the swap! To add an extra personal touch, pair this activity with a creative bookplate activity. Students can design custom bookplates to personalize their swapped books, making them feel special and memorable. It’s a great way to encourage independent reading and introduce students to new genres or authors they might not have considered. Plus, it’s an excellent way to promote a culture of giving and gratitude during the holiday season!
#10: Introduce Your Students to Hygge
This winter, why not introduce your students to hygge, the Danish concept of cozy contentment? Hygge is all about finding joy in simple pleasures, creating comfort, and savoring moments of peace—perfect themes for the holiday season and a much-needed breath of fresh air during the colder months. You can start by discussing what hygge means, using examples like warm blankets, candlelight, cozy spaces, and sharing meals with loved ones. Encourage students to reflect on what brings them a sense of peace and comfort, whether it’s a favorite winter activity, a place to relax, or spending time with friends. To make it even more engaging, use my Hygge Reading and Writing Project to deepen their understanding while incorporating reading, writing, and even digital media. This resource provides an original reading passage that introduces hygge, along with five comprehension questions and a choice board with six project options, giving students the opportunity to explore the concept in creative ways. It’s perfect for a standalone lesson or as a thoughtful introduction to independent reading, social-emotional learning, or even a substitute plan. Plus, it comes with an editable rubric and teacher notes for easy implementation. Bring the cozy spirit of hygge into your classroom this winter and give your students the gift of comfort and creativity this season.
If you’re on the fence about including holiday activities in your classroom, another suggestion would be to just stick to winter-themed activities. You can check out everything I have in my own shop right here. I also worked on a collaborative blog with a few other ELA teachers to bring you 12 more winter-themed ideas. You can check those out here as well.
Hopefully this post has given you plenty of fresh ideas for your classroom. Wishing you all a very merry and bright season.
As you plan your classroom activities for the holiday season, don’t hesitate to consider incorporating some fun holiday classroom activities into your lessons. If you’re unsure about diving into holiday-themed content, you can always stick to winter-themed activities that still capture the spirit of the season without focusing on specific holidays. Check out my shop for a variety of winter-themed resources that will keep your students engaged and learning. You can also check out my blog post with 10 ideas specific to winter right here.
I hope this post has provided you with plenty of fresh, creative ideas to make your classroom merry and bright this season. Wishing you a cozy and joyful holiday season full of memorable learning moments!
Happy teaching!
