Somehow we’re heading into the final half-term of the year, with Christmas on the horizon. The minute Halloween’s out of the way, Mariah Carey starts playing in the shops, and suddenly it’s mince pie season!
With most class providers running their end-of-term specials in early-to-mid December, and parents already on the lookout for fun festive activities to do with their little ones, now is the time to start planning your Christmas-themed class.
But fear not! We’ve got you covered, with our quick guide to making your Christmas sessions sparkle, and your term go out with a bang.
1. Bring in some festive music & movement
You can’t have Christmas without the tunes! For an energetic class, think upbeat classics like ‘Jingle Bells’ or ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, plus a few gentler lullabies for calm moments. If it fits with your class, why not add some simple actions – shaking bells, waving dance scarves, or twirling ‘snowflakes’ (aka bits of tissue paper)?
For toddlers, you could try organising a mini Christmas parade around the room: with sleigh bells in hand, of course. For babies, keeping things cosy with some gentle, swaying movement to quieter Christmas songs such as ‘Silent Night’ or ‘Little Donkey’ can work perfectly.
2. Incorporate Christmas crafts and sensory activities
This is where you can really go to town. Babies and toddlers love exploring new textures, smells and sounds, so if you have the space / right format in your classes to bring in craft and sensory activities, why not try ideas like:
- Sparkly sensory trays – rice, glitter, pine cones, pom-poms, and scoops for the older ones to explore with
- Scented playdough – cinnamon, gingerbread, or peppermint (just make sure it’s taste-safe!)
- Snowy treasure baskets – think white scarves, ribbons and shiny baubles. You could even bust out the bubble machine for a real ‘snow globe’ effect!
- Christmas tree decorating – let them embellish felt trees and explore green and gold textures
- Santa’s little helper / elf workshop – for older age groups, you could offer ‘help Santa get ready for Christmas’ activities e.g. sorting toys or making their own wrapping paper.
See Happity’s blogs on 10 Easy Christmas Crafts For Toddlers and Simple Christmas toddler activities (the latter includes printable activity sheets which you could use in your classes).
3. Capture the memories
Parents love a festive photo moment! Why not set up a simple DIY backdrop – think fairy lights, a cardboard sleigh, or even a big red chair for your own ‘Santa’s grotto’ vibe. Offering to take quick snaps on parents’ phones during the class is a nice extra touch.
Budget allowing, you could even give out a small keepsake at the end of your class, such as a footprint Christmas card, a handprint bauble, or a little ‘My First Christmas Class’ certificate. It’s those little details that make your sessions unforgettable and keep families coming back next year. As an added bonus, they’re great for parents to share on socials – which can only benefit you!
4. Consider partnering with another class provider or gift company
If you’re a music-based class and want to bring in a craft or sensory activity (or vice versa), why not think about pairing up with another local class provider and running a joint session for your seasonal special, to pool skills and resources? And consider charging more for an extended session.
As Anna Coggan of Caterpillar Music Newark and Lincoln suggests: ‘Look at teaming up with other providers. I run music sessions and regularly team up for joint events with messy play providers. Parents love a themed event with different activities that is longer than a regular class!’
Another lovely idea is to host a gift provider at your classes in the run up to Christmas. Parents are always looking for cute xmas present ideas featuring their little ones, so why not invite a local photographer along to do baby photoshoots at your class, or a kids’ handprint pottery franchise such as Popolo Ceramico? These make the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family and really add something to your classes (plus you can do some cross marketing of each others’ businesses), so it’s win-win!
5. If in doubt, bring out Santa!
Who doesn’t love a visit from Father Christmas, regardless of age?! If you can rope in your partner / dad / grandad to dress up and surprise your class attendees, it’s sure to delight all.
Some younger children can feel nervous when faced with a stranger in costume though, so make sure you alert parents at the start of the class in case they want to prep their child, and listen to their cues if they’d prefer not to be part of this bit.
And remember: anyone you invite to appear at your classes will need an up-to-date DBS check.
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Good luck, and don’t forget to share your Christmas class images and videos on social media (Happity’s as well as your own!). We’re always on the lookout for engaging content to share on our channels, so tag us in your Instagram posts (@Happityapp) and we will endeavour to re-post!
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