7 Boxing Day Activities to Enjoy with Loved Ones
Boxing Day is a time for family, friends, and festivity.
While Christmas Day often takes center stage, Boxing Day offers its own unique charm—a slower pace, a chance to bask in holiday cheer, and the perfect opportunity to create special memories with loved ones.
Whether you’re looking to stay cozy indoors or venture out into the crisp winter air, these seven Boxing Day activities are guaranteed to bring joy, laughter, and togetherness.
So, let’s dive into a day packed with fun, relaxation, and heartwarming moments!
1. Organize a Festive Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Start the day with a festive scavenger hunt that can be tailored for all ages. Hide small gifts, holiday treats, or quirky items around your home or backyard, and craft creative clues for participants to solve.
For children, you can include riddles or picture-based clues, while for adults, you can add a touch of humor or holiday trivia. This activity not only keeps everyone engaged but also adds an element of surprise and discovery to the day.
For a themed twist, make it a “12 Days of Christmas” scavenger hunt, with each clue corresponding to one of the song’s verses. Watching participants scramble to find “seven swans a-swimming” or “five golden rings” is sure to bring lots of laughs!
2. Host a Family Game Tournament
Boxing Day is the perfect time to dust off those board games, card games, or even video games and dive into a family-friendly tournament.
Whether it’s classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue, or newer favorites like Codenames and Ticket to Ride, the possibilities are endless. Divide into teams or play individually and keep a scoreboard for added excitement.
To make it extra festive, create custom holiday-themed prizes for the winners, such as “Champion of Christmas Cheer” certificates or mini gift bags. This activity encourages bonding, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter.
Introduce quirky games like charades or Pictionary with holiday prompts—think “Santa stuck in the chimney” or “Rudolph’s nose malfunction.” The sillier, the better!
3. Embark on a Winter Nature Walk
After days of indulgence, a refreshing nature walk is a wonderful way to embrace the outdoors and soak in the beauty of winter.
Whether you’re wandering through a nearby park, exploring a forest trail, or strolling along a snowy beach, the crisp air and serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and quality time.
For added fun, turn the walk into a photo scavenger hunt. Challenge everyone to capture pictures of specific items like snow-covered trees, holiday decorations, or even a squirrel gathering nuts.
This activity combines exercise, creativity, and the joy of being surrounded by nature.
4. Arrange a Movie Marathon
Few things are as comforting as curling up on the couch with loved ones for a movie marathon. Gather cozy blankets, prepare popcorn, and set up a lineup of holiday classics or family favorites.
Whether it’s the whimsical adventures of “Home Alone,” the heartfelt messages in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or the comedic genius of “Elf,” there’s a movie for everyone.
To keep things engaging, create a “movie bingo” card with common holiday tropes—like snowball fights, carolers, or a last-minute Christmas miracle. The first person to complete their card wins a prize!
Pair the movies with themed snacks, like gingerbread cookies for “The Grinch” or hot cocoa for “Polar Express,” to add an extra layer of fun.
5. Plan a DIY Craft Session
Unleash your inner artist with a DIY craft session that’s both creative and relaxing. From making personalized ornaments and decorating picture frames to designing holiday-themed wreaths, the possibilities are endless.
Not only do these crafts make for fantastic keepsakes, but they also provide a fun way to spend time together.
For families with young children, opt for simple projects like making paper snowflakes, painting rocks, or creating reindeer headbands. Adults can experiment with more intricate crafts, like candle-making or knitting.
No matter the skill level, the joy of creating something unique together is what makes this activity so special.
6. Organize an Outdoor Game Day
If the weather permits, take the fun outside with classic outdoor games. From backyard cricket and touch football to playful snowball fights and building snowmen, there’s no shortage of options.
These activities are not only a great way to burn off some of those extra holiday calories but also an opportunity to make the most of the daylight hours.
For an added twist, set up a “Winter Olympics” with different stations for games like snowman building contests, sled races, and snow angel competitions.
Award small medals or ribbons to participants, and don’t forget to capture the moments with plenty of photos!
7. Participate in a Charity Event
Boxing Day is rooted in the spirit of giving, making it the ideal time to give back to the community.
Participate in a local charity event, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen, organizing a donation drive, or joining a fundraising walk.
These activities foster a sense of gratitude and shared purpose, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the holiday season.
If there aren’t any organized events nearby, create your own family giving tradition. Assemble care packages for the homeless, write letters of gratitude to first responders, or bake treats to deliver to neighbors.
These small acts of kindness go a long way in spreading holiday cheer.
A Few More Ideas to Spice Up Boxing Day
If you’re still looking for inspiration, here are a few bonus Boxing Day activities to consider:
- Cook a Family Meal Together: Turn leftovers into a gourmet feast by experimenting with new recipes or creating a “Build Your Own Sandwich” bar.
- Share Stories Around the Fireplace: Take turns sharing funny or heartwarming holiday memories. Add a twist by playing “Two Truths and a Lie: Holiday Edition.”
- Create a Family Time Capsule: Include letters, photos, and small mementos from the year, then seal it to be opened next Boxing Day.
Boxing Day is more than just a day of relaxation after Christmas—it’s a chance to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Whether you’re organizing a scavenger hunt, embarking on a winter walk, or giving back to the community, the joy lies in the togetherness these activities bring.
So, this year, swap the post-Christmas blues for a day filled with laughter, fun, and heartfelt moments. After all, the best Boxing Day activities are the ones that bring people closer, making the holiday season truly unforgettable.
