Oh you need some preschool classroom christmas party ideas? Don’t mind if I do!
Christmas in the classroom is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! I love the themes, the magic and honestly, I kind of love the excited chaos!
It really is the most wonderful time of the year because we celebrate the birth of Jesus and He is the reason that we can have peace and joy amidst the chaos of this life! I love sharing the love of Jesus with my students and being able to teach them the true reason that we celebrate Christmas. (Don’t worry, I don’t spill the beans about Santa just in case you were concerned 😉 )
Are you a party day lover? A lot of teachers have a love hate relationships with party day. But I have a few preschool classroom christmas party ideas for you that will hopefully lean the scale a little more toward a party lover! 🙂
Preschool Classroom Christmas Party Idea 1: Try to keep as much of the same schedule as possible
It might seem like a great idea to have everything different for a party day, but the change in routine can be too much for our littles brains! Like, it’s actually scientific. You can read about it here! Some of your students may be able to handle it but all it takes is one meltdown to steal the Christmas joy so steer clear and keep the same routine.
Preschool Classroom Christmas Party Idea 2: Keep it super simple!
Ok, not really a fun tip but your preschool classroom christmas party ideas don’t have to be extravagant for your littles to be over the moon about them! If extravagant is your jam, I love it. But if it’s not…that’s ok! You don’t have to wrap their chairs or desks in wrapping paper for them to have a great party day!
My Christmas party only lasts about 30-40 minutes tops. It does not have to be a whole day thing! Up until party time we are doing all of the normal school day things, morning play, circle time, bathroom breaks, exercises, etc. When it’s time for the party, we give instructions and put them at their first station, set the timer and we are off!
Preschool Classroom Christmas Party Idea 3: Have christmas party stations!
This is probably my favorite of the preschool classroom christmas party ideas! I have had great success when we have used party stations. Try to keep them all pretty similar in skill level and excitement level. Doing things that your students already know how to do but adding some festive touches ensures that they will be self-sufficient during the party. That way you are able to walk around and supervise, help students move to the next stations, etc.
How long for each station?
Setting a time for 5-7 minutes is usually good for stations, depending on your students and depending on how many stations you have. Explain to the students that they will stay at their stations until the timer goes off, then they will move to the next station. For extra guidance you could put masking tape arrows on the floor so they know which direction to go!
How many stations?
I try to do 4-5 stations depending on how many students I have. The majority of the stations are things that students already know how to do, so they don’t need help. If you have an aide you could have a station that is something they might need supervision in. This could be something like, wrapping their present for parents, making reindeer food, etc. Something equally exciting but quick. Remember you only have 5-7 minutes set on your timer!
Here are some stations that you might consider…
-Christmas potions- (soap, water, and watercolor paint blended into foam) add buttons, christmas toys, shakers, scoops, plastic ornaments, etc. You can read this article here for more specifics!
– Christmas Sensory Bin
– Christmas Water Bin- This is always a class favorite!!
– Christmas Playdough Tray
– Make Reindeer Food- Students scoop oatmeal, bird seed, sprinkles, etc. into a baggie to pour on their lawn on Christmas Eve!
– Snowball Toss Game- Cotton balls or store bought cotton snowballs, toss into a snowman cut out or box painted white!
– Candy Cane Fishing
– Christmas Snack!
– Write a Letter to Santa
Save activities where students might finish at different times, like a cutting and gluing craft, for a whole group or small group time. Not the “party”.
Preschool Classroom Christmas Party Idea 4: Plan a definite, but exciting ending activity
We always end our party with a book exchange. This is my favorite part of party day.
Each student brings a wrapped book- doesn’t have to be a christmas book, but it can be! Whatever they choose! I usually bring a couple of extras just in case someone forgets!
Here’s the set up…Put the chairs in a circle, everyone gets their book and sets it on the seat of their chair. Then we all stand behind the chairs with our hands on the back. When the music starts, we walk around the chairs. I usually start and stop the music a couple of times to add to the anticipation and excitement of opening a present! When the music stops for the last time they sit down and open the book that is at that chair.
If you don’t do a gift exchange you could end with a festive snack or whole group table game! We love to play Christmas Tree Ornament Smash with playdough! Get it here for free!
However, you choose to run your Christmas party day, I hope it is fun and as un-chaotic as possible!
What’s your favorite party day activity? I would love to know in the comments!
Make a difference today!
Courtney