Get ready to make the holidays extra magical with this instalment of the Noah’s Quest® Insights series! Part of our Holiday Quest Path, these fun and creative holiday activities are great for sparking your child’s imagination and bringing the whole family together for unforgettable moments.

The Polar Express: A Magical Journey

One of the best holiday-themed books to spark kids’ imaginations is “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. This magical story about a boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve taps into the wonder and excitement of the season. The vivid illustrations and heartwarming message about belief and the spirit of giving make it timeless. It’s an excellent choice for a cozy family read during the holidays.

To enhance the experience, I recommend pairing the book with an interactive activity like creating a “Polar Express Night.” Set up a pretend train ride at home with blankets and chairs, serve hot chocolate, and have the kids wear pajamas while you read the story. You could even print “golden tickets” for them to punch at the start of the journey.

Another activity that inspires creativity is a DIY ornament-making session. Ask kids to design ornaments based on scenes or characters from the book. It allows them to reflect on the story and bring their favorite moments to life through art.

Combining a great holiday story with imaginative activities entertains and creates lasting memories for the whole family.

Fawad langah, Director General, Best Diplomats

Mini Ice Fishing Adventure Indoors

As someone who works in the outdoor and fishing industry, I think the best holiday-themed activity to fuel kids’ imaginations is creating a “Mini Ice Fishing Adventure.” Even if you’re not in a region where it’s cold enough to freeze lakes, you can easily set up a mock ice fishing experience indoors. Kids can catch fish by dropping magnetic fishing lines into a homemade ice hole—complete with floating fish cutouts (or even small toys representing fish). As they fish, you can add a narrative element where they unlock clues to a winter holiday story, like catching a “special fish” that grants wishes for the new year. This way, they not only engage in hands-on play but also learn a bit about fishing, all while being wrapped up in holiday magic.

Wesley Littlefield, Marketing Manager, Anglers

Christmas in Florida Coloring Book

The best holiday-themed activity to spark kids’ imagination has to be coloring books—and my latest favorite is the “Christmas in Florida Coloring Book” by Florida Balm. It’s packed with fun, festive scenes that bring the magic of the holidays to life with a unique Florida twist! It’s the perfect mix of creativity and holiday cheer.

What I love most about holiday-themed coloring books is how they combine relaxation with imagination. Kids can explore vibrant holiday scenes while adding their own creative spin to the colors and details. Plus, it’s a screen-free activity that keeps them engaged for hours (parents, you know what a win that is!).

Want to take the creativity even further? A fantastic idea is to have kids create their own coloring pages! Have them draw simple outlines of holiday images—think Christmas trees, reindeer, or stockings—and then trade pages with siblings or friends to color in each other’s designs. It’s not just fun, it also encourages collaboration and teaches kids how great teamwork can be.

Tia Lumarque, Author, Self-Publishing Consultant, Order Of The Bookish

A Christmas Carol: Classic Holiday Tale

One of the best holiday-themed books to spark kids’ imaginations is “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. This classic story offers rich themes of generosity, transformation, and the holiday spirit. It encourages children to think about how kindness and positive change can impact others. The vivid descriptions and memorable characters, like Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas, create a magical atmosphere that draws kids in, making them think deeply about the season. 

Pairing this book with interactive activities like acting out scenes or creating holiday decorations inspired by the story can further engage children. These hands-on activities allow them to explore the themes in creative ways, while also letting their imaginations run wild. Whether it’s through storytelling or crafting, it’s a wonderful opportunity to help kids connect with the deeper meanings of the holidays and have fun doing it.

Timm Sasser, Chief Revenue Officer, UpFrom

Create a Storytelling Adventure

A great way to spark a child’s imagination during the holidays is to get them involved in a “Storytelling Adventure” where they craft their own holiday tale. I’ve always loved how simple things can turn into major creative outlets. You can give them something like, “What if Santa’s sleigh broke down in the middle of nowhere?” and let them build the story from there. They can draw out scenes, create characters, and even act out the adventure with family members. This hands-on storytelling activity not only enhances their imagination but also fosters problem-solving skills as they come up with wild, creative solutions to the problem they’ve set up.

Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO

Olive, the Other Reindeer: Fun Concept

I’ve read many books about the holidays, but the best holiday-themed book that sparks kids’ imagination is “Olive, the Other Reindeer” by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh. The story is about Olive, a little dog who mishears the line “all of the other reindeer” from the classic Christmas song and decides she must be a reindeer herself. It’s such a fun and quirky concept that immediately pulls kids in, and the playful illustrations make it even more engaging.

What makes it special is how Olive’s adventure teaches kids to think creatively about their own strengths and how they can contribute in unexpected ways. The book balances humor with a sweet message, which makes it perfect for the holidays. It’s lighthearted, imaginative, and full of charm, making it one of those stories that sticks with kids long after they’ve read it.

Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical

Holiday Books: The Mitten, Dasher, Santa

Here are some wonderful holiday books perfect for read-aloud sessions and quality family time together:

• “The Mitten” by Jan Brett – A delightful tale of a lost mitten that becomes a snug refuge for woodland animals. This beautifully illustrated story captivates young readers with its heartwarming charm and intricate borders.
• “The Snowman and the Snowdog” by Raymond Briggs – This sequel to “The Snowman” follows a boy whose snow creations magically come to life, taking him on an unforgettable journey of friendship and wonder.
• “Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever” by Matt Tavares – The origin story of Santa’s reindeer, where a courageous doe embarks on a journey of hope and magic, capturing the essence of Christmas.
• “Bear Stays Up for Christmas” by Karma Wilson – A modern retelling of Christmas magic, as Deja learns that Santa can find every child, even in the bustling heart of the city, spreading festive cheer everywhere.
• “Santa in the City” by Tiffany D. Jackson – Bear’s friends help him stay awake to experience Christmas, discovering the joy of giving and the warmth of holiday cheer in this rhyming adventure.
• “All the Colors of Christmas” by Matthew Paul Turner – Through vivid illustrations and lyrical prose, this book explores the colors, emotions, and connections that make Christmas truly special.
• “Little Red Sleigh” by Erin Guendelsberger – An inspiring story about a small sleigh with big dreams, reminding children that perseverance and kindness can make the impossible possible.
• “Tree of Cranes” by Allen Say – A tender tale blending Japanese culture with Christmas traditions, as a mother introduces her child to the holiday by creating a crane-decorated tree.
• “The Christmas Surprise (Little Me, Big God)” by Steph Williams – This retelling of the nativity story captures the wonder of Jesus’s birth, offering meaningful lessons in an engaging way for young readers.
• “The Crippled Lamb” by Max Lucado – A moving story about a lamb with physical limitations, teaching children the power of love, purpose, and being part of something greater.

Meanwhile, here are 10 fun holiday activities for kids:

1. Make Homemade Ornaments 
2. Decorate Gingerbread Houses 
3. DIY Christmas Cards 
4. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt 
5. Snowman Building Contest 
6. Candy Cane Hunt 
7. Decorate Christmas Cookies 
8. Create Hot Cocoa Stations 
9. Put on a Christmas Play 
10. Make a Gratitude Tree

Avinash Saraf, Founder, Kaireka Foods

We’d love to hear from you!

What did you think about this article? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• What’s one idea from this article that inspired you the most?
• How will you try this in your own family adventures?
• Do you have any fun tips or experiences to add to the quest?

Let’s keep the conversation going! 🌟

About Noah’s Quest® Insights

Hey there, friends! This is 11-year-old Noah from the book of Sev Emanuel Pretila, Noah’s Quest®. Welcome to Noah’s Quest® Insights! This is the spot where super-smart grown-ups (and some pretty cool kids with adult help) share their best ideas to make family time extra special. Think of it like a treasure map packed with all kinds of ways to have fun, learn new things, and go on big adventures—together! Whether it’s finding your next favorite book, making something awesome, or just discovering cool ways to connect, Noah’s Quest® Insights is here to help.

Every article is made for families with kids 12 and under, just like me, and it’s all about making life more fun, creative, and full of wholesome adventure. So grab your imagination, your adult (if you’re a kid like me), and let’s go exploring!

Read my story, too!

Did you know that before the Noah’s Quest and Friends Fave Book Award, the blog, or the awards program, there was a book all about me? Yup, I’m the main character in an awesome story by Sev Emanuel Pretila! It’s called Noah’s Quest. If you’re curious about how it all began and want to read my adventure, you’ve got to check it out. You’ll love it—I pinky promise! Adventure is waiting! Visit the About the Book page to get started.

– Noah from Noah’s Quest by Sev Emanuel Pretila

P.S. The book is just 99 cents on Amazon today! Hurry! Check it out here. Thanks!

Helpful Shortcuts

• About Noah’s Quest®
• About the Book: Noah’s Quest® by Sev Emanuel Pretila
• Blog
• Contact Us
• Friends of Noah’s Quest®
• Making a Difference
• News
• Noah’s Quest® and Friends Blog
• Noah’s Quest® Interviews
• Noah’s Quest® Merch
• Noah’s Quest® Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Disclaimer (Version for Adults)
• Noah’s Quest® Review Requests
• Noah’s Quest® Terms of Service
• Noah’s Quest® Website Disclaimer
• Noah’s Quest® and Friends Fave Books Award
• Noah’s Quest® Insights
• Noah’s Quest® Privacy Policy
• Noah’s Quest® Review Policy
• Subscribe to Noah’s Quest®
• Testimonials
• Welcome to Noah’s Quest®!

Recommended Reads