Winter Holidays Collection: Free Classroom Activities for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa & New Year’s
Welcome to our Winter Holidays Collection, a curated set of free classroom activities and lesson plans that help preK-12 students explore the rich cultural, historical and social traditions of winter celebrations around the world. These resources support educators in creating inclusive, multicultural learning environments where all students feel represented and respected.
Our collection features engaging winter holiday activities for major seasonal celebrations, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s traditions from diverse cultures.
Christmas Classroom Activities & Lessons
As one of the most widely celebrated winter holidays in the United States, Christmas offers many opportunities for learning. This collection includes Christmas read-alouds, crafts, writing prompts, giving-focused activities, and cross-cultural resources to help students understand both the traditions and meaning behind the holiday season.
Hanukkah Lesson Plans & Activities
Explore Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, with interactive lesson plans, stories, and activities that highlight the holiday’s history, the symbolism of the menorah, and the themes of resilience and hope.
Kwanzaa Activities for the Classroom
Teach students about Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American heritage and culture, through activities that explore the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba), community values, and meaningful traditions that strengthen family and cultural identity.
New Year’s Traditions Around the World
Our New Year’s resources introduce students to global customs, reflection activities, and cultural traditions that highlight how people worldwide celebrate renewal, goal setting, and community.
Supporting Students Through Grief During the Holidays
Because the holiday season can be challenging for students coping with loss, we’ve also included social-emotional learning (SEL) resources that foster empathy, emotional expression, and community support.
