16 festive ways seniors of all ability levels can celebrate the holiday season
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The holiday season carries with it more than lights, food, and decorations—it carries moments that linger long after the celebrations end.
For older adults, those moments often come alive in the small traditions, whether that means sharing a recipe, decorating a tree, or simply sitting together for a film.
The joy isn’t always in the big gestures but in the quiet spaces where connection is felt. That’s why creating meaningful holiday activities for seniors is less about what they can do and more about what they can experience alongside the people they love.
Classic films can bring back memories and spark conversation in gentle, comforting ways. Lisa Mayfield, a fellow certified care manager at Aging Wisdom, notes that “for those seniors who are homebound or unable to leave their senior living facility, putting on a favorite holiday movie can be nostalgic for those with cognitive impairment.”
Timeless titles like It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, or Miracle on 34th Street still draw smiles. Even a Charlie Brown holiday special can turn into an event when shared with family.
2. Play a holiday tune
Music connects across generations and can transform the mood of a room instantly. A 2022 study by Northwestern Medicine showed that singing, dancing, or simply listening together improved social engagement and lowered agitation and anxiety in seniors.
Barbara Campbell, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, points out, “Listening and reminiscing to music is a fun way to spend time together at the holidays, and those who are more mobile can get up and dance.” Whether it’s carols or instrumental pieces, music bridges gaps that words cannot.
3. Get crafty
Simple crafts such as paper snowflakes or leaf rubbings offer creativity without pressure. Mayfield explains that crafting allows families to engage with seniors while lessening the reliance on conversation, which can sometimes be difficult.
“Doing a craft together creates that engagement and bonding,” she says, especially when grandchildren are involved. A craft table filled with crayons, scissors, and paper can turn into a joyful holiday memory.
4. Do a puzzle
Quiet activities like puzzles are grounding and provide calm during what can be overwhelming holiday visits. Mayfield stresses that “it’s about quality—not quantity—when it comes to the length of your visit.”
Jigsaw puzzles designed for seniors, including those from companies like Relish, ensure participation feels achievable. Sharing progress on a puzzle gives seniors both stimulation and comfort.
The scent of fresh-baked cookies is universally joyful, and decorating them offers a way for seniors with limited mobility to join in. Cookie cutters and icing colors can be tailored to any holiday, from menorahs for Hanukkah to kinara-themed designs for Kwanzaa.
The decorating itself can be done while seated, making it accessible for most ability levels. Sharing the finished treats turns the activity into a celebration.
6. Send out greeting cards
Cards are timeless messengers of love and remembrance. Campbell suggests creating a card station with stamps, envelopes and an address book so seniors can reach out easily.
Whether handmade or store-bought, each card spreads holiday cheer in a tangible way. The act of writing or signing a card provides seniors with purpose and connection.
7. Look at holiday lights
Driving through neighborhoods glowing with decorations can be magical. Jason Tansey of Chesapeake, Virginia, recalls, “When my grandmother wasn’t able to drive anymore, I would drive her around town at night.”
“We would look at all of the houses lit up in holiday lights and check out the festive holiday decorations. It was one of our favorite traditions.” Light tours can spark nostalgia while creating new memories.
8. Have a parade
Parades, whether on TV or in person, bring energy and joy. Dana Brooks of The Pines on Carmel Senior Living shares, “Every year, we host a Thanksgiving parade, where we decorate walkers, wheelchairs and even dress up.”
“Some seniors choose to watch, and others will participate in the parade.” Watching or joining in gives seniors a sense of celebration and belonging.
Also read: Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas lineup is here—and it’s packed with cozy surprises
Holiday activities for seniors longing for companionship
9. Organize a game night
Games like bingo or holiday trivia bring groups together with ease. Brooks notes that “the more they’re engaged mentally, the less cognitive decline they have.”
Seasonal spins on classics—from dreidels during Hanukkah to crossword puzzles for Christmas—keep things festive. A little competition brings plenty of laughter and connection.
10. Exchange holiday gifts
Gift exchanges add surprise and fun to any gathering. Brooks recommends a “white elephant” exchange where inexpensive wrapped gifts circulate among participants.
The game’s playful structure makes it lighthearted, and the value lies in the exchange itself, not the price tag. Watching reactions becomes just as enjoyable as unwrapping the gifts.
11. Give back to the community
Holidays also mean giving outward, not just inward. Brooks explains, “Doing something for others gives seniors a sense of purpose.”
Activities could include toy drives, care kits for the homeless, or holiday cards for troops. These acts remind seniors that their impact remains powerful and appreciated.
12. Attend a local performance
Community concerts, plays, or church services add a festive spark. High schools, local theaters and choirs often offer affordable holiday shows.
Gathering for a performance gives seniors a cultural outing that feels special. Sharing applause with friends or family members creates lasting memories.
Also read: Holiday tradition returns as USPS reopens Santa’s mailbox
Decorating turns any space into a holiday haven. “After Thanksgiving, we invite families to come help their seniors decorate Christmas trees all around our center,” Brooks shares.
Jason Tansey recalls how helping his grandmother decorate her apartment lifted her spirits each year. The physical presence of family paired with decorations fills the air with holiday excitement.
14. Bake a family recipe
Food traditions tie families together across generations. Tansey remembers creamed onions for Thanksgiving and lasagna on New Year’s Day as staples in his family.
Mayfield stresses the importance of including seniors in the process, whether by stirring batter or setting the table. Cooking together keeps traditions alive while making seniors feel needed and valued.
15. Share special photos
Photo albums bring the past into the present in ways few other activities can. Mayfield explains, “That’s long-term memory, so that’s usually very easy for seniors to access.”
Revisiting past holidays together creates space for storytelling and laughter. Taking new photos ensures that future albums will carry today’s memories forward.
16. Have a ‘Noon’ Year’s Eve party
For seniors who can’t stay up until midnight, celebrating at noon is a thoughtful alternative. Campbell suggests party hats, confetti, and a midday toast to mark the occasion.
Sharing memories of the year or watching international celebrations online can make the event unique. Seniors leave feeling festive without disrupting their rest.
A Thoughtful Approach to Holiday Gatherings
As Campbell wisely reminds us, seniors can feel overwhelmed by holiday gatherings, so structure and routine help make the season manageable.
Simple adjustments, along with activities designed for all ability levels, ensure that the holidays remain joyful, inclusive, and truly memorable.
Read next: Make the Holiday Season Merrier With These Last-Minute Christmas Activities!
For older adults, those moments often come alive in the small traditions, whether that means sharing a recipe, decorating a tree, or simply sitting together for a film.
The joy isn’t always in the big gestures but in the quiet spaces where connection is felt. That’s why creating meaningful holiday activities for seniors is less about what they can do and more about what they can experience alongside the people they love.
Holiday activities for seniors with cognitive challenges
1. Watch a movieClassic films can bring back memories and spark conversation in gentle, comforting ways. Lisa Mayfield, a fellow certified care manager at Aging Wisdom, notes that “for those seniors who are homebound or unable to leave their senior living facility, putting on a favorite holiday movie can be nostalgic for those with cognitive impairment.”
Timeless titles like It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, or Miracle on 34th Street still draw smiles. Even a Charlie Brown holiday special can turn into an event when shared with family.
2. Play a holiday tune
Music connects across generations and can transform the mood of a room instantly. A 2022 study by Northwestern Medicine showed that singing, dancing, or simply listening together improved social engagement and lowered agitation and anxiety in seniors.
Barbara Campbell, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, points out, “Listening and reminiscing to music is a fun way to spend time together at the holidays, and those who are more mobile can get up and dance.” Whether it’s carols or instrumental pieces, music bridges gaps that words cannot.
3. Get crafty
Simple crafts such as paper snowflakes or leaf rubbings offer creativity without pressure. Mayfield explains that crafting allows families to engage with seniors while lessening the reliance on conversation, which can sometimes be difficult.
“Doing a craft together creates that engagement and bonding,” she says, especially when grandchildren are involved. A craft table filled with crayons, scissors, and paper can turn into a joyful holiday memory.
4. Do a puzzle
Quiet activities like puzzles are grounding and provide calm during what can be overwhelming holiday visits. Mayfield stresses that “it’s about quality—not quantity—when it comes to the length of your visit.”
Jigsaw puzzles designed for seniors, including those from companies like Relish, ensure participation feels achievable. Sharing progress on a puzzle gives seniors both stimulation and comfort.
16 festive ways seniors of all ability levels can celebrate the season. Image source: Annie Spratt / Unsplash
Holiday activities for seniors with limited mobility
5. Decorate cookiesThe scent of fresh-baked cookies is universally joyful, and decorating them offers a way for seniors with limited mobility to join in. Cookie cutters and icing colors can be tailored to any holiday, from menorahs for Hanukkah to kinara-themed designs for Kwanzaa.
The decorating itself can be done while seated, making it accessible for most ability levels. Sharing the finished treats turns the activity into a celebration.
6. Send out greeting cards
Cards are timeless messengers of love and remembrance. Campbell suggests creating a card station with stamps, envelopes and an address book so seniors can reach out easily.
Whether handmade or store-bought, each card spreads holiday cheer in a tangible way. The act of writing or signing a card provides seniors with purpose and connection.
7. Look at holiday lights
Driving through neighborhoods glowing with decorations can be magical. Jason Tansey of Chesapeake, Virginia, recalls, “When my grandmother wasn’t able to drive anymore, I would drive her around town at night.”
“We would look at all of the houses lit up in holiday lights and check out the festive holiday decorations. It was one of our favorite traditions.” Light tours can spark nostalgia while creating new memories.
8. Have a parade
Parades, whether on TV or in person, bring energy and joy. Dana Brooks of The Pines on Carmel Senior Living shares, “Every year, we host a Thanksgiving parade, where we decorate walkers, wheelchairs and even dress up.”
“Some seniors choose to watch, and others will participate in the parade.” Watching or joining in gives seniors a sense of celebration and belonging.
Also read: Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas lineup is here—and it’s packed with cozy surprises
Holiday activities for seniors longing for companionship
9. Organize a game night
Games like bingo or holiday trivia bring groups together with ease. Brooks notes that “the more they’re engaged mentally, the less cognitive decline they have.”
Seasonal spins on classics—from dreidels during Hanukkah to crossword puzzles for Christmas—keep things festive. A little competition brings plenty of laughter and connection.
10. Exchange holiday gifts
Gift exchanges add surprise and fun to any gathering. Brooks recommends a “white elephant” exchange where inexpensive wrapped gifts circulate among participants.
The game’s playful structure makes it lighthearted, and the value lies in the exchange itself, not the price tag. Watching reactions becomes just as enjoyable as unwrapping the gifts.
11. Give back to the community
Holidays also mean giving outward, not just inward. Brooks explains, “Doing something for others gives seniors a sense of purpose.”
Activities could include toy drives, care kits for the homeless, or holiday cards for troops. These acts remind seniors that their impact remains powerful and appreciated.
12. Attend a local performance
Community concerts, plays, or church services add a festive spark. High schools, local theaters and choirs often offer affordable holiday shows.
Gathering for a performance gives seniors a cultural outing that feels special. Sharing applause with friends or family members creates lasting memories.
Also read: Holiday tradition returns as USPS reopens Santa’s mailbox
Group holiday activities for seniors
13. Help decorateDecorating turns any space into a holiday haven. “After Thanksgiving, we invite families to come help their seniors decorate Christmas trees all around our center,” Brooks shares.
Jason Tansey recalls how helping his grandmother decorate her apartment lifted her spirits each year. The physical presence of family paired with decorations fills the air with holiday excitement.
14. Bake a family recipe
Food traditions tie families together across generations. Tansey remembers creamed onions for Thanksgiving and lasagna on New Year’s Day as staples in his family.
Mayfield stresses the importance of including seniors in the process, whether by stirring batter or setting the table. Cooking together keeps traditions alive while making seniors feel needed and valued.
15. Share special photos
Photo albums bring the past into the present in ways few other activities can. Mayfield explains, “That’s long-term memory, so that’s usually very easy for seniors to access.”
Revisiting past holidays together creates space for storytelling and laughter. Taking new photos ensures that future albums will carry today’s memories forward.
16. Have a ‘Noon’ Year’s Eve party
For seniors who can’t stay up until midnight, celebrating at noon is a thoughtful alternative. Campbell suggests party hats, confetti, and a midday toast to mark the occasion.
Sharing memories of the year or watching international celebrations online can make the event unique. Seniors leave feeling festive without disrupting their rest.
A Thoughtful Approach to Holiday Gatherings
As Campbell wisely reminds us, seniors can feel overwhelmed by holiday gatherings, so structure and routine help make the season manageable.
Simple adjustments, along with activities designed for all ability levels, ensure that the holidays remain joyful, inclusive, and truly memorable.
Read next: Make the Holiday Season Merrier With These Last-Minute Christmas Activities!
