The holidays often conjure images of twinkling lights, wrapped gifts and family gatherings. But for some parents, this season is also an opportunity to spark curiosity. Across living rooms and kitchens, a quiet trend is taking hold: turning Christmas into a hands-on science lab.
Educators and child development experts say STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) does more than keep children busy during school breaks. It builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. And when paired with festive themes, it transforms ordinary moments into learning adventures. Many of these projects are budget-friendly and rely on items already in your cupboards. Parents don’t need a degree in engineering to get started — just a willingness to experiment.
1. Little Bins for Little Hands
If you’re looking for a variety of fun ideas, Little Bins for Little Hands offers over 30 Christmas STEM activities. From building Santa’s sleigh to creating a light-up circuit ornament, these projects encourage problem-solving and creativity. There’s even a Christmas STEM Countdown with printable templates for families who love a daily challenge.
2. Hess Un-Academy
For families who love open-ended challenges, Hess Un-Academy has a free printable bundle featuring 31 festive STEM tasks. Children can design a parachute for Santa, build a marshmallow catapult, or create a sleigh using simple materials like cups, foil, and string. These activities are perfect for sparking imagination while reinforcing engineering principles.
3. Taming Little Monsters
Preschoolers will adore the ideas from Taming Little Monsters. With 35 Christmas-themed STEM activities, this site includes free printables for measuring, graphing, and pattern recognition. Fun projects like Candy Cane STEM Building and Christmas Catapult help develop fine motor skills and introduce basic physics concepts in a playful way.
4. Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
For science experiments with a festive twist, Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds is a treasure trove. Activities such as Christmas Glitter Eruptions, Peppermint Oobleck, and Borax Crystal Ornaments combine sensory play with chemistry. These experiments are simple, safe, and guaranteed to delight curious minds.
5. The Homeschool Scientist
Finally, The Homeschool Scientist rounds up 20 favourites, including dissolving candy canes and crafting crystal snowflakes. These projects encourage observation and hypothesis testing, all under the glow of holiday lights.
In a year when families are seeking meaningful ways to spend time together, these activities offer more than entertainment. They invite children to ask questions, test ideas, and see the magic of science in action. Whether you’re building a sleigh, experimenting with candy canes, or creating sparkling ornaments, the goal is simple: laughter, learning, and a little wonder.
It is a season for Discovery! Gather your supplies, click through the links and let the festive science fun begin.
STEAM products / activities that may be of interest:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
Artificial Intelligence for Grade 4 to 12 – Create and Learn
Create & Learn is an award-winning computer science education program for K-12 students, based in Silicon Valley, California. Co-founded by a former Google Product Director and an Apple engineer, they offer over 40 courses covering a wide range of topics, including coding, game development, AI, robotics, digital design, and cloud computing. No matter your child’s interests or experience level, they have classes that will inspire and engage them!
Coding Platform – ScratchJr
ScratchJr is a free programming language for children, created as a collaboration between Tufts University and MIT, that uses a collaborative approach to teach early coding skills. It allows young children, typically ages 5-7, to create their own interactive stories and games by snapping together graphical programming blocks. The project also involves other partners and is funded by organisations like the National Science Foundation.
DIY Microbiology Lab – Algae Explorer
AlGreen is at the forefront of developing microalgae technology for air purification and carbon capture, driving a sustainable future.Their mission is to harness the power of nature through innovative solutions that improve air quality and reduce carbon footprints. Education is also a vital part of their mission, as they aim to empower young scientists through engaging STEM kits and nature-based learning. By combining cutting-edge technology with ecological awareness, they strive to inspire a new generation to embrace sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Educational Toys – Amazing Toys
Potential City Company Limited is a wholesaler and retailer of international brand toys. It is the exclusive agent of 4D Master, Amazing Toys and Astronaut Foods in Hong Kong and Macau, with more than 30 sales locations. In addition to educational toys, their company start to create its own brand Moitie’ in 2022 to develop the boutique and fashion market.
Science Adventures & RoboCobo – ActiveKids
Since 2004, ActiveKids has been specializing in delivering leading edge fun and educational programs to children ages 3 – 18 in Hong Kong. We have established a strong track record with over 60+ schools and clubs, and a growing participant’s list. We strongly believe that our highly interactive and engaging supplementary activities are truly worthwhile and beneficial to the development of children.
Scratch Coding Classes For Grade K to 10 – Create and Learn
Create & Learn is an award-winning computer science education program for K-12 students, based in Silicon Valley, California. Co-founded by a former Google Product Director and an Apple engineer, they offer over 40 courses covering a wide range of topics, including coding, game development, AI, robotics, digital design, and cloud computing. No matter your child’s interests or experience level, they have classes that will inspire and engage them!
STEAM Learning Kit – Sam Labs
SAM Labs is an education technology company that creates hands-on STEAM and coding solutions for schools worldwide. Through wireless programmable blocks, intuitive software, and curriculum-aligned lessons, SAM Labs empowers students to develop problem-solving, creativity, and computational thinking skills. The company partners with educators to make STEM learning engaging, accessible, and future-ready.
