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Looking to sprinkle some holiday cheer into your drama sessions? This “12 Days of Christmas” drama activity guide is perfect for adding creative fun and festive learning to the season. Each day includes an easy-to-set-up activity that will inspire young minds to explore storytelling, character, and movement. These can be used individually or as a full twelve-day program to count down to Christmas!
Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Activity: Character Trees
Have each child stand like a tree, exploring different types (a sturdy oak, a swaying palm, etc.). Then, introduce the partridge! One student becomes the bird and must find a perch in each tree. This encourages balance, control, and imaginative movement.
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Activity: Partner Mirror
In pairs, students face each other and mirror each other’s movements like two doves flying together. This activity builds concentration and strengthens connection as they move in unison.
Day 3: Three French Hens
Activity: French Hen Characters
Each child imagines what a “French Hen” could be like. Perhaps it’s fancy, shy, or clumsy! They then create a character walk or mannerism for their hen. Encourage them to add French phrases like “bonjour” or “merci” for a fun twist.
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Activity: Telephone Drama
Using a classic game of telephone, each child whispers a holiday phrase to the next. The final person shares the message aloud, often hilariously distorted. Then, have the group act out the new message in a short scene.
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
Activity: Story Circle
Using five “rings” (perhaps hula hoops or rope circles), place them on the floor. Each ring represents part of a story (beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, conclusion). Children step into each ring and improvise that part of a Christmas-themed story.
Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying
Activity: Animal Improv
Ask students to imagine themselves as geese nesting for winter. Have them create nests with materials in the room, then act as “eggs” hatching, geese waddling, or even geese flying south! This activity taps into movement and storytelling.
Day 7: Seven Swans a-Swimming
Activity: Dance of the Swans
Play soft, flowing music and encourage students to move gracefully like swans. Introduce challenges, like moving “through water,” “in the wind,” or “under snow,” to add depth to their movements.
Day 8: Eight Maids a-Milking
Activity: Silent Scene
Have the children create a silent mime of farm life. Each “maid” can decide if they are milking a cow, feeding animals, or collecting eggs. This exercise encourages creativity, imagination, and physical expression without words.
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
Activity: Holiday Freeze Dance
Play Christmas music and let everyone dance joyfully. When the music stops, they must freeze in a fun holiday pose – like wrapping presents, decorating a tree, or even building a snowman. It’s a fun game that also improves focus and balance.
Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping
Activity: Movement Challenge
Have each student try different leaping movements across the space, imagining themselves as “lords” jumping high or leaping over imaginary obstacles. This activity encourages large motor movement and expressive freedom.
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Activity: Sound Symphony
Using instruments, voices, or even homemade sound makers, let each student “pipe” a sound. Each child adds their sound to create a “holiday soundscape,” building layers of rhythm and tone for a festive musical experience.
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Activity: Rhythm Circle
End the 12 days with everyone drumming! Provide drums or let students clap, stomp, or use found objects to make beats. Have them take turns leading the group in a rhythm, then end with a holiday song.
These 12 days of drama activities blend seasonal themes with engaging performance elements, making them ideal for young learners. Enjoy the holiday season in your drama sessions by bringing stories, sounds, and movement to life!
