We understand that budgets can be tight during the holiday season.
It's a good time to remember: Holiday fun doesn't have to break the bank.
Here are 10 low-cost, family-friendly ideas to help you create priceless memories this holiday season, without spending a lot of money:
1. Check your Macaroni KID calendar
We had to start with this reminder, of course! We've got lots of FREE and low-cost family-friendly holiday events listed on our Macaroni KID calendar! Be sure to check the calendar every day to find inexpensive holiday family fun.
 Macaroni KID |
2. Plan a friends night in
Celebrate the season with your friends by inviting them over for a fun meal together. You can plan a full traditional holiday with all the trimmings (have everyone bring a dish!) or simply order a pizza and play games. It's the getting together that matters.
3. Bake together
Make several kinds of cookies, or just bake and decorate some simple sugar cookies! We won't even tell if you use pre-made cookie dough. After all, no matter how you do it, the end result is cookies warm from the oven and a fun time in the kitchen with your family. Here are some easy holiday cookie recipes to help you get started.
 Imgorthand via Canva |
4. Holiday Crafts
Kent Historical Museum hosts an afternoon drop-in craft for all ages. The best part? This event is only $2/person AND includes museum entry. Visit the Museum December 22nd from noon to 4pm. More info here.
5. Build a 'gingerbread' house
Joan Scovic's family hosts a "gingerbread" architecture contest each year on Christmas Eve. This annual contest is now a family favorite, and always creative, silly, and fun. See how they do it — plus pictures of some of their favorite creations over the years!
Keep your teen entertained for the evening with a workshop. Covington Library is hosting a Gingerbread House Workshop for teens ages 12 - 17! Tuesday, December 19th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Auburn Library is hosting the same workshop for ages 12 - 18 on the 21st from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Registration is not required but supplies will be limited.
When you're done head to Auburn City Hall and vote for your favorite Gingerbread house. This FREE display houses 15 gingerbread structures for viewing. Vote during Auburn City Hall's normal business hours.
 MW47 via Canva |
6. Create a fancy hot cocoa bar at home
Let the kids choose their toppings! Ideas to get you started: Marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream.
7. Volunteer together
'Tis the season of giving. As a family, pick an activity and volunteer. Need ideas? Here are three to help you get started: Collect food and/or supplies for your local homeless shelter or animal shelter, serve meals to the homeless, or wrap gifts as a fundraiser. Whatever you choose, do it as a family!
8. See the holiday lights
Pack your family in the car, bring a thermos of hot chocolate, crank up the holiday tunes, and drive around town to see all of the holiday decorations!
Pacific NW Christmas Lights has put together an amazing guide to holiday light displays throughout the PNW. Visit the map and plan out your route!
 bauhaus1000 via Canva |
9. Go caroling
Gather family and friends for a caroling party! Go door to door in your neighborhood to spread all of that holiday cheer.
10. Visit Santa
Because you're never too old to have a chat with St. Nick. See our Santa Photo Guide for local free/low costs Santa events.
 Images via Canva |
