14 Ready To Use KS1 And KS2 Christmas Maths Activities With Printables And Worksheets

Christmas maths activities are a great way to celebrate Christmas and the end of term while consolidating pupils’ learning through fun maths.

We know how busy school life is in the run up to Christmas and we have to work extra hard to ensure the children to stay on task during their math tutoring sessions.

Here, in the vein of our many topical maths problems and investigations we’ve put together our collection of Christmas maths activities suitable for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.

All of the Christmas maths problems and activities on this blog are included in in a ready to use downloadable, printable format to reduce your lesson preparation time even further – and leave you more time to get in the Christmas spirit with your class!

Each activity has a Christmas theme and we’ve suggested which are best for your KS1 maths lessons or your KS2 maths lessons but you know your class best and can choose whichever you think they’ll enjoy the most. They also include timings, instructions and advice on how to adapt the activities where needed.

Just don’t forget to download the Christmas maths activities resource so you have everything you need to run the activity.

Why we created these Christmas maths activities

During the lead up to Christmas, there will be a lot of excitement and changes to routine with Christmas trips, nativity plays and other fun activities taking place during the school day. 

But we can’t lose 3 valuable teaching weeks of maths. Christmas maths activities are a great way to engage your pupils in learning, consolidate maths skills and apply them to fun new contexts.

We’ve designed these activities to be engaging, educational and aligned with the national curriculum. Importantly, we’ve also created them to be low prep and provided teachers with an easily downloadable and printable resource to reduce planning time and maximise fun!

At Third Space Learning, we provide online one to one maths tutoring to KS1 and KS2 pupils across the UK. Our lessons follow an ‘I do, we do, you do’ approach to build conceptual understanding and provide opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge in new contexts to problem solving and reasoning questions.

We also recognise the importance of engagement for successful learning and our tutors are trained to build rapport and adapt teaching for each pupil.

One last thing, before you get started. If you and your class still have an appetite for even more festive fun for you we have got a brilliant Christmas maths quiz available for your KS2 pupils and we’ve also pulled together a whole selection of favourite teacher recommended Christmas maths ideas and resources and many more from across the internet.

You can also check out the Topical Maths Festive Pack with more Christmas themed ideas including a great Christmas wrapping paper activity, a chance to find how many gifts are in the gift bags and also some fantastic ways to find out more about how this festive season is celebrated around the world.

Christmas maths activities for KS1

For key stage 1 learners, these Christmas maths activities offer the opportunity to practise sequencing, undertake some christmas counting activities, addition and subtraction and review shapes in fun, festive and creative contexts.

1. Christmas Decoration Counting

Year Group: Year 1
Duration: 30 mins
Topic: Number (counting)

Summary: Pupils create and decorate Christmas trees while practising counting sequential numbers.

You will need: 

• Decoration Counting Resource Sheet

Instructions:

1. Hand out the Decoration Counting Resource Sheet to each pupil. 
2. Tell the pupils that they need to place each decoration on the Christmas tree in the order they are numbered (e.g. bauble 1 goes on the 1 square). 
3. Once they’ve placed all their decorations, they can colour them in. 
4. Encourage pupils to count in order out loud as they are completing the activity. 

Alternative: 

• Create a template using the numbers 11 to 20. 
• Create a template where the numbers are out of order. 

2. Santa’s Reindeer Addition Race

Year Group(s): Year 2
Duration: 25 minutes
Topic: Calculation (addition and subtraction)

Summary: Pupils solve addition and subtraction calculations to help Santa’s reindeer complete their journey in a race format.

You will need: 

• Reindeer Addition Race Resource Sheet (Includes playing board and question cards)
• Dice

Instructions:

1. Put pupils into pairs or small groups. 
2. Each pupil uses a counter or item to represent their reindeer. 
3. Pupils take it in turn to roll their die and move the number of spaces shown. They either perform the task on the square they land on or, if the square is blank, they draw one of the question cards. 
4. Pupils must answer a question correctly in order to roll and move again. If they answer a question incorrectly, they can either try to answer the same question again on their next turn or draw a new card and answer that question. 
5. The pupil who reaches the finish line first wins. 

Alternative: 

• Use different calculations e.g. all number bonds to 10 or 100, all addition, all subtraction etc.
• Create a race track around the hall or classroom for a more interactive activity.

3. Christmas Pattern Ornaments

Year Group: Year 1 to 3
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Geometry (2-D shapes)

Summary: Pupils design Christmas ornaments or baubles by using given 2-D shapes.

You will need: 

• Maths books/paper to draw on or Christmas Pattern Ornaments Resource Sheet

Instructions:

1. Together as a class list different 2D shape names and properties.
2. Explain that pupils are tasked with designing different ornaments/baubles patterns using 2-D shapes and lines. 

Alternative: 

• Include parameters such as: include 1 triangle and 1 circle. Then instruct pupils to colour specific shapes in specific colours. 
• Ask pupils to make one pattern – how many different combinations of colours can they colour their pattern (multiplication link). 
• Pupils create a Christmas picture using specific shapes and lines. 
• Include angles when discussing what to include

Christmas maths activities for KS2

With these Christmas maths activities, KS2 pupils can consolidate skills in measurement, geometry, statistics, algebra and more in fun and accessible festive contexts.

4. Christmas Estimations

Year Group: Year 3
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Measurement (Length/height)

Summary: Pupils participate in an activity where they estimate then measure Christmas-themed objects, practising their measurement skills.

You will need: 

• Various Christmas themed items (such as baubles, Christmas cards, small or large Christmas tree, advent calendar etc). Before the lesson, make sure you know the length/height of each item.
• Measuring tools (rulers/measuring tapes)

Instructions:

1. Remind pupils how to measure items. 
2. Either put pupils into groups or ask pupils to get into groups. 
3. Explain that pupils are going to have time to estimate the length/ height of the Christmas themed objects at the front of the class. 
4. One pupil can come to the table to look at the objects but cannot touch them. They can then bring back their observations to their team. 
5. As a team, pupils agree on the estimations. 
6. Either as a whole class or in their small groups, pupils then accurately measure the items. 
7. Award point for the accuracy of estimates, for example:
   • Exact estimates = 3 points
   • Estimates within 5mm of accurate estimate = 2 points
   • Estimates within 1cm of accurate estimate = 1 points
   • Estimates over 1cm of accurate estimate = 0 points
8. The team with the greatest number of points, wins. 

Alternative: 

• Pupils estimate the mass of the items as well as or instead of the length/height.

5. Christmas Magic Squares

Year Group: Year 3
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Calculation (Addition)

Summary: Pupils create and solve Christmas themed magic squares, enhancing their numerical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

You will need: 

• Christmas Magic Squares Resource Sheet

Instructions:

1. Explain what magic squares are: grids where the sums of numbers in each row, column, and diagonal are equal. 
2. Show pupils the Christmas Magic Squares Resource Sheet and ensure they understand how to solve it.
3. Hand out the worksheet and answer any questions pupils have along the way. 

Alternative: 

• Pupils can create their own Christmas themed magic squares
• Create Christmas themed magic squares for pupils to recap important concepts such as number bonds and times tables facts.

6. Christmas Time Zone Challenge

Year Group: Year 4
Duration: 1.5 hours
Topic: Measurement (Time)

Summary: Pupils calculate travel times across different time zones as Santa delivers gifts around the world, enhancing their understanding of time calculations and geography.

You will need: 

• Christmas Time Zone Challenge Resource Sheet
• (Optional) Access online time zone map

Instructions:

1. Discuss what is meant by a ‘time zone’ and how this is relevant to Father Christmas/Santa’s global journey. Together, look at a time zone map of the world (these can be found online) and discuss time zones. 
2. Explain that they are going to plan how long it would take a ‘normal’ (non-Father Christmas/Santa) person to get to different locations around the world on Christmas day if they flew from London each time. 
3. Look at the Christmas Time Zone Challenge Resource Sheet. As time zones are calculated using GMT, we have provided the time it would take to different locations around the world from London. 
4. Pupils calculate the time of arrival in each given location using the journey times given (approximately) and the time zone the destination is in. You can decide as a class the time they would leave London. 

Alternative:

• Select your own locations for pupils to use. 
• Provide pupils with the approximate flight durations but not the time zones. Encourage pupils to research the time zones for themselves. 
• Pupils map out a route Father Christmas/Santa could take to visit each given location. Using the internet, they could find the journey time using commercial flights between each location and calculate: a) the total duration of the journey and b) the touchdown time at each location.

7. Holiday Budgeting Exercise

Year Group: Year 4
Duration: 1.5 hours
Topic: Measurement (money)

Summary: Pupils plan a Christmas shopping budget, applying arithmetic operations to manage their funds effectively.

You will need: 

• A fictional present list with prices

Instructions:

1. Discuss the importance of budgeting and how it applies to Christmas shopping.
2. Provide pupils with a fictional budget (e.g., £50) for buying Christmas gifts and identify how many people they will need to buy presents for (or allow them to decide based on their family/ friends). 
3. Provide pupils with a list of fictional items with prices (e.g. new book: £7.99). 
4. Pupils choose gifts they wish to “buy” within their budget. They then calculate the cost, ensuring they do not exceed their budget. 
5. Encourage pupils to find different possible combinations of items that do not exceed the budget set. 

Alternative: 

• Provide real world examples of the cost of items and a larger budget. Allow pupils to find the total cost of their idea present selection for friends/family or their own Christmas wish list.

8. Christmas Tree Symmetry Art

Year Group: Year 4
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Geometry (Symmetry)

Summary: Pupils create festive Christmas tree designs while exploring lines of symmetry and geometric shapes.

You will need:

• Squared paper

Instructions:

1. Recap symmetry and demonstrate a line of symmetry using a simple shape.
2. Demonstrate to pupils how to make a symmetrical Christmas tree on squared paper (folding the paper in half, drawing half of the Christmas tree and cutting it out. 
3. Instruct pupils to create a symmetrical pattern within the Christmas tree. This could be by colouring squares or by creating shapes. Ensure pupils are focusing on symmetry throughout. 

Alternative: 

Create a symmetrical Christmas tree on plain paper and mirrors. Discuss how pupils find this compared to using squared paper.

9. Reindeer Relay Race Fractions

Year Group: Year 5
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Fractions

Summary: Pupils participate in a relay race where they solve fraction problems related to Christmas reindeer, promoting teamwork and fraction understanding.

You will need: 

• Reindeer Relay Race Fractions Resource Sheet
• A large space

Instructions:

1. Put pupils into teams. 
2. Explain that pupils will need to run to a table/work station at the front of the space, answer a fractions word problem then run back to their team to tag the next person. 
3. They can select the question they want to answer when they reach the table. 
4. Each correct answer gains the team a point. 
5. Teammates can check the answers that have already been given but that will be their turn (they cannot answer a new question and check an already completed question). 
6. Set a timer for pupils to complete this activity. 
7. Check/share the answers as a whole class at the end. 

Alternative: 

• Change the topic of the questions e.g. to decimal word problems. 

10. Festive Area and Perimeter 

Year Group: Year 5
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Measurement (area and perimeter)

Summary: Pupils design and measure Christmas decorations or gifts, applying their knowledge of area and perimeter to real-world scenarios.

You will need: 

• Squared paper

Instructions:

1. Discuss what area/perimeter are and how to calculate them, including discussing composite shapes. 
2. On squared paper, pupils design a Christmas decoration or Christmas picture using only composite shapes. 
3. Pupils calculate the area and perimeter of each composite shape in their decoration/picture. 

Alternative: 

• Provide pupils with parameters, e.g. You must include two composite shapes with the same area but different perimeters. You must include three composite shapes with the perimeter of 24cm.

11. Christmas Tables

Year Group: Year 5
Duration: 2 hours
Topic: Statistics

Summary: Pupils design their own research that can be presented in a given way. 

You will need: 

• No additional resources 

Instructions:

1. Explain that we are going to collect festive data and analyse it. 
2. Either put pupils into groups or allow pupils to form groups. 
3. Each group picks a festive theme for their survey where the data can be presented in a two-way table, e.g. how many children in each group like Christmas songs, how many children in each group like the colder weather etc.
4. Once you are happy with the question pupils have selected, they can gather their data and present it in a two-way table.
5. Pupils can then draw conclusions about their question based on the data they have collected. 

Alternative: 

• Allow pupils to select any festive question and present their data in a way they deem fitting.

12. Festive Algebra Word Problems

Year Group: Year 6
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Algebra

Summary: Pupils develop algebraic thinking by solving Christmas-themed word problems. 

You will need:

• Festive Algebra Word Problems Resource Sheet
• A space (e.g. classroom/ hall)

Instructions:

1. Place the cards from the Festive Algebra Word Problems Resource Sheet around the room. 
2. Explain that around the room, you have placed cards with word problems on them. The cards have an answer at the top (e.g. 60) followed by a word problem. 
3. Pupils must follow the clues on a treasure hunt style task, answering each word problem then finding the associated answer to the problem. 
4. Pupils can start at any point in the circuit. 
5. This task can be completed individually and silently or in pairs/ teams. 

Alternative: 

• Pupils should be able to solve the given problems without knowledge of algebra, however, you could make similar problems with different topics. 

13. Gingerbread House Measurement

Year Group: Year 6
Duration: 2 hours
Topic: Ratio and Proportion (scale factors)

Summary: Pupils design and measure gingerbread houses, applying the concept of scale factors.

You will need: 

• No additional resources

Instructions:

1. Discuss why it is important to use an accurate and consistent scale when designing buildings etc. 
2. Explain that pupils will be designing their own gingerbread house, using accurate scales. This could be completed individually or in teams. 
3. Pupils can start by drawing a simple gingerbread house and label the actual dimensions they would want to use. 
4. Pupils replicate their simple drawing as a scale drawing of the gingerbread house they have designed. 

Additional activity: 

• Pupils could either make their gingerbread houses (baking or using cardboard) in school or take a copy of their scale drawings home to create at home. 

Alternative: 

• Instead of focusing on accurate scale drawings, focus on 3-D nets of shapes.

14. Christmas Percentage Presents

Year Group: Year 6
Duration: 1 hour
Topic: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Summary: Pupils calculate discounts and markups on Christmas presents, applying their knowledge of percentages in a shopping context.

You will need: 

• Christmas Percentage Presents Resource Sheet or fictional gift prices with discounts. 

Instructions:

1. Review percentage concepts, including calculating percentages of numbers.
2. Discuss when pupils have seen percentages in their real life (such as shopping discounts and price markups). Around the festive period, there are certain promotional days, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where businesses offer discounts. 
3. Present pupils with the worksheet to complete. 
4. Share the answers at the end of the lesson. 

Alternative: 

• Give pupils a list of items that are full price at the beginning of the lesson and a budget to spend. Explain that throughout the lesson, the prices will decrease or increase at random. They can decide to buy the items at any point throughout the lesson but once they’ve ‘spent’ their money they can’t return items. Throughout the lesson, increase/decrease the price of items at random and ask pupils to calculate the new price. At the end of the lesson, share who got the best deal/why and how much everyone ‘spent’. 

Tips for Christmas maths activities

Christmas can be a lot of great fun and offers the opportunity for teachers and pupils to strengthen their relationships and engage with families and the wider community. However, it’s also an extremely busy time! 

Below, we’ve included a few tips for teachers both to implement these Christmas maths activities and to generally support wellbeing during the run up to the Christmas holidays:

• Download the activities from this blog in an easy to print and share format.
  
• Reduce planning time by sharing teaching resources within your school. Third Space Learning has hundreds of free resources including Christmas maths worksheets available for primary teachers and a Christmas collection of blogs.

• Incorporate maths and English skills into your class’ morning routine with an advent calendar of Christmas word games and maths challenges. Transum has an excellent online and interactive advent calendar among other Christmas resources.
  
• Don’t underestimate the power of simple activities – making snowflakes offers teachers a great opportunity to review shapes and explore symmetry (and provide great classroom decorations!)

We hope you enjoy using these curriculum-aligned Christmas maths activities with your pupils and enjoy a restful Christmas holiday. Happy Christmaths!

Christmas maths activities FAQs