12 Festive Things to Do on a Budget: Creative Christmas Fun from £20

The festive season always seems to sneak up on us – if you’re starting to plan your December calendar, we’re here to give you some inspiration! We’ve got the loveliest range of Christmas activities across the UK, with something to suit every budget. 

Christmas has a habit of making even the smallest of plans feel expensive – a festive drink here, a secret santa gift there. And suddenly, December is looking a lot less merry for your bank account. 

But you don’t need a huge budget for a bit of festive loveliness! From wintery walks to creative workshops, we’ve got just the thing you’ve been looking for – perfect for dates, bestie catch-ups or solo adventures. 

Festive things to do for free

Before we dive into our selection of affordable Christmas activities, don’t forget that some of the most wonderful things to do are completely free! 

• Go on a Christmas lights walk. We all know one street that seems to be having a Christmas lights competition – wrap up, make a flask of hot choccy and you’ve got a lovely little festive evening! 
• Explore a Christmas market. If you can brave the busyness, have a mooch around a good Christmas market and soak in the festive atmosphere – no purchase necessary!
• Take a wintery walk. If you're lucky enough to get some snow, even better. Otherwise, frosty mornings and a gorgeous stroll will set your day off right. 
• Have a festive film marathon. Pick your favourites, snuggle up with blankets and surround yourself with your favourite festive snacks. 
• Make your own decorations. Dig out old paper, cardboard, fabric scraps or decorations you already have and spend an afternoon giving them a new lease of life!

£30 and under: budget-friendly festive fun

Looking for festive things to do on a budget that’ll actually make this festive season feel memorable? You don't need to spend much! Try festive crafts and even make your own decorations for your tree. 

1. Make your own unique Christmas cards

Go along to this collage Christmas cards workshop in Westminster, London. 

Price: £26 per person. 

They loved it and we think you will too...

"So much fun to do this Christmas card making class. Lots of supplies to use, great examples to follow if needed. Really friendly, personable teacher Mina. My friend and I got lucky as we booked onto a group class and it ended up being just us two so we had a private class. Highly recommended." - Emma Coppen, Collage Christmas cards workshop.

2. Paint some fun festive baubles

Try this Christmas bauble painting workshop in Manchester. 

Price: £30 per person. 

3. Christmas-ify your glasses!

Go along to this Christmas glass painting workshop in Glasgow. 

Price: £24 per person. 

4. Make the sweetest clay decorations

Get crafty with clay in this Christmas decorations workshop in Manchester. 

Price: £30 per person. 

£30–£50: the sweet spot

This is where you can start treating yourself to a slightly longer or more involved creative experience without totally breaking the bank! Perfect for creative spirits and sweet tooths. 

5. Emboss your own Christmas decorations

This embossed Christmas decorations workshop in Borough, London is a lovely unique choice. 

Price: £40 per person. 

6. Craft a gorgeous mini wreath 

Opt for this festive mini wreath workshop in Manchester, perfect for a table centrepiece. 

Price: £35 per person. 

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7. Decorate some delicious chocolatey treats!

Try this Christmas chocolate decoration workshop in Kentish Town, London. 

Price: £45 per person. 

8. Relax and get creative with festive watercolours 

Connect with your creativity in this Christmas watercolour workshop in Glasgow.

Price: £45 per person. 

9. Print your own Christmas stocking

Get crafty with lino stamps in this lino printed Christmas stocking workshop in Borough, London.

Price: £48 per person. 

£50–£70: treat-yourself territory

If you've got a little more room in the Christmas budget, you can make the experience itself the present. Go with your besties, loved ones or for a festive solo date – and enjoy a well deserved rest from rushed shopping and a full calendar. 

10. Pour your own Christmas candle

Blend winter smells in this Christmas candle making workshop in Whitechapel, London.

Price: £55 per person. 

11. Get crafty with fused glass 

Try something unique in this Christmas decoration fused glass workshop in Leeds. 

Price: £65 per person. 

12. Decorate your own Nutcracker

Make a gorgeous festive keepsake in this Christmas nutcracker decorating workshop in Battersea, London. 

Price: £55 per person. 

They loved it and we think you will too... 

"This class was absolutely amazing! We can not recommend more. So delighted with our nutcrackers and how well they turned out.The team are super friendly and supportive! Even changing our time on the day due to a delay. Thank you so so much, really value for money!" - Dawn McMorrow, Christmas nutcracker decorating workshop.

How to have a magical Christmas without spending a fortune

We don’t always have a huge festive budget to play with, and that’s totally okay! Here at ClassBento, we think it’s the little rituals around an activity that make it feel actually special. 

• Pair a cheap activity with a free one: Book your workshop of choice, then go for a Christmas lights walk afterwards – whoever spots the silliest one, wins. 
• Make a day of it: If you're travelling somewhere for a workshop, find a free market (Christmas or otherwise – we understand if you need a festive break!) or a gallery and explore. 
• Choose something you'll use every year: A handmade decoration, stocking or candle can become part of your Christmas traditions! 
• Split the cost of a group experience: If you're planning a festive get-together, a workshop can replace the usual dinner-and-drinks spend.
• Don't underestimate £0: A winter walk, homemade hot chocolate and Christmas music can be just as lovely as a pricey day out.

Festive activities on a budget: which one is best for you?

Christmas doesn't have to cost the earth

As you look ahead to December and start planning get-togethers and catch-ups, keep this list of affordable Christmas activities handy and consider doing something you wouldn’t usually do. There are so many fun festive things to do on a budget, with something for everyone. 

Whether you’re planning to entertain your kiddos, hang with friends or carving out some solo time – you’ll get to make something to cherish. Put the kettle on, wrap up warm, book something creative and make this Christmas feel like your kind of festive.