How to Have a Screen-Free Christmas: 9 Mindful Festive Experiences to Book

Christmas can be lovely – spending time with loved ones, gift giving and enjoying the calmness of winter. But it can also sometimes feel a bit chaotic – if you’re craving a slightly more unplugged festive season this year, take a look at our range of screen-free Christmas activities across the UK. 

It’s so important to slow down and stay connected with yourself amongst the chaos of shopping, work Christmas parties and family get-togethers. We think the best way is to try something totally new and creative – a chance to get busy with your hands, and have a lovely craft or keepsake to show for it. 

So we’re here to guide you through the loveliest screen-free festive experiences that you can book right away! 

Why you should unplug and go analogue this festive season

We’ve seen more and more people craving less screen time – and ditching your phone is great for your mind too! Studies have shown that cutting down on screen time can help reduce stress and anxiety, and help you sleep better. And we all need extra sleep, especially as the days get shorter. 

You don’t need to totally say goodbye to your favourite YouTube videos or the odd scroll on Instagram – but spending a few hours away from your screen and getting creative can do you the world of good. A screen-free Christmas could mean:

• Putting your phone away while you make something: Give yourself permission to focus on the activity rather than documenting every second of it.
• Choosing analogue entertainment: Make your own Christmas cards, do puzzles, play your favourite board game or read a book!
• Making your own decorations: Craft your own decor that you can bring out year after year. 
• Going for a proper winter walk: Leave your phone in your pocket and pay attention to frosty paths, bare branches and twinkly windows instead.
• Cooking or baking: Put the recipe on the counter, turn up the festive music and make an afternoon of it.
• Creating something to gift: Handmade presents win every time! 

Screen-free festive experiences for a mindful Christmas

Ready to swap scrolling for something a little more hands-on? These mindful Christmassy experiences are perfect for getting creative without a screen in sight.

1. Paint your own Christmas baubles

Crafts don’t need to be anything complicated – bauble painting is nice and relaxed, giving you the chance to personalise ornaments for your tree – or someone else’s! 

Try it here:

• Christmas bauble painting workshop in Battersea, London. 

Lovely for:

• A calm, crafty break. 
• A Christmas day out for families. 

2. Slow down with some festive watercolour

Looking for a bit of peace amongst the chaos? Grab some paint brushes and make a beautiful festive piece of art – the loveliest excuse to put your phone away and ground yourself. 

Try it here:

• Christmas floral watercolour painting workshop in Glasgow.

Lovely for:

• A bit of mindful creativity, perfect for beginners. 
• A festive date. 

3. Make a Christmas keepsake with a little character

This’ll be one you’ll never forget – decorate your very own nutcracker with paints and festive extras! You’ll take away your project to bring out year after year. 

Try it here:

• Christmas nutcracker decorating workshop in Battersea, London. 

Lovely for:

• A unique, creative break from the rush.
• Anyone wanting to give handmade gifts.

4. Relax one knot at a time with macramé 

Craft gorgeous, intricate knots as you work on a macramé project from scratch, complete with Christmassy accents. This might just become your new favourite hobby! 

Try it here: 

• Christmas macramé star wreath workshop in Edinburgh. 

Lovely for:

• Cosy crafters!
• Anyone looking to master a new screen-free hobby. 

5. Get lost in the rhythm of carving

For something a little different, try Japanese carving for a calm, mindful activity that’ll keep your hands busy with a specialist chisel. You’ll leave with a gorgeous stained-glass style piece of art. 

Try it here: 

• Christmas Japanese carving workshop in Woolwich, London.

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Lovely for:

• A unique activity to do with your besties. 
• A relaxing, mindful afternoon of making. 

6. Make your own Christmas cards

Work with lovely Christmassy materials like papers, stamps and embellishments to make your own cards – a great option for anyone a bit nervous about getting crafty. 

Try it here: 

• Collage Christmas cards workshop in Westminster, London. 

Lovely for:

• Crafty beginners.
• Anyone who prefers handmade over store bought. 

7. Try something crafty with clay

Clay is a great tactile craft, and it can be so relaxing! Roll, shape and stamp your own clay decorations from scratch – add initials, dates or messages for extra wonderfulness. 

Try it here: 

• Make your own Christmas decorations in Manchester. 

Lovely for:

• If you’re celebrating a milestone Christmas and want something to show for it! 
• A slow, tactile activity to cut through the busyness. 

8. Slow down with a little candlelight

For peak cosy energy, try making your own festive candle! Choose from gorgeous winter-inspired scents and get pouring, perfect for burning at your next festive movie night. 

Try it here: 

• Christmas candle making workshop in Whitechapel, London. 

Lovely for:

• Anyone craving a slow, cosy Christmas. 
• Self care lovers. 

9. Add a little golden detail with festive embossing

Less of a collage fan? You might love designing and hand-embossing your own cards, with a removable gold-foil decoration that can be hung on the tree afterwards!

Try it here: 

• Embossed Christmas decoration cards workshop in Edinburgh. 

Lovely for:

• Anyone who loves trying unique crafts. 
• A festive meet-up with friends. 

Mindful screen-free festive activities: find your fit

Not sure which screen-free festive experience is right for you? Whether you fancy a quiet painting session, a tactile new hobby or a cosy craft to enjoy with friends, there’s a mindful Christmas activity to suit your mood.

Other ways to make Christmas feel a little calmer

If you’re feeling inspired to go analogue this Christmas, there’s so many other ways to be present and give yourself a screen break. Here are a few ideas to try, and some could even double up as fun Christmas day ideas at home!

• Spend an afternoon baking – are you more of a mince pie or a gingerbread lover? 
• Wrap up presents while listening to your favourite album. 
• Play a new board game with your family or friends. 
• Reread an old favourite book, snuggled under a blanket by your tree. 
• Try making your own cards or gift labels. 
• Find that jigsaw puzzle you’ve been ignoring and give it a try. 

The trick is to choose things that give your attention somewhere lovely to land. You don't have to make your Christmas completely screen-free, just make sure your screens aren't getting all the good bits.

Celebrate with intention this Christmas

This year, let’s prioritise having a mindful celebration. Start with swapping out your evening scroll for a bit of reading and go from there. Try whichever screen-free festive activity takes your fancy, and give yourself time to slow down and enjoy the things around you. 

So put your phone on silent, pick a craft that makes you curious and give yourself permission to breathe and relax. The best festive moments might be the ones you don't photograph at all!