Things to do with an almost two year old in the run up to Christmas?

[OneUp]

Has anyone got any ideas of things I could do with an almost two year old in the run up for Christmas? I've thought of things like colouring in but I'd like to find some more fun things to do with her.

Crib service/ nativity service (you can also dress her as an angel/shepherd/etc if you feel like it!)

We have a village carol singing evening which is great fun (lots of lights and atmosphere for a toddler to enjoy as well as the singing)

Making Christmas cards and gift tags

Making star biscuits

Helping to make the cake/Christmas pudding

Plus all the commercial things you can pay for - we're seeing Father Christmas at Harrods, going to see the lights at Kew, might see a Christmas film at the cinema (toddler specific screening) etc.

Hope that helps! Will watch this thread with interest ;-)

I wouldn't try and do too much exciting stuff, too far in advance. It can all get a little overwhelming and feel like a bit of an anti-climax.

You could decorate some decorations with her, so that she can add them to the tree (check out your local children's centre and/or library as they often have craft events for little ones in the run up to Christmas). Find a nice book to share, so she understand what will be happening. Learn some Christmas songs together.
If you think she'll enjoy it then you might find that your local toddler group has a Christmas party with a visit from Santa but that often freaks children out a bit.

Paper chains! My dc LOVE making them (even the toddler) and they're so easy.

Lots of national trust houses have fabulous Christmas activities - probably a lot would go over a toddler's head, but worth a go?!

We like taking a walk after dark to look at Christmas lights in all the houses - doesn't have to be far, round the block does the trick.

Also I've never done the full-on Santa's Grotto thing with either of mine (4 and 7 now) but they've always been excited by Father Christmas visiting preschool or seeing him at the local school fair.

Pre make some dough and kids can cut out shapes- making the dough is too long for most!

Make hot choc, get then to add stuff and stir it- add loads of milk so it's safe.

Kids love singing - learn a Christmas song together

Good idea for a thread! Dd will be two the week before christmas so it will be good to do these bits throughout december.

Does anywhere do a Christmas Window? We have Fenwicks, a local shop, which has a fantastic christmas display along its windows each year.
Go to a tree selling place and pick a tiny tree for her to decorate?

Get an advent calendar

Make an advent wreath

Make gingerbread

Learn Christmas carols

Make Christmas cards (eg you cut out some star shapes, child colours in and sticks glitter on, you stick them on a card together)

Make decorations (snowflakes, stars)

Decorate the windows with Christmas stickers

My dd was 2.3 last Christmas and she loved seeing the Christmas decorations in town (we live in a big city)

Make a nativity scene using dolls or cardboard cutouts

Good ideas here, I think I'll get DS involved in making Xmas cards this year :)