Christmas Activities for Middle School
These Christmas activities are for middle school and high school classes in the last week before winter break. Run all 14 Missions in a 60 to 90 minute session, or spread them across the week. Students play in teams of three to five, with one device per team.
Missions
1. Traditions Around the World 🌍 (TEXT)
Winter is full of amazing traditions from all kinds of cultures and holidays! In one sentence, describe a winter holiday tradition your family celebrates or one you find really interesting — it can be from any culture or holiday. There's no wrong answer here, so share what's meaningful to you!
150 points
2. Welcome to Winter! (PHOTO)
Kick off the season in style! 🎉 Grab any 5 everyday objects from your desk or bag and arrange them into a scene that represents your favorite thing about this time of year — cozy vibes, holiday fun, winter weather, you name it. Snap a photo of your creation and let the winter festivities begin!
150 points
3. Cards from the Heart (PHOTO)
Holiday cards have been spreading warmth and good vibes since the 1840s — now it's your turn! Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and in just a couple of minutes, jot down a heartfelt winter greeting and doodle a quick festive image (a snowflake, a star, a mug of cocoa — you pick!). Keep it simple and sweet. Snap a photo of your card to complete this Mission!
300 points
4. Winter Holidays Snapshot (PHOTO)
Pick ONE winter holiday or tradition — Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Yule, Las Posadas, Lunar New Year, or any other you celebrate or know about. Write its name on a piece of paper and add one quick symbol, word, or doodle that represents it to you. Snap a photo of your paper and share it with the group! Let's see how many different celebrations show up across our Experience!
350 points
5. Holiday Skyscraper Challenge (PHOTO)
Your team's Mission: build the tallest freestanding tower you can using ONLY 10 index cards or scraps of paper — no tape, no glue, no cheating! Think of it as your very own holiday skyscraper lighting up the winter skyline. Once your tower is standing proud, snap a photo of it next to a ruler or pencil so we can measure who's reaching for the stars! 🏙️❄️
400 points
6. Kindness Math: 100 People, One Day! (TEXT)
Here's a challenge for your big brain! 🎄 If you wanted to spread holiday kindness to 100 people in your school today using ONLY what you already have with you, what would your plan be? Describe it in 1–2 sentences. Get creative — every great movement starts with one good idea!
400 points
7. Snowflake Symmetry Challenge (PHOTO)
Did you know real snowflakes usually have six-fold radial symmetry? Time to prove you've got the science chops! Fold a square piece of paper using the 6-fold method, snip a simple pattern along the folded edges, then carefully unfold it to reveal your one-of-a-kind snowflake. Lay it flat and snap a photo of your masterpiece — no two snowflakes are alike, and neither are yours!
400 points
8. Spread the Holiday Cheer! (PHOTO)
The best gift you can give costs nothing — a genuine compliment! Write a heartfelt compliment for a classmate or teacher on a sticky note or scrap of paper. Hold it up so the words are clearly visible, snap a photo, and then go deliver that kindness in person. Watch someone's day get instantly brighter! 🎄
400 points
9. Winter Color Hunt (PHOTO)
Time to channel your inner scientist! 🔬❄️ Scan your surroundings for objects that are blue, white, or silver — the classic colors of winter. Snap a photo of the coolest winter-colored object you can find in your environment. Bonus points for creativity — the more unexpected, the better!
400 points
10. Winter Sync Squad (VIDEO)
Lights, camera, coordination! 🎬 Work together as a team to create a 15-second synchronized gesture sequence with a winter holiday theme — think miming shoveling snow, wrapping a gift, or lighting candles. Every team member must perform the same motions at the same time, so rehearse, sync up, and nail that choreography! Make sure all participants are clearly visible in the video.
400 points
11. Winter Wishes & Goals Snapshot (PHOTO)
Pause, reflect, and set your intentions for the year ahead! On a piece of paper, write down ONE goal you want to accomplish before the end of the school year and ONE thing you're grateful for this season. Decorate the edges with a simple winter border — stars, snowflakes, or any shapes you like. Once it looks just right, snap a photo and share it with the group!
400 points
12. Mini Vision Board, Maximum Dreams (PHOTO)
The new year is knocking — let's answer the door with intention! On a single index card or small scrap of paper, create your tiny vision board for the year ahead. Include at least one drawn image, one written word, and one goal or hope that matters to you. When you're done, hold it in your palm and snap a photo to show just how much big dreaming can fit in a small space!
500 points
13. Upcycled Gift Wrap Showdown (PHOTO)
Grab one piece of scrap paper, newspaper, or any non-gift-wrap material you can find nearby, and wrap a small object (like a pencil or eraser) as creatively as you can in under 5 minutes. No store-bought wrapping paper allowed! Snap a photo of your finished wrapped item. Sustainability meets holiday spirit — let's see how resourceful you really are!
500 points
14. Winter Words: Team Poem Performance (VIDEO)
Poets, assemble! 🎤❄️ Write an original 4-to-6 line poem about winter, the holidays, or the coming new year — then perform it together on camera. Team members can alternate lines or recite in unison, but every voice counts! Your poem must be audible and heartfelt. Record your 30-second performance and let those winter words shine!
500 points
How to run it
- Copy the template. Click "Copy this template in Goosechase" and log in or sign up. You get your own copy with every Mission on this page.
- Invite people with the join link. Share your join link so players can join from any web browser or mobile device.
- Play. Start the game. Players complete Missions to earn points, and the leaderboard shows who is winning.
