🎄 20 Christmas Activities for Dogs: Make This Festive Season Paws-itively Magical

The twinkly lights are going up and your dog is ready to steal the show in their Christmas pyjamas. Whether you’re snuggling up at home or exploring dog-friendly events, here are 20 festive ways to make this Christmas unforgettable!

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1. Visit a Dog-Friendly Christmas Market

Few things beat the smell of roasted chestnuts and dogs in Christmas jumpers. Markets (such as Bath Christmas Market 2025) can make for the best festive days out and dogs are welcome to lots of them! Bundle up your pup in a cosy Poochie Suit for extra comfort while you wander through the wooden chalets and twinkling lights. Remember it gets busy, and if visiting with your dog opt for quieter times like mid-week mornings.

2. Go on a Dog-Friendly Christmas Light Trail

Wrap up warm and head out to a Christmas light trail that welcomes dogs. Many are now letting pups join the sparkle! You can find some great ones in our Dog-Friendly Christmas Events in the Cotswolds guide.)

3. Bake Festive Dog Treats Together

Channel your inner Mary Berry and bake dog-safe Christmas biscuits or “pupcakes.” Use festive cookie cutters for stars and trees your kitchen will smell divine, and your dog will love the taste test!

Our favourites include:

Wintery Berry Bones 
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
and Home-made Christmas Pudding for Dogs!

4. Have a Festive Photoshoot

Grab your camera (or phone!), add a festive backdrop, and let your dog strike a pose. Bonus points for Dog Christmas pajamas or a Christmas bandana!)  They’ll be perfect for your family Christmas card! If your dog enjoys it, you could try the Viral Wrapping Paper Photoshoot! 

5. Create a Doggy Advent Calendar

A treat a day keeps the Grinch away. Fill an advent calendar with small biscuits or toys so your dog can countdown to Christmas morning. It’s a fun way to add enrichment during December. If you don't have time to make one, some companies like Years also sell them! 

6. Wrap a Present (for Them!)

Dogs may not write wish lists, but they know exactly what the sound of wrapping paper means. Wrap a toy or treat and let them tear it open just keep an eye on the tape!

7. Build a Snuggle Station

Create a cosy den with blankets, fairy lights, and their favourite toy. It’s the perfect retreat for when Christmas Day gets a little too exciting. Add a Poochie Suit for maximum snuggle factor think of it as a wearable hug for your dog.

8. Visit Santa Paws

Yes, it’s a thing, and it’s adorable. Many garden centres and pet shops now offer photo sessions with Santa Paws. A festive photo with your dog is guaranteed to melt hearts. If your dog enjoys Festive Days Out and meeting new people, you can find some great ones here! 

9. Go on a Frosty Morning Adventure

Set the alarm early and head out for a sunrise walk. The crisp air, glowing skies, and frosty fields are magical, especially if your dog’s all wrapped up. When I worked at a dog boarding centre, we took the dogs out early on Christmas Morning and it was oh so special and festive!

10. Plan a Doggy Secret Santa

Get together with your dog-loving friends for a Secret Santa swap! Set a small budget and exchange toys or treats, you’ll have wagging tails all around and a great opportunity for your pup to see their pals! 

11. Make a Paw Print Ornament

Press your dog’s paw into dog-safe clay to create a keepsake you can hang on the tree. Paint it gold or add glitter for a festive touch! Remember if your using Salt Dough to keep it 100% away from your bestie if its on your tree, as they are toxic due to the high salt content!

12. Cosy Christmas Movie Night

Grab a blanket, light the fairy lights, and snuggle up with your pup for a movie marathon. opt for classics such as The Grinch, Elf, or Lady and the Tramp. Or if your dog likes to watch pups in action, Here's some film inspo! Bonus points if you both wear Christmas pajamas.

13. Make a Doggy Christmas Stocking

Don’t let the humans have all the fun. Hang a little stocking with your dog’s name on it and fill it with toys, chews, or a squeaky snowman. It’s a simple way to include them in the Christmas magic. Ivy & Duke also create beautiful dog stockings, and Sainsburys and Pets At Home also have some pre filled ones! 

14. Host a Festive Dog Paw-ty

Invite your friends (and their pups) for a mini Christmas get-together. Add festive treats  and a “best dressed” contest for the dogs.

15. Decorate a Pup-Cake

Bake (or buy) a dog-safe cupcake and decorate it with mashed banana “icing” or dog safe yoghurt etc. Add a sprinkle of crushed treats on top for flair. Here is our favourite recipe! 

16. Take Part in a Charity Dog Walk

Many rescues host Santa Paws walks or fun runs during December. It’s a brilliant way to socialise, get some exercise, and raise funds for dogs in need. Our absolute favourite near us is the Cheltenham Animal Shelter Festive Dog Walk.

17. Make a “Best Moments” Scrapbook

Print your favourite dog photos from the year muddy walks, naps, chaos and all. Stick them into a scrapbook with paw prints or doodles. It’s a lovely keepsake to start each December.

18. Make Your Own Festive LickiMat Mix

Turn treat time into a festive sensory feast! 
Give your dog a taste of Christmas with a fun, festive LickiMat creation! It’s the perfect way to keep them entertained while you wrap presents or decorate the tree.
There's some fabulously creative ideas here at Sparkles and Sunshine Blog  🎅🐾

19. Try Some Indoor Activities

Bring the fun indoors! Set up a mini treasure hunt using treats or toys hidden around the house, or turn leftover wrapping paper into a snuffle-style enrichment game. You can even try a dog parkour creative activity where dogs learn to climb, balance, jump, and navigate obstacles using their environment. It’s inspired by the human version of parkour and focuses on confidence, coordination, and fun rather than competition. You don’t need any special equipment; just use what you’ve got at home and let your dog explore in a safe, positive way. It’s the perfect way to keep your pup’s mind busy and tail wagging all winter long! 

20. Donate to a Dog Rescue

‘Tis the season for giving, and there are so many ways to help dogs in need this Christmas. You can join local Shoebox Appeals like those run by Teckels Animal Sanctuaries and Cheltenham Animal Shelter  simply fill a box with treats, toys, or blankets and drop it off to spread 

a little festive love.

Or, support nationwide charities like Dogs Trust by sending their Christmas cards or donating a gift in a dog’s name. However you give, every little bit helps fill rescue kennels with warmth, full bellies, and wagging tails. 🎁🐾

🐕 Make It Magical (and Snuggly)

Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets, wrapping gifts, or snuggling under fairy lights, the best gift you can give your dog is time with you! We hope this guide helps make your festive season as joyful as your pup’s tail wag.

Wishing you and your dog a very merry, tail-wagging Christmas!

Brooke & Chicken
Poochie Keen
xo