Fun & Festive Christmas Activities for Dogs

The holiday season is exciting for us all; it’s a time of great food, lots of laughter and spending quality moments with the people – and pups – we love the most. But while we’re busy wrapping presents, decorating the tree and prepping the perfect Christmas menu, it can be easy to forget to carve out time for some pawesome fun with your dog. After all, the holidays deserve to be as exciting for them as they are for us.

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of December, but your pup deserves to feel the holiday cheer, too. Including your dog in seasonal traditions not only strengthens your bond but also keeps them happy, active, and entertained. From creative crafts to outdoor adventures, there are so many Christmas activities for dogs that will bring joy to you both.

Whether you’re making DIY decorations, visiting a dog-friendly Christmas market, or setting up a festive photoshoot, these activities will ensure your dog feels loved and included in the celebrations. Here are some fun-filled Christmas activities for dogs that’ll let you create memories you’ll treasure forever.

A snuffle mat for dogs is an excellent way to engage your pup’s natural sniffing instincts, and you can give it a festive twist using leftover wrapping paper. It’s one of the simplest Christmas activities for dogs to create, and the best part is that it’s budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Gather scraps of wrapping paper and crumple them into balls or lay them in a box. Then, hide some treats or dried dog food within the layers and watch as your dog digs through the crinkly paper to find the hidden goodies.

It’s a great Christmas activity to keep them mentally stimulated while you’re busy wrapping gifts or baking Christmas dessert! And of course, it’s also a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers – just be sure to supervise your pup to prevent any accidental ingestion of paper. Watching your dog sniff, search, and wag their way through the snuffle mat will bring a smile to your face and remind you why Christmas activities for dogs are so rewarding.

For many, visiting a Christmas market is a quintessential holiday tradition, and thankfully, there are plenty of incredible markets out there that are dog-friendly! We’ve recently written a blog on all the best dog-friendly Christmas markets in the UK, so be sure to give that one a read if you’re interested in Christmas activities for dogs like this.

From pet-specific stalls selling treats and accessories to dog-friendly cafes serving pup-safe puppuccinos, these markets are a haven for both you and your furry friend. Some even host special events like Santa Paws meet-and-greets or holiday costume parades. Just before you head out, be sure to ensure the market welcomes dog’s and the event is suitable for your pup’s temperament (these things can get pretty busy!). You’ll also want to make sure you pack a sturdy harness and lead, some water and plenty of treats to keep them comfortable.

For another simple yet festive way to entertain your pup, try creating a Christmas-themed lick mat for dogs. This calming activity is perfect for dogs who might feel overwhelmed by holiday visitors or noisy celebrations—and it’s one of the tastiest Christmas activities for dogs! Simply spread dog-safe holiday flavours onto the lick mat, like plain mashed pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin paste or Greek yogurt. Then sprinkle on top some crushed dog treats or freeze-dried meats for added excitement. If you want a long-lasting treat, stick the lick mat in the freezer!

The licking motion soothes dogs, making this activity ideal for when you need a quiet moment. Plus, here at WOOOF, we have a huge number of Christmas lick mats to make the activity all the more festive. We have a particular soft spot for the SodaPup Christmas Tree Design Enrichment Lick Mat with its cheerful red-coloured Christmas tree design and the Christmas Pine Tree Slow Feeder Dog Bowl with a deeper basin for added challenge.

Transform your home into a treasure trove of holiday surprises with a Christmas treasure hunt! This is one of the most engaging Christmas activities for dogs, combining their love for sniffing with the thrill of discovery. Hide dog treats, toys, or small wrapped gifts around your house and encourage your pup to sniff them out.

Start with easy hiding spots and gradually increase the difficulty to keep things exciting. If you want to make it extra festive, hide the treasures under the tree or among decorations. This activity is perfect for snowy or rainy days when outdoor play isn’t an option. It also provides mental stimulation and taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts.

Whether you love Christmas shopping or not, taking your dog with you is guaranteed to make it more enjoyable. Many pet stores and even some larger retailers allow well-behaved dogs inside, making this one of the most inclusive Christmas activities for dogs. Head into a pet shop and let your pups sniff out their own Christmas gifts, whether it’s a new tasty treat, a Christmas dog toy or a new accessory.

Before heading out, check store policies to ensure they welcome dogs and be sure to keep your pup leashed. In the UK, there are a number of stores that currently welcome dogs inside including John Lewis, Wilko, The Range, Hobbycraft and Oliver Bonas. This is one of the easiest Christmas activities for dogs to fit into your busy holiday schedule.

Treat your dog to their own holiday feast with a WOOOF Christmas Dinner Enrichment Bundle. This delicious activity is both festive and stimulating, making it one of the most memorable Christmas activities for dogs. Including all the best dog-safe holiday foods such as WOOOF’s Own natural sausage rolls, Coya Pork Freeze-Dried Raw Adult Dog Treats and Pork Furr Boost, you have everything you need to make an enriching and delicious snack for your pup.

The WOOOF Christmas Dinner Enrichment Gift Bundle also comes with Soda Pup’s Christmas Pine Tree Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, so you can add all the goodies together, to make a long-lasting Christmas-inspired treat. Save it for Christmas day or give it to them early – we won’t judge! It’s proof that Christmas activities for dogs can be both fun and nourishing.

There’s something about Christmas lights that instantly gets us into the holiday spirit, and sharing this experience with your pup is one of the most heartwarming Christmas activities for dogs we can think of. Bundle up, harness up your pup, and head out to explore your neighbourhood’s light displays. For added festivity, dress your dog in a holiday sweater or a light-up collar. Just be sure to pick a safe, dog-friendly route.

Let your pup take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the season while you yourself get some fresh air and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It’s a low-cost option and brings the magic of Christmas activities for dogs to life in the simplest yet most enchanting way.

Another fun activity to do with your dog at Christmas is to make some DIY Christmas decorations featuring your dog’s pawprints. This creative project is one of the most meaningful Christmas activities for dogs you could do, not only letting you and your pup bond, but it’ll result in some meaningful keepsakes you can treasure forever.

Using pet-safe paint or clay, you can create paw print ornaments, cards, or wrapping paper. Decorate them with festive touches like glitter, ribbons, or hand-painted designs. These handmade decorations make thoughtful gifts for dog lovers or charming additions to your own holiday décor.

Last but certainly not least, why not capture the magic of the season with a holiday-themed photoshoot starring your pup! This is one of the most fun Christmas activities for dogs that not only lets you and your dog play dress up but creates memories you’ll admire for years to come. Dress them up in festive outfits like a Santa hat or reindeer antlers and get them to pose with your Christmas tree or a garden filled with snow!

Just be sure to keep things light-hearted and praise your dog with lots of treats. That way, it’ll become a Christmas activity they’ll enjoy just as much as you. We have a spectacular range of dog fancy dress here at WOOOF that’s perfect for the festive season including an Adjustable Reindeer Antler Headband and several dog Christmas jumpers like the “Ho Ho Ho” Christmas Dog Jumper from Maxbone. Or if your dog isn’t a huge fan of fancy dress, we also have the Blitzen Christmas Dog Bandana for a more subtle and comfortable piece of attire.

Including your furry friend in festive traditions is more than just a fun way to keep them entertained but an opportunity to strengthen your bond and make them feel like an important family member – which they are! So whether you decide to create a long-lasting Christmas-inspired lick mat, craft some paw-print ornaments or explore a dog-friendly Christmas market, we hope these Christmas activities for dogs bring the magic of the season to life for you both.

The beauty of these Christmas activities for dogs is that they’re designed for dogs of all ages, sizes, and energy levels. They allow you to tailor the experience to your pup’s unique personality all while providing enrichment, exercise, and mental stimulation – all the good things that keep your dog happy and healthy during the hustle and bustle of the season. They also remind us to slow down and appreciate the simple joys, like a wagging tail or a cosy cuddle by the fire.

This Christmas, don’t let the holiday chaos overshadow the time you spend with your dog. By incorporating these Christmas activities for dogs into your plans, you’ll create a season filled with love and memories, because Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the unconditional love of a dog. And of course, don’t forget to stock up on some Christmas gifts for dogs too. Be sure to fill up their stocking with all the goodies we have here at WOOOF including treat dispensers, lick mats, slow feeders, chew toys and so much more.

Merry Christmas from us all at WOOOF!

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