December 2026 Events
3rd December: International Day of People with Disabilities
This is a wonderful chance to champion diversity, inclusivity, and neurodiversity in early years. Everyone is unique, so use this day to celebrate both our differences and our similarities with the message that everyone is special. Introduce disability-focused inclusive sports to give children fresh perspectives while trying something new. You can practice catching and throwing from a seated position or invite Sammy Skills along to play a game of visually impaired football or cricket using a specialised ball that has a bell or noisemaker inside to help children track it by sound.
3rd December: Elf Day
Spread some magical festive cheer while backing a fantastic cause with the Alzheimer’s Society Elf Day! With the immense popularity of Elf on the Shelf, dressing up as elves is an incredibly easy way to engage your setting and raise vital funds to beat dementia. Keep the festive energy healthy by baking some nutritious Christmas treats for the children to enjoy with your visiting elf. Looking for some active holiday inspiration? Head over to our Winter board on Pinterest and website to find heaps of festive recipes and holiday movement games to try with Active Azra
4th December: International Cheetah Day
International Cheetah Day is dedicated to raising awareness about how close these wonderful big cats are to extinction. Since cheetahs are famous for their incredible speed, it is the perfect day to host a theme day focused entirely on running! Running is a fundamental locomotor skill that needs to be actively taught so that young children can safely improve their posture, balance, and pace as they accelerate. Bring Sammy Skills along for the fun to help children practice their form, coordinate their arms, and master their pacing through fun running games and races.
10th December: Christmas Jumper Day
Christmas Jumper Day is the annual, fundraising tradition hosted by Save the Children. Dig out your brightest, silliest, or most festive holiday sweater, wear it proudly for the whole day, and make a small donation to change children’s lives for the better. Be a fantastic healthy role model like Suzy Startwell by getting all your staff teams involved too! It’s also a wonderful day to try making healthy Santa Snacks with the children. For creative food prep ideas, head over to our Winter board on Pinterest.
4th – 12th December: Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrated across eight nights by lighting a candle each evening on a beautiful, traditional menorah. Festive gatherings often feature classic foods like baked potato latkes, applesauce, dairy dishes, and brisket. While enjoying these holiday treats with families, it is a great time to lean on Mickey Me Size to teach children mindful eating. Remind them to listen to their tummies and proudly say, “I’ve had enough,” when they feel full—even when celebrating special occasions!
21st December: National Robin Day
National Robin Day is a nationwide event created by the charity SongBird Survival to raise awareness about the unique challenges that robins and other small songbirds face during the harsh winter months. Use this day to encourage your children and families to wrap up warm and head out on a brisk winter walk to see how many garden birds they can spot! It is a brilliant way to stay active with Active Azra while enjoying a fun, healthy day out for the whole family. Back at your setting, the children can get hands-on making homemade bird feeders to hang out in the garden. For a burst of indoor energy, try an interactive Active Azra session where the children learn to flutter, hop, and move like different types of birds.
25th December: Christmas Day
Christmas Day takes place on the 25th of December to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. While it is traditionally a Christian holiday, many non-Christian families also choose to participate in the festive spirit by exchanging gifts, spending precious time with loved ones, and enjoying a traditional holiday meal. To keep everyone moving and healthy in the run-up to the big day, have you been taking part in our festive Startwell’s 12 Days of Christmas Advent Activities? It is the perfect countdown to keep seasonal energy active and fun for all of your early years families.
