Festive Fun at Nursery

Seasonal Activities for Learning

At Pendley Day Nursery, the festive season is one of our favourite times of year. The sparkle of lights, cheerful songs, and a sense of excitement make it a wonderful opportunity to bring learning to life. For children, holidays and special events aren’t just fun – they’re a chance to explore new ideas, develop key skills, and enjoy a sense of belonging in their nursery community. 

Learning through Festive Play

At this time of year, our nursery is filled with themed activities that support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. From creating handmade decorations to exploring the sounds and textures of winter, each experience helps children to grow, learn and develop.

For example, making festive crafts builds fine motor skills and encourages creativity, while singing songs together boosts language development and memory. According to the National Literacy Trust’s 2024 reportNursery Rhymes in the Early Years, children who regularly sing nursery rhymes and songs are more likely to develop strong early reading skills.

Our team also incorporates early maths and science learning into seasonal play – counting baubles, measuring ingredients for festive baking, or watching how ice melts outdoors on a frosty morning. It’s hands-on learning at its best!

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

The festive season is also an ideal time to introduce children to different cultures and celebrations. At Pendley Day Nursery, we talk about a range of winter festivals such as Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas, helping children understand and respect traditions from around the world. Guidance from the Early Years Alliance emphasises that celebrating diversity and difference helps children develop understanding, tolerance and respect – key foundations for positive social development.

Through simple activities like sharing stories, tasting new foods, or creating artwork inspired by various traditions, we help children appreciate both their own culture and others. These shared experiences support emotional development and a sense of identity, which are crucial during the early years. 

Building Confidence and Connection

Festive activities are also wonderful for building confidence and teamwork. Taking part in small performances, sharing treats with friends, or helping to decorate the nursery encourages children to express themselves and take pride in their achievements. 

For our youngest children, the sensory experiences of the season – sparkly lights, soft textures and gentle music – provide stimulation that supports early brain development. For our preschoolers, more structured activities, like making cards or practising songs, help with concentration, coordination and communication. 

Making Magical Memories

At Pendley Day Nursery, we know that these moments of festive fun stay with children and their families. Whether it’s the joy of a Christmas jumper day, the excitement of seeing snow, or the pride of creating a special gift to take home, each memory helps nurture a lifelong love of learning. 

Our Pendley Day Nursery Christmas Party is on Friday 19 December – parents are welcome and hopefully Santa will drop by too! 

As always, our caring team, led by Nursery Manager Lisa Caller, makes sure every activity is safe, inclusive and filled with warmth. With our spacious indoor and outdoor areas, children have plenty of room to play, explore and discover – whatever the weather!

If you’d like to discover how Pendley Day Nursery can support your child’s learning and development all year round, we’d be delighted to welcome you for a visit. Come and see our nurturing environment in action and meet our dedicated team – where every day offers new opportunities for your child to grow, learn and develop. 

Please contact our Parent Engagement Co-Ordinator, Cassi Thompson, on telephone: 01442 967140 or by email to info@pendleydaynursery.com.