10 Fun Activities for Middle School ESL Students Before Holiday Break

The week before holiday break is always a bit of a whirlwind, isn’t it? The students are buzzing with excitement, their energy levels are sky-high, and honestly, we’re all counting down the days until we can finally relax. If you’re looking for ways to keep your middle school ESL students engaged and learning during this time, I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite activities.

These ideas are all about bringing in that festive spirit while sneaking in some learning. From holiday games and scavenger hunts to creative writing and trivia, these activities will help keep your students focused (and having fun) right up until the last bell rings. Let’s dive into these holiday classroom activities that your middle schoolers will love!

1. Holiday Around the World Research Project

Kick things off with a Holiday Around the World Research Project where students pick a December holiday from another culture—like Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Bodhi Day—and create a presentation about it. It’s an awesome way for them to practice research skills and expand their vocabulary while learning about global traditions. Plus, they love sharing their findings with the class!

2. Festive Vocabulary Bingo

You can never go wrong with bingo! Create bingo cards with holiday-themed vocabulary words like "snowman," "tradition," and "celebration." Call out the definitions, and students match them on their cards. It’s a super fun way to reinforce vocabulary without feeling like a typical lesson, and they get so into it!

3. Winter-Themed Creative Writing Prompts

Get your students’ imaginations flowing with some winter-themed creative writing prompts. Ideas like "Describe your favorite holiday memory" or "Write a story about a snowman that came to life" are perfect for getting them to use seasonal vocabulary. They’ll be practicing their writing skills while telling stories that bring a smile to their faces.

4. Holiday Song Lyrics Fill-in-the-Blanks

Holiday songs are always a hit! Create a fill-in-the-blank activity using lyrics from popular holiday songs. As students listen, they fill in the missing words, working on their listening and comprehension skills. It’s a simple, fun way to bring music into the classroom while sneaking in some language practice.

5. Christmas & Holiday Trivia & Bingo Game

One of my favorites is this Christmas & Holiday Trivia & Bingo Game! It’s a perfect blend of fun and learning for the last week before break. This activity includes trivia questions on Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and more. The twist? The bingo cards have answers to trivia questions, turning it into a fun challenge for the students. They’ll be chatting, laughing, and learning all at the same time. And the best part—it’s a no-prep activity. Just print, laminate, and play!

6. Winter Holiday Scavenger Hunt

For those days when your students need to move around, a Winter Holiday Scavenger Hunt is a lifesaver! Hide clues around the classroom related to various December holidays. Each clue leads to another, teaching them about different traditions while they’re busy hunting for answers. It’s a great way to combine movement with learning.

7. Holiday Card Writing in English

Have your students write holiday cards in English to friends or family. Encourage them to use phrases and vocabulary that relate to the season. It’s a lovely activity that lets them practice their writing skills while spreading some holiday cheer.

8. Holiday Movie Clips and Discussion

Show your students clips from popular holiday movies that feature different traditions. Movies like "Elf" or "The Polar Express" are great picks. After watching, have a class discussion about the traditions and vocabulary they noticed. It’s a sneaky way to engage them in learning while they’re getting into the holiday spirit.

9. Snowman Building Contest (on Paper!)

If you’re looking for a creative way to keep the kids engaged, have a snowman building contest—on paper! Give them markers, scissors, and paper to create their own snowmen. Then, have them write a few sentences describing their snowmen using adjectives. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that also encourages creative writing.

10. Holiday-Themed Charades

Nothing gets the kids laughing and moving like a game of holiday-themed charades! Write down holiday activities or traditions like decorating a tree or lighting a menorah. Have students act them out while their classmates guess. It’s perfect for practicing vocabulary in a way that feels more like play than work.

Wrapping Up

I know how chaotic the last week before break can be, but with these holiday activities for middle school ESL students, you can turn that excitement into something productive. These games and projects keep the festive spirit alive while making sure your students stay focused and engaged.