December Preschool Themes

Often when you think of December, the first (and sometimes only) theme that comes to mind is holidays or Christmas. However, there are many different types of preschool curriculum themes that you could explore at the end of the year. Check out these ideas for exploring as the colder months begin.

December Preschool Themes

CHRISTMAS
The holiday season is prevalent in December. Use the natural time of year to develop concepts with preschoolers. These ideas focus on Christmas in general. Check out the peppermint and gingerbread activities for more ideas that could relate to a Christmas theme.
Christmas Bingo
Christmas Books
Christmas Songs for Kids
Decorate Your Home Center for Christmas
Christmas Water Beads Sensory Bin
Llama Llama Holiday Drama Letter Sounds Activity
Christmas Tree Sensory Bin Printable
Holiday Pattern Activities
Christmas Gift Wrap Center
Christmas Movement Activities
Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments
Angel Ornament
Jingle Bell Sticks
Christmas Bow Counting
Christmas Cutting ActivitiesChristmas Tree Cones
Christmas Counting Mats
Dramatic Play Wrapping Station
Christmas Math Activities
Christmas Literacy Activities
Christmas Classroom Party Planning Guide

GINGERBREAD
Gingerbread can be cooked, enjoyed, and explored as activities for preschoolers. You could connect this exploration to reading versions of the tale The Gingerbread Man or explore this bakery treat all on its own.
No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments
Gingerbread Counting Mats
Make Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread Man Science Experiment
Gingerbread Cloud Dough
Gingerbread Man Counting Game
Gingerbread Man Movement Game
Gingerbread Jar Cakes
Gingerbread Man Maps Writing Center
Gingerbread Play Dough
Gingerbread Man Visual Discrimination
Gingerbread Man Activities
Gingerbread Books for Kids
Gingerbread Man Lesson Plan Bundle
Gingerbread Math Activities
Gingerbread Literacy Activities

PEPPERMINT
Peppermint is available in different shapes and forms. Exploring the scent and taste of peppermint as well as the red and white color will be fun for preschoolers. This theme can be holiday-related or not.
Candy Cane Slime
Salt Dough Ornaments
Five Senses Activities for Christmas
Candy Cane Fine Motor Activity
Candy Cane Playdough Activity
Candy Cane Letter Game
Peppermint Science Experiment

Curriculum Themes for December

WINTER
In the Northern Hemisphere, December is the beginning of winter. Every area has changes in the winter, even if it is not snow and ice. Celebrate the changes that happen around your children. And expand their thinking with additional snowy activities for winter. (See the snowman activities below, too.)
Winter Bingo
Winter Songs for Preschoolers
Winter Books
Snowy Day Sensory Writing Tray
Snow Play Dough
Over and Under the Snow Building Activity
Snowflakes Subitizing Activity
Activities for “A Snowy Day”
Winter Drawing Activity
Winter Science Activities
Mitten Visual Discrimination
Dramatic Play Hot Cocoa Stand
Winter Classroom Celebration
Winter Play Dough Counting Mats
Winter Math Activities
Winter Literacy Activities

SNOWMEN
Snowmen are so popular that you could build a separate theme with just them. Or use these ideas to expand your winter theme for another week or so. And, even if you cannot build snowmen with your preschoolers, you can bring experiences that mimic that sensory play and expand your preschoolers’ experiences.
Snowman Sensory Squish Bag
Snowman Sensory Bottle
Snowman Play Dough
Snowman Sensory Bin
Snowmen at Night: Coffee Filter Art
Banana Snowman
Snowman Listening Game
Snowman Art: Painting with Circles

TRANSPORTATION
During the holidays, preschoolers and their families may travel a lot. A transportation theme could fit in with the preschoolers’ experiences during December.
Transportation Books for Preschoolers
Transportation Activities
Road Shape Mats
Patterns with Cars
Transportation Play Dough Activity
Color Mixing with Vehicles
Transportation Alphabet Relay
Transportation Process Art
Transportation Lesson Plans Bundle
Transportation Literacy ActivitiesTransportation Math Activities
Alphabet Road Mats
Transportation Bingo

More non-holiday ideas for December

Need more theme ideas? Check out our theme list.
Curriculum Themes