Reindeer Freeze Dance for Toddlers
If your toddler loves dancing around the living room, this Christmas movement game is going to be so much fun!
Reindeer Freeze Dance is a simple Christmas game where toddlers dance, copy silly holiday movements, and freeze when the music stops.
You don’t need any special supplies, and it only takes a minute to get started.
It’s perfect for those December afternoons when your toddler has a ton of energy and you need something fun to keep them busy.
What Is Reindeer Freeze Dance?
Reindeer Freeze Dance is a Christmas version of the classic freeze dance game.
Instead of just dancing around, your toddler gets to pretend to be different Christmas characters.
They might stomp like a reindeer, tiptoe like an elf, or march like a toy soldier.
When the Christmas music stops, everyone freezes in place.
Then the music starts again, and it’s time for another silly movement.
I love this game for toddlers because the rules are simple, and you can change the movements depending on your child’s age.
What You’ll Need
You only need a few things to play:
- A Christmas song your toddler enjoys
- A phone or speaker to play the music
- A little open space for moving around
That’s it!
Move any toys or furniture that might get in the way so your toddler has room to dance safely.
And don’t worry about picking the perfect Christmas song. Anything with a fun beat works.
Make Your Christmas Dance Party Even More Fun
If your toddler loves dressing up, you could add a cute reindeer headband or Santa hat to the game.
I put together a few of my favorite Christmas dress-up finds for toddlers on Amazon if you want to make your holiday dance parties a little more festive.
Shop My Christmas Dress-Up Finds for Toddlers
How to Play Reindeer Freeze Dance With Toddlers
Step 1: Start with three easy Christmas movements.
Before turning on the music, show your toddler three movements they can copy.
I’d start with:
- Stomp like a reindeer: Take big, silly steps around the room.
- Tiptoe like an elf: Walk quietly on your tiptoes.
- March like a toy soldier: Lift your knees and march in place.
Try each movement together so your toddler understands what to do.
Step 2: Turn on the Christmas music.
Start playing your Christmas song and call out one movement.
For example, say, “Let’s stomp like reindeer!”
Stomp around the room together while the music plays.
Step 3: Pause the music and freeze.
After a little dancing, pause the song and say, “FREEZE!”
Stop moving and encourage your toddler to do the same.
You can make a silly frozen pose to show them what freezing looks like.
Step 4: Start the music again.
When the music starts playing, call out another movement.
This time, you might say, “Now let’s tiptoe like elves!”
Keep switching between your three movements as the music starts and stops.
Step 5: Let your toddler choose.
Once your toddler understands the game, ask which movement they want to try next.
They might want to stomp like a reindeer for the entire song.
And that’s perfectly fine!
The goal is to have fun moving together, not to follow every rule perfectly.
More Christmas Movements to Try
Once your toddler gets comfortable with the first three movements, you can add a few more.
Waddle like a penguin. Take little steps with your arms tucked beside you.
Jingle like a bell. Wiggle your arms and shake your whole body.
Stretch like a Christmas tree. Stand tall and reach your arms toward the ceiling.
Hop like a Christmas bunny. Make little hops in place.
Walk like a sleepy snowman. Take slow, silly steps around the room.
Pretend to carry Santa’s presents. Bend down, pick up an imaginary present, and carefully carry it across the room.
I would only introduce one or two new movements at a time, especially for younger toddlers.
Too many instructions can make the game confusing.
Tips for Playing With Younger Toddlers
If your toddler is still learning how to follow simple directions, you can make the game even easier.
Start by playing the music and dancing together.
Pause it for just a second or two, then start it again.
You don’t even need to call out different movements right away.
Once your toddler understands the idea of stopping when the music stops, introduce one Christmas movement.
You can also stand beside them and demonstrate everything.
And if they keep dancing when the music stops, don’t worry about it.
Some toddlers will think the funniest part of the game is watching you freeze while they keep moving.
I’d also skip having winners or eliminating anyone who doesn’t freeze.
For toddlers, it’s much more fun when everyone gets to keep playing.
If your toddler loves Christmas dress up and pretend play, don’t forget to check out my Amazon Idea List! I rounded up some fun Christmas accessories, costumes, and musical toys that are perfect for keeping little ones entertained throughout the holiday season.
Shop My Christmas Dress-Up Finds for Toddlers
When to Play This Christmas Movement Game
I think Reindeer Freeze Dance would be perfect for a Christmas party with toddlers, a preschool Christmas activity, or just a regular afternoon at home.
You could also play it when you’re waiting for dinner or need a quick activity before settling down for a Christmas story.
And since there’s nothing to print or prepare, it’s easy to pull out whenever your toddler needs something to do.
You can play for a few minutes or keep going as long as everyone is having fun.
