Toddlers love to move — and this Vertical Holiday Lights activity combines fine motor play, creativity, and movement all in one!
By setting this activity upright (on a wall, window, or easel), your child strengthens important shoulder and arm muscles that prepare them for future writing skills — all while decorating their own “string of lights.”
This is the perfect way to mix art and gross motor play during the holidays, and it takes just minutes to set up!
🧠 What Your Toddler Is Learning
- Fine Motor Skills: pressing stickers or paper pieces onto a vertical surface
- Gross Motor Skills: reaching, stretching, and balancing while working upright
- Hand-Eye Coordination: aligning colors and patterns
- Creativity & Focus: designing their own festive light strand
- Language Development: naming colors, shapes, and actions (“stick the red one,” “up high,” “more lights!”)
🧰 Materials You’ll Need
- Large sheet of contact paper (sticky side out) or painter’s tape
- Painter’s tape or masking tape for securing it to the wall
- Pre-cut colorful light bulb shapes (construction paper or printed template)
- String or yarn (optional for added realism)
- Optional: aluminum foil bulbs for shimmer, tissue paper, stickers
🪄 How to Set It Up
- Prepare the surface: Tape the contact paper to a wall or vertical surface (sticky side facing out). If using plain paper, tape it and provide glue sticks instead.
- Add the string: Use yarn or tape to create a “light string” across the paper.
- Set up your bulbs: Place the colorful bulb cutouts in a small basket or tray.
- Invite to play: Encourage your toddler to press, stick, or tape bulbs along the line.
- Add movement: Let them reach high and low to strengthen coordination and large motor skills.
💡 Parent Tips
- Try using window space — natural light makes the bulbs glow!
- Add stickers or glitter for extra sparkle.
- Encourage language practice by narrating: “You chose red! Let’s find green next!”
- Great for siblings — toddlers can stick while older kids help cut and design.
🧩 Extend the Play
- Use colored tissue paper squares for a stained-glass effect.
- Count the bulbs and group by color for early math practice.
- Replace bulbs with snowflakes or hearts for seasonal variations later in the year.
✨ Keep the Fun Going
This activity is part of our December Lesson Plan in The Home Play Curriculum!
Explore more cozy holiday play ideas like Cinnamon Scented Ornaments, DIY Wrapping Paper, and Pom Pom Drop Busy Bin — all designed to bring connection and creativity to your week.
👉 Explore the lesson plans here