If you enjoyed our first list of holiday music ideas, here are five more to keep the inspiration going. December is full of excitement, but it can also be challenging to keep students focused. With the right approach, it’s possible to turn this season into one of the most rewarding periods of the musical year. These ideas serve beautifully as holiday activities for string students, holiday music activities, and fun ways to inspire young musicians throughout the break.
These activities are designed to encourage creativity, reinforce musical fundamentals, and bring joy into both the teaching studio and the home. Whether you’re guiding beginners, supporting early-intermediate players, or working with advanced students who enjoy a good musical challenge, these ideas will help keep everyone motivated and musically curious. They make great winter break activities for string students, string orchestra holiday ideas, and general holiday activities for music students of all levels.
🎵 1. Create-a-Carol Composition Project
One of the most powerful ways to deepen musical understanding is to invite students to create something of their own. A “Create-a-Carol” project encourages creative holiday music activities and blends imagination with practical theory skills.
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Beginners can rewrite lyrics to familiar favorites like Deck the Halls or We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
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Intermediate students might compose a simple melody or duet.
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Advanced players can go further by arranging a holiday tune for multiple parts, writing a short set of variations, or recording a multi-track performance using layering apps.
This project blends creative holiday music projects with festive fun, and it’s a natural fit for winter recitals or family videos.
🧦 2. “Stuff the Stocking” with Scales
Scales are the bread and butter of good technique, and the season gives you a fun way to keep them going. In this stocking-themed challenge, each well-played scale earns a reward or note placed inside a holiday stocking.
Ways to approach this activity based on skill level:
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Young players can play one-octave scales, name the notes, or identify key signatures.
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More experienced students can add new bowings, play scales with drones, or shift between positions.
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Advanced students can take on three-octave scales, arpeggio patterns, and even “festive variations” like changing rhythms or articulations on each repetition.
This activity builds technique while offering fun holiday rhythm games and a steady boost in string student practice motivation.
👂 3. Holiday Bow-Hold Decorating Contest
Bow hold fundamentals matter at every age, though beginners get the biggest benefit from this one. Students decorate clothespins or bow-hold helpers with seasonal designs - snowmen, stars, reindeer, anything fun and festive.
Ways to approach this activity based on skill level:
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Intermediate players can film a short bow-hold tutorial using their decorated helper.
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Advanced students can create a mini “bow-technique tip of the day” video or demonstrate advanced control skills like spiccato or sautillé.
A light-hearted project that still reinforces the foundations.
🎤 4. Host a Holiday Showcase or Mini Recital
A holiday showcase is a classic, and it remains one of the best orchestra student holiday activities you can offer. Whether in person or virtual, these small performances give students a meaningful goal and a chance to share their progress.
Ways to approach this activity based on skill level:
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Beginners can perform a simple carol or an open-string rhythm song.
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Intermediate students can play duets, trios, or join a small “mini-ensemble.”
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Advanced students can tackle full arrangements, experiment with improvisation over carol chord progressions, or record a polished multi-track performance for a virtual showcase.
Families can help create cozy home stages or assist with recording.
🎻 5. Explore Shar Music’s Holiday Sheet Music Library
Shar Music offers a wide selection of holiday sheet music for violin, viola, cello, and bass, making it a perfect place to find holiday violin activities, holiday cello activities, and holiday inspiration for string players at every level.
Younger musicians can pick a simple favorite to learn over the break. Intermediate students can sight-read through a set of seasonal pieces. Advanced students can choose more challenging arrangements or ensemble works and turn them into holiday sight-reading activities or winter break music projects.
From solo Carol of the Bells to full string quartet arrangements, there’s something for every musician.
Explore our sheet music below.
🎯 Final Thoughts for Parents and Teachers
Holiday learning doesn’t need to feel forced. This season is a chance to help music feel personal, joyful, and memorable. These festive music activities for students keep them engaged while continuing to support their growth - whether they’re beginners discovering the basics or advanced players pushing toward higher goals.
With a little creativity and teamwork, parents and teachers can make music a highlight of the holiday season. These small moments of connection and celebration often become the memories students carry with them for years.
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