Theatre at Home: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

The theatre experience does not have to stop at the end of the performance! Watching a play together creates a common experience that family members can bond over. It offers a unique opportunity to enhance family connections though sharing emotions and engaging in discussions about the performance. Check out the following discussions, activities, and other outings you can do at home or in your community to connect more with the themes of A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage!

Do you not have tickets yet? GASP! Get them here!

Questions for the Ride Home 

1. Which character do you relate to the most? Why? What words describe that character? 
2. At the beginning of the show, Charlie Brown says he doesn’t understand Christmas. Do you think he understands it better at the end of the show? How would you explain Christmas to someone like Charlie Brown? 
3. Commercialization means to exploit or manage something to make a profit. What other holidays are commercialized? What is lost when people commercialize things? 
4. Linus says that the tree Charlie Brown got ‘just needed a little love.’ What have you made better by giving attention and care?

EXPLORE MORE AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA

4 Lost Santas and Amahl and the Night Visitors– Performance with Opera Orlando

These fun, family-friendly pieces feature members of the Opera Orlando Youth Company, in the intimate setting of the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Sing along to some of your favorite Christmas carols, and let this new Christmas tradition tug at your heartstrings.

Skating and Winter Fun – Ice Skating at Orlando Ice Den

Reflecting the scene where the kids enjoy ice skating, families can visit the Orlando Ice Den in Maitland for a day of skating fun. This ice rink allows you to capture the Peanuts gang’s joy of gliding across the ice, with sessions open to the public for a festive family outing.

Simple Joys of Winter – Leu Gardens’ Dazzling Nights

Immerse yourself in the wonder of winter at Leu Gardens’ “Dazzling Nights,” where twinkling lights and falling snow create a magical holiday experience. Much like the heartwarming moments shared by the Peanuts gang in Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage!, this event captures the beauty of simple joys—whether it’s watching snowflakes drift down, strolling through dazzling illuminated gardens, or reflecting on the true meaning of the season. Just as Charlie Brown and his friends find meaning in the quiet moments, your family can enjoy a peaceful, memory-filled evening under the glow of holiday lights.

Simplicity and Tradition – Christmas Tree Farms:

Just like Charlie Brown seeks out a simple Christmas tree, families can visit local Christmas tree farms to find their own perfect tree. Check out Serverts Christmas Tree Farm in Sanford Florida, where you can cut down your own tree. While enjoying the fresh air, families can take home a symbol of holiday tradition and simplicity.

Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest

Severt’s Tree Lots

Josarios Christmas Tree Lots

Do More at Home

If you do any of these activities before or after the show, share it with us through social media!

Facebook: Orlando Family Stage

Instagram: @Orlandofamilystage

Create a Kindness Chain

Just like Linus says the little tree “just needed a little love,” creating a kindness chain encourages children to spread kindness in their homes and communities. Once completed, the chain can be hung somewhere visible as a reminder to spread kindness throughout the holiday season, with every completed action making the chain grow longer, reinforcing the importance of empathy and kindness. This activity promotes gross motor skills (cutting, taping, linking chains) and social-emotional development (fostering empathy and kindness).

• To create the chain, cut 10-20 strips of colorful paper, each about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
• Write or draw a kind action on each strip, such as “help mom with dishes” or “give a hug to someone.” 
• Form a loop with the first strip, securing it with tape, and continue adding to the chain by looping and taping each strip through the previous one. 

Charlie Brown’s Snowball Target Practice

In the story, the children have fun tossing snowballs at cans, and you can recreate a similar game at home using soft, rolled-up sock “snowballs” and empty cans or plastic cups. This game helps develop aim, coordination, and motor planning skills while encouraging active play.

• Gather soft socks or lightweight balls to serve as your “snowballs.”

• Stack 3-5 empty cans or plastic cups in a pyramid shape.
• Stand about 5 feet away from the target.
• Take turns tossing your “snowballs” and trying to knock over the cans or cups.
• For added challenge, adjust the distance or limit the number of snowballs each player can use.

Decorate Your Own Mini Christmas Tree 

Inspired by Charlie Brown’s sad little tree that “just needed a little love,” this activity involves decorating a small tree at home using everyday items or craft supplies to create mini ornaments and garlands. As you decorate, discuss how Charlie Brown felt after embellishing his tree and the joy it brought him, fostering conversations about kindness and creativity. This activity enhances fine motor skills like threading beads, tying ribbons, and handling small objects, while also encouraging creative expression.

• Find a small tree branch or use a mini craft tree.
• Gather household items like beads, buttons, ribbon, or paper clips to create decorations.
• String beads or buttons onto thread to make garlands.
• Hang the garlands and other small ornaments on the tree.
• Discuss the themes of kindness and creativity while decorating.

Snowflake Art for Christmas Cheer 

Like the characters in the show catching snowflakes, kids can create their own paper snowflakes to decorate the house, capturing the holiday spirit while developing fine motor skills like cutting intricate designs and enhancing scissor control. This fun and creative activity brings a festive touch to your home, reminiscent of the joy and simplicity found in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

• Start with square pieces of white paper (about 6×6 inches).
• Fold each sheet in half, then in half again to form a triangle.
• Carefully snip small shapes from the edges of the folded triangle, avoiding the folded sides.
• Unfold the paper to reveal your unique snowflakes.
• Display the snowflakes on windows or walls for extra Christmas cheer.

Visit The Craft Patch Vlog where you’ll find helpful tutorials and tips.

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