By Jules Rhee, MEd | Latest update 3/2/2026
If there’s one time of year when kids are automatically a little more motivated… it’s December.
Christmas excitement is basically built-in energy – so I say we use it for good.
And honestly, any excuse to practice multiplication facts is a good excuse.
Because we all know the truth:
When facts aren’t solid, everything else feels harder.
Long division, multi-digit multiplication, fractions… it all gets slower and more frustrating.
So the question becomes: How do we keep kids practicing facts without making everyone miserable?
The struggle is real (and you’re not alone)
I’ve had plenty of students who struggled with multiplication facts, no matter how many times we practiced.
We tried all the usual things:
- Smartboard games
- iPad apps
- timed tests
- “beat your own time” challenges
- spinners and dice
- partner games
And those things help… until they don’t.
Sometimes kids just need something new to keep them focused and willing to practice.
And when Christmas is in the air, you want a fun activity that feels like a game – not another worksheet.
A simple Christmas dice game for multiplication facts
This activity is easy, festive, and most importantly…
Dice automatically make kids think it’s fun.
Here’s how it works:
- Students roll dice to generate a multiplication fact
- They find the product from the choices on the game board
- They cover or mark the matching ornament
It’s quick, repeatable, and perfect for fact practice without a lot of teacher explaining.
Dice options (keep it simple)
Two 12-sided dice work best because you get a wider range of facts.
But if you only have regular dice, no worries – you can still make it work:
- cover some numbers with stickers
- write new numbers on them
- or use a digital dice app (kids love that too)
Why I like this game (especially for struggling learners)
One of my favorite parts is that it creates “safe” practice.
The answers are right there on the page, so students aren’t stuck in that panic spiral of:
“I don’t know it… I’m behind… I’m bad at math…”
Instead, the ornament choices gently support them, and practice stays positive.
They’re still learning the facts through repetition and exposure – but without the pressure.
How to use it in your classroom
This game works in a lot of places:
- math centers
- small groups
- guided math
- early finishers
- indoor recess
- sub plans
- send-home practice
Students can play alone, or two students can compete using different game cards.
The bottom line
Anything that supports multiplication fact practice and feels fun is a win in my book.
If you want to grab this activity, here’s the resource:
Christmas Multiplication Facts Dice Game – Print and Play!
And yes – it’s Christmas-y without being a giant teacher project.
About the Author
Written by Jules Rhee, MEd., 30-year teaching veteran. Published 11/30/2024; Updated 3/2/2026.
Jules is the creator of Caffeine Queen Teacher (CQT) – Visual Math Organizers + Graph Paper Support. She’s a veteran teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience (SPED, upper elementary, and middle school) and a Master’s in Education (MEd). Jules shares practical, classroom-tested ideas and creates step-by-step resources that help students stay organized, confident, and successful – especially with multiplication and long division.
Read more about Jules here: About Page | Browse resources here: TpT Store