Christmas bucket list – three words that simultaneously fill me with Pinterest-worthy dreams and mild panic as I picture myself hot-gluing candy canes to wreaths at midnight while covered in glitter. But here’s the thing: amid the chaos of this magical month, having a list of possible memory-making moments actually helps me slow down and savor the season instead of watching it fly by in a blur of gift-wrapping and sugar cookies.
Listen, this isn’t about adding more “must-dos” to your already overflowing plate (because heaven knows we’re all one class party signup away from a complete tinsel-covered meltdown). Instead, think of this as your permission slip to pick and choose the joy-sparking activities that work for your actual, real-life family. Whether you’re the mom who has her advent activities color-coded by mid-November, or you’re still finding Halloween candy in your coat pockets (no judgment here), I’ve got 59 Christmas bucket list ideas to help you make this December feel a little more magical and a lot less frantic.
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Free Christmas Bucket List Printables
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Festive and Crafty Christmas Bucket List Ideas
Because nothing says it’s the holiday season like a light dusting of glitter on every surface of your home, right? These decorating and craft ideas range from “Pinterest-perfect possible” to “at least we tried!”
Decorate your Christmas tree as a family
As much as you’d like to take this over (just me??) it’s even more special to have the whole family involved. Pro tip: Lower your expectations and embrace the ridiculousness of a bare bottom third of your tree. Just accept defeat now instead of battling your toddler or cat all freaking month.
Make paper snowflakes for window decorations
Let the Queen of Christmas Crafts herself show you how to create some gorgeous snowflakes. Warning: You will find paper scraps until Valentine’s Day. Worth it.
Create a holiday wreath using natural materials
Channel your inner crafty goddess and raid your backyard for supplies. Pine cones, twigs, and maybe that missing soccer sock – it’s all fair game.
String popcorn, dried oranges, or cranberry garlands
A classic Christmas activity that teaches patience, hand-eye coordination, and why we shouldn’t eat decorations. Ask me how I know.
Build a gingerbread house from scratch
Or grab a kit from Target. Both count, and only one might save your sanity.
Create handmade Christmas cards
Because nothing says “I care” like glitter-covered fingerprints and slightly wonky drawings of reindeer.
Make salt dough ornaments
Create memories and backup Christmas gifts all at once. Win-win!
Design a festive table centerpiece
Think fir branches, pinecones, glass ornaments, and candles. You could also add some cranberries or dried oranges for a pop of natural color. Bonus points if it survives until the actual Christmas dinner.
Make paper chain decorations
Simple enough for toddlers, satisfying enough for teens who pretend they’re too cool for crafts.
Create an advent calendar with daily activities
One my favorite ways to countdown to Christmas morning! Mix in easy wins like “drink hot cocoa” or “watch Elf” with your more ambitious plans and surprises. Trust me on this one.
Outdoor Christmas Bucket List Ideas
Let’s be honest – December is more magical when we’re not all cooped up inside watching the walls close in. Here’s how to embrace the great outdoors, even when your fingers are questioning your life choices.
Quick note: Some of these depend on actual winter weather cooperating. No promises there, Mother Nature has her own agenda, especially here in Texas.
Build a snowman
Or a snow blob. Or a snow turtle. Or a wanna-be shaving cream snowman. Whatever speaks to your artistic soul and the actual snow conditions you’re working with.
Go sledding
Nothing brings out the kid in all of us like hurtling down a snow-covered hill on a piece of plastic while questioning all our life choices. You can even find some man-made snow hills around the holidays, so us southerners can experience a little snow magic, too.
Take a winter nature walk and collect pinecones
Free decor and built-in entertainment. Plus, it’s educational if anyone asks.
Make snow angels
The perfect excuse to lie down outside and take a mom break. I mean, make memories.
Have a family snowball fight
Remember: alliances will be formed and broken, and someone will definitely cry. Possibly you.
Go ice skating
Hold hands, laugh together, and try not to think about how many people have fallen here before you.
Create winter bird feeders
Because being kind to our feathered friends totally makes up for forgetting to move the Elf three nights in a row. Try this easy DIY bird feeder project with the kids.
Take a nighttime walk to look at neighborhood lights
Wrap up warm and get into the holiday spirit with some festive Christmas lights. Hot chocolate in travel mugs required. Bonus points for wearing pajamas under your coats.
Take family photos in matching winter outfits
Yes, we’re that family now. Embrace it. And fake that festive Christmas cheer if you have to.
Go on a winter scavenger hunt
Turn “I’m cold” into “I found it!” with a list of winter treasures to discover.
Kitchen Adventure Christmas Bucket List Ideas
The kitchen is where some of December’s best memories are made. It’s also where you’ll find sprinkles in July, but that’s part of the charm.
Bake Christmas cookies
Start with good intentions of following Great-Grandma’s sugar cookie recipe and end up embracing the beauty of break-and-bake. Either way, memories are made.
Make hot chocolate from scratch
Because sometimes we need to remind ourselves why we usually buy the packets.
Host a family cookie-decorating party
Turn on your favorite holiday playlist and bake the night away. Prepare to find icing in places you didn’t know existed. The photos will be worth it.
Try a new holiday recipe from another culture
Expand those horizons. Think Hungarian Beigli, Greek Koulourakia, Danish Brunkager, or South African Malva Pudding. Your kids might even surprise you and try some.
Make peppermint bark
The easiest impressive-looking treat you’ll ever make. Don’t tell anyone how simple it is.
Make mulled apple cider (for the grown-ups)
Your house will smell amazing, and you’ll feel like a colonial-era domestic goddess.
Prepare homemade gifts from the kitchen
Nothing says love like slightly burnt caramel wrapped in cellophane. All jokes aside, a tub of homemade Chex mix or puppy chow might be the key to my heart.
Create a holiday trail mix
Mix Christmas M&Ms, white chocolate chips, holiday-shaped pretzels, dried cranberries, and whatever else your heart desires.
Make homemade eggnog (also for the grown-ups)
If you think you hate eggnog, you’ve never had a good ol’ spiked eggnog cocktail. Brandy will be your new bestie.
Have a holiday pizza-making night
Red sauce and green peppers count as Christmas colors, right? To make it extra festive for the kiddos, try these adorable Christmas tree pizzas!
Christmas Bucket List Ideas that Spread Joy
December gives us so many chances to show our kids that giving truly is better than receiving (even if they don’t totally believe us yet).
Shovel snow for elderly neighbors
Build muscles and good karma all at once.
Donate toys to a local charity
The perfect opportunity to teach giving while secretly decluttering before the new toy tsunami hits.
Volunteer at a local food bank
Nothing puts “we have nothing to eat” complaints in perspective quite like this. It’s important to teach our kids empathy and generosity towards the less fortunate in our communities.
Make care packages for homeless shelters
Teaching compassion one gallon-sized bag at a time. Care package item ideas include socks, water bottles, granola bars, crackers, wipes, toiletries like toothpaste and toothbrushes, hygiene products like soap and deodorant, protein bars, jerky, first aid supplies, blankets, and clothing items like shirts and underwear
Write letters to soldiers overseas
Because everyone deserves a little holiday cheer, especially those far from home. If you’re not sure how to get started, DoingGoodTogether.org makes it easy.
Participate in a giving tree program
Shop for someone else’s Christmas wishes and watch your kids’ hearts grow three sizes. You can find a Salvation Army Angel Tree near you or check with local schools, YMCAs and community centers, as they’ll often have their own giving tree program.
Collect coats for a winter clothing drive
Marie Kondo your closets for a cause. Just make sure it’s clean and in good condition.
Bring treats to local first responders
Thank the people who work while we celebrate.
Carol at a nursing home
What you lack in pitch, make up for in enthusiasm. You can also ask if you can bring small goodie bags for the residents. This might be the sweetest memory you make all year.
Host a neighborhood hot chocolate stand for charity
Like a lemonade stand, but with more marshmallows. Donate the profits to your favorite charity.
Host a Christmas party for your friends or family
Who better to show some Christmas love to than the people who mean the most to you? Make it stress-free opt for takeout or catering.
Cozy Indoor Christmas Bucket List Ideas
Sometimes the best December moments happen when we’re all piled on the couch in matching pajamas (that we totally didn’t buy just for the ‘gram).
Have a Christmas movie marathon
Make a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Again.
Read holiday stories while snuggled by the fire
Or the space heater. Think outside the box. The little ones won’t care
Create a holiday music playlist
Create a roundup of the best classic carols with modern hits (Yes, Ariana! No, Wham!) and share your playlist with the family. You’ll be listening to your favorite Christmas songs all month.
Do holiday-themed puzzles
Test your family’s patience and spatial awareness all at once.
Have an indoor camping night with twinkle lights
All the fun of camping, none of the cold.
Create a family holiday time capsule
Future you will thank present you for this one. You can download my printable holiday time capsule activity and use it each year. It’s a simple and fun way to document your kids’ growth throughout the years.
Build a blanket fort for storytime
Because everything is more magical in a fort, hang some twinkle lights, bring the oversized pillows and blankets, and get cozy for some quality time together.
Play board games in pajamas
Spend an evening playing board games in your coziest robe and slippers. Monopoly might end in tears, but at least you’re comfy.
Have a holiday dance party
Shake off the winter blues and work off some cookie calories. Expect eye rolls from the teenagers.
Extra Special Christmas Bucket List Ideas
Yes, these require actual pants and possibly combing hair, but they’re worth it.
Attend a Christmas tree lighting
From little towns to big cities, a Christmas tree lighting is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season.
See Santa
Capture the magic, or the terror, or both. All make great memories.
Attend a local holiday parade
Bundle up, bring hot chocolate, and wave at every single float
Drive through holiday light displays
The perfect activity for when you want to be festive but also antisocial.
Watch a live holiday performance
Whether it’s a professional production of the Nutcracker Ballet or your kid’s school play where they forget all their lines, it’s all magic.
Stay at a hotel decorated for Christmas
Recreate your own Home Alone experience this December complete with overpriced room service and gangster movies.
Ride a North Pole train
All aboard the Polar Express! Don your jammies and book a holiday train ride near you!
Attend a Christmas market
Ditch the big box stores and Amazon this year. Shop small and support the local artisans in your community. You’ll find one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers and gifts for everyone on your list.
Host a family New Year’s Eve countdown party
Who says midnight has to be at 12? Netflix has countdown videos for every time zone.
Wrapping Up: 55 Christmas Bucket List Ideas
- Keep it simple – You don’t need to do all 55 things. Pick what works for your family and ignore the rest.
- Be flexible – Sometimes the best memories come from when plans go hilariously wrong.
- Document the chaos – Take pictures, even of the mess-ups, especially of the mess-ups.
- Remember your “why” – This list isn’t about creating perfect moments; it’s about being present with your people.
So there you have it, friends – your permission slip to make this Christmas season your own kind of special with our Christmas bucket list ideas. Whether you tackle five activities or fifty, remember that the real magic isn’t in checking things off a list; it’s in those little moments when you look around at your beautiful, chaotic family and remember why it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go vacuum up some glitter. Again.
