53 Ultimate Christmas Bucket List Ideas + Free PDF
Make this holiday season the most memorable one yet! Christmas is right around the corner, so it’s time to start planning those cosy winter activities and getting into the holiday spirit.
Whether baking festive cookies or exploring your snow-covered home town, there are countless ways to create lasting memories during this magical time of year.
Take a look at our ultimate list of Christmas bucket list ideas and start checking them off throughout December. You’re guaranteed to have a holly, jolly holiday season!
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52 Ultimate Christmas Bucket List Ideas:
Christmas Traditions:
Decorating the Christmas tree: This is possibly the most beloved Christmas tradition around the globe. The twinkling lights, colourful ornaments, and the star or angel at the top make for a festive centrepiece.
Attending a Christmas Eve church service: Many people cherish the tranquillity and reflection that a Christmas Eve service brings, regardless of one’s faith.
Read ‘A Christmas Carol’: This classic tale by Charles Dickens has become synonymous with the holiday season, teaching lessons of charity, kindness, and the spirit of Christmas.
Secret Santa: Whether it be a simple gift exchange with your immediate family or a larger, community-wide Secret Santa, gift-giving is a staple of the holiday season.
Christmas jumper day: Whether it’s a silly sweater party with friends or simply donning your comfiest Christmas pullover, this is the perfect opportunity to show off your festive fashion.
Letters to Santa: Keep the magic of childhood alive by writing letters to Santa and sending them off to the North Pole. Who knows, you might just get a reply!
Watch Christmas movies: There’s a vast collection of festive films to choose from. Whether it’s a classic like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or something animated for the kids like “The Polar Express”, a movie night is a great way to unwind.
Christmas storytelling: Gather around the fire with a warm cup of cocoa and share your favourite Christmas stories.
Elf on a shelf: Get creative and hide the Elf on a Shelf in different places around your home. This fun tradition is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Family photo: Take a family photo in front of the Christmas tree every year and watch how everyone changes over time. It’s a great way to document your holiday memories.
Matching pyjamas: It’s a bit of a cliche, but matching family pyjamas is always a hit during the holiday season. Plus, they make for adorable photo opportunities.
Track Santa: Before bedtime on Christmas Eve, track Santa’s journey around the world with online trackers like NORAD or Google Santa Tracker. It adds a bit of excitement and anticipation for the little ones.
Make a Christmas playlist: Create a playlist of all your favourite Christmas songs to play throughout the season. You can even make it a family activity by having everyone choose their favourite songs to add.
Download the free Christmas bucket list here
Food & Drink Christmas Activities:
Gingerbread house: A perennial favourite, constructing and decorating a gingerbread house is a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon. Plus, it doubles as a festive decoration!
Christmas cookies: Whether you prefer traditional sugar cookies or something a bit more adventurous, like peppermint bark cookies, baking and decorating cookies is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Remember to leave a few out for Santa!
Yule log cake: Also known as a Bûche de Noël, this traditional French dessert is a rolled sponge cake filled and frosted with cream to resemble a log. It’s a delicious and impressive centrepiece for any holiday table.
Mince pies: These bite-sized pies filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices (“mincemeat”) are a British Christmas classic, perfect for a cosy night in.
Candy cane brownies: Add a festive twist to a classic chocolate brownie by topping it with crushed candy canes. The minty freshness of the candy canes perfectly offsets the rich, fudgy brownie. Yum!
Christmas pudding: A staple in many British households, this steamed pudding is made with dried fruits, spices, and brandy and then served with a warm custard sauce. It’s a decadent and comforting dessert perfect for chilly winter nights.
Peppermint bark: This sweet and crunchy treat combines white and dark chocolate and is topped with crushed candy canes. It’s easy to make and makes a great holiday gift.
Make some mulled wine: A warm and spiced drink, mulled wine is a holiday favourite that will make your home smell amazing. You can use red or white wine and add spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
Hot chocolate bar: Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with different toppings and mix-ins, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, cinnamon sticks, and more. Let everyone customise their cup of warm and delicious holiday cheer.
Christmas cocktails: Get creative and mix some festive cocktails for your holiday gathering. From classic eggnog to cranberry mimosas, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Christmas mocktails: For those who don’t drink, there are plenty of non-alcoholic festive drinks to enjoy this Christmas.
DIY Christmas Activities:
Homemade garland: Use popcorn, cranberries, or paper to create a festive garland. It’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy, resulting in a beautiful decoration for your tree or mantle.
Salt dough ornaments: Mix salt, flour, and water to make a simple dough. Roll it out, cut it into festive shapes with cookie cutters, and bake until hard. Once cooled, these ornaments can be painted and hung on the tree.
Paper snowflakes: Cut out paper snowflakes and hang them in windows or on walls for a winter wonderland effect. Each one is unique, just like a real snowflake!
Cinnamon stick candles: Bundle together cinnamon sticks and tie them around a candle with twine. It looks rustic and festive, and release a subtle cinnamon aroma.
Mason jar snow globes: Fill a mason jar with water, glycerin, and glitter. Then, glue a small object or figure to the lid, screw it back on, and flip. You’ve got a homemade snow globe!
Christmas wreath: Create a festive wreath using evergreen branches, pine cones, ribbons, and ornaments. Hang it on your door to welcome guests.
Handmade Christmas cards: Unleash your creativity and spread holiday cheer with homemade cards. Use colourful paper, glitter, stickers, and imagination to make personalised cards for your loved ones.
Make an advent calendar: Count down to Christmas with a homemade advent calendar. Use mini envelopes, paper bags, or boxes and fill them with small treats or notes for each day leading up to the holiday.
Pine cone centrepiece: Collect pine cones and spray paint them in festive colours like gold, silver, or red. Arrange them in a bowl or tray to create a beautiful centrepiece for your holiday table.
DIY Gifts: Get crafty and make homemade gifts for your friends and family. Some ideas include handmade candles, bath bombs, knit scarves, or personalised ornaments.
DIY Christmas candles: You can create your own Christmas candles by melting down old or broken crayons in a jar with some wax and adding essential oils for scent. Add festive decorations such as cranberries, cinnamon sticks, or citrus slices.
Download the free Christmas bucket list here
Christmas Outdoor Activities:
Carolling: Gather your friends and family to go carolling in your neighbourhood. This age-old tradition of singing Christmas carols door-to-door brings joy and holiday cheer to all.
Sleigh riding: If you’re lucky enough to live in a snowy area, sleigh riding is a fun and exhilarating outdoor activity. Top off the experience with a warm cup of hot chocolate afterwards.
Light displays: Take a drive or a walk around your local area to enjoy the festive light displays. You’ll be amazed at the creativity and effort people put into their decorations.
Christmas market: Visit a local Christmas market to enjoy festive foods, purchase handmade gifts, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.
Outdoor ice skating: Many cities set up outdoor ice skating rinks during the holidays. It’s a fun and active way to enjoy the holidays, especially if followed by a cosy fire and some roasted marshmallows.
Roast chestnuts: Roasting chestnuts on an open fire is a classic Christmas activity. Gather around the fire with your loved ones and enjoy this tasty treat.
Visit Santa: Take the kids to visit Santa at a local mall or a Christmas event. It’s a great way to capture their excitement and create lasting memories.
Build a snowman: Use the snow in your yard to build a snowman with the whole family. Get creative and add accessories like hats, scarves, and buttons.
Holiday scavenger Hunt: Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt for your friends and family. It’s a fun and active way to spend time together while enjoying the festive season.
Attend a Christmas show or concert: During the holiday season, there are often many Christmas-themed shows and concerts happening. Enjoy live music or theatrical performances to get into the holiday spirit.
Attend a solstice celebration: In addition to Christmas, many cultures celebrate the winter solstice as a time of renewal and rebirth. Attend a solstice celebration or create your own ritual to honour this special day.
Visit a nativity: Many churches and communities set up nativity scenes during the holiday season. Take a moment to visit one and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Giving Back This Christmas:
Donating to a local charity: Many charities need support, especially during the holiday season. Consider donating financially or goods like food, clothing, or toys to help those less fortunate this Christmas.
Volunteering your time: Spend some time volunteering at a local soup kitchen, food bank, or homeless shelter. Your time and efforts can bring warmth and care to those who need it most during the holiday season.
Adopting a family: Many organisations run ‘Adopt a Family’ programs where you can help a struggling family by providing gifts and food for Christmas. It’s a heartfelt way to spread the holiday cheer.
Send holiday cards to nursing homes: Many nursing home residents may feel lonely during the holidays. A simple holiday card can bring a smile and brighten their day.
Participate in a toy drive: Participate in or organise a toy drive to provide gifts for children in need. Your contribution can make a child’s Christmas morning a little brighter.
Random acts of kindness: Spread a little joy by performing small acts of kindness throughout the holiday season. This can include paying for someone’s coffee, holding the door open for others, or leaving a kind note for a stranger. These simple acts can make a big difference in someone’s day and spread the spirit of giving.
Final Thoughts:
As we conclude our list of 53 Christmas bucket list ideas, it’s vital to remember that the true essence of this festive season lies far beyond the material things. It’s about the love we share, the joy we find in simple moments, and the positive difference we can make in the lives of others. Here’s to a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections!
Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and make it to the end! I have lots of exciting new content in the next few weeks, so make sure you pop back to catch up!
Remember to check out our related resources for more tips and Christmas inspiration!
