Introduction
As the year winds down, your adventures don’t have to. Start the Ultimate Christmas Bucket List now—and check off those holiday moments before the bears wake from hibernation!
Whether you are a parent, a student or a workaholic, this ultimate guide is for everyone. Anyone can enjoy activities from this bucket list featuring a list of 50 fun and festive activities. They include everything, from classic traditions to creative crafts. So, let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!
50 Ultimate Christmas Bucket List Classic Christmas Traditions
Fun fact: Did you know that Christmas was first held on December 25th in Ancient Rome in 336 AD? This means that Christmas has been around for way longer than you may think – making it a classic holiday worldwide!
This is why you can never wrong with classics. Here are some ideas to jumpstart your Christmas Traditions!
- Decorate the Christmas Tree
The most important part of Christmas celebrations is the Christmas tree and its decorations. You can decorate your Christmas tree by going with Modern metallics if you are Gold and Silver decor, decorating your tree with metallic baubles. If you are more of a vintage person, then go with a Vintage Christmas theme and add old-fashioned ornaments on your tree to match the theme.
- Bake Christmas Cookies
You can try classic gingerbread cookies as they are for everyone or – you can go with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Peanut Butter Blossoms if you want to try something different this Christmas. If you want to eat cookies with your coffee then try Biscotti Cookies!
- Watch Christmas Movies
Christmas movies are the ultimate comfort for holidays. I know this one is a family favorite that my family likes knock off their yearly ultimate Christmas bucket list. You can try getting together and watching timeless classics like:
- Home Alone
- A Christmas Story or Miracle on the 34th Street
- Wonka
- The Princess Switch
- Spirited
- Write Letters to Santa
This is easily one of the top items of any children’s ultimate Christmas bucket list. Get together with your children and write your wishes in the letters to Santa. Try to read the letters the kids wrote when they are sleeping and fulfill their wishes in the morning secretly to surprise them. Who knows, Santa might surprise you in return.
- Hang Stockings by the Fireplace
This is a memorable tradition. Add various stocking stuffers including mini toys, stickers, candy and chocolates for children and Coffee or tea samples, key organizers, or mini liquor bottles for adults. You can add healthy snacks, mini board games or hand-warmers as well as they are for everyone.
We know kids are always a part of the festivities. Sometimes, the best ways to help them feel included is to bring them your favorite Christmas-themed books. Don’t know where to start? This article 25 Magical Christmas Books for Kids will surely get you and the children excited about the magic of the holidays.
If staying indoors become boring, don’t you worry because I have a list of outdoor adventures waiting for you in this upcoming section!
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor activities can be fun if you are bored at home or you want to try new exciting activities for Christmas. Remember to try to catch the snow on your tongue if you haven’t! That’s a great way to start your ultimate Christmas bucket list for the outdoors.
6. Go Ice Skating
You can never not have fun while ice skating. Whether you know how to do it or not. If you don’t, then others can have fun watching you struggling. It’s a win-win situation.
One year, I visited an outdoor rink with fairy lights, and even though I fell a dozen times, the laughter made it unforgettable. You can visit local rinks or frozen lakes nearby and ice skate with family and friends.
7. Take a Christmas Lights Tour
Last December, we piled into the car with hot cocoa and drove through neighborhoods singing carols while admiring the lights. You can lit up neighborhoods using the Holiday Light Finder App. If you want to travel to world famous light displays then you can check out:
- Rockefeller Center: New York City, USA, Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
- Winter Illuminations: Tokyo, Japan
8. Build a Snowman or Have a Snowball Fight
Building a snowman should be on everyone’s ultimate Christmas bucket list. Last year, we built snowmen with our family. My cousin’s looked like every other thing but not a snowman, but it great for laughs and photos. Gather your friends and family for some fun in the snow. Build snowmen, add fun props like hats and scarves for your snowman and have snowball fights.
9. Go on a Winter Hike
You can discover scenic trails with beautiful winter views near you and go on a hike with your loved ones.
If you are in Colorado, US, go to: Emerald Lake Trail, in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
If you live in Oregon: guided winter treks in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
If you are in Europe: The Blue Trail in Cinque Terre, Italy.
10. Attend a Christmas Parade
Christmas parades bring the community together. You can check your community calendar for different festive parades happening near you and attend it with your Family and friends. Enjoy dancing and waving at the parade.
Now, the time spent together can hold physical memories too. If you want to get down and dirty with crafts, buckle your seatbelts for this next section!
Festive Crafts & DIY Projects
If you want some creative fun on Christmas and you are bored of the regular Christmas activities, try these Festive Crafts and DIY Projects to improve your creativity while having sharing the holiday magic!
11. Create Homemade Christmas Ornaments
Homemade ornaments are beautiful and personal. One year, we made ornaments with cinnamon sticks, and the house smelled amazing for days. Decorate your tree with easy-to-make decorations to add some personal touches. You can use clear ornaments to fill with glitter, miniature decorations, make some Cinnamon stick bundles, Paper star ornaments or simple pine cone ornaments.
I can speak for myself and my children when I say no one gets as excited as my family for ornament decorations. Every year, they put ‘new ornament’ on their ultimate Christmas bucket list and you guessed it – every year they get a new one to hang on the tree.
12. Make Your Own Christmas Wreath
To make your own Christmas wreath, join greenery to the wreath base using floral wire and then embellish with pinecones, berries and ribbons. Tie all the things tightly and you have a creative wreath. My kids created stunning wreaths for our front door last year. They used pine branches from our backyard and added red ribbons.
13. Design Personalized Christmas Cards
We once created photo cards with everyone wearing Santa hats and goofy grins. This Christmas, you can show your creativity with personalized designs for Christmas cards. You can use themes for the cards like winter wonderland, or vintage Christmas and include a handwritten note or a brief update about your year to make the cards more meaningful.
One item I still have on my ultimate Christmas Bucket list that I have yet to try is to get annual photos of my family in funny poses to turn into cards. It’s a great idea if you want something to look down memory lane on in the future.
14. Build a Gingerbread House
Started in the early 1800s, building a Gingerbread House is a fun and tasty project for the whole family. My sister’s attempt at a gingerbread skyscraper collapsed, but we turned it into a delicious pile of rubble. You should make a Gingerbread house with your family and add your own twist to it. You should use sturdy icing for a strong foundation so it doesn’t collapse like ours. Use small candies and fancy piping. For a little extra flair you can include colorful sugar sprinkles, or build creative roofs out of cereal or pretzels.
15. Try Christmas Candle Making
Candle making is interesting as well as therapeutic. We made candles with cinnamon and orange scents and gave them as gifts to friends and neighbors. You can make your own candles. You can create the Christmas candles using the oils that include:
- cinnamon
- clove
- pine
- eucalyptus
- vanilla
- nutmeg.
Now this item appears on most of my friends ultimate Christmas bucket list for good reason. Not only is it easy to knock out but it’s customizable from the bottom up. Who doesn’t love a new cozy scent in their house?
If you’re considering activities that your entire family can enjoy, keep your head high because I’ve dedicated a section for that as well!
Fun Family Activities
What’s a Christmas without family? Here are some of my personal favorite activities to knock off my Ultimate Christmas Bucket list that are easily enjoyable with family.
16. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
Christmas movies are always fun to watch. You can host a cozy day of holiday classics that are children-friendly:
- Elf
- Home Alone
- The Polar Express
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Keep snacks and blankets with you for the warm movie night!
17. Host a Hot Cocoa Bar
Hot Cocoa is a must have for Christmas. We hosted a hot cocoa bar one Christmas. We included crushed peppermint, whipped cream, and mini marshmallows toppings, and my daughter invented a “hot cocoa tower” by stacking marshmallows. You can host a Hot Cocoa Bar too. Provide toppings like:
- marshmallows
- candy canes
- whipped cream
- syrups: caramel, hazelnut, maple, honey
Don’t forget to top it off with a hint of cinnamon for color and flavor!
18. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger Hunt is always adventurous. Make your hunt holiday-related items like candy canes, ornaments, or small wrapped gifts. Hide things at festive spots so that the clues lead to the places like:
- Christmas tree
- kitchen
- bedroom
- fireplace
- front porch
19. Holiday Board Game Night
You can play Christmas-themed Board games:
- Santa’s Workshop
- Christmas Monopoly
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Santa’s Sleigh Ride
- Holiday Trivia
- The Grinch Grow Your Heart .
To make it more competitive, give small prizes for the winners and add some background festive music to keep the energy high.
20. Host a Family Game Night
A family game night is memorable. Last year, we discovered a Christmas-themed charades game that kept everyone engaged till late night. You can enjoy popular holiday games:
- Charades
- Pictionary
- Christmas Bingo
- Name That Carol
- Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Add different categories or puns to bring your own twist to the games and make them more fun.
Now, if you feel like you have enough of the holiday spirit with family and you want to extend that tradition to others who might need it, consider sectioning some time off to help others. Keep reading to find out how.
Spread Kindness & Give Back
Don’t forget the needy and the ones who don’t have their loved ones to celebrate Christmas with.
21. Donate to a Toy Drive
You can brighten up a child’s holiday by giving them some toys. One year, we bought toys for a local drive, and seeing the joy on the organizer’s face was priceless. Donate to a toy drive or Involve kids by letting them pick out the toys so that they feel like they have a choice.
22. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Spend time helping those in need this holiday season. It is better if you go as a group to a soup kitchen and if possible try to carry some donations along with you. My teen recently joined a charity for the first time and she came back home with different inspiring stories. What better way to fuel the soul than through the belly?
23. Bake Treats for Neighbors or Friends
Food always brings joy and free food is a blessing. So, deliver homemade treats baked by you to your neighbors or friends to spread happiness. Include a recipe card with your treats so they can try it themselves. We delivered cookies in festive tins last year, and one neighbor surprised us with homemade fudge in return.
24. Adopt a Family in Need
Look for local organizations with holiday adoption programs, and choose a family to sponsor. You can sponsor gifts, essentials like clothes and groceries for the chosen family during the holiday season. Encourage your friends and family to do that too. We joined a program to sponsor gifts and groceries for a family, and it felt really good.
25. Send Christmas Cards to Soldiers
You can show your appreciation to those serving for us on the borders away from their families by writing them heartfelt messages and letters. Include small tokens like: photos, bookmarks, drawings.
Like we were mentioning, food and drinks are one of the most exciting things to gobble up while celebrating. Stick around to find out what how to sprinkle that holiday cheer into your next party!
Festive Food and Drinks
26. Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange
Invite friends and family to exchange homemade cookies, sharing baking tips and favorite recipes. You can set a theme as well, like international holiday cookies or nostalgic family recipes. Swap recipes with each other so that everyone can enjoy the variety.
27. Make Mulled Wine or Cider
You can make mulled wine or cider using easy recipes like adding cloves, cinnamon and oranges, apples etc to make creative and aromatic drinks.
I know this isn’t as common for most people’s ultimate Christmas bucket list but it does make you wonder the fruits of your own labor. For those who love a good challenge, consider this my challenge to you for this festive season.
28. Try Christmas-Themed Baking
Make Christmas themed treats:
- Yule logs
- Gingerbread houses
- cupcakes and cookies
- brownie mugs
This is a classic ultimate Christmas bucket list item my kids wanted to knock off their own lists. Now, they want to do one every year.
29. Prepare a Holiday Feast
Make traditional dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes or ham. Cook it together and then eat together while chatting to make it more enjoyable.
30. Try Candy Cane Cocktails
You can try innovative cocktails by mixing up and making new drinks using candy canes like peppermint martinis or candy cane hot cocoa. No matter how they taste, you will remember the fun you had making those.
I know some of our love languages might be different, which is why I’ve also prepared a set list for those who love to gift. Keep on reading to find ideas for your Christmas!
Seasonal Shopping & Gifting
31. Visit a Christmas Market
Go to a Christmas market near you, do some shopping from the vendors by buying cute holiday themed things. Eat some Christmas treats on your way.
32. Go Holiday Shopping
Go holiday shopping with the people close to you and get gifts. Suggest ideas to each other for the presents, do the shopping, eat something together, listen to some holiday music on your way back and have fun wrapping it all later.
I know this option might not be at the top of your ultimate Christmas bucket list, but it is one that is the most practical–especially if you’re like me and can’t find enough hours in the day to do everything they want.
33. Host a Secret Santa Exchange
Host a Secret Santa Gift Exchange by setting a budget. You can include themes:
- handmade gifts
- favorite colors
- holiday humor
- funny sweater puns
- ugliest holiday mugs
34. Wrap Presents Creatively
Use DIY wrapping techniques like fabric wraps, recycled materials or personalized tags to wrap the presents. The personalized creativity will make the presents look more lovely.
35. Create a Handmade Gift
You can create handmade gifts like homemade candles, decorated photo frames, something painted by you, knitted scarves or handmade cards with handwritten notes. These type of gifts have a very special value.
I’m glad you’re still with me, because boy do I have some more classics and challenges for you up ahead! Remember that by curating your own Ultimate Christmas Bucket list, you have control over how to create lasting special moments.
Magical Moments & Special Memories
36. Take a Christmas-Themed Photoshoot
Create a Christmas themed background. Wear your Christmas themed clothing for fun. Use holiday themed props like Santa hats or fake snow and do a photoshoot. Share it or print it and keep it as a memory.
37. Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Celebrate this Christmas festivity with ugly fun sweaters. Take pictures and vote for the ugliest sweater. We did it three years ago on Christmas and everybody had such ugly sweaters that we all tied. We all won.
If you’re looking for a fun and not so artistically stylish way to celebrate your Christmas, then ugly sweaters should be a must-do on your Ultimate Christmas Bucket List. Trust me, I’m not very artsy but I managed to win once.
38. Read Christmas Stories Aloud
Gather around for holiday classics:
- The Night Before Christmas
- The Christmas Carol
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- The Polar Express
39. Attend a Christmas Eve Service
Go to a Christmas Eve Service to reflect on the deeper meaning of this season. Invite friends or family to join you for a shared experience.
40. Host a Christmas Karaoke Night –
Host a Christmas Karaoke by singing along to holiday hits with family and friends. You can create a playlist of popular and classic holiday songs and include prizes for the best performances.
Looking for other ways to take your karoake night to the next level? Check out my article on Christmas songs to get everyone jamming: Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers: Test Your Holiday Song Knowledge with 65 Festive Challenges!
Now, if all these activities seem too redundant for you, this last will surely knock your socks off. Keep reading to find out what I have in store for you!
Adventurous & Unique Activities
Some adventures won’t hurt this season. If you like some more action that usual, keep reading so you can get your cardio in!
41. Go Dog Sledding
remember to include your furry companions in on the fun! Go dog sledding this Christmas by dashing through the snow behind a team of sled dogs. On our trip to a winter resort last Christmas, we booked a dog sledding adventure, and gliding through the snowy trails with the dogs leading the way was fun.
42. Explore an Ice Cave
Join a guided ice cave tour to learn more about magical ice caves. It’s magical. I visited an ice cave in Iceland two years back and it was like walking into a frozen fairytale.
43. Go Snowmobiling
Ride on the top of the snow in a snowmobile at ski resorts or winter tourist spots you have nearby. The previous year, we went snowmobiling at a winter park and it was fun racing around in the snow.
44. Try Ice Climbing
Take your winter adventure to new heights by scaling a frozen waterfall or icy rock face but do it with a professional guide.
45. Attend a Winter Festival Abroad
Combine travel and Christmas spirit by visiting a famous winter festival in another country but make sure to book accommodations early as the popular winter festivals are crowded in the holiday season
Of course with Christmas, it marks the middle date for all of the end of the year holidays. This is a perfect time to get ahead of your New Year planning if you haven’t gotten started yet. I have a couple ideas for you up next!
Plan Ahead for the New Year
46. Set Up a Christmas Memory Jar
One of my favorite ways to compile the ultimate Christmas bucket list is to save your best ideas for later. You can collect notes of favorite moments throughout the season by setting up a Christmas memory jar by writing down your favorite holiday moments this year. Keep the jar and read those memories the next year for nostalgia and some laughs.
47. Start a Gratitude Tradition
Share things you’re thankful for around the table on Christmas Dinner. Think about the things achieved this year, or the bonds you shared with your friends and family. Thank them if they are on the table and just share with them what you feel grateful for. Let everyone speak their heart out by taking turns.
48. Create New Christmas Traditions
Brainstorm activities and invite everyone to provide new ideas. Write down those ideas and vote. Try the most voted traditions. Keep the most voted ones saved to do them next Christmas
49. Make a Christmas Playlist for Next Year
Save your favorite songs for future celebrations by making a playlist after including one suggested song by each person. Share it with everyone so they can play it when they are away or on the next holiday.
50. Reflect on the Past Year Together
Talk about each other’s successes and failures at the end of this year. Encourage each other to do better the next year and acknowledge the successes of everyone.
If you have made it this far, you now know 50 festivities to hold for your upcoming Christmas party. Let’s wrap up what we’ve learned in this last section!
Final Thoughts
Creating an Ultimate Christmas bucket list is a great way to warm up for the holidays and make every moment count. Whether you want to follow classic traditions with a twist or try some new adventures, this list has it all.
What’s on your Ultimate Christmas bucket list? Share your favorite activities in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
But wait, the fun doesn’t stop here. If you’re dreading how to amp up your next virtual Christmas party, check out this article: 25 Virtual Holiday Party Ideas: Creative and Fun Ways to Celebrate The Season Online With Your Team
Plugin designed by RofiTech
Leave a Reply