70+ Christmas Bucket List Ideas for Families • Craving Some Creativity

Need fun holiday activities for adults, families, and/or kids? Here are over seventy Christmas bucket list ideas to help you create treasured family memories during the Christmas Season. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa, enjoying Christmas lights, or participating in free holiday activities, there's truly something for everyone!

Collage of ideas for creating a christmas activities bucket list for families with title overlay.

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Each Christmas, I tweak our advent calendar to include daily activities and some from our Christmas bucket list like holiday baking recipes, acts of service, and even quiet nights so Mom can work (movie night!). The calendar is a handy way to stay organized during the mad holiday rush. Not only does my son have something to look forward to each day, but I’m prepared to fit it all in. It’s a win-win!

Are you searching for a bit of inspiration for your own Christmas activities or maybe a new family tradition? I've included seventy of my favorite family-friendly Christmas bucket list ideas, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

FAQs

What should I put on my Christmas bucket list?

I highly suggest making a calendar for the month of December. It maps out an entire month of special and fun activities and to-dos without feeling overwhelmed. Activities can be as simple as making hot chocolate or incorporating your to-do list like wrapping packages.

What if I don’t have enough time to do an advent calendar?

Don’t sweat it! We are all busy around the holidays, but you can try to pick one activity a week. Big family? Let each child choose one activity. If it’s something your family really enjoys, make it a new holiday tradition. That’s one less thing you have to worry about planning the following year!

What is the most popular Christmas activity?

It depends on the age but a few of the most popular activities include a visit to Santa, trimming the tree, and baking cookies.

Christmas Bucket List Ideas

I've included many great Christmas bucket list ideas that work perfectly for busy families. Don't feel pressured to do more than a few-many of these fun holiday activities can easily be extended through the winter season or done earlier in the holiday season. Keep it simple and enjoy the Christmas spirit with your loved ones!

Holiday Season Ideas to Fill Your Senses

Prepare “Roast Beast” for dinner or “Who Pudding” for dessert.
Host a cookie exchange. Try one from our list of festive cookie recipes!
Make pomander balls.
Make homemade eggnog.
Make a homemade hot chocolate bar. We setup a simple one as part of our Kitchen Christmas Decorations seen here. It’s always a hit!
Decorate gingerbread houses.
Build a cozy blanket fort with candles and Christmas lights.
Play your favorite Christmas songs.
Enjoy hot chocolate and your favorite holiday movies.
Bake a batch of holiday treats.
Add a jar of peppermints or peppermint patties at work.

A marshmallow man laying in a cup of hot cocoa.

Acts of Service

Sponsor a child from an angel tree or a senior from a local care facility.
Volunteer your time at a women’s shelter, a food bank, or an animal shelter.
Decorate Christmas cookies for neighbors or friends.
Mail Christmas cards or care packages to deployed US troops.

Mark off Your To-Do Checklist

Wrap Christmas gifts – invite friends too because a party is so much fun!
Mail Santa letters
Make wish lists early to help out family members who ask.
Set up a shopping date to check people off your “nice” list.
Visit Santa’s Village.
Kid’s movie night. I always include this idea as a good distraction for the kids so I can get some work done.

Christmas Family Traditions and Decorations

Trim the tree. (or several)
Set up a classic model train set and/or Christmas village.
Read Christmas books together such as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Record a Story allows families from near & far to read this Christmas classic to children even when they can’t be present.
Decorate a gingerbread house.
Go sledding or skiing.
Make and swap gift tags.
Host an ugly sweater party.
Host a Secret Santa with the family.
Put on some Christmas music while you deck the halls.

Hot Chocolate Cookies with marshmallows on cookie sheet.

Simple Night In

Create a holiday playlist for the family.
Make paper snowflakes.
Have a Christmas photoshoot in matching family pajamas.
Elf on a Shelf
Make handmade gifts for teachers, coworkers, or neighbors.
Snuggle up for Christmas movie night: The Grinch, Polar Express, Home Alone, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, etc.
Call the North Pole or watch the NORAD tracker to see what Santa’s up to.
Make “Rudolph Nose” treats.
Complete Christmas-themed puzzle
Make a charcuterie board for dinner and play card games together.
Make Seafood Soup – eating fish on Christmas Eve is a tradition.

Black. white, and red Christmas advent calendar with little drawers made with scrapbook paper.

Holiday Activities for Friends and Family

Take a Polar Express-themed train ride.
Have an indoor snowball fight.
Feed the reindeer at a petting zoo.
See a local production of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.
Visit a live nativity.
Go ice skating.
Cut your own tree at a local Christmas tree farm.
Drive around with hot cocoa (extra marshmallows) to view Christmas lights.
Watch a live Christmas Parade.
Build a snowman if the weather is suited.
Take an evening carriage ride.
String Christmas lights outdoors or setup some blowup decorations.

Christmas Craft Ideas

Wreaths. Use a form, some ribbons, and something unconventional such as marshmallows, metallic balls, or even greenery from around the yard.
Make your own Christmas Ornaments like a gingerbread ornament or easy handmade clay ornaments.
DIY garland – popcorn, candy canes, felt, paper chains, dried fruit, etc.
Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Grab that glue gun and felt and make your own!
Make 3D stars to use as a tree topper, ornaments, or decorations.

Christmas Themed Ideas for Couples

Plan a Christmas-themed date night with your favorite holiday meal.
Attend a holiday-themed concert or Christmas music performance.
Volunteer together at a local food bank.
Sip on a festive drink together. Here is our favorite Boozy Christmas Punch and a Non-alcoholic Cranberry Orange Punch.
Set up an advent calendar with special surprises or date ideas.
Have a romantic evening decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments you've collected together.
Go to a local holiday market and shop for Christmas gifts.
Take a Polar Express-themed train ride for a magical evening.
Have a Christmas photo shoot with matching Christmas sweaters or pajamas.
Visit a nearby town that turns into a North Pole-themed event.
Create your own Christmas cards.
Spend the evening watching the snow fall and a warm cup of hot cocoa.
Make Christmas ornaments together that represent special moments from your relationship.
Plan a future Christmas getaway.

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition missing from the list? Share a fun activity during your family’s Christmas Celebrations!

Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

More Christmas Ideas and Tutorials

PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!