This post shows you 80 Christmas Bucket List Ideas for Adults and Kids!
Christmas time is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, your calendar is already packed with parties, shopping, and social events!
But here’s the thing: Christmas is about more than just surviving the holiday hustle of Christmas shopping. It’s about making memories and cherishing moments with the people you love.
What if we all had a fascinating plan to help us stay on track this year instead of being overworked and stressed out procrastinators? One such strategy could be Christmas bucket list ideas full of fun things to do.
In addition to helping you stay on track for the season, the things on this holiday bucket list will help you get into the mindset of Christmas! Make sure to start this list of fun holiday activities early in the month of December.
Let’s dive in!
1. Christmas Movie Marathon 🎥🎄
Put on your coziest pajamas, get some popcorn, and choose a Christmas movie to watch. You may even go so far as to set up a movie marathon.
Pick out a mix of the family’s favorites. If you need some recommendations, check out page 17 of Fun Christmas Party Theme Ideas for the Best Holiday Night.
2. Bake Christmas Cookies 🍪👩🍳
You do realize that cookies serve as basically small pieces of Christmas joy?
Bring the family together and make a batch of Christmas biscuits, gingerbread men, or even holiday-themed brownies to bake and decorate.
You could even plan a cookie exchange with loved ones thereafter.
3. Go Sledding 🛷❄️
If you reside in a snowy region, gather what you need, take your sleds, and go to the closest hill. There’s nothing like racing down a snowy slope, only to face-plant into a snowdrift at the bottom (in the most fun possible way, of course!).
Don’t have a sled? A trash bag or large plastic lid works just as well (because we’re resourceful like that).
4. Build a Gingerbread House 🍬🏠
Put your gingerbread home kits together (or create your own if you are feeling very crafty). Check out this easy kit
5. Attend a Christmas Parade 🎅🎶
Christmas parades with Santa Claus, marching ban❤️ds, and colorful floats are held in many towns and cities. Take a watch and grab your cup of hot chocolate!
If it is outside, bundle up with blankets and warm clothing.
6. Do Random Acts of Kindness❤️
Doing random acts of kindness, especially for a complete stranger, can be incredibly satisfying and enjoyable experiences. The options are endless: you could decide to pay the bill for the person next to you in a check-out line or provide food to people experiencing homelessness.
7. Go Ice Skating ⛸️❄️
Another Christmas bucket list for you is ice skating!
Who can stay up the longest without falling? Turn it into a fun family challenge!
Take a trip to your local ice rink and glide (or wobble, let’s be real) across the ice.
Ice skating is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the winter weather, even though you are more likely to fall flat on your back than spin about elegantly.
8. Visit a Christmassy Town 🎄
One of the wonderful holidays that you may witness some towns and cities transform into gorgeous light displays with a festive feel is Christmas.
Moreover, there are always some astounding Christmas markets to shop in!
9. Visit a Christmas Market 🎄🛍️
Christmas markets are magical places filled with twinkling lights, handmade gifts, and delicious food. If you can find one near you, it’s a must-do.
Snack on warm pretzels, roasted chestnuts, or hot mulled wine as you browse through stalls.
10. Decorate the Christmas Tree 🎄✨
Decorating the tree is, without a doubt, one of the most recognized Christmas customs.
It is a special occasion, whether you go all out with a color-coordinated theme or just throw everything on and hope for the best.
11. Let’s go Christmas Caroling 🎶🕯️
Caroling around your neighborhood for Christmas is the delightful way to spread seasonal cheer.
Singing professionally is not necessary; all you need to do is get some peers, learn some famous songs, and give it your all.
Not a big fan of the door-to-door thing? Invite your friends over for a warm sing-along on a chilly evening spent in your living room.
12. Visit Santa Claus 🎅🎁
If you’ve got little ones, a trip to see Santa is a must.
Let the youngsters give their Christmas wishes to Santa and take some cute pictures, regardless of whether it is in a neighborhood mall or a holiday celebration.
Have the kids write their letters to Santa beforehand, so they can hand-deliver them.
13. Host a Christmas Movies Night Outside 🎥❄️
Who says you need to stay indoors to enjoy a movie marathon? Set up an outdoor projector, grab blankets and a cup of hot chocolate, and create a magical outdoor Christmas movie night.
String some Christmas lights around the area to create a cozy winter wonderland.
14. Attend a Tree Lighting Ceremony❤️🎄
Multiple cities or major attractions will hold ceremonies commemorating the lighting of their trees.
People surround the tree on this particular night, fill up on a cup of hot chocolate, put on their warmest clothes, and wait for the light to turn on.
15. Host a Christmas Potluck Party 🎉🍗
Another Christmas bucket list for you is to host a potluck pary!
Invite your friends and family members over for a Christmas potluck where everyone brings their favorite holiday dish. This is perfect if you want to enjoy a variety of foods without doing all the cooking yourself.
You can give your visitors specified cookie types or categories. Or, on the other hand, you can just let them select the dish that they are most comfortable baking.
16. Make a Hot Chocolate Bar ☕🍫
Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar for a fun and cozy Christmas activity. Offer different toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and chocolate chips.
You can even provide adult add-ins like Bailey’s or peppermint schnapps for a grown-up twist.
17. Take a Christmas Lights Tour 🚗✨
Pile the family into the car, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take a drive around your neighborhood to admire the Christmas lights.
You can make it a game! See who can spot the most Santa inflatables or count how many houses have twinkling reindeer on their roofs.
18. Write Christmas Cards ✉️🎄
It may seem old-fashioned, but sending out Christmas cards is a sweet way to spread holiday cheer. Gather your family members around the table and write cards together.
Gathering some papers, ribbons, glue, and ornaments can allow you to make some incredibly festive Christmas cards that will dazzle your loved ones!
If you want it already made, Etsy might be a good place to check out.
19. Do a Complex Christmas Puzzle 🧩🎅
Cozy up by the fire and work on a Christmas-themed puzzle together. It’s a relaxing activity that the whole family can enjoy.
I suggest leaving the puzzle pieces out on the coffee table throughout the season so everyone can contribute whenever they have a moment.
20. Attend a Cross-Over Eve Service at Church⛪️
Officially known as “Cross over Night,” Christians view the Christmas Eve ceremony, which begins around an hour before midnight, as a tradition. It is observed and honored as a way to dedicate the Christmas season to the divine.
It can be a lovely way to bring some holiday spirit into your celebrations, even if you are not religious. Some of your family members, including yourself, may find it surprisingly meaningful to attend. It is, after all, a season of love and peace!
21. Have a Pajama Christmas Party 🎅🛌
Stay cozy and festive on Christmas Eve by hosting a pajama party for your family.
22. Make Reindeer Food 🦌🌾
Making reindeer food is an intriguing activity for the younger ones. Mix oats with colored sugar or edible glitter and scatter it on your lawn on Christmas Eve to “feed” Santa’s reindeer.
Fun Idea: Add a note from Santa thanking the kids for taking care of his crew.
23. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen 🍲🎁
Giving back during the Christmas season is one of the most fulfilling gifts you can give. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank with your family to help those in need.
Not sure where to start? Check out local charities or churches that organize events around Christmas.
24. Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest 🎅👕
Host a contest with your family and friends to see who can rock the most ridiculous, over-the-top sweater.
Don’t forget to take a group photo—you’ll definitely want to remember these outfits! It’s always a fun way to spend quality time with family.
25. Go Caroling in the Snow ❄️🎶
Nothing says “classic Christmas” like bundling up and singing carols in the snow. Regardless whether you’re hitting the streets or hosting a carol singalong at home, it’s sure to get everyone in the festive spirit!
26. Write a Letter to Santa ✉️🎅
Another Christmas bucket list for the kids! Let the kids sit down and write their letters to Santa. They can list what they want for Christmas and maybe even throw in a compliment about the reindeer.
27. Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange 🎁🎉
Laughter can be introduced into your Christmas get-togethers with a white elephant gift exchange. Let the surprises, theft, and trading start! Set a price limit and bring wrapped gifts! It is more fun when the present is strange!
You can consider a taco kitty calendar or an inflatable reindeer.
28. Do You Want To Build A Snowman With Family? ⛄❄️
If you’ve got snow in your area, grab your mittens and start building a snowman family in the yard. Challenge the kids to create snowmen that look like each member of your family.
Once you’re done, come inside for some hot cup of chocolate or cocoa with marshmallows.
29. Make Christmas Popcorn 🍿🎄
Make some Christmas popcorn by turning your favorite snack into a holiday treat. Add sprinkles, melted chocolate, and red and green M&Ms. This is the ideal snack for a movie night during the holidays.
Another effortless holiday gift idea is to create delicious popcorn balls and wrap them in cellophane!
30. Decorate a Christmas Wreath 🌲🎀
Buy or make your own Christmas wreath and get creative with the decorations. Use pinecones, ribbons, ornaments, and even dried fruit slices to add a personal touch.
You can choose one of the 20 unique fall wreaths to empower your front Door.
31. Go on a Winter Hike 🥾❄️
Use the icy weather to your advantage and go for a winter hike if you live close to a trail or park. It is a lovely way to take in the scenery, and there is nothing quite like the tranquility of snow-covered trees during the holidays.
Bring some food and a thermos of hot cocoa for the journey!
32. Host a Christmas Craft Party 🎨🎁
Have a craft Christmas party at your house with friends and family. You can make your own DIY Christmas cards, wreaths, and ornaments.
Assemble all the materials for a craft station, then let everyone’s imaginations go wild!
33. Make Snow Angels 👼❄️
What’s more fun than lying down in the snow and flapping your arms and legs to make a snow angel? It’s a simple but classic winter activity that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Don’t forget to take pictures of your snowy masterpieces!
34. Host a Christmas Trivia Night 🎅❓
To what extent are you familiar with Christmas facts? Test your knowledge of holiday music, films, and customs by throwing a Christmas quiz night with your loved ones.
35. Go on a Santa Scavenger Hunt 🎅🔎
Make your yard or home the scene of an entertaining Santa scavenger hunt. Hide small gifts, candy canes, or hints that point to a grand reveal at the conclusion.
While the kids wait for Santa on Christmas Eve, this is a great way to keep them occupied!
36. Decorate Christmas Stockings 🎄🧦
A great, must-have Christmas ornament are stockings! Their adorable appearance usually creates a comfortable atmosphere, and they also make a great place to conceal those little Christmas presents.
Use felt, glitter, sequins, and other festive materials to personalize them for each family member. Fill them with small treats and goodies to enjoy on Christmas morning!
37. Have a Family Snowball Fight ⛄❄️
If you’re lucky enough to have snow in your location, take advantage of it with a family snowball fight. Divide into teams, build some snow forts, and let the snowy battle begin!
Make sure to have hot drinks ready for warming up afterward.
38. Watch a Christmas Play 🎭🎄
Another Christmas bucket list for you is to watch a Christmas play!
Many local theaters put on Christmas plays or musicals, such as *A Christmas Carol* or *The Nutcracker*. It’s a wonderful way to add some culture and festive cheer to your holiday season.
Make it a tradition to attend the same play each year or explore different performances around your area.
39. Send Christmas Care Packages 📦🎅
Send Christmas care packages to loved ones, friends, or even the military serving overseas to spread some holiday cheer. Stuff them with tiny gifts, warm socks, and Christmas goodies.
Include a handmade letter or Christmas card to add a personal touch.
40. Build a Snow Fort 🏰❄️
Another Christmas bucket list for you is to build your own snowfort outside using your creativity. Spending time outside, whether it is a modest wall or a complex construction, is an enjoyable and energetic activity.
After building your fort, throw a snowball fight with another family!
41. Create Christmas Playlists 🎶🎅
With time, Christmas music has evolved so much that nearly every well-known musician now has a single or album. Spotify may be used to make the right playlist!
42. Host a Christmas Baking Day 🍪🎄
Get everyone together for a busy day of Christmas baking. Prepare a variety of Christmas treats, like gingerbread, fudge, or cookies, and then savor them while viewing a Christmas film.
As an added bonus, how about packaging up some of your works to present them as presents to neighbors and friends?
43. Have a Family Talent Show 🎤🎶
Who’s the hidden star in your family? Hosting a Christmas talent show where each person performs something festive, whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling holiday jokes.
Give out silly awards like “most festive” or “best use of a candy cane.”
44. Create a Christmas Photo Album 📸🎄
Making a Christmas snapshot with the entire family is an expected yet enjoyable Christmas activity.
In the future, it will provide for such wonderful memories. You might even be tempted to start a yearly ritual of gathering several snapshot memories for comparison and nostalgia.
Add notes or captions to each photo to capture the moment and make the album feel extra special!
45. Write and Perform a Christmas Play 🎭🎅
Get creative and write your own Christmas play to perform with your family. It can be a retelling of *The Night Before Christmas*, a modern-day Santa story, or even a comedy about elves at the North Pole.
46. Make Handmade Christmas Gifts 🎁🧑🎨
Spend a day crafting personalized Christmas presents for your loved ones if you are feeling particularly crafty. Personalized mugs, handmade candles, and bath bombs are a few ideas.
These are not just reasonably priced but also really thoughtful gifts!
47. Create a Christmas Countdown Calendar 🗓️🎄
By creating a countdown calendar, you may increase the excitement for Christmas. It is a great way to remember each day as it goes by, and you can choose a homemade version or a formal advent calendar filled with tiny delights each day.
Put enjoyable seasonal tasks or activities in each day’s box, such as “Have a snowball fight” or “Sing a Christmas carol.”
48. Have a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest 🎄🏆
Another Christmas bucket list for you is to put your loved ones to the test with a Christmas tree decorating competition. The object of the game is to outdecorate every other individual or group that receives a tree (or miniature tree if you are short on space)!
You can also give it a theme, such as “anything glittery” or “vintage Christmas.”
49. Make a Christmas Eve Box 🎁🎅
Make a cozy treat box for Christmas Eve so you may enjoy the evening before the holiday. Stuff it with goodies like beverage of choice, cozy pajamas, and Christmas books or television shows.
This is a fantastic approach to setting a serene, enchanted mood in advance of the festivities on Christmas Day.
50. Build a Christmas Village 🏠🎄
Create your very own Christmas village using ceramic or wooden houses, tiny trees, and figurines.
Let the kids help arrange the village and add their own personal touches!
51. Go to a Christmas Tree Farm 🎄🎁
Visit a Christmas tree farm if you have not already in order to select the ideal tree.
Capture some joyous pictures amidst the trees—the scene is ideal for photography.
52. Have a Family Christmas Dance Party 🎶💃
Play some festive music and throw an unplanned dance party for Christmas. Dancing around the living room while listening to Jingle Bell Rock or Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree is a great way to share holiday cheer.
Turn on some glittering lights to create an even more festive atmosphere.
53. Create Christmas Window Decorations 🖼️❄️
You can get creative and make your own Christmas window decorations. Use window paint or paper cutouts to create festive scenes like snowflakes, reindeer, or even Santa’s sleigh.
The kids will love helping with this, and it adds a special touch to your holiday decor.
54. Host a Family Christmas Fashion Show 🎅👗
This one is specially for the wild all-out family!
Bring out your holiday scarves, sweaters, and accessories for a fashion show with the family.
Allow everyone to take center stage on your temporary catwalk, then cast your vote for the most outrageous ensembles. Make it a photo op to document the festive fun.
55. Plan a Christmas Scavenger Hunt 🎄🔍
Throw the kids (or adults!) a Christmas scavenger hunt by hiding sweets or items with a Christmas theme throughout your home or yard.
Give hints and little gifts to the people who locate every hidden treasure.
56. Try a New Christmas Recipe 🍽️🎅
Get adventurous in the kitchen and try a new Christmas recipe. Regardless of whether it’s a fancy roast, a festive dessert, or even a new cookie recipe, cooking together is a great way to bond during the holidays.
As a holiday gift, share your culinary delights with friends or neighbors.
57. Play Christmas Bingo 🎅🎱
Another Christmas bucket list for you is to make your own Christmas bingo cards with Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas trees as the icons.
As bingo markers, use festive candy like Hershey’s Kisses or peppermints!
58. Go to a Holiday Craft Fair 🎄🎨
Visit a holiday craft market to find unique presents and show your support for local artists.
To decorate your home or give as gifts to friends, look for handcrafted ornaments, candles, and other seasonal decorations.
59. Make a Christmas Bucket List 📝🎅
By reading this article, you are already on the right track, but why not create a family holiday bucket list of your own? Allow everyone to nominate their most noteworthy activities, and as the season progresses, cross them out one by one.
Put your list somewhere noticeable, like the fridge, in order to keep everyone informed about what is coming up.
60. Watch a Classic Christmas Movie in Black and White 🎥🎄
Watch a black-and-white version of a famous Christmas film, like It is a Wonderful Life, to give your movie night a nostalgic feel.
Grab a bag of popcorn, turn down the lights, and surrender to nostalgia!
61. Do a Christmas Puzzle 🧩🎅
Nothing compares to gathering together around the table to solve a Christmas-themed puzzle when it is chilly outdoors. Select a design that reflects the spirit of the season, such as a snowy village scene, Santa, or reindeer.
62. Go to a Christmas Light Festival 🎄💡
Explore a local holiday light festival and enjoy the radiance of sparkling lights. Extensive decorations can be found everywhere, occasionally timed to the holiday music.
Some festivals also offer hot chocolate stands, live performances, and even visits from Santa!
63. Make DIY Christmas Wrapping Paper 🎁🖌️
Make your own DIY Christmas wrapping paper to give your gifts a personalized touch. Create one-of-a-kind, hand-decorated wrapping with brown kraft paper, paint, and celebratory stamps.
Invite the children to assist—they will enjoy painting and stamping their own creations!
64. Try an Advent Calendar 🗓️🎄
The days leading up to Christmas are counted down with an advent calendar.
You can make the countdown to Christmas extra fun with an advent calendar. Whether you buy one filled with chocolate or make your own with small daily surprises, it’s a great way to build excitement for the big day.
You can even find unique advent calendars for adults, like ones filled with craft beer, wine, or beauty products!
65. Christmas Cookie Contest 🍪🎅
Have a competition to decorate cookies for Christmas and break out the frosting and sprinkles. Allow everyone to create their masterpiece, then cast your vote for the most imaginative, festive, or just downright funny cookie.
Eating the entries is the best part!
66. Host a Christmas Pajama Day 🎅🛌
Designate a day during the Christmas season for lounging around in your Christmas pajamas. Watch holiday movies, sip hot cocoa, and fully embrace the cozy vibes.
Make sure to take lots of pictures in your matching family PJs!
67. Play Christmas Charades 🎅🎭
Get the family together for a hilarious game of Christmas charades. Act out holiday phrases, songs, or characters without speaking, and see who can guess correctly!
68. Host a Christmas Wrapping Party 🎁🎅
Organize a wrapping party to add an element of enjoyment to the job of wrapping presents. Get your loved ones together, turn on some holiday tunes, and while you are drinking cider or eggnog, assist each other in gift wrapping.
To ensure that nobody is left rushing, set up a wrapping station equipped with paper, ribbons, tape, and scissors.
69. Make Christmas Candles 🕯️🎄
Make your own homemade, holiday-scented candles at home. To create a festive scent throughout your home, choose scents like peppermint, cinnamon, or pine.
These are excellent homemade presents for loved ones!
70. Go Caroling on Zoom 🎤🎅
You cannot come together in person with the whole family. Organize a Zoom video caroling session!
Even if you live far apart, ask your loved ones to join you in singing your favorite Christmas carols.
71. Host a Christmas Book Club 📚🎅
Another Christmas bucket list for you is to choose a Christmas-themed book (or a classic like *A Christmas Carol*) and host a book club night with friends or family.
72. Have a Christmas Breakfast 🥞🎅
Have a special Christmas breakfast to get your morning started on the right foot. Imagine cinnamon buns, eggnog French toast, or reindeer-shaped pancakes.
For a stress-free morning, prepare a few items the night before.
73. Build a Mini Snow Village 🏘️❄️
To make a snow village on your mantel or table, gather little model houses, trees, and figurines. For an even more winter effect, add fake snow!
Allow the children to assemble and rearrange the village as they see fit.
74. Decorate a Christmas Tree Outside 🎄❄️
Why limit yourself to just one tree? Choose a little tree or bush in your yard, then adorn it with lights that twinkle and outside decorations.
It makes your house appear extra wonderful and gives a holiday feel to your outdoor.
75. Host a Christmas Cookie Swap 🍪🎄
Comparable to a potluck, but instead of bringing a range of dishes, guests in a cookie swap bring baked cookies. Think about holding your own cookie exchange this year!
76. Organise a Big Dinner🍱
Gather your family and friends and prepare this classic Christmas Eve dinner. I have some ideas you can copy here.
77. Make Christmas Tree Decorations 🎄🎨
Rather than purchasing every decoration for your Christmas tree, take a few hours to create handmade ornaments. Some creative ideas are felt snowflakes, popsicle stick stars, and salt dough ornaments.
These DIY ornaments add a personal and sentimental touch to your tree.
78. Write a Christmas Story 📝🎅
Another Christmas bucket list with the assistance of your family. Allow the family and you to use your imagination to create your own Christmas fantasy tale!
You can work together to create a celebratory tale, or each participant can contribute a portion of the story. On Christmas Eve, read the story out as a unique holiday custom.
79. Send a Christmas Postcard to Soldiers✉️🎄
Maybe you just want to express your gratitude to those who are serving in the military, or maybe you personally know someone in the military. Sending holiday cards to soldiers is a beautiful and touching gesture, regardless of the situation.
It might be a great opportunity to teach your kids gratitude, especially if you can craft and send them holiday cards. Ultimately, those warriors deserve some extra holiday love because they will regrettably not be able to return home in time for the holidays.
80. Make Christmas Eve Pizza 🍕🎅
Who says dinner on Christmas Eve needs to be formal? Make your own Christmas pizzas to add some excitement to the occasion. You can cut the dough into festive styles like snowflakes or Christmas trees, or you can use red and green peppers to make a festive motif.
Allow each person to customize a mini pizza!
Conclusion
Christmas is an occasion to make lasting recollections with your children, friends, and family—it is more than just a date on the calendar. These activities will help you make the most of the holidays, whether you are planning a pajama day, decorating gingerbread houses, or starting a Christmas light tour.
For more exciting Christmas ideas, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest!
You’ll find even more holiday fun, DIY projects, and tips to make this season unforgettable.
This post shows you 80 Christmas Bucket List Ideas.
