The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List: 25 Fun, Festive, and Classic Ideas
It is undeniable. Christmas is the biggest holiday in the USA. I mean, over 90 percent of USA households celebrate Christmas. It is the best excuse to be in the best mood. Indeed, the Christmas spirit is somewhat magical. It feels warm and soft even when it is freezing outside.
Twinkling lights, the smell of cookies, and the sound of carols. What’s there not to love, right? That hush of magic that only Christmas can bring is unbeatable.
Unfortunately, despite all this, it is so easy for the whole season to rush by in a blur of wrapping paper and other filler activities.
Last Christmas, I had all these big plans to make the season special, but alas, all that fell through. Year after year, I often feel like there’s more I could do to really celebrate. And that’s why this year I am whipping up this Christmas Bucket list.
This Christmas Bucket list includes 25 fun, festive, and classic ideas that anyone would enjoy. It doesn’t matter if you are celebrating Christmas with family, kids, friends, or solo.
And it doesn’t have to just be a Christmas bucket list. You can treat this as your Christmas checklist for the season. In fact, I have included a filled Christmas bucket list and a blank one to help you get everything done on time and check off the little joyful activities that really make Christmas the biggest holiday, and dare I say, the most magical.
Grab the freebie down below.
25 Fun and Festive Christmas Bucket List Ideas
1. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
There’s something sacred about the annual lineup. Home Alone, Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, and a nostalgic throwback like White Christmas. You can also mix in some new Netflix originals for some much-needed variety.
Make it super simple. Pile on the blankets, light a few candles, and don’t overthink the snacks. You know, popcorn drizzled with chocolate will suffice.
If you are looking to make it extra fun, pick a theme: “90s Classics” or “Cozy Rom-Coms.” Add the matching pajamas, and we have the perfect movie marathon night for the season.
2. Bake Homemade Cookies( Yes, Try a New Recipe this Year)
The smell of cookies in the oven is the Christmas spirit. I am not much of a baker, but this season tends to change that. That’s Christmas for you.
Bake your favorites, sugar cookies with buttery frosting, snickerdoodles, or gingerbread men.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new twists. Try some chai-spiced sugar cookies, or some espresso chocolate crinkles.
And remember, it is the season of joy. Let go of perfection and just have fun. This is particularly important if you are baking with family.
3. Decorate Your Christmas Tree
Immediately after Halloween is done, we quickly grab our trees and start decorating. This year, I am also super excited to get my tree up early. But I plan to take my time decorating. There’s the pretty way to decorate a tree, and there’s the meaningful way. I plan to make this year meaningful. Some mismatched ornaments and the lights that glow just right.
Take your time this year. Make it an event. Put on your favorite playlist, pour something warm, and take your time to cherish the sentimental ornaments. That hand-painted one from your first apartment? That glittery one your toddler made? All these small joys are what make Christmas magical.
4. Write Heartfelt Christmas Cards
Tech and social media have completely killed this one. But that’s okay. It is now a classic. Handwritten, heartfelt Christmas cards feel like a hug.
Don’t rush through it. Make it a ritual. Light a candle, put on some soft music, or better yet, some Christmas instrumentals, and write meaningful notes that remind people just how much they mean to you.
And it doesn’t have to be long. Even two heartfelt sentences can make someone’s Christmas.
5. Host a Cozy Hot Cocoa & Christmas Game Night.
Invite a few friends and family members over, set out a cocoa bar with toppings ( crushed candy canes, cinnamon, whipped cream, marshmallows), and bring on the games.
Fun and fast-paced games like Christmas Minute to Win It Games are awesome for giggles. And there are so many other options out there: holiday charades, Christmas trivia, Christmas-themed board games, and much more.
6. Go to a Local Christmas Market or Small Town Festival
There’s nothing quite like strolling through a market with lights overhead, warm drinks in hand, and handmade ornaments glinting in every booth. Not to mention you’ll be supporting local makers. Try a cup of mulled wine and pick a small treat (maybe a candle, or a handmade scarf) that you’ll remember long after the season ends.
Even if your town doesn’t have a Christmas market, look for holiday craft fairs, tree lighting ceremonies, and other seasonal festivals happening around.
7. Go Ice Skating (Yes, Even if You’re Not Exactly Graceful)
Let’s be real. Most of us aren’t gliding around like figure skaters. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. The laughter, the chilly air biting your cheeks, and having to hold someone’s hand just to stay upright are all part of Christmas magic. And trust me, these are the moments you’ll remember. Remember to take at least one photo for the memories.
8. Take a Drive to See Neighborhood Light Displays
Drive through the neighborhoods that go all out and enjoy some Christmas magic.
You can make it a tradition: same route, same snacks, and the same childlike wonder. And start ranking them year after year.
9. Cut Your Own Christmas Tree( or Visit a Local Tree Farm)
I know there’s a certain convenience with artificial Christmas trees. I mean, you can reuse them year after year, making them super affordable. However, there’s something about the smell of fresh pine and the ritual of finding the “one.” Take your time and wander through rows of trees until you spot your perfect tree.
And most farms make the experience super memorable with wagon rides, hot cocoa, and photo spots.
And even if you prefer artificial trees, still make it a day trip and take photos and sip some cider.
10. Attend a Holiday Concert, Play, or Candlelight Service
There’s a kind of hush that falls when the first notes of “Silent Night” echo through a candlelit room. Or when you catch your breath during the finale of The Nutcracker.
Whether it is something super simple, such as your child’s school concert or a full symphony performance, love holiday music hits a special note( literally).
11. Donate Toys, Coats, or Blankets to a Local Charity
Christmas is the season of joy and giving. Sometimes, the simplest way to experience and enjoy the season’s magic is by sharing it.
Take an afternoon to go through closets and toy bins and gather gently used items that could absolutely brighten up someone else’s holiday.
You can make it something fun and bring the kids or a friend, and grab some cocoa on your way home.
Giving feels magical when woven into your traditions, and just as an afterthought.
12. Volunteer at a Food Pantry or Help a Neighbor in Need
The economy being what it is, the holiday can be a tough time for many. A few hours of your time can make a world of difference. Serve at a food pantry, deliver meals, or even just shovel snow for an older neighbor.
If you can’t spare much time, find small ways to give back: pay for coffee for the person behind you in line, or drop a surprise care package on someone’s porch.
These small kindnesses? That’s the real Christmas magic.
13. Leave a Kind Note or Small Surprise for a Delivery Driver
Let’s be real. We are all sucked into the capitalism of Christmas, and delivery drivers basically run Christmas. Between endless Amazon boxes and heavy packages, they deliver a little extra cheer.
Set up a simple basket with bottled water, granola bars, or candy canes with a sign that says “ Thank you for delivering joy!”
It is a simple way to spread the magic of Christmas.
14. Start a Gratitude Jar for December
There’s no better season to reflect on all of the things you’re thankful for. Each day, write down one small thing that made you smile. It can be something as simple as a cup of tea, or a favorite Christmas song playing at just the perfect moment.
Drop these notes into a jar and read them on New Year’s Eve to start the new year just right.
15. Support a Small Business While Holiday Shopping
Before you click on “add to cart,” that fuels billions to retail giants, check your local boutique, Etsy shops, or small makers.
There’s something lovely about buying gifts that have a story behind them. You know, hand-poured candles, artisan soaps, or knitted mittens made with love.
16. Make Some DIY Ornaments or Simple Handmade Gifts
Don’t overthink it. A dried orange garland, cinnamon stick bundles, or salt dough ornaments painted with gold accents can look just as stunning as store-bought decor.
Make it a ritual. Put on your favorite Christmas playlist, gather your supplies, and make an afternoon of it. Handmade gifts like sugar scrubs or candle jars often feel super extra special because they come with a little piece of you.
You can look online for some out-of-the-box ideas.
17. Create the Ultimate Christmas Playlist
Your soundtrack matters more than you think. It sets the mood. Get started creating a playlist that captures every holiday mood, from the cozy calm of “ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to the chaos of dancing in your kitchen to Mariah Carey.
This will romanticize even the most mundane holiday tasks and make Christmas even more fun.
18. Have a Fun, Low-Stress Family Photo Night
Social media has put so much pressure on this. Everyone wants the perfectly posed portraits with matching pajamas.
This year, forget perfect. Go for real and messy joy. Yes, put on the matching pajamas, grab mugs of cocoa, and snap a few photos in front of the tree or by the fireplace.
You can also take aesthetic shots of food, books, and hot drinks throughout the season for those treasured memories years from now.
19. Whip Up Some Simple Homemade Gifts
You don’t need to be the most crafty person to make some awesome, heartfelt presents. Go for simple options such as sugar scrubs scented with vanilla and orange, a jar of homemade chai mix, or even layered cookie dough jars.
The trick is to keep it doable so you can actually enjoy it instead of getting frustrated.
20. Start a Brand New Holiday Tradition
Traditions don’t have to be passed down. They can start right here, right now. Maybe it is something as simple as making breakfast-for-dinner on Christmas Eve, or journaling by candlelight, or just taking a snowy evening walk alone to enjoy the quiet.
Whatever it is, just make sure it is something that feels like You.
21. Create a Meaningful Advent Calendar
Okay, in case you don’t know, an Advent calendar counts down to Christmas with daily surprises from December 1st to 24th.
Forget the store-bought chocolate kind (though no judgment here if that’s your vibe this year). This year, try making your own Advent calendar that will celebrate the magic of Christmas. Include small gifts, holiday activities, simple kind notes to yourself, and some small acts of kindness.
By Christmas Eve, you’ll have built an entire month of gentle joy and connection.
If you want to keep it simple, go with a simple store-bought option with beauty products, chocolate or tea.
22. Read a Cozy Christmas Story or Novel
By now, you guys know it. I am a big reader. I am more of a romantasy girl, but really, a compelling book will do. And there’s something timeless about curling up under a blanket, Christmas lights glowing, and a good story on your hands.
Maybe it is a holiday classic like A Christmas Carol, or something newer, it doesn’t matter so long as it is all about holiday vibes.
23. Spend One Night Completely Tech Free
Yes, the holiday season is the perfect time for a little digital detox. Turn off all notifications. Let all the emails wait. For one night, pretend the rest of the world can’t reach your little bubble.
Make it a whole thing, light a few candles, play some soft music, and enjoy a slow evening. You can talk, read, wrap gifts, or simply sit by the Christmas tree.
24. Light a Christmas-Scented Candle
Go for a scent that screams Christmas for you. It can be pine, cinnamon, vanilla, or whatever else you feel like.
Light it while you are reading or relaxing in the evening, or even while you’re doing your Christmas prep and cooking.
A Christmas-scented candle will add instant coziness to your space.
25. Journal and Reflect on the Past Year
End your Christmas with a little journaling to take a look back at the holiday season and the year. You can make it a ritual with candles, your favorite tea, and just write a few memories from the past year.
It can be things that made you laugh, people who showed up for you, or moments that stretched you in the best ways.
This is the best kind of closure to 2025 and the best way to get ready for 2026.
The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List Freebie
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Have a Magical Christmas, Loves
The thing about Christmas is, it is not about doing everything. Even if it were possible, it would be overwhelming and kill the whole magic of Christmas.
Christmas is about noticing the small things and appreciating them. And this Christmas bucket list does exactly that.
Pick a few of these ideas and go have a magical Christmas.
Merry Merry Christmas, Loves. I hope it’s a good one for you.
So tell me, which of these Christmas bucket list ideas are you adding to your holiday season? I would love to hear how you’re celebrating this year.