Family Christmas Bucket List: 21 Holiday Ideas

Create a list of Christmas activities with this Christmas Bucket List of ideas for your family’s newest tradition!

This is the season when traditions shape the magic of the holidays. Every family has their own rituals—ours included. Instead of centering the season around gifts, focus on creating memories by putting together a Christmas bucket list: a simple checklist of special activities to enjoy together.

Over the years our list of holiday activities has grown so much that we keep a bucket list so nothing gets forgotten. If you haven’t made one before, it’s simply a list of joyful things to do during the season. Below are ideas to inspire your own traditions and help you build meaningful family memories.

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Holiday Bucket List Ideas

1. Wear Christmas Pajamas

Giving matching pajamas on Christmas Eve is a simple tradition that makes the holiday feel cozy and connected. Our girls wear a new set on Christmas Eve and keep them on for the big morning. Whether you choose classic plaid, playful prints, or personalized styles, coordinated pajamas create memorable photos and an easy way to mark the season.

2. Read Christmas Stories

Build a holiday library by adding a new Christmas book each year. Reading seasonal stories becomes part of your family’s bedtime routine and gives children something to look forward to. Choose picture books, classic tales, or chapter books suitable for your family’s ages and revisit favorites each December.

3. Buy Festive Clothes

Holiday events are a great excuse to dress up. Whether it’s a classic red sweater, a velvet dress, or a silly “ugly sweater,” picking an outfit for seasonal gatherings adds to the celebration. Coordinate looks for the family or add a single festive piece to your wardrobe to feel special for parties, services, and photo sessions.

4. Watch a Classic Christmas Movie

Movie night is a holiday staple. Rewatch family favorites like Home Alone, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, or A Christmas Story. Make popcorn, dim the lights, and snuggle under blankets—movie marathons can become an annual tradition that spans generations.

5. Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Gather gingerbread kits or bake simple cookie houses and let the kids decorate with colorful candies and icing. Do this early in December to enjoy the creations all month. Extra sprinkles, candy canes, and edible glitter add playful options for little hands.

6. Drink Hot Chocolate in Santa Mugs

Set up a hot cocoa bar with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes. Sip from special holiday mugs for extra cheer. This simple ritual is perfect after outdoor activities or while watching a Christmas movie.

7. Look at Christmas Lights

Take an evening drive or walk to view neighborhood light displays. Bring blankets, dress warmly, and bring hot drinks. Riding or strolling through festive displays is a low-cost way to spark wonder for kids and adults alike.

8. Elf on the Shelf

If you enjoy a little daily surprise, an elf that “moves” each night can be a playful countdown to December 25th. Some families love creating funny or creative setups; for others the elf simply adds a sense of magic each morning.

9. Deck the Halls

Decorate your home with both old favorites and a few new pieces. Let children unpack ornaments they made in past years and pick one new decoration to remember the season by. Mixing heirlooms with fresh items keeps décor sentimental and lively.

10. Bake Christmas Cookies

Reserve a weekend for baking and decorating cookies. Share some with neighbors and package others for gifts. Baking together creates memories and delicious treats to enjoy through the season.

11. Go Ice Skating

Visit a local rink for an afternoon out. It’s a lively activity for friends and family and often becomes a highlight of the winter season for kids learning to skate.

12. Build a Snowman

If you have snow, bundle up and build a snowman. If not, try snowman-shaped treats or craft projects, or plan a trip to a snowy area for a day of winter fun.

13. Advent Calendar

Count down to Christmas with an advent calendar—store-bought or DIY. Fill it with simple surprises, acts of kindness, or short family activities to extend the anticipation and joy.

14. Display Christmas Cards

Create a display for cards you receive—string them across a mantel, clip them to a garland, or arrange them on a shelf. Seeing warm wishes from friends and family adds to the holiday spirit.

15. Write Letters to Santa

Help children write letters to Santa and include return address details if you want replies. Letter writing encourages reflection on wishes and gratitude and can be a cherished part of the season.

16. Add Outdoor Lights

Decorate your home’s exterior to share festive cheer with the neighborhood. Enlist the family to hang lights, wreaths, and porch decorations—these small efforts brighten the season for everyone who passes by.

17. Wrap Gifts

Make gift wrapping a shared activity: play music, set out colorful paper and ribbons, and let kids help with simple packages to encourage generosity and creativity.

18. Donate to the Local Food Bank

Giving back is central to the holidays. Donate shelf-stable items, volunteer at a food pantry, or support local organizations that help families in need.

19. Send Christmas Cards

Sending family holiday cards remains a favorite tradition. Plan photo sessions early so cards are ready to mail after Thanksgiving and arrive in time for the season.

20. Donate to a Local Toy Drive

Support a local toy drive or select a child from an Angel Tree to brighten another family’s holiday. Teaching children to give is one of the most meaningful lessons of the season.

21. Snuggle Up by the Fire

Light a fire, make hot chocolate, and enjoy a quiet evening together—reading, chatting, or watching a favorite holiday movie. These simple moments become treasured memories.

I hope these suggestions inspire you to create or expand your own family traditions. Pick a few favorites from the list, add personal touches, and enjoy making new memories together. Share your favorite bucket list ideas with family and friends to keep the season full of joy and connection.

Happy Holidays!

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