93 Christmas Bucket List Ideas for the Best Holiday Yet!

‘Tis the season to make memories, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by diving into these ultimate Christmas bucket list ideas! Whether you’re looking to craft, indulge in cozy activities, plan family fun, or spread some holiday kindness, this list has you covered!

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Does the holiday season sometimes feel like a whirlwind of to-dos? This year, let’s try to keep the stress at bay to have more joy!

Merry & Bright Christmas Bucket List: Have Your Best Holiday Yet

Ready to plan your most festive, magical holiday yet? Between baking cookies, crafting, spending quality time with family, and cozying up for Christmas movies, there’s so much to love about this season—but also a lot to juggle!

Let’s be honest: It can also feel hectic or bittersweet, especially if this year has had many challenges for you. I get it—this season feels different for me, too, and I’m sending you a big virtual hug. ❤️

That’s why I put together the Merry & Bright Christmas Bucket List Bundle: Plan Your Best Holiday Yet! It’s an easy, fun way to organize your holiday activities while leaving room for what matters most—connection, joy, and memorable moments.

Here’s what you’ll get in this festive printable package:

• Christmas Bucket Checklist with 26 of the best festive ideas
• A blank bucket list to personalize with your favourite traditions
• An Ultimate Christmas Movie List
• An essential self-care tip sheet to help you relax & keep the season less stressful
• A festive blank calendar to make planning simple

Whether navigating a busy season or just looking to bring more intention and fun to your holidays, this bundle will help you stay on top of it all while enjoying every moment.

Click the box below to get it now and download your copy instantly:

90+ Ultimate Christmas Bucket List Ideas

I’ve divided the best holiday activities and ideas into several categories, so there are plenty of options for everyone.

Categories:

• Classic Christmas Bucket List Fun
• Fun Family Holiday Activities for All Ages
• Creative Christmas Crafting & DIY Delights
• Feel-Good Acts of Kindness to Spread Holiday Cheer
• Cozy Christmas Bucket List Self-Care & Relaxation Ideas
• Festive Holiday Splurges to Treat Yourself

Classic Christmas Bucket List 

1. Visit an Outdoor Christmas Market

This is one of my favourite Christmas bucket list ideas. Seeing all the beautiful lights and sipping apple cider or hot chocolate while walking around to all the vendors is the perfect way to spend time during the holiday season!

2. Have a Local Christmas Lights Tour

Free holiday activities are always a great idea, and driving around neighbourhoods to see all the Christmas light displays is classic holiday fun. 

3. Go Outdoor Ice Skating

There’s something magical about skating on an outdoor rink in winter, surrounded by the season’s beauty.

4. Read a Holiday Classic 

Embrace the holiday nostalgia with classic books like The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Polar Express.

5. Visit Downtown Holiday Window Displays

Growing up in Toronto, I looked forward to visiting downtown to admire the Christmas window displays at department stores. For us, it was the Hudson’s Bay Company, and we’ve continued the tradition with our girls—it’s always a fun way to celebrate.

6. Attend a Christmas Play 

You don’t need to splurge on a Broadway show (unless you want to)—many churches, community theatres and schools put on holiday plays and musicals.

7. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

While I grew up with an artificial tree—a real Christmas tree brings a unique charm to your home. For a fun twist, channel your inner Clark Griswold and head into the woods to cut down your tree. ☺️

8. Attend Christmas Mass 

For a truly meaningful holiday experience, attend mass or a church service. Listen to the powerful Christmas story about Jesus’ birth and sing timeless classics like Silent Night and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Joy to the World.

9. Visit a Quaint Christmas Town 

Take a road trip to a charming, picturesque town that feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie. Enjoy browsing local shops, savouring festive treats, and taking photos.

10.  Watch a Christmas Movie 

Or have a movie marathon on Christmas Eve or Day! This is a must-do during the festive season. If you need ideas, I included an ultimate Christmas movie checklist with all the best holiday films in the Christmas bucket list bundle.

11. Go to a Christmas Tree Lighting 

Attending a community tree lighting event is a classic and affordable way to celebrate the season.

12. Host a Secret Santa Exchange

Get into the holiday spirit by hosting a Secret Santa exchange (or a fun white elephant gift swap) with friends or coworkers. Set a $10-20 budget to keep it affordable for everyone.

13. Infuse Your Home with Christmas Scents 

Fill your home with holiday scents to create a cozy, festive atmosphere. Light up Christmas-scented candles or diffuse essential oils like cinnamon, peppermint, or pine to bring the season’s magic indoors.

14. Get a New Christmas Ornament

We make it a tradition to pick out a new Hallmark Christmas ornament yearly. It’s a fun way to add to your collection, whether you’re drawn to nostalgic themes from classic Christmas shows or fun movie-inspired designs.

15. Transform Your Home into Winter Wonderland

Go all out and decorate your home with outdoor lights, wreaths, fun inflatables, and other festive decorations so you’ll smile whenever you come home.

More Classic Christmas Bucket List Ideas…🎄

16. Wear Fun Christmas Accessories

Go to a dollar or craft store and pick up Santa hats, Christmas light necklaces, fun socks or candy cane earrings for family and friends. 

17. Organize a Cookie Exchange 

If you love baking cookies, it’s always exciting to participate in a cookie exchange with friends or coworkers and try out some new goodies or traditional favourites.

18. Go Christmas Caroling

Whether you’re part of a church choir, organizing a neighbourhood event, or just enjoying classic carols with family, caroling is heartwarming for all ages.

19. Have a Friends’ Festive Brunch

Treat yourself to a Christmas brunch with friends at a cozy restaurant. Soak up the holiday ambiance and enjoy quality time together. I look forward to this and do it with my old co-workers every year.

20. Visit Nativity Scenes at a Local Church

Visit beautiful nativity displays at local churches or attend a live nativity scene to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

21. Decorate a Gingerbread House 

Pick up a pre-baked gingerbread house kits and make it a challenge for everyone to create their own mini-house, then pick a winner.

22. Visit a Christmas Store 

I’m a fan of visiting those all-year-round Christmas stores, but it’s even more special during the season. If you’re in southern Ontario, one of my favourites is the Just Christmas Store in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a gorgeous and quaint spot to explore in December. 

23. Go on a Hot Chocolate Nature Walk

Take a scenic winter walk while sipping on delicious hot cocoa. Keep your drink warm in a tumbler, and top it off with marshmallows as you enjoy the snowy surroundings.

24. Bake Cookies!

You can’t have a Christmas bucket list without cookies!  Bake and decorate some homemade gingerbread, shortbread or sugar cookies. You can also bag a couple to hand out to your guests as thoughtful handmade party favours. Here are some easy Christmas cookie ideas to try.

25. Make Eggnog

Try making homemade eggnog to enjoy alongside your holiday desserts.

26. Buy a Poinsettia

Add festive cheer to your home with a vibrant red poinsettia to brighten any room.

27. Make Festive Mocktails

Whip up some easy and delicious festive mocktails for your holiday parties. These alcohol-free drinks are perfect for the whole family and add flair to your celebrations.

28. Try a Starbucks Holiday Drink

Head to Starbucks (or your favourite coffee shop) and treat yourself to one of their seasonal Christmas drinks, like a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte.

29. Take a Cookie Decorating Class

Sign up for a cookie-decorating class at a bakery, community center, or with a local home baker.

30. Make a Festive Holiday Playlist

It isn’t Christmas if you’re not listening to cheerful classics and belting out a song or two with friends or family, so make a playlist with all your faves.

31. Create a New Family Tradition

I love this because as much as we love nostalgic traditions, starting a new one is unique and memorable. For example, go out for brunch on Christmas Eve, do an outdoor Christmas scavenger hunt, or make a new dessert with a twist; the skies are the limit!

Fun Family Holiday Activities for All Ages

32. Attend a Santa Claus Parade

No Christmas bucket list is complete without this timeless family tradition! Bundle up and enjoy the festive floats, music, and, of course, Santa himself!

33. Go Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a great winter activity that’s fun for all ages! Choose a spot with hills of different sizes so everyone can join in, and don’t forget to bundle up in warm snow pants.

34. Make Homemade Candy, Peppermint Bark or Truffles

Kids love baking and sweets, so this is a perfect family activity for everyone to get involved in.

35. Play Christmas Bingo 

Bring the family together for game night with a holiday twist! Christmas Bingo or themed board games add extra cheer to the season. Find fun options at toy stores or online—like this Grinch game or this family-fun Rudolph game.

36. Build a Snowman 

Bring out your inner child and join the kids in building a snowman.

37. Wear Matching Christmas PJs

Pick up some holiday pyjamas for everyone to wear throughout the festive season.

38. Take Festive Family Photos

Now, take funny photos in your matching jammies or head outside in the snow for beautiful winter wonderland pics.

39. Visit Santa at the Mall

Another classic family activity: making memories and taking sweet, sometimes hilarious pictures of the kids with Santa.

40. Do a Christmas Karaoke Night

For lots of laughs, do some holiday karaoke at the family get-together.

More Family Holiday Ideas…☃️

41. Enjoy a Sleigh Ride 

Visit a local farm for a festive tractor or sleigh ride and explore other holiday activities they might offer.

42. Ride a Christmas Train

Search your area for Polar Express-style or holiday-themed train rides for a magical night out.

43. Create a Festive Dessert Charcuterie Boards

Who can resist a stunning and delicious charcuterie board at a holiday party? Try swapping the savoury for a dessert board filled with sweet treats, a hot chocolate board or a DIY waffle board—a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike!

44. Elf Yourself Videos

Have you ever tried those hilarious elf-yourself videos with your family’s faces on them? If not, it’s a must-try for some laugh-out-loud fun. You can make a free one here on Elf Yourself, but there are also paid options if you want to go all out.

45. Lighthearted Snowball Fight

Get everyone laughing with a friendly snowball fight! Just set family-friendly ground rules for a fun and safe snow adventure.

46. Taste Fresh Snowflakes 

Channel the magic of A Charlie Brown Christmas by catching snowflakes on your tongue or admiring their intricate beauty on black cardboard paper. Simple, whimsical, and oh-so-festive!

47. Make Snow Angels 

Head outside for the kids to make pretty angels in the snow.

48. Try Elf on the Shelf: Yay or Nay?

Some families love the creative fun of setting up silly Elf on the Shelf scenes for the kids, but it’s okay to skip it if it’s not your style.

49. Festive Puzzle Time

Grab a Christmas-themed puzzle to complete as a family and even create a memorable framed art piece to hang.

 50. Old-Fashioned Tree Decorations

Add a vintage touch to your tree with candy canes or by stringing popcorn garlands for a charming, old-fashioned vibe.

51. Play Christmas Charades

Put a holiday twist on the classic game by acting out festive-themed ideas.

52. Wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters 

Pull out your most outrageous and funny holiday sweaters to wear on Christmas Eve or Day—it’s a great way to keep things lighthearted and get a good laugh.

53. Write a Letter to Santa

Writing a letter and mailing it to Santa is a magical experience for kids and so much fun if you have a local service that responds. My teen daughter still has the first letter she received from Santa. 😊

54. Visit a Local Chocolate Shop 

Treat yourself to festive-shaped chocolates or indulgent truffles from a chocolate shop—perfect for the season and supporting small businesses.

Creative Christmas Crafting & DIY Delights

55. Make a Live-Green Wreath

Instead of buying a Christmas wreath for your front door, make one yourself using a variety of fresh greenery and pine cones.

56. Make Handmade Christmas Cards 

If you’re good at drawing, calligraphy, or computer graphics, make homemade cards to give out. It’s a thoughtful and creative way to show you care. 

57. Make a Snow Globe 

Who doesn’t love snow globes? Take some time to create your treasure for your home or as a gift for someone.

58. DIY Advent Calendar 

Advent calendars are fun, so why not make a unique one to enjoy or gift to someone? If you’re good with woodworking, that’s great, but if not, you can pick up one online, like this gorgeous advent calendar and then add what you want.

59. Support Local Craft Vendors

Head out to community Christmas markets and support the small businesses and artisans during the holiday season. 

60. Create a Magical Christmas Village Scene 

Make a miniature festive village with supplies at craft stores and add a new piece each year.

61. Attend a Holiday Art Workshop 

Take a holiday painting or art workshop to make beautiful creations as decor for your home.

62. Make Handmade Christmas Ornaments 

Make some memories with the kids and create salt dough ornaments or paper snowflakes for the tree.

63. Give Handmade Gifts 

Instead of buying gifts, why not make your own for people this year for something extra special? To make it easier on yourself, stick to a theme or one or two items such as candles, coasters, bath bombs, jewellery or bookmarks, 

64. Knit or Crochet 

Make some mittens, scarves, or hats as handmade gifts or drop them off at a shelter, leading us into the next Christmas bucket list ideas category.

Feel-Good Acts of Kindness to Spread Holiday Cheer

66. Donate to Toy and Food Drives

The holiday season is filled with opportunities to give back. Choose a toy or food drive to support, and involve your kids to teach them the value of helping those in need.

65. Adopt a Family Program 

The holidays can be especially tough for low-income families, single parents, or individuals with special needs. Look into the local “adopt-a-family” program to donate items they need and help make another family’s Christmas special.

67. Volunteer at a Shelter

A little kindness can go a long way in making the holidays feel less lonely.

68. Create Care Packages for the Homeless

Get the whole family involved in assembling practical care packages with items like blankets, winter gear, feminine hygiene products, and hand warmers to help those in need stay warm and safe.

69. Organize a Neighborhood Food Drive

Rally your neighbours or church community to host a food drive during the holidays to collect donations for those in need.

70. Bake Festive Treats for Neighbors

Whip up some goodies and deliver them to your neighbours. It’s a simple way to spread cheer, especially for elderly neighbours who might be lonely.

71. Volunteer at a Food Bank or Soup Kitchen.

This is a classic volunteering opportunity during Christmas, a great way to contribute to your community and have positive and encouraging interactions with the people coming in.

72. Mail out Christmas Cards 

Spread joy with handwritten Christmas cards! Include heartfelt messages for friends, family, or anyone who could use a reminder that someone cares.

73. Surprise Community Workers with Small Gifts

Frontline workers like cashiers, delivery drivers, and mail carriers work hard year-round. Show your appreciation with a small gift to brighten their day.

74. Visit a Nursing Home.

For many elderly residents in nursing homes, the holidays can feel isolating. Contact local facilities to arrange a visit or find out how you can contribute in other ways to bring joy to their season.

Cozy Christmas Bucket List Self-Care & Relaxation Ideas

75. Treat Yourself to a Festive Spa Day 

It’s such a busy time of year with all the errands to run, prep to do, and events to attend, so take time to have a spa day, even if it’s just a couple of hours to relax and refresh yourself.

76. Try Seasonal Journaling 

In December, add a festive twist to your journaling. Keep entries simple to capture moments of joy, or use your journal to process the ups and downs of the season.

77. Create a Christmas Scrapbook 

DIY enthusiasts will love crafting a Christmas scrapbook to preserve this year’s best memories. Get creative with photos, ticket stubs, and holiday mementos.

78. Host a Festive Tea Party for Two

Skip the stress of hosting a big event and invite a close friend for a cozy afternoon tea. Serve scones and cookies from your kitchen or a local bakery for an easy yet charming get-together.

79. Get a Christmas-themed Manicure

Book a salon appointment for a festive manicure or pedicure to add sparkle to your holiday season.

80. Curl Up by the Fireplace

Unwind in the evening by the glow of the fireplace or your Christmas tree. Enjoy a warm, cozy drink or pick up a holiday book for nostalgia—even childhood classics can bring back sweet memories.

81. Christmas Affirmations

If the holidays feel overwhelming or have lost their magic, start each day with a positive Christmas affirmation. Try one like: “Christmas is a special time of year, and I will embrace it without striving for perfection,” or “I give myself permission to rest and enjoy this season.”

82. Read the Christmas Story in the Bible

Reconnect with the season’s true meaning by reading the Christmas story on Christmas Eve or morning. Find it in Luke 2:1-20 or how Christ’s birth was foretold in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6.

83. Try a Thermal Bath at a Nordic Spa

Embrace the beauty of winter by visiting a Nordic spa. For a serene and rejuvenating experience, enjoy an outdoor thermal bath surrounded by snowy landscapes.

84. Make a New Year’s Bucket List 

Plan for the long winter months by creating a New Year’s bucket list. Fill it with activities to look forward to and keep the post-holiday blues at bay.

Festive Christmas Bucket List Splurges to Treat Yourself

85. Visit the famous Santa Clause Village in Finland

For Christmas lovers and winter adventure seekers, a trip to the iconic Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, is a dream come true.

86. Christmas at Disneyland 

Instead of gifts, a trip to Disney World with the kids is a fantastic experience that will create core memories and be something to talk about for years.

87. Travel to a City Known for Christmas Festivities

Travel to a destination famous for its holiday charm and activities! Top picks include London, England; Vienna, Austria; Cologne, Germany; Park City, Utah, USA; or Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

88. Have a New York City Christmas! 

This is one of the ultimate splurge Christmas bucket list ideas: stroll through the city lit up with dazzling holiday lights, skate under the massive tree at Rockefeller Center, visit iconic toy stores, and indulge in festive treats.

89. See The Nutcracker

Make it a glamorous evening by dressing up, renting a limousine, going for dinner and then enjoying the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker.

90. Go Snowboarding or Skiing in the Alps

For winter sports enthusiasts, a trip to the French or Italian Alps during the Christmas season is the ultimate snowy escape and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

91. Enjoy a Luxury City Hotel Stay

Treat yourself to a stay in a fancy city hotel. Spend a night or two indulging in gourmet meals, exploring beautifully lit streets, and soaking up the festive city vibe.

92. Island Hop in Hawai’i

Escape the cold and live the dream by spending the holidays in Hawai’i. Explore the islands, soak up the sun, and make it a tropical Christmas to remember.

93. Visit a Famous Christmas Market in Europe

Explore the magical Christmas markets of Europe, like Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt in Germany, Basel’s festive markets in Switzerland, London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, or Italy’s enchanting Magico Paese di Natale in Govone & Asti.

Make This Holiday Unforgettable: Get Your Christmas Bucket List & Start Today!

With these Christmas bucket list ideas, you’re all set to create a holiday season filled with joy and unforgettable moments. Now more than ever, we need to intentionally fill our lives with positive memories and help create some for those around us. So make this holiday unforgettable, and don’t forget to get the Merry & Bright Christmas Bucket List Bundle before you leave.

Whether you’re crafting, spreading kindness, or simply soaking up the magic, these ideas are here to make the season truly special. Pick your favourites, check them off, and make this Christmas one to remember.