Family Christmas Bucket List: 21 Festive Traditions and Activities

Create a list of festive family experiences with this Christmas bucket list—a simple way to start a meaningful new holiday tradition!

The holiday season is the perfect time to build traditions that bring your family closer and make memories that last. Instead of focusing only on gifts, try creating a Christmas bucket list filled with activities you can enjoy together. Below are ideas we’ve used for years—mix and match them to suit your family and make this season memorable.

Over time our list grew so full of favorite activities that we needed a bucket list to keep track. If you’ve never made one, a bucket list is simply a checklist of special things you want to do during the holidays. Use these ideas as a starting point, and add your own family favorites.

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Holiday Bucket List Ideas

1. Wear Christmas Pajamas

Matching pajamas make Christmas Eve and Christmas morning feel extra special. Every year I give my daughters new sets to wear for the holiday—sometimes we even match the whole family. Look for comfy fabrics and fun prints so everyone looks forward to slipping into their festive pajamas.

2. Read Christmas Stories

Collect a few holiday books and add at least one new story to your collection each year. Reading festive tales at bedtime creates a cozy nightly ritual and helps children connect with the season. Make story time part of your countdown to Christmas.

3. Buy Festive Clothes

Holiday gatherings are a great excuse to dress up. Choose a cozy sweater, a classic plaid dress, or even an over-the-top ugly sweater—whatever makes the celebration feel festive. Coordinate outfits for family photos or special events to make the season feel even more polished.

There are lots of holiday fashion options this time of year, from sequins and velvet to classic plaids. Pick pieces you’ll enjoy wearing year after year and consider accessories to complete the look.

4. Watch a Classic Christmas Movie

Plan a movie night with family favorites like Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, or other holiday classics. Make popcorn, snuggle under blankets, and let everyone vote for their favorite film.

5. Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Assemble gingerbread house kits or bake simple cookie houses and decorate with colorful candies and sprinkles. This activity is perfect for early December and doubles as charming holiday décor when finished.

6. Drink Hot Chocolate in Santa Mugs

Create a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and fun toppings. Serve warm cocoa in special mugs to make the moment feel cozy and celebratory.

7. Look at Christmas Lights

Take an evening drive or a walk through neighborhoods with standout holiday displays. Bring hot drinks and wear festive pajamas for a magical outing the kids will talk about all year.

8. Elf on the Shelf

If you enjoy a bit of playful tradition, introduce an elf or another seasonal character to “arrive” on December 1st. Kids will love looking for the elf each morning as the countdown to Christmas progresses.

9. Deck the Halls

Make decorating a family event. Pull out long-loved ornaments alongside a few new pieces this year. Let children help choose where to hang decorations—watching them unwrap treasured ornaments becomes a highlight of the season.

10. Bake Christmas Cookies

Reserve a baking day for cut-out cookies, sugar cookies, and other family favorites. Decorating cookies together is a delightful way to bond and create edible gifts for neighbors and friends.

11. Go Ice Skating

Visit a local rink with friends or family for an energetic afternoon. Ice skating is a classic winter activity that feels festive even for beginners.

12. Build a Snowman

If you have snow, bundle up and build a snowman—or design a whole snow family. If snow is rare where you live, try baking snowman-shaped cookies or plan a trip to a snowy location for the experience.

13. Advent Calendar

Countdown to Christmas with a DIY or store-bought advent calendar. Use small treats, activities, or notes to make each day leading up to the holiday feel special.

14. Display Christmas Cards

Create a display for mailed cards—on a mantel, along a garland, or clipped on a string—so you can enjoy friends’ and family’s photos throughout December.

15. Write Letters to Santa

Help children write thoughtful letters and send them through the appropriate channels so Santa receives them. Encourage kids to include what they are thankful for and what they hope for the season.

16. Add Outdoor Lights

Decorate the exterior of your home with lights and greenery. Outdoor displays brighten the neighborhood and make coming home feel festive for your family.

17. Wrap Christmas Gifts

Make wrapping gifts a shared activity: play music, set out colorful paper and ribbons, and wrap together. You can turn it into a small party and include homemade tags or notes for each recipient.

18. Donate to the Local Food Bank

Collect nonperishables or volunteer at a food pantry to support neighbors in need. Serving others is a meaningful way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

19. Send Christmas Cards

Plan family photos early in the fall so you can send cards soon after Thanksgiving. Receiving and sending cards keeps connections strong and spreads holiday cheer.

20. Donate to a Local Toy Drive

Choose a toy drive or Angel Tree to give a gift to a child who might otherwise go without. Teaching generosity is one of the most valuable holiday lessons.

21. Snuggle Up by the Fire

End a busy day by making a fire, sipping hot chocolate, and reading or watching a movie together. Those quiet, cozy moments are the memories children carry forward.

I hope these suggestions inspire you to build new family traditions and capture the joy of the season. Mix a few ideas from this list with your own favorites, and watch those traditions become cherished memories.

Happy Holidays!

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