40 Holiday Bucket List Ideas for a Festive & Memorable Season

Explore 40 holiday bucket list ideas to make this season extra merry and bright!

Let’s be real, the holiday season starts in November (at the latest)! That being said, now is the perfect time to start creating your bucket list for this season.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes life just creeps up on me and suddenly it’s Christmas! As much as I enjoy this time of year, I find that I don’t end up doing a lot of the things that actually make it feel like Christmastime.

However, with a little planning ahead and intentional brainstorming, you may be able to make this season feel that much more festive and magical.

With that said, I’m sharing 40 holiday bucket list ideas that will put you in the most cozy, merry, festive spirit! If you’re looking for fun and unique things to do this Christmas, look no further.

Whether it’s by yourself, with your partner, or with friends and family, there is truly something for everyone on this list.

40 FESTIVE CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST IDEAS

1. Bake Christmas Cookies/Sweets

A classic holiday activity, but classic for a reason! From gingersnaps and thumbprint cookies to peppermint bark and fudge, there are countless sweets to bake during Christmastime. Spend a day baking all the goodies your heart desires while listening to Christmas music or watching a Christmas movie. Then, feel free to bring your treats to a party, share them with friends and neighbors, or munch on them throughout the season!

Here are some fantastic cookbooks to get you inspired:

Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season by Sarah Kieffer
Out of the Box Holiday Baking: Gingerbread Cupcakes, Peppermint Cheesecake, and More Festive Semi-Homemade Sweets by Hayley Parker
The Cozy Christmas Movie Cookbook: Mouthwatering Food to Enjoy During Your Favorite Holiday Films by Holly Carpenter
Sally’s Cookie Addiction: Irresistible Cookies, Cookie Bars, Shortbread, and More from the Creator of Sally’s Baking Addiction (Volume 3) by Sally McKenney

2. Watercolor/DIY Christmas Cards

Feeling crafty? Make some DIY Christmas cards. Use watercolors for simple designs, find various materials like glitter and construction paper, or illustrate using pens and markers. If you’re planning to send out cards, why not make some yourself? Doings so will add a festive, meaningful touch.

Watercolor cards: Strathmore Watercolor Cards, 5×6.875 inches

Watercolors: Watercolor Paint Set

3. Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

To simplify gift giving, organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. Whether it’s with your friends, family, or co-workers, this is always a fun activity that gets people in the holiday spirit.

4. Do an Advent Calendar

I love advent calendars; counting down the days to Christmas with a fun little treat every day is the perfect way to get in a festive spirit. You can find everything from a chocolate advent calendar to a Lego advent calendar to a beauty advent calendar – there’s something for everyone.

5. Create an Advent Calendar for Someone Else

While buying an advent calendar is a great idea, consider DIY-ing one for someone else! There are tons of creative ways to go about this using anything from cups and tissue paper to mini boxes. Have fun with the contents and theme of your calendar, as well! You can buy candies, little knick knacks, mini body care products, stationary, or just a bunch of gifts, leading up to the big day. You can even simply write a nice note with a picture for each day. This is a super fun holiday bucket list idea you’ll have fun doing, and the recipient is sure to appreciate.

6. Decorate the Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas Tree is one of my favorite Holiday activities. Whether you pick a new theme each year or use family ornaments, be sure to add this to your Christmas bucket list. Look for inspiration on Pinterest, learn some DIY decorating hacks, and play some Christmas music to get in the festive mood. There’s something so magical about putting up the last ornament, switching on the lights, and seeing everything shimmer and sparkle!

7. Make a Homemade Gift

Sometime when I think of homemade gifts, I think of cheesy crafts that people don’t know what to do with. But as an adult, I’ve realized there are so many gifts you can make yourself that people will truly use and appreciate. For the foodies, baked goods, extracts, jams, or baking starter kits are great options. If you’re crafty, you can embroider items, wheel throw a bowl or vase, make a candle, or knit a sweater. Homemade gifts are always a special treat that people love.

8. Host a Holiday Party

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than throwing a party? You can go fancy or go casual, but whatever the case, Christmastime is the best time to get together with friends and family. Bust out your favorite recipes, deck the halls, get your festive dishware out, and celebrate!

9. Make a Christmas Music Playlist

If you don’t start listening to Christmas music by November, then what are you doing? Christmas music truly gets me in the festive spirit – play it in the car, while you’re baking, as you’re decorating the tree, or while you’re wrapping gifts. While the classics should always make it on your playlist, make room for new songs as well; artists always come out with Christmas singles, or even albums. Making (or adding to) a Christmas playlist is a must this season!

10. Embroider Something Christmas-y

How cute would a sweatshirt or tote bag be with Christmas trees, stars, or fun sayings? Get an embroidery kit and make them yourself! Do it as a solo activity or host a girls night. This is a fun, crafty holiday bucket list idea that will leave you with the cutest DIY products.

11. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon

Duh! No matter how predictable or cheesy they are, I love Christmas movies. Binging cozy films and Hallmark movies is my ideal Christmas-y day. Make your favorite snacks, snuggle up by yourself or with your besties, and check this off your holiday bucket list! Chances are you’ll be checking it off multiple times this season…

Some favorites include:

Elf
The Santa Clause Movies
Eloise at Christmastime
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
The Holiday
Fred Claus
Four Christmases

12. Paint Christmas-y Glasses/Dishware

Get together with friends, thrift/buy some affordable glassware, and paint Christmas-y designs! Or, go to a pottery painting place to paint Christmas-y plates and mugs. You can find tons of inspo on Pinterest and TikTok, and you’ll have DIY dishware to use every year. You can even make this an annual tradition and create a collection of beautifully designed Christmas dishware.

13. Do a Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt

Put together a Christmas photo scavenger hunt – or in other words, a photo checklist, of a sort. Throughout the holiday season, get pictures of you and your family/friends doing things like…

Wearing a santa hat
Under the mistletoe
Wearing an ugly Christmas sweater
Opening gifts
Wearing Christmas PJs
With a Christmas tree
Drinking hot chocolate

By Christmas, you’ll have a whole photo album full of holiday activities documented.

14. Go to a Christmas Market/Festival

Be sure to put this on your holiday bucket list – Christmas markets and festivals are one of the most festive events you can partake in during the holiday season! Even if you can’t make it to Europe for a traditional market, look up local ones in your area. Eat all the yummy foods, admire the crafts and lights, and feel all the magic!

15. Have a Holiday-Themed Game Night

There are countless Christmas-themed games out there – from puzzles and board games to party games like Jeopardy and charades, a holiday game night is a super fun and festive gathering idea. Play your Christmas tunes in the back and let the games begin!

Here are some fun finds from Amazon:

16. Decorate Christmas Cookies

Decorating cookies is a must during the holiday season. Make your favorite gingerbread, shortbread, or sugar cookie recipe, find Christmas-y cookie cutters, and get all the icing and sprinkles! You can make intricate designs or simply slap on some frosting and glitter – no harm can be done here. Make sure this holiday bucket list idea gets added to your must-do’s this season!

17. Brainstorm Your Christmas Wishlist

It’s never too early to think up your Christmas wishlist! This season is about love and giving, but let’s be real – you deserve some nice treats, too! Take screenshots of items you come across, create a PowerPoint presentation, or copy links in your notes app.

18. Create Your Gift List/Plan Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is chaotic, and Christmas shopping can often be stressful. Stay ahead of the game and start planning your gift list and shopping. If you have an idea of who you’re buying for, your budget, and your timeline, you’ll feel much more prepared for this gift-giving season.

19. Eat Holiday Foods at Chains/Restaurants

Chains, restaurants, and local eateries always come out with seasonal specials during the holidays. Get out there and try some new foods! Get donuts from Krispy Kreme, drinks from Starbucks, cookies from Crumbl, and pastries from your local bakery. Eat your way through the holidays with this delicious idea.

20. Eat Grocery Store Holiday Foods

seasonal christmas foods — images via Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Target, Walmart

Food brands release all things gingerbread, hot chocolate, peppermint, and eggnog during the holiday season! For all you foodies, add trying these Christmas goodies to your holiday bucket list. Try hot chocolate Oreos, white chocolate peppermint Pretzel Crips, or gingerbread-flavored cereal. Roam the supermarket aisles and pick out all the festive goodies!

21. Make Christmas-y Pizzas

Buy or make dough, get your favorite toppings, and make Christmas-shaped pizzas! Think Christmas trees, snowmen, stars, stockings, and candy canes. Do this with your family, partner, or besties – everyone can make their own personal pizza! Use a fancy home pizza oven if your up for it. This is a super fun, delicious idea you need to add to your holiday bucket list.

22. Watch Disney Channel Christmas Episodes

I’m talking prime Disney Channel era – Hannah Montana, Suite Life, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Good Luck Charlie. If you have Disney+, during the holidays they have specific collections of all the Christmas episodes from Disney Channel shows (how genius)! Take a break from the movie marathon and binge some Christmas episodes! You’ll be feeling nostalgic, warm, and fuzzy as you watch these shows.

23. Do Christmas Karaoke

Go to a Karaoke bar or play lyrics on your own TV – wherever it is, belt out your favorite Christmas tunes. You and your friends can dance, sing, and really get into the holiday spirit! Nothing will make you feel more jolly and festive.

24. Christmas Paint and Sip

For a perfect holiday girls’ night or date night, have a Christmas paint and sip! Get paints, canvases, and inspiration online, and make your favorite Christmas-y drinks and snacks. Play Christmas music, enjoy each other’s company, and let your artistic side shine!

25. Send Out a Christmas Card With Friends

This is such a fun and unique holiday bucket list idea! Get together with your friend group – whether that means your girls, you and your partner’s collective friends, your sports team, your club, or your co-workers – and make a Christmas card! Set up a photoshoot, print them using Canva or Shutterfly, and send them out to friends and family. Family Christmas cards are cool, but how fun would a friends Christmas card be?!

26. Make Peppermint S’mores

Put a Christmas twist on your s’mores and use peppermint chocolate or peppermint marshmallows! These are seriously SO delicious and such an easy snack or dessert.

27. Start a New Holiday Tradition

Holiday traditions, or traditions in general, are the best! They’re something to cherish and to look forward to. Consider adding a new tradition to your holiday routine. Make it simple or extravagant; buy new Christmas PJs, watch a certain movie, make a particular dish, go to a new destination, set out a unique treat for Santa, or make any of these bucket list ideas your new tradition.

28. Paint/Print Wrapping Paper

This is fun, crafty holiday activity that will get you ready for gift-giving. Get some Kraft paper, buy or make stamps (be creative with shapes and materials!), get some paint, and print your wrapping paper!

29. Organize a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail Competition

A snazzy, Christmas-y drink is just what you need this season. From sugar cookie martinis and spiked eggnog to Christmas inspired mimosas and red and green Jell-O shots, there are so many fun flavor profiles and ideas to execute. Make it a competition with friends to see who can concoct the best dancing juice! Check out this post for ideas: 50 Holiday Cocktails To Put Some Extra Cheer In Your Season.

30. Get (Matching) Christmas Pajamas

Get cozy in Christmas pajamas – and bonus points if you match with your partner, friends, or family! There are so many options out there with the most adorable prints, comfiest materials, and cutest styles.

31. Make Christmas-y Ravioli

This is a super unique and fun activity to add to your holiday bucket list. If you like pasta and you like Christmas, what could be better than making Christmas ravioli? Make pasta dough, your favorite filling, and use mini Christmas cookie cutters to make adorable shapes. This is the perfect girls night or date night idea.

32. Pick Out a Real Christmas Tree

The smell of a real Christmas tree can really get you in the holiday spirit! Go to a Christmas tree farm, roam the space, and pick out the perfect tree.

33. Get a Christmas Manicure

Whether you go for a solid color, add some sparkles, or opt for an intricate design, treat yourself to some Christmas nails. Find all the festive inspo on Pinterest! You’ll be feeling extra merry in no time.

34. See the Christmas Lights

Christmas lights are everywhere during the holidays – get out and admire them! Walk around the city, go to a tree lighting, or drive through neighborhoods. People are so creative with their decorations and sparkling lights are one of the best parts of the holiday season.

35. Make a Vision Board for the New Year

Christmastime also means the end of the year and the anticipation of a new year. That being said, make a vision board with all your goals, ambitions, and hopes for the upcoming year. Do it digitally or use magazines, pictures, cutouts, and other crafty supplies to make it aesthetically pleasing. This is the perfect winter bucket list idea to get excited about the future!

36. Make a Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot chocolate is the drink of the season! Find your favorite mix (or make your own!) and get ALL the mix-ins: different types of marshmallows, chocolate chips, cookies, candy canes, and anything else that goes great with hot chocolate.

37. Have a Christmas Shopping Day

You’ll obviously be gift-giving this Christmas, so that means you’ll have to shop! While online shopping is a convenient and popular method these days, spend a day going to a mall. Get in a cute fit, shop for yourself, shop for loved ones, go on a Bath & Body Works date to smell all the sweet scents, and admire the Christmas window displays.

38. Make a Gift Basket

Gift baskets are so fun because they’re essentially a bunch of little gifts all together! Pick a theme – baked goods, self-care, movie night – and gift it to someone! This is a nice change up from a regular gift and it’s like a ready-to-go kit! You can even make a Christmas themed basket with items like a Christmas blanket, holiday scented candle, Christmas socks, stuffed animal, and a Christmas mug.

39. Play in the Snow

If you live in a white-Christmas place, you have to play in the snow! Make snow angels, build a snowman, go ice skating and sledding, or have a snowball fight.

40. Gingerbread House Competition

A classic holiday activity but always a great time… have a gingerbread house competition! There are all kinds of kits out there with various house types and candies, and you can find tons of inspiration online. You can even add your own candies of choice to the mix to make it more extravagant and sweet!

MAY YOUR SEASON BE MERRY & BRIGHT!

The holidays are THE best time of the year. Take advantage of all the wonderful winter activities, jolly festivities, and cozy vibes! This holiday bucket list truly has something for everyone. And don’t forget – do your best to spend time with loved ones, make time for yourself, and reflect on all your blessings.