Christmas Family Bucket List: 50 Ideas for the Season

A Christmas family bucket list turns vague wishes into things that actually happen. Choose 10 to 15 ideas from the 50 below, put them on the calendar, and let everyone pick a few. A short list you finish beats a long one that fades.

How to Use This List

1. Print or copy the ideas below.
2. Let each person circle their top five.
3. Choose 10 to 15 that most people want.
4. Put each one on the calendar between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Use the Christmas planning checklist to avoid clashes.
5. Check items off together. A big poster on the fridge makes this fun.

Cozy at Home (1 to 10)

1. Pick a night and make hot chocolate with all the toppings. Try orange marmalade hot chocolate.
2. Have a family movie night in pajamas with blankets.
3. Read a holiday book aloud, one chapter per night.
4. Build a fort in the living room and sleep in it.
5. Play a board game by the tree.
6. Light a candle and listen to carols during dinner.
7. Start an advent calendar and open it together.
8. Write a family letter to read next year.
9. Make a time capsule with photos, drawings, and a note from each person.
10. Do a “no screens” evening with only lights, music, and talk.

In the Kitchen (11 to 20)

11. Bake sugar cookies and decorate them.
12. Bake spritz cookies with a cookie press.
13. Host a cookie exchange with friends.
14. Build and decorate a gingerbread house.
15. Make a family recipe passed down from a grandparent.
16. Cook Christmas dinner together, with each person in charge of one dish.
17. Make fudge as gifts for neighbors.
18. Have a brunch for Christmas morning. See our brunch menu and plan.
19. Try one new recipe from Christmas desserts.
20. Make a signature family drink, like a mocktail.

Crafts and Decorating (21 to 30)

21. Decorate the tree together with music on.
22. Make salt dough ornaments.
23. Cut paper snowflakes and tape them to windows.
24. String a popcorn garland.
25. Make handprint ornaments and add the year.
26. Craft a wreath for the door.
27. Make homemade Christmas cards.
28. Collect and paint pine cones.
29. Make a mason jar snow globe.
30. Wrap gifts together with fun paper. Use the wrapping guide.

Out and About (31 to 40)

31. Drive around to see Christmas lights. Take hot chocolate in travel mugs.
32. Visit a Christmas tree farm and cut your own, or pick one from a lot. Our tree guide helps.
33. Go to a local holiday market.
34. Attend a school or church concert.
35. Go ice skating or sledding.
36. Take a winter walk and look for birds and tracks.
37. Go to a live nativity or holiday play.
38. Take a family photo in front of a local landmark with a Santa hat on.
39. Visit a nearby town you have never seen.
40. Ride a holiday train or trolley if one runs nearby.

Giving Back (41 to 45)

41. Donate toys to a toy drive.
42. Bake for neighbors and deliver with a card.
43. Pick a name from a giving tree and shop together.
44. Volunteer at a food bank or shelter.
45. Send cards to someone far away or someone who is alone.

Games and Fun (46 to 50)

46. Play Christmas charades.
47. Run a Christmas scavenger hunt around the house.
48. Hold an ugly sweater contest.
49. Do a white elephant gift swap.
50. Play Christmas bingo while watching a holiday movie.

Tips for Making It Stick

• Do not overschedule. Leave full evenings empty. Rest is part of the season.
• Budget ahead. Tickets and treats add up. The budget hosting guide has ideas.
• Take photos. One photo per activity makes a great year-end album.
• Start a tradition. If a day is a hit, repeat it next year. The traditions guide shows how others do it.
• Rain or snow plan. Have a backup indoor item for each outdoor one.

Quick Checklist

• Everyone picked their top five
• 10 to 15 ideas chosen
• Each idea put on the calendar
• Tickets or reservations booked
• Supplies bought for crafts and baking
• One giving-back item included
• One free item included each week
• A photo plan or album started
• Empty evenings left for rest