56 Must-Do Christmas Bucket List Ideas To Make It Merry All The Way
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Can you already feel the festive magic in the air? Or the urge to deck the halls with tons of glitter? If you’re anything like me, you’re already making your Christmas bucket list and checkin’ it twice.
But don’t worry if you’ve been too busy with your reindeer games – that’s where I come in! I’ve got your back with the ultimate collection of 56 Christmas bucket list ideas that are gonna knock your stockings off.
So grab yourself a hot cocoa, put on your thinking-elf cap, and let’s dive into this holly jolly list of fun activities and experiences that’ll make your Christmas season unforgettable. Ho ho ho, let’s go!
Make it 100x magical with these Christmas bucket list ideas!
1. Host a Themed Christmas Movie Night
Invite some friends over and have a cozy night in watching your favorite Christmas classics. Up the fun factor by choosing a specific theme, like “Christmas Comedies” or “Animated Adventures.” I specifically watch most of the hallmark Christmas movies during this season. Don’t forget the hot cocoa and popcorn!
2. Visit a Christmas Market
Embrace the holiday spirit by visiting a magical Christmas market. Wander through beautifully decorated stalls, indulge in festive treats, and discover unique handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your list.
3. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange among friends or family members. Set a budget, draw names, and get creative with your gift ideas! The fun part? Watching everyone guess who their mysterious Santa is when it’s time to unwrap the presents.
4. DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments
Flex your creative muscles by making your own Christmas tree ornaments. You can use materials like glitter, paint, and even recycled items to craft one-of-a-kind decorations. Bonus points if you turn it into an ornament making party!
5. Go on a Festive Lights Tour
Bundle up and head out to explore your neighborhood’s most dazzling Christmas light displays. Amp up the adventure by making a game out of it – challenge your friends to find the most spectacularly lit up house!
6. Go Tobogganing
Grab your sleds or snow tubes and hit those snow-covered hills! A day spent zooming down slopes with friends and family will have you filled with laughter and glee. Don’t forget to take pictures or record videos of your thrilling adventures!
7. Write & Mail Out Letters to Santa
Gather your friends or family and write down those Christmas wishes. Make this a fun event by decorating your letters with stickers, glitter, and holiday-themed stamps! Then, head to the post office and send those letters off to Mr. Claus himself.
8. Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Throw the tackiest holiday party around town! Send out invites asking your guests to don their most dreadful sweaters and grab some goofy prizes for the winners. Snap pics and enjoy the hilarity of the festive fashion faux-pas!
9. Curate Your Favorite Christmas music Playlist
Set the holiday mood by creating a playlist full of holiday classics and new favorites. Share this ultimate soundtrack with friends and family, and enjoy the tunes as you celebrate the season.
10. Go Christmas Tree Shopping
Make an outing out of selecting the perfect, real Christmas tree! Visit a tree farm, grab a hot cocoa, and browse the rows of trees to find the one that speaks to you. Bring that beauty home and let the bonding and decorating begin!
11. Host a Christmas Pot Luck
Share the joy of home-cooked dishes by hosting a holiday potluck. Invite friends, family, or coworkers to bring their signature holiday dishes and enjoy an evening of bonding, feasting, and sharing Christmas memories.
12. Make Mulled Wine & Cider
Warm up with delicious mulled beverages! Gather the ingredients for mulled wine and cider and spend a cozy evening creating these warming holiday classics. Share your creations with your loved ones or invite some friends over for a festive drink night.
13. Ignite a cozy fireplace vibe
Who doesn’t love the crackling sound and warmth of a toasty fireplace? Christmas is the perfect time to gather ’round with your family, ignite a fire, and share laughs and love. So, make this Christmas extra special by cozying up in the living room with your loved ones.
14. Make Santa feel welcome
The jolliest old man deserves a warm welcome, right? Visit your local Santa Claus and as you’re telling him your Christmas wish, get a picture that will become your new traditional Instagram post. Spread the cheer!
15. Epic Family Game Night
Round up the troops and brace for a fun-filled family game night. Pick your favorite board games, whip up some finger foods, and let the friendly competition begin! Trust us, you’ll be talking about this night for years to come.
16. Mistletoe Magic
It’s time to pucker up! Find that special someone or that crush you’ve been eyeing all year and seal your Christmas love with a smooch under the mistletoe.
17. Christmas Date Night
Whether you’re already in a relationship or want to spend the night with that special someone, a Christmas-themed date night is a must this season. Plan a festive dinner, watch your favorite Christmas movie, and top it off with a romantic stroll through a twinkling light display.
18. Get your knit on!
Why not try your hand at knitting this Christmas season? Create warm homemade sweaters, scarves, or even some cute socks as gifts. Everyone will appreciate the thought and effort you’ve put into their personalized knitted gems.
19. DIY Your own Christmas Wreath
Get those creative juices flowing and assemble your very own Christmas wreath! Collect natural materials from a nearby park, buy some Christmas decorations, and start crafting a masterpiece that will put all other wreathes to shame.
20. Drive-in Christmas Movie Marathon
Find a drive-in movie theater showing all your favorite Christmas classics and pack your car with blankets, pillows, and snacks on hand. What better way to spend a chilly night than snuggling up and watching festive films on a big screen?
21. Target’s Holiday Bonanza
You know Target always brings their A-game when it comes to holiday essentials. Explore their holiday section, snag some new decorations, indulge in sweet treats, and amp up your festive game like a true holiday warrior.
22. Taste the magic of Starbucks’ Christmas drink
Head over to Starbucks and order their legendary Christmas drinks. From the Peppermint Mocha to the Gingerbread Latte, take your taste buds on a sleigh ride! Cheers to a festive caffeine boost on a frosty winter day.
23. Build Snowmen and Angels
Embrace your inner child and head outdoors to create snow masterpieces! Get creative with your snowmen and snow angels, adding unique decorations or poses. Snap photos and let the world see your frosty wonders.
24. Snowball Fight Championship
Grab your winter gear and head outdoors for an epic snowball fight championship! Divide into teams and let the snowball throwing madness begin. Make it more exciting by setting make-shift forts and incorporating fun challenges.
25. Drink Eggnog
No Christmas bucket list would be complete without sipping on some creamy, spiced eggnog. Whip up a batch for a cozy night in, or share it with friends and family at your holiday gatherings.
26. Ice Skating Disco Party
Let the good times glide with an Ice Skating Disco Party! Rent out a local ice rink for the evening, put on some groovy tunes, and boogie the night away. Don’t forget to accessorize with colorful scarves, mittens, and funky socks!
27. Winter Wonderland Picnic
Who says picnics are just for summer? Bundle up and enjoy a Winter Wonderland Picnic with your loved ones. Pack hot cocoa bombs, warm blankets, and plenty of finger-licking treats for a delightful frosty escapade.
28. Make Paper Snowflakes
Channel your artsy side by creating delicate paper snowflakes. Hang them around your home or use them to adorn your Christmas tree for an added touch of DIY charm. Share your creations on social media and challenge others to join the fun!
29. Get a Christmas Manicure Done
Treat yourself to some holiday pampering by getting a Christmas-themed manicure. Choose festive colors and designs that’ll make your nails shine all season long. Snap photos of your dazzling digits and inspire others to embrace the festivity!
30. Make an Advent Calendar
Why not kick off your December with a bang? Make your own advent calendar and fill each day with something special! From little treats, notes, or activities, customize your calendar for the most magical countdown to the big day!
31. Christmas Photo Shoot
Let’s capture those memories! Pick your favorite holiday-themed outfits and props, then take the perfect snaps to share with your loved ones. You’ll have those Insta-worthy pics that’ll make your friends go “awww.”
32. Host a Home Spa Day
Embrace the Christmas spirit of relaxation this holiday season. Gather your favorite face masks, massage oils, and nail polishes and have a Christmassy spa day. Chill out and pamper yourself before the holiday madness begins.
33. Attend a Festive Play or Ballet
Upgrade your holiday cheer with some culture. Look out for those seasonal performances like “A Christmas Carol” or “The Nutcracker” and gather all your theater-lover friends for a magical evening jam-packed with festive vibes.
34. Create a Scrapbook of Your Favorite Holiday Memories
Time to get crafty! Collect all your favorite holiday snaps, souvenirs, and trinkets to create a holiday memory scrapbook. Future you will thank you as you look back on all the incredible times shared with friends and family.
35. Have a Hot Cocoa Tasting Party
Calling all choco-holics! Invite your friends over for a hot cocoa tasting party. Create some unique hot chocolate recipes with your go-to flavors and toppings, and vote for the ultimate winter warmer brew!
36. Create Personalized Ornaments as Gifts
DIY your way to a super special holiday! Design and craft personalized ornaments to gift to your nearest and dearest. They’ll love the unique surprise, and your creativity will brighten their tree for years to come.
37. Go on a Christmas Shopping Spree with Friends
Unleash your inner shopaholic! Rally your squad and embark on a festive shopping spree, searching for the perfect gifts (and maybe a little something for yourself, too!). Remember, there’s always strength in numbers when it comes to bargain hunting.
38. Take a Carriage Ride Through Festive Decorations
Get a front-row seat for all the dazzling Christmas lights in your town! Bundle up and hop on a carriage ride to take in the twinkling sights, and don’t forget the hot cocoa to keep you cozy on your festive journey.
39. Make and Decorate Your Own Stockings
Show off your creative side and make this Christmas truly special! Grab some fabric and decorate your very own stockings. Hang them up and wait for Santa to fill them with goodies (no peeking!).
40. Themed Family Pajama Party
Ditch the formal attires for a night and go all-out with a themed family pajama party! Choose the craziest theme your mind can think of and watch everyone laugh and cut loose. Wanna make it more fun? Vote for the best PJs of the evening, and the winner gets a special treat.
41. Bake a Gingerbread House
Bring your architectural dreams to life by constructing (and nibbling on) a gingerbread masterpiece. You can even make it a friendly competition with loved ones to see who can create the most intricate and festive design. It’s so easy, just get the gingerbread house kit and you’re sorted for a fun time!
42. Take a Family Photo with a Twist
Gather your loved ones for a memorable family photo, but with a unique twist! Let your imagination run wild – dress up, use wacky props, or try an unconventional setting for a picture-perfect memory.
43. Plan Your New Year’s Resolutions
Get a head start on the new year by setting your resolutions early. Reflect on the past year, dream big, and make a list of goals for 2023. Make the upcoming year your best one yet!
44. Themed Christmas Tree Decorating
Give your Christmas tree a new twist! Instead of traditional decorations, choose a unique theme and collect ornaments that represent it. Candyland, Disney, or even a “meme” theme – let your imagination run wild! These are some of my absolute favvvv Christmas tree ideas ever!
45. Festive Bake-Off
Unleash your inner Mary Berry and host a festive bake-off! Pick your favorite Christmas treat – gingerbread house, mince pies, or Christmas cake – and challenge your loved ones to create their version. It’s a sweet way to spend quality time together and indulge in tasty treats!
46. Festive Scavenger Hunt
Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt for your friends or family. Hide Christmas-themed items or little gifts around the house, and give everyone clues to find them. You can also make it a photo scavenger hunt, where participants have to take pictures of specific holiday scenes.
47. DIY Christmas Cards
Add a personal touch to your Christmas wishes with DIY Christmas cards! Bring out the arts and crafts supplies and design one-of-a-kind cards for your loved ones. Trust us, these handmade greetings will be cherished forever.
48. Christmas Charades
Up the holiday party game by playing Christmas charades! Split into teams and act out festive movie titles, songs, or characters. It’s a fantastic way to test everyone’s Christmas knowledge and have a barrel of laughs!
49. Christmas Cookies Swap
Host a Christmas Cookies Swap and share the joy of baking with friends and family. Have everyone bring their all-time favorite holiday treats, and trade them with others. You can either bake Christmas cookies together or at your own homes. This way, everyone gets to taste something new and take home a box full of deliciousness.
50. Snowman Building Contest
Do you want to build a snowman? Gather your pals for a Snowman Building Contest! Divide into teams, set a time limit, and watch as the snow piles up into hilarious, original snowmen. Prizes for the most striking creations!
51. Christmas Trivia Night
Put your Christmas knowledge to the test with a Christmas Trivia Night. Research some fun and obscure holiday facts, then host a friendly competition with your loved ones. You may even learn something new while having a blast!
52. Try Christmas Treats from Around the World
Take your taste buds on a journey this Christmas by exploring festive treats from different cultures. Sample the deliciousness of European mulled wine, Italian panettone, or Australian pavlova, and pick your favorites to start new Christmas traditions!
53. International Dish Potluck
Why not celebrate Christmas with a global twist? Host an international dish potluck! Instead of the classic turkey, try dishes from around the world. Mexican, Japanese, Indian – the world’s your oyster. You’ll be amazed at the lip-smacking variety that’ll end up on your dinner table!
54. Christmas Carol Karaoke Night
Unleash your inner Mariah Carey or Michael Buble with an epic Christmas carol karaoke night. Sing along to all the holiday hits and let your festive voice be heard!
55. Donate Toys to a Local Charity
Spread the joy of the season by giving back. Get together with your friends or family and donate toys, books, or clothing to a local charity. Giving to others in need is a heartwarming way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
56. Go Ice Skating
Don your favorite ice skating outfit, grab your friends, and hit the ice! Twirling and gliding on a picturesque outdoor rink is a magical winter experience you won’t want to miss.
Wrapping up – Christmas bucket list ideas
And there you have it, jingle bell rockstars – 56 Christmas bucket list ideas guaranteed to make your festive season brighter than the star on top of your tree!
Now’s the time to start planning and ticking off these holly jolly activities one by one. Grab your friends, family, or that cutie you’ve been dreaming of a winter romance with, and get ready to make this Christmas season a December to remember!
But don’t stop there – share your own holiday bucket list ideas or hilarious holiday mishaps in the comments below – let’s spread the cheer, one epic idea at a time! 💖
Happy holidays, everyone, and may all your Christmas wishes come true!
