50 Ideas for The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List!

Christmas is right around the corner, which means its time to make up your Christmas bucket list! I always find that I never end up doing everything I want to do around the holidays- things always get pushed back or I feel so overwhelmed with options I end up doing nothing! Plus as I get older I find that I end up skipping over activities that I used to enjoy as a kid… which is no fun! This year I’m writing a list of everything I want to do this holiday season to make the most of it. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own Christmas bucket list, here are some of the activities I’m putting on mine!

1. Decorate the Tree

This is a pretty obvious addition to your Christmas bucket list. Decorating a Christmas tree is a common tradition during the holiday season. And there are so many ways to do it! Get a real tree from a tree farm, or get a fake one that will last you for years. Grab some decorations or make your own, string up some lights, add a Christmas tree topper, and you’re good to go! I always make an event out of putting up my tree with a glass of wine and some Christmas music in the background. Decorate with friends or do it yourself!

2. Put up Christmas Lights

One of the best parts about the holiday season is all the pretty lights that go up everywhere- with daylight savings making it dark so early this time of year, it’s a great way to make your space feel warm and inviting! Whether you’re putting them up inside or outside your house (or both!) this is another great tradition to add your Christmas bucket list!

3. Build a Snowman

Building a snowman really relies on one thing… Snow! Some of my best memories during the winter are of my sister and I putting on our snow pants and winter coats and trekking outside during the first snowfall. Well, the first good snowfall anyways. Where I live in Canada we usually get a good winter storm before Christmas, and as long as its packing snow it’s the perfect opportunity to build a new little friend! Roll 3 snowballs of varying sizes, get some branches for arms and a carrot for a nose, and you’ll have your own Frosty the Snowman in your yard!

4. Go Skating

Skating is definitely a staple here in Canada, but I guess that makes me a bad Canadian because I can’t skate!! However, it’s still my goal to eventually learn and there is always an opportunity to go skating here, so it’s on this year’s list! Bundle up with a cute scarf and mitts, grab your skates and head out to a local rink! Around here there are a lot of public skating rinks, so check out one in your area for a fun Christmas bucket list activity!

5. Bake Christmas Cookies

Baking Christmas cookies is one of my favourite activities to do during the holidays. I don’t usually bake a lot (although I’m trying to get more into it) and Christmas is a perfect excuse to try out some new recipes! Pinterest has a ton of different options, and you can check out some recipes that I’ve saved here. Or, if you’re REALLY not a baker, grab some pre-made Pillsbury cookies, pop them in the oven and you’re good to go!

6. Host a Friendsmas

One of my favourite new traditions is hosting a friendsmas! Friendsmas is simply a Christmas-themed gathering with your friends. It doesn’t have to be big- in fact, it could just be you and one other person! There are a ton of fun activities to do for a friendsmas. Cook a traditional turkey dinner, or make it a potluck where everyone brings something. Try out a cool Christmas cocktail recipe, bake some treats, and decorate your place! I always like to include a Secret Santa or a White Elephant gift exchange to celebrate the season of giving. The most important part of this tradition is to spend time and have fun with the people you love!

If you need some inspiration for what to serve your guests, check out my list of the Best Christmas Appetizers!

7. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon

There are SO many different Christmas movies out there that you could spend the entire month of December watching them and you still wouldn’t fit them all in! My favourites are always Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (the one from 1964) and The Santa Clause, but there are a ton of other popular movies like Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Love Actually to name a few. If you’re looking for a more detailed list, check out this one!

8. Visit a Christmas Market

Visiting a Christmas market is definitely one of the top items on my Christmas bucket list this year! Pretty lights, yummy food and lots of Christmas activities make a market the perfect outing during the holidays! You can check out a local Christmas market near you- I’ll be making my way to Toronto to visit the Distillery District personally, but there are plenty of cities/towns that host their own markets! If you’re able to travel during the holiday season, Europe has a ton of world-famous Christmas markets to explore. The markets in Cologne, Germany and in Salzburg, Austria are on my ultimate Christmas bucket list!

9. Make Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing better than sitting down by your Christmas tree with a warm glass of hot chocolate! Whether you’re having it as an after-dinner dessert or just something to warm you up on a cold winter day, Hot Chocolate is the perfect treat and there are plenty of ways to spice it up. Add some marshmallows, a candy cane, or for the adults some alcohol and sip your cozy drink FINISH THIS I CANT THINK

10. Look at Christmas Lights

If you’re looking for a fun nighttime activity, go look at some Christmas lights! Take a walk or a drive around your local neighbourhoods and admire the twinkly lights- even better if it’s snowing! You can usually find a local park with different light displays, and there have been more and more drive-through displays popping up. Google what is around your city!

11. Build a Gingerbread House

Building and decorating a gingerbread house is a fun activity for any age group! There are a ton of pre-packaged kits you can buy from Walmart or a grocery store, or if you’re feeling adventurous bake the gingerbread yourself! I always like to get extra candies for decorations as well since the kits never seem to have enough. This is a great activity for your Friendsmas party as well!

12. Host a Secret Santa/White Elephant Gift Exchange

If you’re looking for a fun holiday activity to do with your group of friends, try out a Secret Santa or a White Elephant gift exchange! Secret Santa exchanges involve anonymously picking another person’s name and getting them a gift based off of whatever budget your group has set. At the exchange, the receiver needs to guess who their Secret Santa is based off of the gift! As for a White Elephant exchange, each person buys a gift (again, withing the budge you’ve set) that they think will be the most sought-after gift at the exchange. When opening the gifts, the first person will choose a gift that is not their own and open it. When the next person goes, they can either choose a new gift or steal any of the previously opened gifts. To see a full list of rules for a White Elephant exchange check out this site!

13. Make Homemade Christmas Cards

If you’re looking for a way to save some money or just looking for a fun, artsy craft, try making your own Christmas cards! You can use whatever materials you have- regular letter paper, cardstock, pens, stickers, paint, anything you can find! I like to look up inspiration on Pinterest to get some ideas first, but make yours in whatever style and theme you would like!

14. Read Holiday-Themed Books

If you’re into reading like me, you may want to check out some holiday-themed books this Christmas! You could choose one of the classics like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens or How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, or you could go the more contemporary route and choose books like The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox or We Met in December by Rosie Curtis. If you’re looking for a list of holiday-themed books, check this one out!

15. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

Even if you’re not going the real tree route this year, visiting a Christmas tree farm is still a fun activity to add to your Christmas bucket list! Walk among the fir trees and take in the pine smell, and if you’re there to buy you can choose your favourite to take home with you! Some places even let you cut your tree down yourself!

16. Create a Holiday Playlist

As soon as November hits, I start building my yearly Christmas playlist on Spotify. Not sure why I do it yearly since usually it’s the same group of songs, but creating a new playlist just feels so exciting to me. Create your own list of your favourite holiday songs and play them to get you in the Christmas mood!

If you want to see what I’m listening to, check out my 40 Favourite Christmas Songs!

17. Go on a Winter Hike

If you’re sick of being cooped up inside during the colder months, bundle up and head out for a hike! Living in Ontario means there are a ton of good trails just a short drive away. Check out AllTrails to find a good path near you, but make sure you double-check to see if it’s open! Some trails are fully closed during the winter season, while some just warn you that there is no winter maintenance. Either way, make sure you wear some warm clothes and some good hiking boots and watch where you step!

18. Donate to a Toy Drive

Christmas is the season of giving, which makes it the perfect time to give back! My favourite way to do this is to donate to a local toy drive that will help families in need still have a magical Christmas. I would always go and pick out my favourite Barbie from a store like Walmart and donate it to the Salvation Army Angel Tree in our local mall, but there are plenty of other toy drives you could donate too. Check out whats in your area!

19. Make a 2023 Memories Jar

As we’re getting into the last few weeks of the year it’s a great time to not only plan for the new year, but to reflect on what has happened this past year (good or bad!). This is an easy craft to do with your friends and family, or just do it by yourself! Grab a jar with a lid, some paper you can cut up into strips, and a pen, and get writing!

20. Make Mulled Wine or Cider

Mulled wine is created by combining red or white wine, brandy, oranges, cinnamon, and other mulling spices like whole cloves in a pot and simmering until all the flavours combine together. Mulled cider is made the same way, just with apple cider instead of wine. Now, at first the thought of hot wine grossed me out a little. But once you try it it’s actually a nice and cozy treat to have after dinner or on a cold night! Check out this recipe for mulled wine and this one for mulled cider!

21. Open an Advent Calendar

One of my favourite Christmas traditions is to open an advent calendar! These Christmas countdowns come in so many different varieties nowadays. You can grab the classic chocolate calendar, or you can go a bit fancier and get a makeup, coffee or even a wine advent calendar!

22. Wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters

I’ve always thought that ugly Christmas sweaters aren’t actually that ugly… but maybe that’s just my opinion! As the weather starts to get colder it’s the perfect time to bundle up in a cozy, ugly Christmas sweater! You can grab one at a thrift store, or check out the ones Old Navy or Walmart have right now. A must-have on your Christmas bucket list!

23. Stuff a Stocking

Stuffing a stocking can be an easy, cheap present for anyone in your life! There are a ton of different items you can put in your stocking, from candies and chocolate to necessities like razors and socks. You can theme the items you put in the stocking- travel themed for example, or even stuff it with treats and toys for your pets!

24. Go Tobogganing

Another holiday staple for those living in colder climates is tobogganing! After a good snowfall bundle up, grab a sled, find a decent sized hill and slide down as many times as your heart desires! You don’t have to have any kind of fancy sled- grab a Crazy Carpet from Walmart for $5! The perfect activity for kids and grown-ups alike!

25. Drink Eggnog

Okay this Christmas bucket list item is definitely a hit or miss for some people. Personally, I LOVE having eggnog around the holidays! You can drink it cold or warm it up, and have it plain or spice it up with some rum or brandy! Another great holiday treat!

26. Make a Festive Simmer Pot

I just love the smells that come with Christmastime. Cinnamon, pine, orange, peppermint… the list goes on! I’m on a budget this year so I can’t overspend on Bath and Bodyworks candles, and a great (and traditional) alternative is to make a festive simmer pot! They’re also incredibly easy to make. Combine ingredients like cinnamon sticks, oranges, cranberries, cloves and rosemary in a pot with water and simmer over the stove to allow the aromatic smells to waft through your home. You can keep re-using your simmer pot for up to 7 days. Just add more fresh water!

27. Go to a Spa

The holiday season can get pretty hectic between visiting family and heading out to busy shopping malls to buy presents. Why not add a relaxing spa day to your Christmas bucket list? You can go to an actual spa for a nice little getaway if it’s within your budget, or you can dedicate a day for some at-home spa treatments! Grab a face mask, take an aromatic bath, and just relax the holiday stress away!

28. Make Christmas Ornaments

A great way to create memories is by creating your own Christmas ornaments! You can grab supplies from the dollar store- plain bulbs, paint pens, glitter, gems, and any other items you can think of. This would make a great Christmas tradition as well, and you’d have a new decoration every year!

29. Buy Yourself a Present

Since the holiday season is all about giving, why not give back to yourself? If there’s an item you’ve been eyeing for a while and haven’t found an excuse to get it now’s your chance! You’ve reached the end of another year, and that deserves a reward! It could be something small like a new book, or something larger like a bag or clothing item. Either way, treat yo self!

30. Make Holiday Cocktails

I love trying out new cocktail recipes and there are SO many cute and yummy Christmas-themed drinks to try! Check out my board on Pinterest if you want some inspiration for your next cocktail!

31. Go Window Shopping

If you don’t mind the crowds and you’re looking for something festive but free to do, why not go window shopping? The holiday season is known for it’s heightened consumerism, so sometimes its nice to just slow down a bit, look instead of buy, and just enjoy the experience. Plus, it might give you ideas for any presents you need to buy in the near future!

32. Visit a Cute Village

If you’re looking for a fun little day trip, find a cute little village near you to wander around! Even if it’s not a dedicated Christmas village, walking through an older town that’s decorated for Christmas will really get you feeling festive.

33. Wrap Presents

Turn a sometimes overwhelming task into a fun activity for your Christmas bucket list! You have to wrap them anyways so you might as well enjoy it! Turn on some Christmas music (maybe the playlist from above!), pour a glass of wine, and start wrapping. I love a good themed wrapping, so if that’s your vibe take a look on Pinterest for some inspiration before gathering your materials!

34. Have a Snowball Fight

Another fun and nostalgic activity to do in the snow! If you have a decent amount of snow where you live, grab some friends and have a friendly (or competitive) snowball fight!

35. Do a Random Act of Kindness

There are plenty of ways to give back this year, whether it’s volunteering at a shelter or simply buying someone’s coffee. Try to do at least one random act of kindness during the holidays!

36. Attend a Christmas Party

One of my favourite activities on my Christmas bucket list is attending a holiday party! This could be one that your work is throwing, or you could arrange your own with some of your friends! Either way its a good excuse to pick out a cute outfit, have a couple cocktails and spend some time with people in your life.

37. Start a New Tradition

If you don’t have many yearly holiday traditions, why not start one now? There are plenty of cool ideas on this list that could turn into an annual tradition, or you could re-start an old family tradition that you may have forgotten about.

38. Donate Old Winter Clothes

Another easy way to give back while simultaneously organizing your space for the new year is to donate your old winter clothes! There are plenty of people who are in need of warm clothes so if you have any that you no longer wear or are no longer your style, donate them!

39. Take a Picture With Santa

Taking a picture with Santa isn’t just for little kids! Grab some friends and head to your local mall or find an event in your area where Santa is making an appearance and smile for a picture with the old guy!

40. Take a Sleigh Ride

Another fun winter activity to add to your Christmas bucket list is taking a sleigh ride! Once the snow starts falling check out a local company that does sleigh rides in your area. Grab your friends or family, bundle up, bring some hot chocolate and enjoy the scenery!

41. Learn About Christmas Traditions Around the World

Another great way to celebrate Christmas is to learn about traditions from other countries! For example, in Finland families traditionally eat porridge on Christmas morning, and whoever finds an almond in theirs wins! In New Zealand, Christmas is during their summer so a Christmas meal looks more like a cookout around the grill. In Ireland, they leave a tall red candle in a front window overnight as a welcome symbol. Check out this list for some more traditions around the world!

42. Make a Christmas Countdown

The anticipation towards Christmas day is half the fun of the holidays! Make it even more exciting by creating your own Christmas countdown! Make loops out of paper, write it on a chalkboard, or paint on some wooden blocks! There are tons of cheap and easy ways to make a Christmas countdown.

43. Attend a Holiday Parade

Most cities and towns have their own version of a Christmas parade, which makes it a perfect bucket list item! Grab a chair, some coffee and bundle up as you set up shop and watch the parade floats go by. You’ll probably even see Santa! Look up when and where your local Christmas parade is!

44. Make a Yule Log Cake

One of the more traditional and yummy dessert recipes during the holiday season is a Yule log cake! This cake is based on a medieval tradition where people would go out and select a Christmas tree, and then bring it home to put on their fire to keep it burning for the entire day. This Yule log is made out of sponge cake, filled with cream and topped with chocolate ganache. You can find a recipe here!

45. Think of Your New Years Resolutions

While the holidays are a great time to reflect on the past year and all the memories you’ve made, it’s also the perfect time to start planning for the new year ahead. Personally, I like to take the week in between Christmas and New Years Eve to write out all my goals, set up my planner, clean my house and organize my life. Thinking of goals or resolutions that will help you improve yourself and your life is the perfect way to end the year!

46. Get Organized for the New Year

As I just said, getting organized for the new year is one of my favourite after-Christmas activities. This can look different for everybody- maybe for you it’s organizing a cupboard you’ve been avoiding all year. Maybe you need to sort through your closet and plan out some outfits to improve your style in the new year. Maybe you create a Notion page that helps you keep your ideas and appointments in one place. Either way, taking some time before the start of the upcoming year is super important and it’s a must on my Christmas bucket list!

Check out the 10 Things You Should do Before the New Year!

47. Eat a Candy Cane

This one might seem silly, but when was the last time you ACTUALLY opened up one of those many candy canes you get during Christmas? For me, it’s been forever! If you’re a fan of peppermint pop one of these bad boys open and be transported back to your childhood!

48. Track Santa Online on Christmas Eve

One of my absolute favourite traditions when I was a kid was to track Santa’s location on Christmas Eve. My sister and I would bug my dad to check the NORAD Santa Tracker every 5 minutes before it was finally time to get to bed. Even if you’re all grown up, it’s still a cute and fun tradition to try out!

49. Get Christmas Nails

Pamper yourself and get some cute, festive nails done! The perfect activity to do by yourself or with a friend, look up a cute design on Pinterest or Tiktok before you go to the salon, and sit back and relax!

Need some inspiration for your trip to the salon? Take a look at my favourite Christmas Nail Designs!

50. Take a Family Christmas Photo

The best way to remember your Christmas this year is to take a family photo! Now, this photo could be with your actual family, your friends, or even just you and your pet! Whatever your life looks like this holiday season, it’s important to have memories (good or bad! But hopefully good) to look back on in the future. Grab your chosen family, take a quick selfie, and cherish it for the years to come!

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What’s on your Christmas Bucket List this year? Let me know!