Christmas Bucket List Ideas That Your Kids Will Love

Looking for fun Christmas bucket list ideas for kids?

The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your little ones, from baking cookies to building snowmen.

This list is packed with festive activities that will keep kids entertained, excited, and fully immersed in the Christmas spirit.

Whether you’re staying cozy indoors with crafts or venturing out to see sparkling lights, there’s something here for every family.

Start checking off these Christmas activities, and make this December the most magical one yet!

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Indoor Christmas ideas

When the weather outside is frightful, indoor activities can be a delightful way to celebrate the season with your family.

Cozy afternoons spent together create lasting memories and foster a sense of holiday cheer.

Engaging in creative projects and sharing stories by the fire can help make your home feel warm and inviting.

Color in Christmas cards

Every year we use our free printable Christmas cards to color and personalize. It’s a great way to spend a cozy afternoon and get into the holiday spirit, plus it’s a fun keepsake for family and friends.

North Pole breakfast

Kick off the holiday season with a North Pole breakfast. Even if your kids have outgrown the Elf on the Shelf, you can still enjoy festive pancakes, hot cocoa, and holiday treats. It’s a great way to start December with a little magic and fun.

Don’t miss out on our free printable Christmas bucket list for even more festive fun!

Write a Christmas wish list

Writing a Santa wish list is always exciting for kids. It’s also a great opportunity for some writing practice! Encourage them to send a letter to Santa, many postal services will send a reply if you mail it early enough.

Read Christmas books

Gather around and enjoy some of our favorite Christmas read alouds. Whether it’s classics or newer stories, reading together by the tree is a great way to wind down and enjoy some quiet holiday moments.

Christmas movie marathon

Plan a Christmas movie marathon! Grab some popcorn and hot cocoa, and watch all the holiday classics. Favorites like Elf or Home Alone are great options to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Ugly Christmas sweater party

Throw an ugly Christmas sweater party for some festive fun. Kids and adults can join in by donning their most outrageous holiday attire. Add a contest for the silliest sweater and you’ve got a recipe for holiday laughs.

Play Christmas games

Christmas-themed games are a great way to bring the family together. Try holiday classics like Christmas scattergories or Christmas bingo, or another favorite is Christmasopoly.

Create a Christmas Day menu

Get the kids involved by letting them help plan the Christmas Day Menu. From picking out their favorite dishes to designing a holiday-themed menu, it’s a fun way to engage them in the preparations for the big day.

Make paper snowflakes

Making paper snowflakes is a simple, fun craft for kids of all ages. You can hang them up as decorations around the house, and if you need a little help, there are plenty of online tutorials to inspire more intricate designs.

Write and color Christmas thank you cards

After the excitement of opening presents, encourage kids to send Christmas thank you cards. You can print free templates they can color and personalize, making it an easy and thoughtful activity that helps teach gratitude.

Write a Christmas story

Spark some creativity by encouraging kids to write their own Christmas story. Give them a few Christmas writing prompts and let their imaginations run wild. It’s a great way to combine fun with a little learning during the holiday season.

Create a Christmas Eve box

Fill a Christmas Eve box with small treats, cozy pajamas, and activities to enjoy the night before Christmas. It’s a great way to build excitement for the big day and create a memorable new tradition.

If you don’t know what to put in them, check out our Christmas Eve Box ideas for adults and Christmas Eve box filler ideas for kids.

Christmas scavenger hunt

Organize a Christmas scavenger hunt with festive clues hidden around the house. You can also have an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt to add extra holiday magic.

For older kids, a Christmas photo scavenger hunt adds a fun twist.

Christmas word search

Keep things low-key with a Christmas word search. It’s a simple, entertaining activity that can be printed out and enjoyed by kids of all ages, perfect for a quiet afternoon indoors.

Family friendly holiday baking ideas

Baking during the holidays has always been a cherished tradition in our family. It’s not just about the delicious treats; it’s about the laughter, creativity, and time spent together in the kitchen.

These baking activities create lasting memories, filling our home with delightful aromas and the spirit of the season.

Make a gingerbread house

Building a gingerbread house is a classic holiday tradition. For those with dietary concerns, making your own from scratch can be a safer and more creative option. Silicone molds make it easy to create custom pieces, and decorating with candy is always a highlight.

Make snowman soup

Turn regular hot chocolate into “snowman soup” by packaging it with marshmallows and a candy cane stirrer. These make fun little treats or gifts for friends and neighbors, and you can even print out cute snowman soup bag toppers to give them a festive touch.

Make a Christmas cake

Baking a Christmas cake is a rewarding holiday tradition. Whether you’re following a classic recipe or trying something new, start baking in advance to let the flavors mature. The process itself is a fun family activity, and the result is a delicious holiday treat to enjoy.

Bake Christmas cookies

Baking and decorating cookies is a beloved holiday activity. Let the kids go wild with frosting, sprinkles, and holiday shapes, and set aside a few to leave out for Santa. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon in the kitchen, and you’ll end up with delicious treats to enjoy.

Outdoor Christmas bucket list ideas

The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy fresh air and create joyful memories as a family. Embrace the festive spirit by venturing outside, where you can engage in fun and meaningful experiences together.

Whether it’s spreading cheer, enjoying the winter weather, or capturing special moments, outdoor activities can enhance the magic of this time of year. Let’s explore some wonderful ideas to make the most of your holiday outings!

Donate to a Christmas toy drive

Teach kids the spirit of giving by participating in a Christmas toy drive. Pick out toys together and donate them to local organizations, an easy way to spread holiday cheer to children in need.

Go to a sports game

If your family enjoys sports, attending a game during the holiday season can be a fun break from the usual festivities. Whether it’s basketball, football, or hockey, it’s a great way to mix up the holiday routine.

Build a snowman

If you live in a snowy area, building a snowman is a must-do on the holiday list.

Host a secret Santa

Set a budget and host a Secret Santa gift exchange. It’s a fun way to encourage kids to think about others, and everyone gets a little surprise. You can even find online gift guides for easy gift ideas under $10.

Take a photo with Santa

Make sure to capture the holiday magic with a photo of the kids with Santa. Most shopping malls offer photo opportunities, and it’s a classic tradition that makes for great memories year after year.

What’s on your family’s Christmas bucket list this year? Share your favorite traditions in the comments below!

Other bucket list ideas

Looking for more ways to keep the fun going year-round? You don’t have to limit your bucket lists to just Christmas! Here are some of our other favorites:

• Bucket list ideas for teens. Keep your teens engaged with exciting activities designed just for them.
• Summer bucket list free printable. Plan a summer full of adventure with our free printable list of must-do activities.
• Summer bucket list for teenagers. Packed with cool and creative ideas, this list will make their summer unforgettable!

These bucket lists are perfect for keeping the excitement going no matter the season.

Last Updated on 30 November 2024 by Clare Brown