Are you staying home this holiday season but still want to do some festive activities? Keep scrolling for a totally do-able Christmas Bucket List for families that your kids will love!
This Christmas bucket list for families was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Can we talk about Christmas for a second? Not the stressful part where you’re trying to find the perfect gifts or coordinate schedules with three different families. I’m talking about the MAGIC part.
My family is obsessed with Christmas, but probably not in the way you’d think. We’re not big on presents (honestly, we give each other stuff throughout the year when we see something perfect).
What we go crazy for? The twinkling lights, the festive decorations, the special foods, and yes, Santa Claus himself.
So I put together this Christmas bucket list for families who want to soak up all that holiday magic without adding stress to an already busy season. These are activities we actually do and love, not just Pinterest-worthy ideas that sound exhausting.
The Cozy Indoor Stuff
Movie Marathons and Hot Chocolate Bars
Let’s start with the easiest win. Put on your coziest pajamas (we love matching family Christmas pajamas in our house), make some ridiculously indulgent hot chocolate, and settle in for a movie marathon.
My kids are completely obsessed with The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix. Kurt Russell as Santa? It’s perfection. We also rotate through classics like Elf and Home Alone.
Pro tip: set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and festive sprinkles. Let everyone customize their own cup and suddenly you’ve created a whole experience.
Gingerbread House Mayhem
I’m calling it mayhem because that’s what it becomes at our house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Grab a gingerbread house kit from the store (no judgment here) and let everyone decorate their own creation.
We turned it into a friendly competition one year where the winner got to pick the next family activity.
Spoiler: my neighbor did this and her daughter won and made them all go caroling in the neighborhood. It sounded actually really fun, even though my neighbor can’t carry a tune to save her life.
Christmas Baking That Won’t Stress You Out
Look, I’m not saying you need to bake twelve different types of cookies. Pick one or two recipes your family actually likes and make an afternoon of it.
We usually do sugar cookies with fun cookie cutters and let the kids go wild with the decorating. Yes, they use way too much frosting. Yes, the cookies end up looking insane. And yes, Santa definitely appreciates them on Christmas Eve.
DIY Christmas Decorations
This is where the real magic happens for us. Every year we make at least one new ornament as a family. It doesn’t have to be fancy. We’ve done everything from painting wood slices to making handprint ornaments that turn into reindeer.
The best part? Years later, you’ll pull these ornaments out of storage and remember exactly what your kids were like that Christmas. It’s like a little time capsule on your tree.
You can even get mini faux Christmas trees for the kids’ rooms and let them decorate their own. Game changer for siblings who want to do things their own way.
Letters to Santa (The Real Deal)
Sit down together and write letters to Santa. This isn’t just cute… it’s also your secret weapon for figuring out what your kids really want. Sneak a peek at their letters and you might find some gift inspiration you hadn’t thought of.
Check out my post on how to write a letter to Santa for some guidance, and grab these free Christmas printables to make it extra special.
Christmas Countdown Fun
We’re big on countdowns at our house. There’s something about watching those days tick down to Christmas morning that gets everyone (including me) ridiculously excited.
Make your own Christmas countdown or grab an advent calendar. We’ve done both, and honestly, the homemade ones where you can add little activities or treats for each day end up being the most fun.
Transform Your Home Into a Winter Wonderland
Go all out with the decorations. I’m talking lights everywhere, festive pillows, table decor, the works. Get the whole family involved in setting it up.
We make a whole day of it with Christmas music blasting and everyone claiming their decorating territory. My son always takes over the dining room table, and my daughter insists on doing the mantel “her way.” It’s chaos, and it’s perfect.
Paper Crafts for Rainy Days
When the weather is gross and everyone’s getting antsy, break out the construction paper and craft supplies, glue, and glitter (if you’re brave). We’ve made Christmas paper crafts that became gifts for teachers and neighbors.
Some of them turned out adorable. Some of them… well, it’s the thought that counts, right?
Christmas Party Time
Whether it’s an ugly sweater party with friends or just a festive family game night, parties are where memories get made. We did an ugly sweater party last year and I’m still laughing about some of those outfits.
Don’t forget to take a million pictures. You’ll want them later.
Getting Out of the House
Santa Photos (Even for the Whole Family)
This tradition usually applies to just the kids, but here’s my hot take: get a family photo with Santa this year. Head to the mall or check out local events (we’ve done photos with the Grinch too, which was hilarious).
These photos make great Christmas cards, and years from now, you’ll be so glad you have them.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Check what’s happening in your community. Tree lighting ceremonies are such a beautiful way to kick off the season. We love going to local Seattle-area events where everyone gathers together and watches the lights come on for the first time.
Bundle up, bring thermoses of hot chocolate, and soak in that community magic. If you’re in the Seattle area, definitely check out these Seattle Christmas activities for more ideas.
Christmas Markets
These have gotten so popular, and for good reason. Christmas markets are perfect for supporting local artisans and small businesses while also doing some of your holiday shopping.
Plus, the food at these markets? Amazing. The atmosphere? Even better. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie, except real.
Ice Skating Adventures
There’s something about ice skating that just screams Christmas magic. Whether you’re graceful on the ice or spending most of your time clinging to the wall (no judgment), it’s a blast.
Many rinks offer rentals if you don’t have skates. Just dress warmly and maybe bring a cozy blanket for breaks.
Neighborhood Lights Walk
One of our favorite free activities is bundling up and walking around the neighborhood to see everyone’s Christmas lights. We bring hot chocolate in thermoses and rate the displays as we go.
Some neighbors really go all out, and it’s so fun to see what everyone comes up with each year. Check out more winter break activities if you need more ideas to fill your schedule.
Snow Tubing or Sledding
If you live somewhere snowy, get outside and play in it! We love snow tubing. If you don’t have a lot of natural snow, check if there are snow tubing parks nearby.
Grab your sleds or snow tubes and make a day of it. The cold is totally worth it when you hear your kids laughing all the way down the hill.
Caroling Adventures
I mentioned this earlier, but caroling is way more fun than it sounds. Gather some neighbors or just go as a family. Pick your favorite Christmas songs and walk through your community spreading holiday cheer.
Will you sound amazing? Probably not. Will it be memorable? Absolutely.
Christmas Concerts and Shows
Look up what’s happening in your area. From The Nutcracker ballet to church concerts to local theater productions, there’s usually something special happening.
We try to catch at least one live performance each season. There’s something about live music and performances that you just can’t replicate at home.
The Real Talk About Your Christmas Bucket List
Here’s the thing: your Christmas bucket list should work for YOUR family. Not every activity will appeal to everyone, and that’s totally fine.
Some years we’re all about getting out and doing everything. Other years, we’re more low-key and stick to cozy indoor activities. Both are perfect.
The goal isn’t to check off every single item or create the “perfect” Christmas. The goal is to slow down enough to actually enjoy the season with the people you love.
Pick the activities that make your family happy, skip the ones that sound like work, and don’t feel guilty about it. Christmas is supposed to be magical, not stressful.
As a family travel expert, I’ve learned that the best memories often come from the simplest moments. Sometimes it’s the unplanned dance party in your pajamas or the spontaneous decision to drive around looking at lights that your kids will remember forever.
So grab some hot chocolate, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and start making your own bucket list. The magic is in the moments you create together, not in doing everything perfectly.
Looking for more Christmas content? Find out how to DIY your Christmas photos, best Christmas traditions that don’t cost a dime, and get my free Christmas matching game printable!
