a gallery of 110 Christmas bucket list ideas
Holidays

110 Christmas Bucket List Ideas for Ultimate Holiday Fun

Here is a list of festive bucket list ideas to make the most of the holiday season this Christmas! Get in to the holiday spirit by planning the most wonderful time of the year, whether you want to fly away to the snowy North Pole, or are feeling a quieter vibe with ice skating and hot cocoa, this ultimate bucket list will have everything you want for this Christmas season.

01. Make a Homemade Advent Calendar

homemade advent calendar

Choose 24 little gifts to build the excitement for the big day in a custom made advent calendar!

02. Bake Your Own Gingerbread House

gingerbread house for christmas

Test your baking skills and make your own gingerbread house, fit with your own decorative design!

03. Early Christmas Shopping

christmas shopping

Get in early with late November/early December Christmas shopping so the task doesn’t loom large closer to the big day!

04. Donate Presents in Your Local Area

donate christmas presents

Some local large stores will advertise different ways to donate gifts to those in need this festive season, so keep your eye out!

05. Visit The North Pole 

sleigh ride in the north pole

For those who want to tick of the ultimate holiday bucket list activity, book a trip to Lapland to meet the real life Santa Claus.

06. Make Your Own Christmas Cards

christmas card making

Paint, draw or craft your own festive card design for a unique message to your loved ones this year!

07. Plan to Visit Your Local Christmas Market

christmas market stalls

Support the local businesses by planning a trip up the local Christmas market, and find some unique gifts, festive foods and absorb the festive spirit!

08. Shop for New Christmas Lights

christmas lights on a tree

Keep your collection going with a new addition to make your home look even more spectacular this Christmas season!

09. Ice Skating at The National History Museum

natural history museum ice skating at christmas

This famous London spot for Ice Skating is a must for your ultimate holiday season bucket list.

10. Build a Snowman

build a snowman

If you are lucky enough to have a white Christmas, make sure to get out and build your own original snowman!

11. Settle Down for a Christmas Movie Marathon

christmas movie night

Get the projector out, make the hot cocoa and settle down to watch your favourite Christmas movies.

12. Try Christmas Carolling 

christmas carolling

To get truly in to the holiday spirit, join a group for some Christmas carolling and spread the cheer.

13. Bake Your Own Mince Pies

mince pies

This ultimate festive treat is an easy one to bake at home and a great way to get in to the holiday spirit.

14. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

christmas tree farm

Choose the perfect Christmas tree for your home and get some stunning festive photos by visiting your nearest tree farm.

15. Shop for New Christmas Pyjamas

christmas pyjamas

Treat yourself this holiday season to some lovely new Christmas pyjamas and enjoy being cosy.

16. Host an Ugly Christmas Jumper Party

ugly christmas jumper

For a light-hearted and fun Christmas celebration, plan an ugly Christmas sweater theme for your loved ones and create some moments to remember.

17. Donate to the Local Food Bank

donate to the food bank

One of the best ways to give back is to buy a little extra when doing your Christmas shopping and leave it in the donation bins at your local supermarket.

18. Plan a Family Secret Santa

secret santa

Take the pressure off of gift giving and organise an anonymous Secret Santa in order to keep things fair and affordable for all this Christmas season.

19. Attend Your Local Christmas Lights Switch On!

christmas lights switch on

Support your local area by watching the Christmas lights turn on for the holiday season.

20. Create Your Own Christmas Wreath

christmas wreath

A fun way to Christmas craft is by making your own festive wreath to hang proudly on your front door.

21. Visit Chatsworth House at Christmas

chatsworth house

This stunning, historic location hosts a beautiful Christmas event, with market stalls, stunning scenery and beautifully decorated manor house interiors perfect for the season.

22. Hunt for Unique Christmas Ornaments at Local Businesses

unique christmas ornaments

The perfect way to build a collection of Christmas décor is to hunt around local businesses for those special ornaments.

23. Make Your Own Mulled Wine 

mulled wine

The festive beverage of the season deserves to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

24. Quality Time With Elderly Family 

quality time with family

Christmas means the most to the eldest in the family, so keep up with family tradition by spending quality time with them to celebrate this beautiful time of year.

25. Organise a Family Board Game Night

board game night

Invite your family members and friends round for a competitive game night with an array of festive treats to enjoy.

26. Book a Christmas Tasting Menu

christmas dinner table

A perfect Christmas date night at a restaurant may involve trying out some new festive foods and enjoying the holiday atmosphere.

27. Think of Elf-on-the-Shelf Antics

elf on the shelf

Help out loved ones with ideas on what to do for their daily elf on the shelf antics during December!

28. Create a Christmas Simmer Pot

festive simmer pot

Enjoy a slow evening at home and create a festive scent simmer pot to spread those delicious Christmas scents around your space.

29. The Perfect Festive Date Night 

festive date night

You know your partner best, so plan their ideal festive date night and celebrate with many festive activities that you know they will love!

30. Volunteer at The Homeless Shelter 

volunteer at homeless shelter

Give back to the world by helping out at local shelters with whatever their needs may be during the holiday season.

31. Uniquely Decorate Your Tree 

decorate your christmas tree

Look up special décor ideas this Christmas on Pinterest and make something unique out of this year’s Christmas tree.

32. Attend a Christmas Music Concert

piano at christmas

Find local gigs that celebrate the holiday season with Christmas music for you and your loved ones.

33. Make Homemade Christmas Decorations

homemade christmas decorations

Organise a cosy craft night and make affordable decorations to elevate your space this festive season.

34. Track Santa’s Journey on Christmas Eve

track santas sleigh

Build the excitement by tracking Santa’s journey around the world this Christmas eve. 

35. Compile a Christmas Playlist

woman dancing to christmas songs

Find the favourite Christmas songs for the whole family and create the perfect playlist for the big day.

36. Hide Mistletoe Over a Door

mistletoe

This traditional Christmas décor piece is a staple for a festive party.

37. Cosy Up By the Fire at the Pub

Winter walks that end up at a cosy, warm pub are a must during the Christmas season.

38. Host a Hot Chocolate Tasting

hot chocolate

Buy different flavours of hot chocolate and host a tasting evening with your loved ones.

39. Make Stockings For Your Family

stockings over the fire

For those who love little gifts to open on Christmas morning, having personalised stockings above the fire is a beautiful tradition.

40. Visit Winter Wonderland in London

winter wonderland in London

A December trip to London is a must in the holiday season, where you can explore the largest Christmas market in England at Winter Wonderland.

41. Plan an Adrenaline Activity 

abseiling down a snowy mountain

For anyone who loves the outdoors planning a fun adrenaline day out might be the perfect Christmas gift.

42. Find Santa’s Grotto

santa's grotto

A cosy visit to Santa to personally deliver your letter is a must.

43. Make a Homemade Chocolate Selection Box

homemade chocolates

Homemade gifts are the most personal to give to your loved ones.

44. Buy Tickets for the Local Pantomime

musical theatre show at christmas

Enjoy a night on the town and take in a Christmas show to build your holiday spirit.

45. Plan and Host the Christmas Day Games!

christmas day games

Liven up the big day by planning fun holiday activities that can involve the whole family and encourage friendly competition.

46. Bake Christmas Cookies For Your Neighbour

christmas cookies

Christmas time is the time of giving so give back to your neighbour with a heartfelt gift.

47. Make Your Own Yule Log

Christmas yule log

Bake yourself a challenge by making your own Christmas day centrepiece.

48. Take a Winter Walk

a family on a winter walk

Wrap up in a coat and scarf and take a walk through the winter woodlands to get some fresh air.

49. Visit a National Trust Manor House

national trust manor house

The National Trust have so many beautiful locations that dress up their estates for Christmas and make a fantastic day out during the holiday season.

50. Go to a Local Candlelight Orchestral Concert

candlelight concert

The Candlelight Company host country-wide concerts that play Christmas carols, movie theme tunes or a selection from your favourite artist, making it the perfect gift.

51. Decorate a Loved One’s Home as a Surprise!

mug in a christmas home

Surprise someone you love by decorating their home as a random act of kindness.

52. Explore a Pretty Christmas Village

christmas village

Take a day trip to a cosy English village and explore some local Christmas shopping.

53. Christmas Wine Tasting

wine tasting

Take a loved one out for a selection of festive wines and make a special evening of it.

54. Make Your Own Dried Oranges

dried oranges

For a unique Christmas decoration try baking some oranges and making your very own festive garland.

55. Go to Hotel Chocolat for an Amazing Festive Drink

hot chocolate festive drink

A luxury hot chocolate experience can be found at Hotel Chocolat, where you can find different types of chocolate and even flavoured cream toppings.

56. Make a Christmas Eve Box for Your Best Friend

christmas eve box

A random acts of kindness like this could make a loved one feel special at Christmas time.

57. Search For the Perfect Christmas Candle

christmas candle

Try out all the festive scents like cinnamon, candy cane and berries.

58. Spend Time on Special Gift Wrapping Ideas

gift wrapping christmas presents

For an aesthetic vibe under the tree, buy the most luxurious gift wrap and take your time to make your presents look extra festive.

59. Host a Christmas Cocktail Night!

christmas cocktail night

Plan a cosy night with your dearest friends and customise some Christmas cocktails.

60. Organise a Christmas Family Portrait

christmas family portrait

Remember this special time of year by taking a festive family portrait.

61. Write a Letter to Santa

letter to santa

Write your Christmas wish list for yourself and hint to loved ones what you hope to receive from Santa this year.

62. Test the Festive Starbucks Menu!

christmas starbucks

The best time of year to visit Starbucks and try their beautiful Christmas drink flavours is in December.

63. Create Homemade Christmas Gifts

homemade christmas gifts

For an affordable Christmas gift idea try looking up some homemade presents and make it extra personal.

64. Santa Hat Themed Pub Night

santa hats at the pub

A themed Christmas night out idea is to all wear Santa hats on a festive pub crawl.

65. Start a New Family Tradition

christmas family tradition

Think of a new tradition to do every Christmas with your loved ones, such as baking, crafting or festive games! 

66. Visit Your Local Farm Shop

christmas market stall

Farm shops always have the best decor at Christmas time, as well as lots of fresh produce.

67. Fly to a Real German Market

german market stall

For a European break try a mini break to an authentic German market for some delicious Christmas food and drink.

68. Book a Christmas Meal With Friends

Plan a cosy get together with your friends and celebrate the season in style.

69. Relax in a festive Bubble Bath

Don’t let the busy season tire you out, de-stress in a hot bubble bath with some Christmas themed treats.

70. Buy a New Christmas Party Dress

christmas party dress

For a festive party buy yourself a treat and wear a new, glitzy dress to an event.

71. Start Your New Years Resolutions

new year goals

It’s never too early to set personal goals for the upcoming year.

72. Contribute to the Christmas Dinner

christmas dinner

Try out your cooking skills and bring a new dish to the Christmas table.

73. Plan a Family Surprise 

christmas table with all the family

There is no better way to celebrate Christmas day then to surprise your family with a special gift.

74. Collect Pine Cones to Decorate

pine cones

Go outdoors and collect up all the pinecones you can find to bring home and paint for some natural Christmas decoration.

75. Go Shopping for Stocking Stuffers

small christmas present pile

Stock up on presents to fill your Christmas stockings by venturing to the dollar store.

76. Relax with a Christmas Puzzle 

puzzle

The perfect cosy night involves Christmas films, hot cocoa and a festive puzzle to relax your spirit.

77. Cosy up Your Living Room

cosy christmas living room with stockings and a fire

Decorate with warm lights, Christmas garlands and cosy blankets to make your space intimate.

78. Have a Christmas ‘No Technology’ Day

christmas socks by the fire

Put the phones away and dedicate yourself to Christmas games, films and quality time with your loved ones.

79. Book a Luxury Christmas Spa Day

luxury christmas spa day

Why not treat yourself to a luxury spa break during the busy season so you can slow down and enjoy the festive vibes.

80. Take Christmas Cookies to Work

christmas cookies to work

Get in to the Christmas spirit and take a treat selection in to work to share the joy.

81. Prioritize a Christmas Self-Care Night In

self care spa night

Keep out of the busy party season and treat yourself to a night in to look after your mind, body and spirit.

82. Visit The Lake District in December

the lake district fireworks

The most popular district for weekend breaks deserves a visit in the beautiful month of Christmas.

83. Hang Candy Canes all Round The House

christmas candy canes

Create an indoor scavenger hunt and hide candy canes all over your house to enjoy throughout the festive month.

84. Host a Christmas Eve Party

christmas eve party

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by hosting a casual Christmas eve party at home.

85. Organise a Christmas Scavenger Hunt 

christmas scavenger hunt

Make for an active Christmas day and organise a fun scavenger hunt for all the family.

86. Take a Christmas Train Ride

christmas train ride through snow

Take a scenic train journey to enjoy the winter countryside.

87. Plan a Christmas Pancake Breakfast for Your House

pancakes for christmas breakfast

Make a festive breakfast for the Christmas period and cook pancakes for the household.

88. Go Sledging

kids sledging in the snow

Make the most of the snow and go sledging down your local hills.

89. Host a Festive Bonfire

bonfire with marshmallows

Toast marshmallows on your very own garden bonfire on a cold night.

90. Dance to Your Favourite Christmas Songs

christmas decor on the piano

Blast your festive playlist and dance away in your kitchen.

91. Collect Christmas Crockery

christmas crockery

Collect a new item every holiday season to build up a collection to be proud of.

92. Try Out Knitting Something Cosy

cosy knitting at christmas

Knit a new scarf or hat as a personalised Christmas gift.

93. Host a Girl’s Night In

girls night in drinks

Festive nights in are perfect for getting the girls round in their Christmas pyjamas and having a pamper session.

94. Find a New Favourite Recipe For Your Down Time

baking christmas cookies

Find some fun ideas for Christmas cooking and perfect a new recipe to show off to guests.

95. A Daily Cup of Hot Chocolate

daily cup of hot chocolate

December is definitely treat yourself season so enjoy a creamy hot chocolate on a daily basis to get in to the Christmas spirit.

96. Go Thrifting for Christmas Decorations 

christmas thrifting

Check out your local charity shops for vintage Christmas decorations and jumpers.

97. Binge all The Christmas Classics

family watching christmas films

Have a movie marathon and watch all the old Christmas classic films while cosying up on the couch.

98. Give an Anonymous Gift

christmas presents

A random of act of kindness gives you good Christmas karma.

99. Start Your Christmas Jumper Collection

christmas jumper

Every year you need to add a festive jumper to create the ultimate collection.

100. Plan a Trip to New York for Next Year!

christmas in new york

For the ultimate Christmas holiday get planning a trip to the big apple and enjoy the elaborate festivities.

101. Cut Out Paper Snowflakes For Your Living Room

A cute homemade decoration for a lower budget idea.

102. Buy New Christmas Bedding

christmas bedding

Wake up every day in Christmas bedsheets to get extra cosy.

103. Have a Harry Potter Marathon

harry potter films in bed

A classic English movie series is perfect for the festive period.

104. Replicate an Old Family Photo

old family photos

Dig out the old family photos and re-create an old Christmas memory.

105. Host a Decorate Your Gingerbread House Competition

gingerbread house

Invite your loved ones round and have a friendly decorating competition.

106. Find a New Christmas Mug

christmas mug

Start your Christmas collection and find a new mug every year.

107. Design a Beautiful Christmas Table

christmas table

Create your perfect Christmas table scape for your guests.

108. Play a Game of Charades

family playing charades

A Christmas day favourite game that involves the whole family

109. Buy New Christmas Products from Lush!

lush christmas products

Lush have the most elaborate Christmas produce for you to choose for your pamper sessions.

110. Pop Open Plenty of Bucks Fizz 

bucks fizz at christmas

Don’t wait for Christmas day to enjoy this delicious festive beverage.