25 Ideas You NEED to Add to Your Christmas Bucket List
Looking for ideas to add to your Christmas bucket list? From watching Christmas movies to volunteering in your community; Grab your hot cocoa, and let’s dive into these 25 Christmas bucket list ideas.
Christmas Bucket List
1. Read the Bible
Jesus is the reason for the season, and one of the best ways to keep Him at the center of your Christmas celebrations is by reading His Word. Taking the time to reflect on the story of His birth not only reminds us why we celebrate but also brings a sense of peace and joy that you just can’t get anywhere else.
Below are some great books to read within the Bible that highlight the gospel and the story of Jesus.
- John (Click HERE to read)
- Matthew (Click HERE to read)
- Luke (Click HERE to read)
- Mark (Click HERE to read)
2. Make a Holiday Playlist
I don’t know about you, but Christmas music is one of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season. Honestly, I’m usually blasting my favorite holiday songs by November 1st!
So, one super fun and totally free thing to add to your Christmas bucket list is creating your own Christmas playlist. You can go all out and make one epic playlist. Or get creative and make different playlists depending on your mood and the vibes you’re going for. Think “Slow Christmas Jams”, “Sing Along Christmas Hits”, or even “New Christmas Songs”.
3. Decorate for the Holidays
From swapping out regular bed sheets for festive ones to adding Christmas themed decor around your space, decorating can instantly make your space more festive and make the holidays feel official.
4. Decorate your Christmas Tree
Even though I already mentioned decorating for Christmas, the tree definitely deserves its own spotlight. It’s a whole activity on its own! There’s just something special about putting on Christmas music and decorating your tree with your favorite ornaments. And if you don’t have space for a big one, no worries! You can find super cute mini Christmas trees at places like Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
5. Light a Christmas Candle
A great way that I love to bring seasonal scents into my space is with candles. And if you’re looking for an alternative to candles, wall plug-ins and room sprays are also great options to make your space smell just as festive.
Christmas Bucket List Ideas
6. Countdown to Christmas with Holiday Movies
Create a movie watchlist and watch some holiday movies as you countdown Christmas. There are so many iconic holiday movies that still hit year after year and are just as good every time you watch them. Some of my favorites that I always have on repeat are:
- Home Alone
- The Santa Clause
- A Christmas Carol
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
- Christmas with the Kranks
7. Host or Attend a Christmas Party
During the holiday season, there’s such a big focus on togetherness and community. So lean into that and attend or even host a Christmas party. Whether it’s a small get together or a really fancy celebration, you can go as casual or as elaborate as you’d like. And if you’re looking for some creative and out-of-the-box Christmas party themes, check out the article linked below.
CHECK OUT: 25 Trending Christmas Party Themes To Recreate In 2025
8. Change Your Phone Wallpaper
Switch things up by changing your phone and device wallpapers to something Christmas themed. It’s such a simple way to add a little holiday cheer to your everyday routine. You can design your own festive wallpaper on Canva or find tons of cute (and free!) Christmas backgrounds online.
9. Bake Christmas Cookies
From sugar cookies to gingerbread cookies, baking is such a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. You might be surprised to find that you already have most of the ingredients you need right in your pantry! And if you want to keep it super simple, grab some refrigerated cookie dough, like the Pillsbury ones. Lay them on a tray, and pop them right into the oven for an easy (and delicious) treat.
10. Start a Gratitude Journal
Don’t let the gratitude theme end with Thanksgiving! Start or continue a gratitude journal to write down a few things you’re thankful for each day. It could be something simple like being grateful for your cozy bed; the ability to celebrate Christmas; or even having the chance to buy gifts and show love to others through giving.
Christmas Bucket List 2025
11. Wear a Cute set of Christmas Pajamas
Y’all, there’s just something about wearing cute pajamas that makes me romanticize life a little more. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good oversized t-shirt. And within the same breath, there’s something so comfy also about slipping into a matching PJ set.
You can grab a pair of Christmas themed pajamas. Or if you want something you can wear year round, go for a simple pattern or a red or green set without the Christmas prints.
12. Decorate a Gingerbread House
Whether you’re taking your time and casually decorating or turning it into a full-on gingerbread house decorating contest, this activity is such a holiday classic.
13. Take Holiday Pictures
Whether you’re posing by the Christmas tree, out in the snow, or creating your own festive backdrop, taking Christmas pictures is such a fun way to remember the season. And while booking a photographer is always an option, it can be way easier (and free $.99!) to just grab your phone and ask a friend to snap a few cute shots of you.
14. Go Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and go ice skating! I know this is a favorite winter activity for so many people, so of course, it had to make the list.
15. Make a Christmas Gift Wishlist
Create a Christmas gift wishlist and share it with your friends and family when they ask what you’d like this year. Be sure to include items from a variety of price points so everyone has plenty of options to choose from.
25 Days of Christmas Bucket List
16. Wear Fuzzy Socks
Slip on a pair of fuzzy socks and keep your toes nice and toasty all season long.
17. Drive Around and See Christmas Lights
Take a drive around your neighborhood or nearby areas and enjoy all the Christmas lights.
18. Drink Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is one of the signature drinks of the winter season. And if you’re looking to try some but don’t tolerate dairy; you can use lactose free milk or even almond or oat milk to make your hot chocolate.
19. Do Random Acts of Kindness
From paying for someone’s lunch to calling a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while, take some time to do random acts of kindness.
20. Go Christmas Shopping
From picking out clothes to finding gifts and even grabbing festive home décor, go Christmas shopping and soak up all the holiday vibes.
Christmas Season Bucket List
21. Eat Candy Canes
Similar to how candy corn is the poster child for fall, candy canes are the iconic treat of Christmas.
22. Wrap Gifts
Grab some cute gift wrapping paper, bags, and ribbons, and have fun wrapping your Christmas presents.
23. Send Greeting Cards to Loved Ones
Write some personalized notes in your Christmas cards and gift them to your loved ones.
CHECK OUT: 15 Best Friendsmas Ideas Your Friends Will Be Obsessed With
24. Donate Toys or Volunteer in Your Community
During the Christmas season, many organizations are looking for individuals to help raise funds or collect toy donations for children in need. Find a local group to support and donate what you can.
Or even better, volunteer in your community! Whether it’s at your church, a local food bank, or another organization, giving back is a meaningful way to spread holiday cheer.
25. Make Cinnamon Rolls
They’re warm, fluffy, and oh-so indulgent! You can make some cinnamon rolls anytime during the month of December or for a really delicious Christmas morning breakfast. There’s just something about a soft, sweet cinnamon roll that hits differently. Especially during the holidays when all the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg are in the air.
