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It’s December, and you know what that means—time to wrap up the year with a bang! 🥳 But if you’re like me, you’re probably thinking, “Where did the time go, and what on earth can I do to make this month memorable?”
Whether you’re a holiday enthusiast who revels in every twinkling light or someone who just wants to make it through without losing your sanity, there’s a little December magic for everyone.
Get ready to explore our December bucket list ideas that will make this holiday season one for the books. 🎄✨
Let’s turn those “I should’ve” moments into “I’m so glad I did” memories! Are you with me? Let’s dive in!
1. Build a DIY hot chocolate bar
Gather all your favorite toppings—marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, you name it! Set up a hot chocolate station and invite friends over for a delicious, chocolaty adventure.
2. Decorate your house with handmade snowflakes
Get crafty with some scissors and paper. Decorate your windows and fill your home with magical snowflakes that are uniquely yours!
3. Have a cozy pajama movie marathon
Put on your comfiest PJs, grab a blanket, and binge-watch holiday classics. Popcorn and hot cocoa mandatory!
4. Write handwritten holiday cards
Bring back the charm of snail mail. Pour your heart into handwritten cards and spread the joy to loved ones far and wide.
5. Go ice skating under twinkling lights
Find a local rink decked out in twinkling lights and glide into the holiday spirit. Bonus points for holding hands with someone special!
6. Bake and decorate gingerbread cookies
Turn your kitchen into a cookie wonderland. Get creative with icing and sprinkles—plus, the sweet aroma is to die for!
7. Create a holiday playlist and dance around the house
Blast those festive tunes and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s an instant mood booster!
8. Host a festive potluck with friends
Invite your squad over and have everyone bring their favorite dish. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the season together.
9. Visit a local holiday market or bazaar
Stroll through a festive market and discover unique gifts, tasty treats, and maybe even a hot cider to warm your hands.
10. Have a snowball fight (or indoor one with cotton balls)
If snow’s not an option, grab some cotton balls and have an epic indoor battle. Fun and cleanup-friendly!
11. Volunteer at a local charity or food bank
Give back this season by spending time helping those in need. It’s the best gift you can give.
12. Take a holiday lights drive or walk
Find a neighborhood known for its dazzling displays and go on a lights tour. It’s like stepping into a winter wonderland!
13. Build a gingerbread house and have a decorating contest
Gather your materials and get competitive with friends or family. Who can create the most impressive gingerbread wonder?
14. Try a new holiday cocktail or mocktail recipe
Shake things up! Mix a festive drink that’s perfect for toasting with friends.
15. Make a gratitude jar for the upcoming year
Reflect on what you’re thankful for and jot them down. Fill a jar with these notes to look back on in the coming year.
16. Create DIY ornaments with family or friends
Grab some supplies and craft ornaments that capture this year’s best moments. Hang them with pride!
17. Have a “Christmas Around the World” themed dinner
Explore global holiday cuisines by hosting a dinner with dishes from different cultures. Travel tastes without leaving home!
18. Host an ugly sweater party with a prize for the worst one
Dig out the tackiest sweaters and host a party where cringe is cool. The ugliest sweater wins a prize!
19. Go sledding or tubing down a snowy hill
Hit the slopes with your sled for some winter fun. If snow’s a no-show, try finding an indoor tubing park.
20. Spend an entire day in your coziest blanket fort
Build the ultimate blanket fortress, grab snacks, and settle in for a day of tranquility and Netflix binging.
21. Make holiday-themed bath bombs and treat yourself to a festive soak
Transform bath time into a holiday retreat with homemade bath bombs. Just add candles and relax!
22. Try a random act of kindness every day leading up to Christmas
Spread joy by doing something kind for someone else each day. It’s the true meaning of the season.
23. Have a Christmas cookie exchange with friends
Bake, swap, and taste! Everyone brings some cookies, and you all leave with a tasty variety.
24. Take a family holiday photo in matching PJs
Throw on some matching festive sleepwear and snap a pic. It’s a holiday card classic!
25. Make s’mores by a fireplace or bonfire
Roast marshmallows to gooey perfection and sandwich between chocolate and graham crackers. Yum!
26. Visit a Christmas tree farm and pick out your perfect tree
Stroll through a tree farm and find the one that speaks to you—it’s the start of a beautiful holiday tradition.
27. Read a classic holiday book by candlelight
Cuddle up with a timeless story and lose yourself in the magic of the season.
28. Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange
Draw names, set a budget, and surprise someone with a thoughtful gift.
29. Create a cozy holiday reading nook and binge seasonal books
Turn a corner into a comfy nook and indulge in the tales of the season.
30. Do a 12 Days of Christmas challenge with mini daily activities
Create a countdown with fun and simple festive tasks leading up to Christmas.
31. Host a holiday craft night and make wreaths or garlands
Gather your crafty crew, some materials, and create decorations that sparkle with creativity.
32. Wrap presents in eco-friendly or DIY wrapping paper
Get creative and sustainable with your gift wrap. It’s good for the planet and looks great!
33. Send a care package to someone far away
Pack a box of holiday cheer with treats and surprises for a loved one who can’t be near.
34. Make a holiday time capsule to open next year
Fill it with memories, wishes, and predictions. Seal it up and enjoy a big reveal next year.
35. Have a peppermint hot chocolate taste test
Whip up different peppermint hot chocs and rate them with friends. Find the ultimate festive drink!
36. Try a new winter sport like snowshoeing or skiing
Challenge yourself with a new outdoor activity. It’s a fresh way to enjoy winter’s beauty.
37. Decorate a holiday-themed charcuterie board
Create a visually stunning and delicious board. Perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself!
38. Make snow angels or snowmen in your backyard
If you’ve got snow, bundle up and create some frosty friends. No snow? Try making snowmen crafts instead!
39. Host a holiday karaoke night with your favorite festive tunes
Get the gang together and sing your hearts out to holiday classics. The cheesier, the better!
40. DIY a Christmas advent calendar filled with fun surprises
Design your own countdown calendar with tiny treats or activities to enjoy each day leading up to Christmas.
related articles to the December bucket list
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- 56 Christmas Bucket List Ideas to Make Your Holiday Season Unforgettable!
- 63 Best Friend Bucket List Ideas To Constantly Say ‘Best Day Ever!’
Blanket forts are so fun! I’m a carpet cleaner, and was working in a home the other day where I saw the kids in their big fort in the living room. I hated that they had to take it down for me to work, but it made me want to create my own haha! Thanks for all the ideas, can’t wait for the holidays.