Meet your new holiday helper: a printable Christmas Bucket List. The season often seems to rush by, and it’s easy to miss the traditions you planned to enjoy. This Christmas bucket list template helps you capture your holiday goals so you can savor every tradition and memory.
This free printable is ready to download and customize for your family. Below are some favorite ideas we’ll be adding to our list this year to spark inspiration for your own traditions.
How To Print Your Christmas Bucket List
Printing this list is an easy way to organize your holiday plans and keep a tangible reminder for years to come—perfect for a scrapbook or fridge display. Be sure to add the year so you remember when you completed each item.
The design was created by Dayanita Ramesh. Click the button below to print your Christmas bucket list.
Click the button below to download and print your Christmas bucket list!
The PDF prints on standard 8.5×11″ paper. For extra durability, print on card stock and display it on your fridge or a bulletin board for checking items off as you go.
Use one candy cane line per activity—write a holiday task on each line and enjoy checking them off together.
Christmas Bucket List Ideas
Below are family-tested ideas to jumpstart your list. Mix simple, quick wins with a few special activities that create memorable moments.
Wear Matching Christmas Pajamas
Matching pajamas are a cozy, picture-ready tradition. Coordinated sets bring the family together and make for adorable photos—definitely a yearly must.
Get Your Picture Taken with Santa
A visit with Santa is exciting for kids and becomes a timeless keepsake. Try to capture a full-family photo for your holiday album.
Make an Advent Calendar
A homemade advent calendar builds daily excitement. Customize it with small treats, activities, or notes to fit your family’s favorite traditions.
Go on a Holiday Lights Drive
Bundle up, pour hot chocolate into travel mugs, and drive around town to admire festive light displays. It’s an easy, magical outing for the whole family.
Make Cookies or Candy From a Family Recipe
Baking a beloved family recipe turns treats into tradition. Invite kids to help and make new memories while preserving flavors you love.
Watch the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
For those near New York City, the Rockefeller Center tree lighting is an iconic, magical experience worth adding to your list.
Make an Heirloom Tree Topper
Craft a tree topper that becomes a family heirloom. Handmade toppers carry the stories of the year and become treasured keepsakes.
Go to a Christmas Tree Farm
Choosing a fresh tree from a farm fills the house with that unmistakable evergreen scent and turns tree shopping into a festive outing.
Enjoy an Elf on the Shelf Tradition
Elf on the Shelf adds daily surprise and silliness for little ones. Keep a simple cheatsheet of ideas to make mornings easy and fun.
Send Out Ornament Grams
Sending handmade ornaments is a thoughtful way to reach friends and family. It’s a meaningful, hands-on activity kids can help create.
Make a Popcorn Garland for the Christmas Tree
A popcorn garland adds classic charm to your tree and is a fun, simple craft to do with children.
Put Together a Thank You Basket for Delivery Drivers and Postal Workers
Show appreciation for delivery and postal workers with a small thank-you basket—cookies, treats, or hot drinks are thoughtful gestures during the busy season.
Make Snack Plates for Each Reindeer
Encourage imagination by preparing snack plates for Santa’s reindeer. It’s an enchanting little tradition that delights young children.
Bake Cookies for Santa
Baking cookies for Santa is a classic activity for families. Try a variety of flavors and set out a special placemat for Santa and his cookies.
Go See The Nutcracker (or Watch it on TV!)
Whether live or on screen, The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that brings music, dance, and festive storytelling to your season.
Make a Christmas Playlist
A dedicated playlist sets the mood for decorating, cooking, or crafting. Fill it with favorites that make your family feel merry.
Read a Christmas Book
Take advantage of the season to share holiday books with children. Bedtime stories with festive themes create cozy, memorable evenings.
Hold a White Elephant Exchange
A white elephant gift exchange is a playful, social tradition for friends or coworkers that invites creativity and laughter.
Build a Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are a hands-on craft and tasty display. Decorating together is a charming activity that suits all ages.
Have a Snowball Fight
If you have snow, a snowball fight is an exhilarating way to enjoy the outdoors and make active, joyful memories.
Start (or add to) a Christmas Village
A Christmas village is a decorative tradition you can grow over time. Each year add a new piece to build a personalized holiday display.
Watch a Favorite Christmas Movie
Turn on a beloved holiday film for a family movie night—complete with blankets and seasonal snacks for ultimate coziness.
Make Hot Chocolate (with Extra Marshmallows!)
Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows is a simple pleasure that warms up chilly evenings and pairs perfectly with holiday activities.
Decorate Your Home for the Holidays
Deck the halls with your favorite decorations—trees, garlands, stockings, and lights—to create a warm, festive home atmosphere.
Hand Make a Gift for Someone You Love
A handmade gift shows effort and thoughtfulness. Crafting something personal can be both budget-friendly and deeply meaningful.
Go to a Local Christmas Lights Show or Performance
Local zoos, parks, and community venues often host light displays or performances—perfect for an evening outing with family and friends.
Wrap Your Cabinets to Look Like Presents
A simple ribbon trick can turn kitchen cabinets into giant presents—an unexpected, festive touch kids love.
Make a Yule Log Cake
Try baking a traditional yule log cake and decorate it to match your holiday table. It’s a classic dessert with lots of room for creativity.
Build a Magical Fort
Create a cozy fort for movie nights, reading, or quiet play—an instant stay-at-home adventure during the holiday break.
Put Santa Hats on All Your Family Photos
Add mini Santa hats to framed photos around the house for a playful, festive touch that brightens your decor.
Make Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are an easy, nostalgic craft that’s perfect for decorating windows or hanging from ceilings.
Send Out Family Christmas Cards
Sending family Christmas cards is a meaningful way to reconnect with loved ones and share holiday greetings.
Printable design by Dayanita Ramesh | Photos by Studio DIY
What’s on your holiday bucket list this year? We’d love to hear what special traditions you plan to enjoy.