December Family Bucket List: 31 Fun Ideas (+ Free Printable)

Make December magical with this family bucket list! 31 fun and festive activities for kids and families, from outdoor adventures to cozy holiday traditions.

image shows a family with santa and blog post title

December is one of the most magical months of the year. From holiday lights to cozy nights by the fire, it’s the perfect season to slow down and make special memories with your kids. But with all the busyness of shopping, events, and school activities, it’s easy to let the month slip by.

That’s why we’ve created this December family bucket list, with 31 simple, festive activities to enjoy with your toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids. Whether you’re staying cozy at home, heading out for holiday fun, or starting new traditions, this list is packed with easy, meaningful ways to celebrate the season together.

Don’t forget to grab the free printable December bucket list at the end of this post to hang on your fridge and check off as you go!

👉 Related: Try these Family Christmas Activities at Home or our Christmas Pictionary for even more holiday fun.

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31 December Bucket List Ideas for Families

Here’s the complete list of bucket list ideas for December! Remember to scroll down for the printable if you want to have an easy one to hang on the fridge for the kids, too.

🎄 Outdoor Holiday Adventures

Bundle up and enjoy the fresh air while exploring the beauty of the holiday season as a family.

Visit a Christmas tree farm and pick out the perfect tree.
Take a family walk to admire neighborhood Christmas lights.
Go ice skating at a local rink.
Build a snowman (or a sandman if you’re somewhere warm!).
Visit a holiday market or craft fair.
Go sledding down a snowy hill.
Take a drive to see a local light display.
Join a community tree lighting ceremony.
Attend a holiday parade.
Go caroling in your neighborhood.

🏡 Cozy At-Home Holiday Fun

When it’s too cold to go outside, these activities bring the festive spirit right into your home.

Decorate cookies together (sugar cookies or gingerbread are always classics).
Create paper snowflakes to hang in your windows.
Host a holiday movie marathon with hot chocolate.
Make salt dough ornaments or air dry clay ornaments to hang on the tree.
Build a blanket fort with twinkle lights inside.
Write letters to Santa or create holiday wish lists.
Host a family game night with festive twists.
Bake a family favorite holiday treat.
Read a new holiday picture book or Christmas book each night.
Have a holiday pajama party with popcorn and cocoa.

✨ Seasonal Traditions and Giving

December is also a season of giving, gratitude, and connection.

Donate toys or clothes to a local shelter, or start the Santa Sack tradition.
Make a homemade gift for a family member.
Start an advent calendar countdown to Christmas.
Create a family gratitude chain — add a paper link for something you’re thankful for each day.
Write holiday cards for friends and relatives.
Volunteer at a community soup kitchen or food drive.
Read the Christmas story together as a family.
Deliver holiday treats to neighbors.
Take family photos in front of your tree or fireplace.
End the year with a New Year’s Eve family countdown (complete with sparkling cider and noise makers!).

Family holding Merry Christmas sign outside

Download the Free Printable November Bucket List for Families

Love this list?

Click here to download the free printable December Bucket List for Families

Tips for Making the Most of December

Display it: Hang your December bucket list where everyone can see it.
Stay simple: Pick 1–2 activities a week to avoid overwhelm.
Mix it up: Combine outdoor adventures with cozy indoor fun.
Keep it kid-led: Let your little ones choose an activity each weekend.
Celebrate progress: Cross off completed items to build excitement.

Don’t miss these other fun holiday ideas for families:

Final Thoughts on this December Bucket List for Families

The December family bucket list is all about making the holiday season feel magical without adding stress. From baking cookies and decorating the tree to giving back to your community, these simple activities are the perfect way to connect with your kids and savor the season.

This list was designed to help inspire you, not add more to your plate. Choose a few that really jump out to you, and use them as a way to help prioritize connection over the chaos this season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from my family to yours!

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December Family Bucket List: 31 Fun Ideas (+ Free Printable)