The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List: Magical Things to Do This December
There’s something undeniably magical about December. The lights feel brighter, the nights feel cosier, and suddenly everyone is drinking hot chocolate as if it’s a personality trait. Whether you want to soak up the festive atmosphere or make new traditions, a Christmas bucket list is the perfect way to squeeze every joyful moment out of the season.
Here’s your ultimate guide to making December unforgettable—packed with Christmas markets, cosy rituals, and memory-making activities that spark joy long after the decorations are packed away.
1. Wander Through a Christmas Market
Is it really December if you haven’t walked through a Christmas market at least once?
The scent of cinnamon, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts drifting through the air is enough to turn even the grumpiest Grinch into a holiday enthusiast.
At your local market, you can:
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Browse handmade gifts
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Sample global festive foods
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Sip hot chocolate or glühwein
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Admire twinkling lights and artisan stalls
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Listen to live choirs or festive bands
Each market carries its own charm, and discovering a new one is half the fun.
2. Have a Cosy Christmas Movie Night
Pick one evening to ditch the to-do list, slip into your fluffiest PJs, and have a Christmas movie marathon.
From old classics to brand-new holiday releases, the goal is simple: get cosy and let the festive spirit wash over you.
For extra magic, create a themed snack board—think peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, popcorn drizzled with chocolate, and hot cocoa topped with marshmallows.
3. Enjoy a Scenic Winter Walk
There’s something grounding about a crisp December walk. Wrap up warm, grab a friend or partner, and stroll through your favourite park or decorated town centre.
You can:
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Count how many houses have lights up
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Stop for a festive coffee
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Take photos in front of the biggest tree
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Warm up afterward with a hearty soup or hot drink
It’s simple, but it’s one of the most underrated joys of winter.
4. Try a New Festive Recipe
December is the only time of year when people voluntarily bake things shaped like reindeer, so embrace it.
Try making:
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Gingerbread houses (the more chaotic, the better)
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Mulled wine or spiced apple cider
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Yule logs
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Festive breakfast waffles
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Cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning
Cooking and baking bring people together—and the memories often last longer than the food.
5. Visit a Festive Light Trail
Light trails have become a December favourite. Wander through illuminated forests, glowing tunnels, and whimsical installations that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas storybook.
Most trails offer hot drinks, photo spots, and live entertainment, making it a great family-friendly night out.
6. Start a New Christmas Tradition
Traditions don’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Sometimes, the small rituals are the ones that become the most treasured.
Try traditions like:
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Buying one new ornament each year
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Writing letters to loved ones
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Opening a Christmas Eve box
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Making a December scrapbook
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Hosting a board game or craft night
These little moments anchor the holiday season with warmth.
7. Do a Random Act of Kindness
Christmas isn’t just about receiving—it’s about giving. Spread some unexpected joy this December.
A few small, simple ways to give back:
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Donate toys or food to local charities
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Surprise someone with baked treats
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Pay for the person behind you in a coffee queue
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Send a handwritten card to someone who needs it
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Volunteer your time
These gestures ripple far beyond the season.
8. Plan a Day Trip Somewhere Festive
Make December feel like a mini getaway by exploring a festive town or city. Many places transform during the holidays, offering Christmas markets, fairs, concerts, ice rinks, and themed attractions.
A festive day out might include:
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Ice skating under twinkling lights
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A steam train Santa ride
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Visiting historic houses decked in grand Christmas décor
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Shopping in beautifully decorated high streets
It’s the perfect way to inject adventure into the season.
9. Create a Cosy Christmas Playlist
Take an hour to curate your dream Christmas playlist—classics, modern favourites, acoustic versions, or jazzy background tracks. Play it while cooking, decorating, relaxing, or entertaining.
Music is the emotional glue of the season.
10. Slow Down and Actually Enjoy December
It sounds simple, but this might be the most important item on your bucket list. December can feel busy, frantic, and overwhelming, so take moments to pause.
Enjoy the lights.
Savour the food.
Spend time with the people who matter.
Sometimes the most magical memories happen in the quietest moments.
Final Thoughts: Make December Magical Your Way
The perfect Christmas bucket list isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what brings you joy. Whether you’re shopping for trinkets at a Christmas market or watching your favourite holiday film for the tenth time, this season is about warmth, connection, and creating moments you’ll carry with you into the new year.
