Looking for fun things to do in December? Our ultimate December bucket list has 30 festive ideas, from holiday lights and markets to cozy at-home traditions.
December goes by faster than any other month. One minute you’re clearing away Thanksgiving leftovers, and the next you’re wrapping gifts at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve wondering where the weeks went.
That’s exactly why a December bucket list is such a good idea. When you plan a handful of festive activities ahead of time, you make room for the moments that actually matter: the twinkling lights, the cocoa-stained mittens, the laughter around the table. This guide gives you 30 things to do in December, grouped by theme so you can mix and match based on your budget, your crew, and wherever you live in the U.S.
Save it, share it, and start checking things off.
How to Use This December Bucket List
You don’t need to do all 30. Try this approach instead:
- Pick your top 10. Choose the ideas that make you smile first.
- Put dates on the calendar. December fills up quickly with school concerts, office parties, and travel. If it isn’t scheduled, it probably won’t happen.
- Mix free and paid. Many of the best holiday traditions cost nothing.
- Keep a few flexible slots. A surprise snow day or a last-minute invitation can become your favorite memory.
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Part 1: Holiday Lights and Decorations
Nothing says December like a glowing neighborhood on a dark winter evening. These activities are easy, affordable, and great for all ages.
1. Take a Christmas Lights Drive
Grab a thermos of hot chocolate, queue up a holiday playlist, and cruise through the best-decorated streets in your area. Many cities and local Facebook groups share maps of the top neighborhoods. For extra fun, give out “awards” in the car for best inflatable, most creative display, and most lights.
2. Visit a Drive-Through or Walk-Through Light Show
Botanical gardens, zoos, and fairgrounds across the country turn into winter wonderlands each December. Look for a walk-through light display near you, and buy tickets early, since popular time slots often sell out on weekends.
3. Decorate the Tree Together
Whether you cut it down yourself or pull it from the attic, decorating the tree is a classic. Turn it into a ritual: put on a favorite holiday movie, make popcorn, and let each person hang their favorite ornament and tell its story.
4. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Choosing a real tree is an experience in itself. Many tree farms offer hayrides, hot cider, and photo spots. Tip: bring a tape measure, gloves, and bungee cords for the trip home.
5. Watch a Famous Tree Lighting
The tree lighting at New York City’s Rockefeller Center is the best known, but nearly every town hosts its own ceremony with carols and Santa appearances. Check your city’s events calendar for dates, which often fall in late November or early December.
6. Enter (or Just Enjoy) a Gingerbread House Contest
Build your own gingerbread house with kits from the grocery store, or visit a local gingerbread display. Hotels, bakeries, and museums often host elaborate exhibits that are free or low cost to see.
Part 2: Festive Outings and Seasonal Events
These ideas get you out of the house and into the holiday spirit with friends, family, or a date.
7. Go Ice Skating
Pop-up rinks appear in city centers all over the country in December, from outdoor rinks in big cities to small-town ponds and indoor arenas. No skates? Most rinks rent them. Don’t worry about falling; everyone does.
8. Explore a Christmas Market
Inspired by German holiday traditions, Christmas markets have become a staple in U.S. cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York, as well as smaller towns across the country. Shop for handmade gifts, sip mulled cider, and snack on pretzels and roasted nuts.
9. See a Holiday Show or Concert
Catch a performance of The Nutcracker, a community choir concert, or a local theater’s version of A Christmas Carol. Community productions are often affordable and full of heart.
10. Visit Santa (Yes, Even as an Adult)
Families with kids can find Santa at malls, department stores, and holiday festivals. Some pet stores even host “Santa Paws” photo nights. Arrive early or book a time slot to avoid long lines.
11. Attend a Holiday Parade
From small-town main-street parades to large city spectacles, December parades are free and full of marching bands, floats, and cheering crowds. Bring blankets and a thermos, and arrive early for a good spot.
12. Go Sledding or Build a Snowman
If you live where it snows, make the most of it. Grab sleds, bundle up, and head for the nearest hill. If you live somewhere warm, try a “snow day” at a local winter attraction instead, or build a sand snowman at the beach.
13. Take a Scenic Holiday Train Ride
Many heritage railways run special holiday trains with hot cocoa, carols, and a visit from Santa. They tend to book up fast, so reserve early.
14. Take a Winter Hike
A crisp December hike is peaceful and refreshing, with fewer crowds than summer. Dress in layers, wear shoes with good traction, and tell someone your route. Look for trails with frozen waterfalls, evergreen forests, or sweeping views.
Part 3: Cozy Traditions at Home
Some of the best December memories happen in pajamas. These at-home ideas are budget-friendly and perfect for cold nights.
15. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Build a watchlist of your favorites, from classic holiday films to new streaming releases. Add a theme like “cozy sweaters and popcorn” or a “cookie and cocoa bar” to turn it into a mini event.
16. Bake and Decorate Christmas Cookies
Sugar cookies, gingerbread, peppermint bark: pick a recipe or two and get baking. Decorating is where the fun is, so set out sprinkles, icing, and candies. Package extras in tins to share with neighbors and teachers.
17. Make a Homemade Hot Chocolate Bar
Set out cocoa, whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings. It’s a simple setup that makes any evening feel special.
18. Do a Family Gift Wrap Night
Put on music, spread out the paper and ribbon, and wrap presents together. Turn it into a game: who can wrap the weirdest-shaped gift the neatest?
19. Read Holiday Stories Aloud
Snuggle up with a stack of seasonal picture books or a classic like A Christmas Carol. Reading aloud is a nostalgic tradition that kids and adults both enjoy.
20. Create a Holiday Playlist
Blend timeless classics with modern favorites. Ask everyone in the family to add their top three songs, then use it for decorating, baking, and driving around to see the lights.
Part 4: Giving Back and Spreading Joy
December is a wonderful time to focus on generosity. These ideas bring more meaning to the season.
21. Donate to a Toy Drive or Food Bank
Food banks and shelters often see increased need around the holidays. Donate non-perishable food, new toys, or warm clothing, or give your time. Check with the organization first about what they need most.
22. Volunteer Together
Serving meals, wrapping gifts, or delivering groceries to seniors can be deeply rewarding. Volunteering as a family also teaches kids about gratitude and community.
23. Do 12 Small Acts of Kindness
Leave a note for your mail carrier, pay for the coffee behind you, or shovel a neighbor’s driveway. Small gestures add up and can brighten someone’s whole month.
24. Write Cards or Letters
In a world of text messages, a handwritten card feels special. Send notes to faraway friends, relatives, or even service members and seniors through local programs.
Part 5: Cultural Celebrations and Seasonal Wonders
December isn’t only about Christmas. It’s a month of many traditions, and exploring them is a great way to learn and connect.
25. Celebrate Hanukkah, or Join a Celebration
In 2026, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4 and continues through December 12. Light the menorah, play dreidel, and enjoy latkes and sufganiyot. Many communities host public menorah lightings that are open to everyone.
26. Learn About Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa runs from December 26 through January 1 and celebrates seven principles, including unity, creativity, and faith. Many cultural centers and museums host events with music, storytelling, and food.
27. Go Stargazing for the Geminids
The Geminid meteor shower is typically one of the best of the year, usually peaking around December 13 and 14. Find a dark spot away from city lights, bring blankets and a thermos, and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust.
28. Mark the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice falls on December 21, the shortest day of the year. Celebrate with a candlelit dinner, an evening walk, or a quiet moment of reflection. From here, days gradually get longer again.
Part 6: Wrapping Up the Year
The last days of December are perfect for reflection and fresh starts.
29. Create a Year-in-Review Ritual
Write down your favorite memories, biggest wins, and lessons from the year. Family members can each share a highlight. Flip through your phone’s photo album and make a small photo book or collage.
30. Ring in the New Year Your Way
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to mean a crowded party. Options include a fancy dinner at home, a game night with friends, fireworks, or watching the ball drop on TV in comfortable pajamas. Add a tradition like writing goals, eating lucky foods, or making a time capsule.
Quick-Reference Planning Tips for a Stress-Free December
Before the month gets away from you, a few practical tips:
- Book early. Tickets for light shows, holiday trains, and popular performances often sell out.
- Check weather forecasts. Have a backup indoor plan for outdoor events.
- Set a holiday budget. Free activities like light drives, parades, hikes, and baking are just as memorable as pricey outings.
- Pace yourself. Don’t overschedule. Rest is part of a good holiday season.
- Confirm dates and hours. Event schedules vary by city and year, so check official websites before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions About December Bucket Lists
What are some free things to do in December?
Drive to see holiday lights, attend a community parade or tree lighting, bake cookies at home, hike a local trail, stargaze during the Geminids, volunteer, and host a movie night. Many of the most beloved holiday traditions cost little or nothing.
What are good December activities for families with kids?
Visit Santa, decorate gingerbread houses, ride a holiday train, go sledding, bake cookies, and read holiday stories together. Kids love hands-on traditions they can look forward to every year.
What are fun December date ideas?
Try ice skating, a Christmas market stroll, a holiday concert, a cozy hot cocoa night in, or a drive to see the lights. A winter hike followed by dinner is another easy, memorable option.
What can I do in December if I live somewhere warm?
Head to a beach holiday boat parade, enjoy outdoor lights and markets in mild weather, or take a December hike in comfortable temperatures. Many warm-weather towns have their own festive traditions, from lighted boat parades to desert luminarias.
How do I make December less stressful?
Plan ahead, say no to extra commitments, set a realistic budget, and focus on a few meaningful traditions rather than trying to do everything.
Conclusion: Make This December Unforgettable
December is short, busy, and magical, which is exactly why it deserves a plan. This December bucket list gives you 30 festive ideas to fill the month with joy, from sparkling lights and cozy movie nights to acts of kindness and quiet reflection.
You don’t have to do everything. Pick your favorites, put them on the calendar, and let the rest go. The goal isn’t a perfect holiday; it’s meaningful moments with the people you love.
So grab your hot cocoa, print this list, and start checking things off. Which tradition will you try first?
Happy holidays, and happy bucket-listing.
