Free Printable Christmas Bucket List For Kids
Every year around December 1st, we print this Christmas bucket list and hang it on the fridge.
It gives us a simple way to plan fun, low-stress activities without feeling overwhelmed by everything the season throws at us.
With 25 color-in squares featuring easy, screen-free ideas like “bake cookies,” “make hot chocolate,” and “visit Christmas lights,” it helps kids stay engaged while also giving you go-to options for those “I’m bored” moments.
Whether you’re homeschooling, hosting cousins, or just trying to create meaningful memories, this printable makes it easier to enjoy the little things, without having to come up with ideas on the spot.
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Creative Christmas Activities
Bake a Christmas Cake – Choose a favorite recipe or try something new, like a gingerbread loaf or spiced bundt cake. Let kids help measure, mix, and decorate, it’s messy but worth it.
Make Hot Chocolate – Set up a hot cocoa station with toppings like mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and whipped cream. For extra fun, print our snowman soup labels and make it a sweet little gift.
Color in an Advent Calendar – Use our printable advent calendar to build daily excitement. Coloring in each square is a calm, creative way to count down.
Sit by a Fire – Whether it’s a real fireplace or a cozy video on your TV, grab some books or turn on music and unwind together.
Write a Wish List – Give kids space to dream a little. Pair it with our printable Santa letter to turn it into a keepsake.
Cherished Holiday Traditions
Write Christmas Cards – Let kids decorate and sign cards for family, neighbors, or even a local senior center. Bonus: use our free color-your-own templates to make it extra personal.
Wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater – Pick a day for a silly sweater party, even if it’s just your immediate family. Snap a photo to look back on each year.
Go Caroling – You don’t need a choir, just a few familiar songs, some enthusiasm, and maybe a flashlight. Keep it simple and fun.
Have a Pajama Christmas Party – Let the kids stay in PJs, pop some popcorn, and watch your favorite holiday movie lineup. Add a simple craft or game to round it out.
Make a Gingerbread House – Don’t worry if it’s a bit wonky, half the fun is in the candy chaos. Try using graham crackers and frosting for a low-effort version.
Seasonal Reading & Movie Watching
Read a Christmas Story – Pick 3–5 holiday books and rotate through them each week. It’s a calm way to start or end your day, and it builds tradition.
Watch a Christmas Movie – Make it a weekly event. Choose a mix of classics and newer ones to keep it fresh. “Elf” and “The Polar Express” are always on our list.
Spreading Holiday Cheer & Giving Back
Donate to a Toy Drive: Let your child pick out a gift to donate, it helps build empathy and a sense of contribution.
Bake Christmas Cookies: Make a double batch and deliver extras to neighbors or teachers. Kids love decorating, even if most of the frosting ends up on them.
Make Reindeer Food: Mix oats and sprinkles or glitter. Use our printable tags, bag it up, and set it out on Christmas Eve, it never gets old.
Make Paper Snowflakes: This easy craft never goes out of style. Display them in the window or string them together as garland.
Random Acts of Kindness: Help your child brainstorm simple ways to brighten someone’s day, a kind note, extra chore, or compliment.
Exciting Christmas Adventures
Christmas Scavenger Hunt – Use our printable clues for a low-prep game that can be played indoors or out. Ideal for Christmas Eve or a snowy weekend.
Secret Santa – Even with just your family, drawing names and exchanging small surprises is always fun. Let kids get creative with DIY gifts.
Build a Snowman – No snow? No problem, try a “sock snowman” craft indoors or build one out of paper plates and buttons.
Take a Photo with Santa – Whether it’s at the mall or a local event, it’s a great way to capture memories, even if your child makes a silly face.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Play Christmas Music – Build a playlist or find one on Spotify. Let the kids DJ while you bake, decorate, or drive around town.
Visit Christmas Lights – Pile into the car with snacks and holiday music. Some neighborhoods or local events go all out, it’s magical.
Christmas Coloring – Set up a little station with our free coloring pages, crayons, and glitter glue. It’s a calm way to spend an afternoon.
Make Christmas Ornaments – Use salt dough, clear fillable baubles, or even paper cut-outs. Personalizing decorations is a great keepsake activity.
Want all of our Christmas Activities in one Place?
Favorite Christmas Books
Some of our favorite holiday moments happen during read-aloud time, just a blanket, some cocoa, and a good Christmas story. These three are ones we return to every year:
How to Catch an Elf – A fun rhyming story where a clever kid tries to outsmart Santa’s mischievous helper. Always a hit with younger readers.
Tough Cookie – A gingerbread cookie learns that kindness matters more than being “tough.” It’s sweet, funny, and full of heart.
Cooking with the Grinch – A playful cookbook with easy holiday recipes. Great for getting kids involved in festive baking (and a fun gift idea too).
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Last Updated on 25 July 2025 by Clare Brown