The Best Christmas Activities: Your Ultimate Holiday Season Bucket List (2024)

Tthe holiday season is in full swing, and we're sure you're feeling the Christmas spirit with friends, family and even strangers – that’s just the magic of it all. Since you’re likely taking some time off work as December 25 approches, you’ll have to figure out how to keep yourself (and your family) busy and in the holiday spirit. That’s where our list of the best Christmas activities comes into play!

To help you brainstorm the perfect holiday plans, we’ve gathered some of the best holiday activities to do with family, friends and the community near you. Although some of the best places to spend Christmas might not be your hometown, these activities can be done anywhere and everywhere. From making Christmas crafts for kids to planning epic party games for adults, we’ve compiled a list of festive pastimes those of all ages can enjoy.

The best part is that all of these fun ideas really capture the magic of the winter season, and therefore, can be done anytime in December!

It can be a small as paying someone a compliment or as large as volunteering your time for a day. Paying the spirit forward is especially fulfilling this time of year, when there's as much sadness as there is joy.

Put on a real show (with potentially a lot of laughs) by throw a Christmas karaoke party! There are endless songs you can include, and you can make it a game by telling people they have to skip over certain words, like Santa! If they mess up, they're out.

Get in the spirit of the season by visiting a local holiday market or craft fair. Shopping local helps independent businesses and guarantees your gifts are totally unique.

Make someone's day by visiting an elder living home, a senior center or other facility where people may be lonely during the holidays. Call ahead to arrange it, and get updates on any health regulations.

When running errands, taking a holiday road trip or just driving around town, keep the kids occupied with a game of Christmas "I Spy." Ask them to spot decorated Christmas trees, wreaths on front doors, light-up reindeer or your favorite holiday decor.

Bundle up and head to your local rink to enjoy one of the best winter activities ever. It will be particularly special if your child has never gone before, and you can be there to teach them the right moves.

Even if your family doesn't usually attend church services, Christmas is a great opportunity to put on your Sunday finery and visit a nearby place of worship. It'll also help everyone remember the reason for the season.

Ask your crew, "Do you wanna build a snowman?" Band together to craft one big Frosty or split up into teams to turn it into a friendly competition. Last one done has to make the cocoa!

When setting out your milk and cookies for Santa, don't forget the support staff. Add some carrots for the reindeer to your platter, or totally mix it up and leave Santa something unique too.

Whether your holiday guest list is as long as Santa's own or you're a small but mighty gathering, a DIY photobooth will make photos of the day so much more fun. It's also a great way to repurpose old decorations you aren't using this year.

Recycle last year's holiday cards by turning them into decorations for 2022. Cut them into shapes for a recycled take on garland, collage some of the pretty patterns to craft whole new cards on white stock or simply string them on some jute or string for festive decor.

If you've got a hill in the neighborhood, you're already halfway to a favorite seasonal activity. Even if you have to hop in a car, bundling up and hitting the sledding slopes can work off some cabin fever especially if you have guests staying over for a few days.