30 Kid Friendly Bucket List Ideas for December
December is one of the most magical months of the year! Between the twinkling lights, festive songs, and cozy nights by the fire, there are so many ways to make special memories with your kids.
Whether you’re snowed in at home or spending time outdoors, this list of 30 December bucket list ideas for kids will help you fill the month with creativity, laughter, and warmth.
🎄 30 December Bucket List Ideas of Fun Things to Do for Kids
1. Make a Paper Snowflake Garland
To begin, grab some white paper and scissors and start cutting out snowflakes. Once you have a few, string them together to make a wintery garland that can decorate any room.
2. Bake Christmas Cookies
Next, spend an afternoon baking your favorite cookies together. Sugar cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate crinkles, no matter the flavor, baking always brings everyone closer.
3. Write Letters to Santa
Encourage your kids to write or draw what they’d like for Christmas.
In addition, they can share a few kind wishes for others to spread the holiday spirit.
4. Have a Hot Cocoa Bar
Set up a small station with mugs, cocoa mix, marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes.
As a result, kids can create their own custom cocoa drinks for a cozy night in.
5. Make Homemade Ornaments
Meanwhile, crafting homemade ornaments is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your tree.
Use salt dough, felt, or popsicle sticks; each ornament becomes a keepsake for years to come.
6. Decorate the Christmas Tree Together
Turn on some festive music and let the kids help hang ornaments. Even if they’re uneven, the tree will feel extra special because it’s decorated with love.
7. Build a Gingerbread House
Nothing says December fun like frosting, candy, and a little creativity! Whether you make it from scratch or use a kit, building a gingerbread house is always a delicious adventure.
Check out 30 Ways to Decorate a Gingerbread House
8. Have a Family Movie Night
Choose a holiday classic like The Grinch or Home Alone. Add popcorn, blankets, and cocoa, and you’ve got the perfect cozy evening.
9. Go on a Christmas Lights Walk
Bundle up and take an evening walk or drive to see Christmas lights. The glowing colors and cheerful decorations never fail to bring smiles.
10. Make Reindeer Food
Mix oats and sprinkles together in small bags to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve. It’s a fun tradition that adds a little extra excitement before bedtime.
11. Do a Kindness Countdown
Instead of opening candy each day, try a countdown of kind acts like donating toys, making cards for neighbors, or baking cookies for a friend.
12. Read a Holiday Story Each Night
Throughout December, choose a new holiday or winter-themed book to read before bed.
It’s a relaxing way to end each day with joy and imagination.
13. Make Homemade Gifts
Encourage kids to make simple presents for friends or family, like handprint art, bookmarks, or beaded bracelets. Handmade gifts always mean the most.
14. Build a Snowman or Snow Fort
If you have snow, spend the afternoon outside building a snowman or fort.
If not, use paper or marshmallows to make your own indoor “snow” version!
15. Decorate Sugar Cookies
Set out frosting, sprinkles, and candies, and let kids decorate cookies however they’d like.
It’s messy, fun, and the best part is eating the results!
16. Have a Family Game Night
After dinner, turn off the screens and play a few favorite board games. It’s a great way to laugh together and make family memories.
17. Make a Christmas Countdown Chain
Cut strips of red and green paper to create a countdown chain. Each day, kids can tear off one link until it’s Christmas Eve!
18. Sing Christmas Carols
Whether you sing around the house, in the car, or for family members, caroling brings a lot of cheer. Plus, it’s a fun way to share the holiday spirit.
19. Make Holiday Slime
Mix up a batch of sparkly red-and-green slime. Add glitter or tiny pom-poms for a festive twist that keeps little hands busy.
20. Host a Pajama and Pancake Morning
Pick a weekend morning to stay in pajamas and make fun pancakes, maybe shaped like snowmen or Christmas trees!
21. Donate Old Toys or Clothes
Use this season of giving to clean out toys and clothes. Then, donate them to a local shelter or charity. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids the joy of helping others.
22. Make Christmas Cards
Bring out the craft supplies and let kids design cards for family, friends, or neighbors. Handmade cards always make people smile.
23. Go Ice Skating
If there’s a local rink nearby, bundle up and go ice skating. It’s a classic winter activity that’s great for families and beginners alike.
24. Read “The Night Before Christmas”
Before Christmas Eve bedtime, read this timeless story together. It’s a beautiful tradition that builds anticipation for the big day.
25. Have a Christmas Eve Campout
Set up blankets and pillows near the tree and have a Christmas Eve “campout.” You can tell stories, read books, and enjoy the cozy glow of the lights.
26. Make a New Year’s Craft
As December comes to an end, create crafts to celebrate the new year, like glittery hats or countdown clocks. It’s a fun way to look forward to what’s next.
27. Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find, such as candy canes, mittens, or reindeer decorations. This activity can be done inside or outdoors for extra adventure.
28. Bake and Decorate a Cake for FUN
Make a fun cake for the holidays! It doesn’t always have to be a birthday to make a delicious cake.
Try our yummy cookie cake recipe.
29. Make Snowman Soup (Hot Cocoa Gift Bags)
Fill small bags with cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and a candy cane. Label it “Snowman Soup,” and it makes a sweet homemade gift or party favor.
30. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Early
Finally, end the month with a mini New Year’s Eve celebration. You can do a family countdown at 8 p.m., make paper hats, and pop confetti poppers. It’s a fun and family-friendly way to welcome a brand-new year!
✨ Having FUN During the Holidays
In conclusion, December is a great time to slow down, have fun, and make magical memories together.
With just a few simple supplies, paper, glue, and a little imagination, you can fill every day with FUN. So, grab this list, and make this December one your kids will remember for years to come!
