Our Holiday Bucket List – 20 Activities to Do With Your Family

Everything surrounding the holidays becomes a little more magical again once you have kids of your own, doesn’t it? Moments like visiting the holiday lights, decorating the tree together, watching holiday movies through their eyes, and seeing pure joy on their face while opening gifts on their list are memories you’ll never forget.

Much of the holiday magic is the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next. And for some, the magic is in creating new family traditions. Below you’ll find a list of some of the best Christmas family activities to inspire new traditions and tap into that holiday spirit.

I hope this list of holiday family activities sparks some ideas for your own family this year!

20 Holiday Bucket List Ideas to Do With Your Family

1. Shop Small and BIPOC-Owned Businesses

The holiday season can often be a make-or-break time of year for some of your favourite local or small businesses. Shopping early and small (and not neglecting BIPOC-owned businesses) can have an immediate impact. Check out a local market, head to a small boutique, and search online for local brands!

2. Try the One-In-One-Out Toy Policy

If your family celebrates with Santa, have your child choose a toy they no longer play with and leave a note for Santa to take with him to pass on to another child. I also try to donate toys, books, and games at the beginning of December so someone has a chance to find them before the actual holiday. Don’t forget to donate a new toy at a toy drive, especially for teens!

3. Teach Your Kids About Other Cultural Holidays and Traditions

While my family celebrates Christmas, we want our girls to know about other holidays celebrated. Rowan’s preschool does touch on each holiday, but at home, I’m adding books about Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa to our library so we can all learn more together.

4. Enjoy an Outdoor Light Display

Depending on where you live, your local zoo, botanical gardens, or other venues likely have a holiday light display. Check websites before you go to see whether you need a timed ticket so no one is disappointed if it is sold out.

5. Get the Kids Involved in Holiday Tasks

Your to-do list is pretty long around the holidays, so put the kids to work like Santa’s little elves. It’s best to accept that any task assigned to them will take longer than if you were to do it yourself, but putting on a little holiday music can make it a special shared experience.

6. Have a Family Movie Night

A family movie night is a great go-to activity this time of year. A classic holiday movie will keep the house quiet and peaceful for hours. You can find a list of holiday movies and shows to watch here.

7. Make Gingerbread Houses

Grab a kit at your local grocery store or go all out by baking gingerbread cookies in your desired shapes. This is the best of both worlds as it’s a sweet treat that doubles as a fun craft and kitschy decor.

8. Bake Christmas Cookies

Trust me, once you start this family tradition, the whole family will look forward to it year after year. We have a cookie-baking day each year with my mother and sister, biscotti is always made but new cookies accompany them to bring home to enjoy.

9. Catch a Holiday Train

This is one of those holiday family activities that may take a bit more effort but will be so worth it. Even if there isn’t a holiday train right down the road in your town, chances are there is one somewhere nearby.

If you are in Vancouver, there’s the Stanley Park Bright Nights Train (tickets are sold out), Greendale Acres Farm in Chilliwack has a train and holiday-themed farm, and the BC Forest Discovery Centre on the island has a train to check out.

10. Visit a Christmas Market

There’s nothing like a classic Christmas market during the holiday season. These markets are hands down my favourite places to purchase my holiday gifts because they offer so many unique goodies. From self-care products to one-of-a-kind trinkets, there’s sure to be something for everyone on your list.

11. Write Letters to Santa

This is an extra fun tradition your littles will look forward to every year. They can write to Santa explaining all of the good deeds they did this year, and share everything on their wishlist. Help them address their envelope to the North Pole and send it out.

12. Do a Puzzle

Clear off a dedicated table and pick one with a holiday theme. Gather the family or take on the challenge all on your own. Is there anything cozier than working on a puzzle?

13. Sip on seasonal drinks at your local coffee shop

I, for one, will be sampling all the festive hot chocolates and lattes around the city! Bonus if they have a delicious sweet treat to enjoy with it.

14. See a performance of The Nutcracker

This makes for the ultimate festive night. I hope to go next year with Rowan when she can sit through a whole show, we’ve been watching The Nutcracker film from the 90s and she’s obsessed.

15. Visit a holiday-themed bar

These days, Christmas-themed bars are a dime a dozen. Wear your festive best and enjoy a candy cane martini. Curtis and I love going to one on our Christmas shopping day, even a great hotel lobby bar can be an amazing spot to go, usually decorated to the nines!

16. Shop at a local toy store

Regardless if you have children, you can visit a toy store for your relatives, friends kids, or even a neighbour. They’ll be excited for a gift and some local toy stores are filled with nostalgic decor and toys.

17. Take a picture with Santa

Hit up your local mall or check local listings to see if there’s a day when Santa will be visiting. Bring your kids or go with your friends for a fun tradition each year!

If you are in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, check out Metrotown, Lougheed, Brentwood, Park Royal, Guildford, and Richmond for some great Santas!

18. Make holiday crafts

Not sure if you’ve heard, but crafting isn’t just for kids! You can DIY wreaths, ornaments, and other décor. It’s always fun to invite some girlfriends over to do a crafting night! Paint some candles, make bows for the tree, and look to Pinterest for inspiration.

19. Go for a Winter Hike (Or Walk!)

You can still get outside even when the temperatures drop—you just need to be prepared with the right clothing! Pick a local hike or stroll along your city’s walking paths. Be sure to bring a hat, mittens, and plenty of layers.

Hot tip: store a thermos of cocoa in the car with all the hot chocolate fixings to warm up post-walk.

20. Buy Matching Pajamas

There’s a reason so many matching pairs of family pajamas exist. Wear them on Christmas Day or any random Sunday during the month. If you don’t want to go all-out, slippers work too! This year, I bought Rowan and Isabella matching jammies to wear, Rowan was thrilled!