40 Best Christmas Traditions to Make the Holiday Season Even More Special
Everyone will love these wholesome holiday activities!
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There are so many special Christmas traditions that you couldn't possibly get to them all in one day. Luckily, you don't have to. Create a Christmas bucket list of activities so you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday all month long. For example, stop by the Drummond ranch in mid-December, and you'll find Ree planning an outing to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out a live evergreen. Come Christmas Day, she's passing out matching Christmas pajamas for the Drummonds' annual family photos and baking cinnamon rolls to gift to friends. The annual Christmas activities you grew up with are what create lasting memories and make the holiday season even more heartwarming and nostalgic. It's never too late to start a new holiday ritual, so check out our list of the best Christmas traditions to try this year—and every year.
Ahead, you'll find ideas for a December-long Christmas bucket list. You can start by reading Christmas books, donating presents, and writing a letter to Santa. If you're in the mood for a family road trip, plan a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in the country. Make sure you have your Santa hats on and your favorite Christmas songs playing in the background! It's already the most wonderful time of year, but this might be your most memorable holiday season yet thanks to these sweet Christmas family traditions.
Write Letters to Santa Claus
Transform Christmas wishes into dreams come true by helping your little ones write letters to Santa this holiday season. These sweet notes capture the magic of Christmas for the young—or the young at heart!
Drive Around to See Christmas Lights
Enjoy a dazzling dose of holiday magic by hopping in your car and driving around your neighborhood to see the houses decked out with Christmas lights. It's a tradition that the whole family can enjoy!
Attend a Midnight Mass or Church Service
Honor the true meaning of Christmas by attending a midnight mass or church service with your loved ones. Between the beloved carols, beautiful holiday decorations, and churchgoers dressed in their Christmas best, this is one seasonal celebration you won't want to miss.
Go Ice Skating
You'll be walking—err, gliding—in a winter wonderland when you take your friends or family ice skating this holiday season. Stay cozy by bundling up in your favorite Christmas sweaters and sipping hot cocoa.
Go Shopping at a Christmas Market
Ensure all of your holiday gifts are just as unique as the recipients by doing your shopping at a pop-up Christmas market. The handcrafted treasures are sure to please everyone on your list.
Watch Classic Christmas Movies
Get everyone in the holiday spirit by hosting a classic Christmas movie marathon in the comfort of your own living room. You can cozy up in your favorite blankets and snack on Christmas cookies and cocoa.
Count Down to Christmas with an Advent Calendar
Enjoy a daily sweet surprise when you count down the days to Christmas with an advent calendar. You can buy one or create your own DIY advent calendar if you're feeling crafty!
Make a Gingerbread House
Bring some holiday magic to your home with one of the most beloved Christmas traditions: making gingerbread houses! Not only do gingerbread houses add to your holiday décor, but many of them are also just as much fun to eat.
Attend a Christmas Parade
Spread some holiday cheer in the streets by attending a local Christmas parade with your friends, family, or neighbors. The festive floats, holiday music, and the arrival of Santa are guaranteed to get anyone in the spirit of the season!
Take Family Photos
Get all dressed up in holiday attire and take some family photos to display in your home or share with your friends and family on a Christmas card. Either way, you'll love having a memento from Christmas 2023!
Make Paper Snowflakes
No snow? No problem! You can make your own white Christmas by decorating your home with pretty paper snowflakes. This sweet, nostalgic craft is kid-friendly and only requires paper and scissors.
Bring the Kids to Meet Santa
Give your kids a holiday moment to remember by taking them to your local mall to meet Santa Claus. The pictures from this time-honored tradition are always priceless—even if there are tears!
Sip Eggnog
When the holidays roll around, it's time to break out the eggnog! If you usually opt for the store-bought version of the classic Christmastime drink, take it to the next level this year with a delicious homemade eggnog recipe.
Cook a Christmas Feast
One of the best moments of Christmas day is gathering around the dinner table with your loved ones. Cook a feast they won't soon forget with Ree’s delicious honey-glazed ham and other classic holiday dishes.
Leave Cookies Out for Santa
The best way to thank Santa for all the wonderful gifts is to leave out some milk and cookies for him. Take a bite out of one after the kids go to bed, so they know he was there. Oh yeah, and don't forget some carrots for the reindeer!
Go Caroling
You love singing along to Christmas carols together, so why not take your show on the road? After all, the best way to spread Christmas is cheer singing loud for all to hear!
Set Out a Nativity Scene
Displaying a nativity scene is such a special Christmas tradition, especially for families with young children. This beautiful display will remind you all of the true meaning of Christmas.
Create a Christmas Tablescape
Make your Christmas feast really shine by decking out your dining table. A holiday tablescape can be anything you make it! Lay down a festive tablecloth, create a runner with a faux forest, or craft a one-of-a-kind DIY Christmas centerpiece.
Make Mini Christmas Row Houses
These whimsical pastel houses are sure to charm all of your holiday guests. The little details are what make this display so impressive—just look at the adorable mini wreaths and snowman!
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Organize a Secret Santa
Secret Santa isn't just for family! Organize your friends, classmates, or work friends to partake in a cute gift exchange. Set a price limit and have everyone pull names from a hat so that no one knows who is their "secret Santa." When it's time to exchange gifts, you can choose to do an open handoff or have everyone make their best guesses.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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