Celebrate the holiday season with family, friends, and fun traditions! Our Holiday Bucket List is full of festive activities, cozy recipes, and meaningful moments. Grab your favorite Martin’s products and make this winter your most magical season yet!
Download these printable resources so you can check off items as you go throughout the season!
Christmas Activities
1. Cut Down & Decorate a Christmas Tree
Visit a local tree farm and choose the perfect Christmas tree. Then, enjoy a fun family night decorating it with lights, ornaments, and garlands. If you get hungry while decorating, try making these festive Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bites!
2. Send Personalized Christmas Cards
Share heartfelt wishes with custom holiday cards. Include family updates or fun holiday photos to keep loved ones connected.
3. Listen to Christmas Music
Fill your home with the sounds of the season! Create a holiday playlist and sing along while decorating, baking, or wrapping gifts.
4. Bake Christmas Cookies
Host a cookie-baking day with friends or family and create a variety of holiday treats. Enjoy some fresh from the oven while packaging extras as gifts. (For bonus points: try making Swirl Bread Cookies with homemade cream cheese icing as a light snack!)
5. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon
Snuggle up with blankets, hot cocoa, and a lineup of holiday classics. Make it even more fun by serving this festive Cinnamon Sugar Snack Mix!
6. Decorate a Gingerbread House
Let your creativity shine by decorating gingerbread houses. Build, decorate, and (if you can resist eating them) save them as holiday centerpieces! (As a delicious substitution: recreate this Gingerbread French Toast Casserole recipe for a seasonal brunch or dessert.)
7. Attend a Local Christmas Festival
Visit a community holiday festival featuring crafts, carolers, and seasonal treats. Support local artisans and experience the magic of the season.
8. Wrap Christmas Gifts
Don’t forget to wrap your Christmas presents in time for any special gift exchanges! Add a personal touch to gift-giving with DIY crafts or baked goods for friends and family. Check out our Homemade Holiday Gifts blog for some adorable gift basket ideas!
9. Look at Christmas Lights
Stroll or drive through beautifully decorated neighborhoods. Don’t forget to bring some hot cocoa and holiday music for extra cheer. For an added bonus, check if yours or a neighboring town puts on a holiday light show!
10. Host a Holiday Brunch
Gather your family for a cozy, festive brunch with all your favorite breakfast recipes. Better yet, build a DIY sweet or savory Holiday Brunch Board using our blog as inspiration!
11. Write Letters to Santa
Sit down with the kids to write letters to Santa. Get creative with stickers, drawings, and glitter to make them extra special.
12. Drink Eggnog
Sip on a cup of creamy eggnog while sitting by the fireplace. Make it festive with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. And don’t forget to check out our Eggnog French Toast Sticks recipe to infuse this holiday flavor into your next brunch dish!
13. Take Family Holiday Photos
Dress up in your holiday best—or silly sweaters—and capture memories with a festive family photoshoot at home or outdoors. (Tip: don’t forget to grab a photo of the kids with Santa at the mall!)
14. Host a Cookie Exchange
Invite friends over for a cookie swap where everyone exchanges their favorite holiday treats. It’s a delicious way to share recipes and memories.
15. Decorate Your House
Fill your home with holiday cheer by hanging lights, wreaths, and festive decorations. Make your space warm and inviting for the season. (Tip: for some edible décor ideas, like the below Broccoli Appetizer Wreath, check out our Christmas Recipes archive.)
16. Go Caroling
Gather friends or family and go door-to-door singing carols. Share holiday joy with your neighbors through song. (Or, if you prefer to stay indoors, try Christmas karaoke!)
17. Celebrate the Reason for the Season
Take time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday, whether through attending a church service or helping those in need.
18. Make French Toast Together
Gather in the kitchen for a special breakfast-making tradition. Create a delicious French toast recipe everyone will love or choose from our collection of delicious ideas like Pecan Pie French Toast with Caramelized Pear Filling!
19. Have a Festive Sweater Contest
Host a holiday party with a festive sweater theme. Give prizes for the most creative or hilarious designs!
20. Get Together with Family
Host a festive gathering with family to celebrate traditions, exchange gifts, and create cherished memories that last long after the holidays.
21. Make Seasonal Crafts
Set up a craft table and create DIY decorations like ornaments, garlands, or holiday cards. It’s a fun way to personalize your holiday décor. For a creative, hands-on cooking activity, try making Kid-Friendly Holiday Recipes like these Holiday Bread Pops!
22. Wear Christmas Jammies
Get cozy with matching family pajamas for a fun, photo-worthy holiday tradition. Bonus points for wearing them on Christmas morning!
23. Eat a Candy Cane
Enjoy this classic holiday treat on its own, stirred into hot cocoa, or crushed on top of holiday cookies or desserts. (Tip: This French Toast White Chocolate Peppermint Trifle is a great example!)
24. Dream of Sugar Plums / Watch a Ballet
Experience the magic of the holiday season by watching a live or streamed performance of The Nutcracker. Let the enchanting music and dancing inspire your holiday dreams. Wake up to a mesmerizing breakfast with this Sugar Plum French Toast Casserole.
25. Enjoy a Sweet Treat
Indulge in your favorite holiday desserts, from cookies to cakes. Try a festive Martin’s swirl bread recipe (like these Cinnamon Swirl Breadsticks) for a truly seasonal twist!
26. Watch a Holiday Parade
Experience the holiday spirit at a local (or televised) parade filled with floats, marching bands, and Santa’s grand appearance. Don’t forget to bundle up if attending in person!
27. Participate in a Secret Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchange
Add fun and surprises to your holiday celebrations with a gift exchange. Set a budget and see who brings the funniest or most thoughtful gift!
28. Make a Holiday Grazing Table
Create a festive charcuterie spread with meats, cheeses, fruits, and various prepared dishes. It’s perfect for holiday parties or family movie nights. Follow along on our Holiday Grazing Table blog.
29. Host a Holiday Game Night
Gather friends and family for a festive game night featuring holiday-themed trivia, Pictionary, or charades. Offer prizes for extra fun!
30. Visit a Christmas Market
Explore a local holiday market filled with handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to find unique gifts and festive inspiration.
New Year’s Activities
31. Attend a Local NYE Celebration
Ring in the New Year at a community event with live music, fireworks, or a special countdown celebration. Enjoy the energy and start the year with unforgettable memories. (P.S., If you’re near to Chambersburg, PA, make sure to drop by the Martin’s Potato Roll Drop in Chambers Fort Park!)
32. Host a New Year’s Eve Party
Celebrate in style with a fun NYE party. Serve delicious appetizers (like these Buffalo Chicken Sliders), festive drinks, and create lasting memories with friends.
33. Watch the Ball Drop on NYE
Countdown to the new year with loved ones. Stay up late to watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop on TV or attend a local event (like the one mentioned above). Check out our blog for a list of Unique New Year’s Eve Drops!
34. Make a New Year’s Resolution
Set meaningful goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. Focus on health, happiness, or fun new hobbies. Need ideas? Read: 50 New Year’s Resolutions You Won’t Want to Quit.
35. Reflect on the Past Year
Take a moment to look back on the highlights and milestones of the past year. Consider making a scrapbook or photo album to cherish the memories.
36. Choose a One-Word Theme for the New Year
Pick a single word that represents your goals or mindset for the upcoming year. Use it as your guiding theme or mantra for personal growth and inspiration.
37. Eat a Lucky Meal
Start the year off right with some traditional “lucky” foods thought to bring good fortune, like Roast Pork and Sauerkraut! Learn more on our blog.
General Winter Activities
38. Go Sledding
Bundle up and hit the slopes for a thrilling day of sledding. Bring a thermos of hot cider for post-sledding warmth.
39. Send a Surprise Gift to Someone
Brighten someone’s day by sending an unexpected gift, whether it’s a thoughtful present or a homemade treat.
40. Wear a Scarf/Bundle Up
Stay cozy with your favorite winter accessories like scarves, mittens, and beanies. Winter walks are more fun when you’re warm!
41. Make a Hot Chocolate Bar
Create a DIY hot cocoa station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy toppings. It’s a fun treat for the whole family! For a fun themed appetizer, try this Hot Chocolate Dip with Swirl Bread Dippers!
42. Participate in a Toy Drive
Give back this season by donating toys, clothes, or household goods to local charities. Help make the holidays special for families in need.
43. Host a Winter Craft Night
Invite friends or family for a cozy crafting session. Create DIY decorations, handmade gifts, or holiday ornaments while sipping hot cocoa.
44. Go on a Winter Hike
Explore winter trails and admire snow-covered trees and sparkling landscapes. Fresh air and exercise are the perfect winter refreshers.
45. Build a Snowman
Use scarves, hats, and sticks to build a classic snowman in your yard. Don’t forget a carrot nose! Or—stay indoors and build an edible version with our Snowman Toast Stack!
46. Have a Winter-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of winter-themed photo challenges and explore your town or neighborhood to snap fun, seasonal pictures.
47. Go Ice Skating
Glide across a local rink for some classic winter fun. Hold hands, spin, or race your friends around for extra laughs!
48. Visit a Local Farm for Seasonal Produce
Support local farmers by purchasing seasonal winter produce like squash, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or citrus fruits. Many farms also offer fun winter activities!
49. Make Chili for a Cozy Night In
Simmer a pot of hearty chili for a warm, satisfying winter meal. Optionally, you can host a chili cook off for a little friendly competition against family and friends. Check out our Recipes Archive for ideas like this Texas Red Chili.
50. Have a Snowball Fight
Gather your family or friends for an epic snowball battle. Build snow forts for extra fun!
51. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Give back to your community by volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen. Helping others is one of the best holiday traditions.
52. Roast Chestnuts Over an Open Fire
Try roasting chestnuts for a nostalgic winter treat with a deliciously nutty flavor. Utilize them in this seasonal side dish recipe: Chestnut, Cranberry, Leek Stuffing.
53. Enjoy a Cozy Day Reading by the Fire
Curl up by the fire with a good book, a warm blanket, and a cup of tea. It’s the ultimate winter escape.
54. Build a Snow Fort or Igloo
Take snow play to the next level by building a sturdy snow fort or igloo. Use buckets and shovels for structure and create a cozy winter hideout.
55. Perform a Random Act of Kindness
Spread joy by surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture—pay for a stranger’s coffee or leave a kind note! Find more ideas on our blog.
56. Try a New Crockpot Recipe
Warm up your home with the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked winter recipe. Try soups, stews, or even a slow-cooked holiday dessert! Check out Slow Cooker Recipes for the Holidays blog for seasonal ideas or explore our full Slow Cooker Recipes archive.
57. Have a Winter Picnic
Bundle up, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and enjoy a picnic in a snowy park. Use a cozy blanket and soak in the winter wonderland.
58. Visit a Winter Festival/Carnival
Check out a local winter festival featuring lights, rides, games, and winter-themed fun. Enjoy seasonal treats like hot cider or roasted chestnuts!
59. Try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Enjoy a snowy adventure with a new winter sport! Many parks and nature centers offer rentals for these fun outdoor activities.
60. Create a Winter Scrapbook or Memory Journal
Collect holiday cards, ticket stubs, and winter photos to create a seasonal scrapbook. It’s a meaningful way to preserve special memories.
Holiday Bucket List Infographics:
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We hope this Holiday Bucket List inspires you to create joyful memories with your loved ones. Stay warm, stay festive, and enjoy every moment this season. Happy Holidays from Martin’s!
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