29 Christmas Bucket List Ideas

Finding a classic Christmas experience gift is only one of many ways to bring the festive spirit alive this summer. Even though we’re down under, so very far from the North Pole, there are some Christmas traditions we simply can’t help but love, like cinnamon baked treats, snowy decorations and ugly Christmas sweaters.

But if you’re celebrating in warmer weather, we’ve put together a playful Christmas bucket list of activities perfect for an Australian summer! 

Whether you’re celebrating with family, enjoying Friendsmas, or simply want to add some joy to your holiday season, we’ve got 29 Christmas bucket list ideas to help you embody your inner elf. 

Our fave bucket list ideas from each category

Need more ideas? Keep reading!

Classic Christmas bucket list ideas

Want to feel like you’re well and truly commemorating the holidays? These classic Christmas traditions are a must-do to get into the spirit. 

1. Bake some classic Christmas treats (gingerbread goes great with eggnog). You could make your own gingerbread house at this festive workshop in Melbourne. 

2. Make Christmas cards from scratch (you could try this watercolour Christmas card class in Brisbane to help get you started!).

3. Live life to the soundtrack of Christmas tunes (better yet, make your own playlist).

4. Watch all the classic festive movies from Home Alone to Elf.

5. Set up Christmas lights around your home; even fairy-lit trees bring a whole lot of magic.

6. Decorate your Christmas tree (of course!).

7. Create your own flower wreaths at a jingle and mingle Christmas wreath workshop in Sydney. This one’s great for connecting with loved ones and getting into the true Christmas spirit of spending time together. Victoria K. appreciated the quality time with her mum: 

“Had a great time with my mum today! It was special to have some time together where we could switch off from our everyday and do something creative together. The day was more than we expected with a cheese board, drinks and a thank you gift at the end!”

Want to add making your own Christmas gifts to the bucket list? See our DIY Christmas gift guide.

Summer Christmas bucket list ideas

If you’re looking to maximise your time off, get out and about, and enjoy the sunshine, try these summer classics to make the most of the silly season.

8. Experiment with mango-flavoured desserts, or simply feast on mangoes. Whatever you decide, don’t sleep on this sweet seasonal fruit—summer only lasts so long!

9. Join a BBQ cooking class with family or friends. It’s always handy to understand how to smash a classic Aussie BBQ, perfect for X-mas Day entertaining.

10. Host a Christmas-themed paint and sip party for you and your friends. A Southern Highland cow with a Santa hat? Yes, please. 

11. If you’re the adventurous type, plan a camping weekend. Summer + nature = a match made in heaven.

12. Get into a game of beach or backyard cricket. Or if cricket’s not your thing, soccer is fun too. What matters most is the time spent together, and who doesn’t love a bit of competitive fun?

Suggested experiences

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Family Christmas bucket list ideas

Want to make new traditions with your family? Here are a mix of classic and modern Christmas bucket list ideas to build the best memories. 

13. Write letters to Santa (and make sure to buy ‘his’ favourite cookies for Christmas Eve).

14. Hand-build your own ceramic Christmas decorations to keep. You can use these year after year, building on your collection over time.

15. Play a new board game together. Though you may want to avoid Monopoly (if you know, you know). 

16. Take a classic coordinated Christmas family photo and add it to a physical Christmas photo album. The kids will thank you for having such precious memories to flip through in the future.

17. Decorate gingerbread cookies together in Subiaco or at home; the location doesn’t matter as much as having a laugh and enjoying your treats as a family.

18. Get the sprinklers out and have a water play day.

19. Plan a picnic with the cousins. Or better yet, get creative and paint your own pottery in the park in Melbourne. Your finished plates could make for great teacher or Secret Santa gifts.

20. Have fun with Elf on the Shelf and let the kids wake up every morning to another cheeky scenario.

21. Go for a Christmas light drive—the perfect way to make sparkly memories for young ones whilst also lulling them to sleep on the way home.

Quirky Christmas bucket list ideas

If out-of-the-box Christmas traditions are what you’re searching for, we’ve got some heartwarming options for you.

22. Grab an online cross-stitch kit and learn how to embroider cute Christmas decorations from the comfort of your couch! (Invite some friends or family to make it even more wholesome.)

23. Make homemade gifts, like candles. Or level up the experience and plan a candle making party! Neva D. got well and truly into the festive mood after this session: 

“We had such a lovely time at the Christmas-scented candle class. It was creative, relaxed, and genuinely so much fun. The teacher was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience feel easy and enjoyable. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon and left us feeling festive and inspired.”

24. Drop anonymous Christmas cards in your neighbourhood to lighten someone's day.

25. Create your own Grinch plushie! This crochet class in Coomera can help you weave your own little green guy to decorate the tree. 

Meaningful Christmas bucket list ideas

If you’re looking to add some sentimental value to your Christmas bucket list, here are some thoughtful ideas that not only make you happy, but will gift some joy to everyone around you. 

26. Donate clothing and/or toys to your chosen charity—great for the lead-up to Christmas to make sure others have a beautiful Christmas Day, and equally perfect for after the celebrations to clean out the old and make space for the new. 

27. Put together a small Christmas care package for your neighbours. It could be as simple as a box of chocolates and a Christmas card. Building community can make all the difference around the festive season.

28. Take part in random acts of kindness like paying for someone’s coffee or giving a sweet compliment.

29. Gift some Christmassy experience gifts to share, showing others you want to spend more time with them. 

Whether you’re leaning into classic traditions, making the most of the summer, or handcrafting memories with the people you love most, there’s no single way to celebrate an Australian Christmas. Pick a few ideas from this bucket list, try a Christmas craft class, or simply relax into your break. You can make this holiday season exactly what you want!