December is that magical in-between where we wrap up the festive frenzy of November and gear up for a brand-new year. Can you believe it’s almost time for New Year’s resolutions? (Crazy, right?) And if you’re anything like me, you’re squeezing out every last bit of adventure before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.
>> Looking for more fun ideas for this chilly season? Check out my Winter Bucket List and my New Year’s Eve Bucket List that has 30 things to do to end this year with a bang!
Things to do in the Month of December
Cozy & Festive Winter Activities
December calls for slowing down, bundling up and sipping on something cinnamon-y. and finding joy in simple pleasures.It’s the month that sees the most of my fuzzy socks! From holiday traditions to cozy nights, here are some ideas to fill your month with festive warmth.
- Go on a winter-themed movie marathon (think Love Actually and Elf).
- Make a DIY advent calendar and fill it with tiny daily affirmations or treats.
- Try your hand at baking holiday cookies.
- Host an epic holiday party with friends and family.
- Decorate your home with fresh greenery and twinkling lights.
- Have a hot cocoa bar night with all the toppings (peppermint, marshmallows, whipped cream!).
- Make a personalized ornament for your tree or as a gift.
- Write holiday cards by hand to send to loved ones.
- Set up a cozy reading nook with blankets, candles, and holiday reads.
- Spend a quiet evening stargazing on a crisp, clear winter night.
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Embrace the chill, because December is a beautiful month to get outside for some bucket list adventures. Whether you’re gliding around an outdoor ice rink, trekking through the snow on snowshoes, or sledding like a kid again, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy crisp air. Try one (or all) of these outdoor winter adventures to make the most of the season.
- Go ice skating at an outdoor rink.
- Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
- Take a scenic winter hike to enjoy the snowy landscapes.
- Go sledding or tubing for a fun throwback to childhood.
- Visit a local Christmas tree farm and pick out a fresh tree.
- Spend a weekend in a cozy cabin with a fireplace.
- Bundle up for a winter picnic with hot drinks and warm blankets.
- Take a carriage ride through a decorated town square or park.
- Try an outdoor winter yoga class (layer up!).
- Participate in a local holiday 5k (many races are winter-themed).
Creative Winter Projects
December is a great month for staying indoors and getting creative! Try these wintery projects to keep your hands busy and your spirits high.
When it’s a little too cold to venture outside, why not stay in and tackle some fun and creative winter projects? Whether you’re knitting a scarf to stay warm, making a holiday wreath to deck your halls, or whipping up some homemade bath bombs, there’s no better time to get crafty. Plus, with a new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to create a vision board for those 2025 dreams.
- Knit or crochet a scarf or blanket.
- Make your own holiday candles with seasonal scents like pine or cinnamon.
- Create a calendar with your favorite photos from the year.
- Learn to make homemade bath bombs as gifts.
- Craft your own holiday wreath with natural elements like pinecones and holly.
- Try your hand at calligraphy or hand-lettering for your holiday cards.
- Paint or sketch a wintery scene (try a cozy cabin or snowy forest).
- Create a vision board for the new year with your 2025 bucket list goals.
- Make homemade hot chocolate bombs as gifts or a treat for yourself.
- Design and print custom gift tags for a personal touch to holiday presents.
Food & Drink Experiences
Whether you’re sipping on a cranberry mimosa, baking bread from scratch, or hosting a cookie exchange party with friends, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to celebrate the season. And, I’m here for it! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making homemade eggnog or take a virtual cooking class to master a festive recipe? Throw in a charcuterie night with winter flavors and your December is shaping up to be deliciously unforgettable.
- Host a holiday brunch with friends or family.
- Try a new festive cocktail recipe (like a spiced cranberry thyme mosow mule).
- Make mulled wine or hot spiced cider on a cold evening.
- Try baking bread or focaccia from scratch.
- Have a charcuterie and cheese night with seasonal fruits and nuts.
- Take a virtual cooking class to learn a festive recipe.
- Visit a local brewery or winery for a winter tasting event.
- Try your hand at making homemade eggnog.
- Organize a cookie exchange party with friends.
- Try baking your favorite childhood holiday treats from scratch.
Personal Growth & Reflective Moments
December is the ultimate time for a little self-care and reflection, don’t you think? As the year winds down, it’s the perfect excuse to hit pause, look back on 2024’s wins (and lessons), and start dreaming about what’s next. Whether you’re jotting down a gratitude list, tackling a mini declutter session, or treating yourself to a solo museum date, this is all about recharging and refocusing.
- Take time to write a gratitude list for the past year.
- Reflect on your personal goals and achievements from 2024.
- Plan one big goal for the upcoming year and outline the first steps.
- Try a new journaling practice.
- Set a mini fitness or wellness goal for the winter.
- Declutter your home and donate any unused items before the holidays.
- Practice daily affirmations for a more positive mindset.
- Try a winter meditation session (guided apps like Calm can help!).
- Take yourself on a solo date—treat yourself to lunch or a museum trip.
- End the year with a digital detox day to unplug and refresh.
Travel & Festivals in December
Are you up for checking some things off your travel bucket list? December is filled with amazing festivals and events around the world. Here are some unique experiences to consider if you’re planning a trip this month:
- Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Visit the Christmas Markets in Europe.
- Rovaniemi, Finland: Visit Santa’s official hometown for a snowy, magical experience.
- Las Posadas, Mexico: Celebrate a traditional Mexican holiday with processions, caroling, and vibrant local festivities.
- Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland: Ring in the new year with torchlight processions, fireworks, and Scottish traditions.
- Junkanoo in the (Bahamas: Celebrate this colorful and energetic Caribbean festival with parades, music, and dancing.
- Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan: Experience beautiful ice sculptures and winter festivities.
- Festival of Lights in Lyon, France: This famous event features illuminated art installations all over the city.
- New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia: Watch one of the world’s most iconic fireworks displays.
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