42 Things to Do This Christmas
Looking for festive inspiration? We have you covered.
It's not long now until the lights will be twinkling, the hot chocolate will be simmering, and Mariah Carey is taking over the radio, which can only mean one thing: Christmas is on its way! Whether you’re a mistletoe maniac, a mince pie enthusiast, or someone who simply loves the sparkle of the season, there’s no better time to fill your days with festive fun. At 42 Things To Do , we believe the holidays aren’t just about presents; they’re about presence. It’s the laughter over messy crafts, the warmth of giving back, the crisp air on a frosty walk, and the little moments that make December magical. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve gathered 42 festive things to do , from creative crafts and cosy nights in, to joyful days out and heartwarming ways to spread kindness. Whether you want to stay snug by the fire or head out into the winter wonderland, there’s something here for everyone. Crafty Christmas Creations 1. Make your own Christmas wreath – forage pine, berries, and ribbons for a personal touch. You can even attend a wreath making course led by professionals! 2. Bake and decorate gingerbread houses – hold your own bake-off inspired competition and compete with friends for 'Best Winter Wonderland'! 3. Create handmade ornaments – just like you did at school - use salt dough, wood slices, or dried citrus for a rustic look. 4. Paint festive window scenes – use washable paints for frosty snowflakes or Santa silhouettes. 5. DIY advent calendar – make someone's day; fill each pocket with tiny gifts, quotes, or acts of kindness. 6. Craft Christmas cards – swap shop-bought cards for watercolor or collage masterpieces. 7. Make your own hot chocolate mix – perfect as a homemade gift or fillers for stockings or Christmas eve boxes. 8. Sew, crochet or knit a Christmas stocking – never learned to knit or crochet? Now's the time! You can personalise it with names or initials. 9. Try candle making – use cinnamon or pine essential oils for cozy scents. Again, you can find local course at this time of year which will lead you through the process, or simply find a YouTube guide and buy your supplies online. 10. Upcycle old decorations – bored of the old look? Are you after a new Christmas colour scheme? Don't throw things out! Use spray paint, glitter, or repurpose them into new treasures. Feel-Good & Community Spirit 11. Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen – spread real Christmas cheer where it matters by volunteering your time over the festive period to help out those in need at your local food bank or soup kitchen. 12. Donate warm clothes or blankets – if there isn't a collection, then organise a 'Winter Warmth Drive' in your community. 13. Sing carols at a care home – old-fashioned joy never goes out of style. Look into local choirs to join. 14. Leave secret gifts for neighbors – doorstep surprises (nice ones only!) that will confuse and delight. 15. Write thank-you letters – to teachers, posties, or anyone who made your year brighter - it'll make them smile. 16. Adopt a family for Christmas – contribute to a charity that supports families in need. 17. Join a community tree-lighting ceremony – simple, sparkly, and full of spirit. 18. Host a charity Christmas quiz night – raise money for a local cause by holding a special festive event in a local pub or cafe. 19. Pick up litter on Boxing Day – turn your post-feast walk into a clean-up adventure - either with the community or as a family. 20. Shop small and local – eschew Amazon; shop independent and local and buy your Christmas gifts intentionally and thoughtfully this year. Festive Days Out & Adventures 21. Go ice skating under fairy lights – bonus points for wearing festive jumpers and not falling over! 22. Visit a Christmas market – sip mulled wine and browse handmade crafts; they're a great place to pick out unique gifts.. 23. Take a winter hike – wrap up warm, bring a thermos of tea or soup and watch the frost sparkle. 24. Visit a stately home dressed for Christmas – many National Trust and English Heritage properties have special Christmas events and they look absolutely magical at this time of year. 25. See a pantomime or festive play – Oh yes you can! 26. Go on a Christmas lights walk or road trip – map the best local displays and get the family or friends together to see them in one trip! 27. Ride a heritage steam train with Santa – magical for kids (and nostalgic adults); you can find steam train lines all over the UK. 28. Visit a reindeer farm or winter wildlife park – festive and educational. 29. Try a winter picnic – with blankets, mince pies, and hot cider. 30. Plan a '12 pubs of Christmas' crawl – responsibly, of course! Cosy Nights In 31. Host a Christmas movie marathon – queue up the classics, from Elf to It’s a Wonderful Life , put your Christmas PJs on and snuggle under the blankets for the day. 32. Play festive board games or trivia – or invent your own Christmas quiz. 33. Have a hot chocolate bar night – kids love this one; set up a hot chocolate station where they can help themselves to marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks 34. Read classic Christmas stories aloud – switch our out your bedtime story to something festive; Dickens, Dr. Seuss, the Christmasaurus... or new discoveries. 35. Do a Christmas jigsaw puzzle – get the whole family involved and spend time quietly working together; perfect with carols playing in the background. 36. Make festive cocktails or mocktail – cranberry fizz, spiced rum toddy, or mulled punch - there are lots of drinks that scream 'Christmas'. 37. Host a virtual Christmas party – if you have long-distance family and friends, agree to meet up over Zoom or Teams; ugly sweaters optional. 38. Write your 'year in review' journal – reflect on what made you merry and bright. 39. Camp indoors by the Christmas tree – fairy lights, sleeping bags, cocoa in hand. 40. Watch a Christmas Eve sunrise or sunset – simple, peaceful, magical. A Little Extra Magic 41. Start a new Christmas tradition – something unique that’s yours . A walk first thing on Christmas Day in your PJs? A reverse advent calendar where you give something away each day? Writing a letter to yourself to open the next Christmas? Whatever takes your fancy. 42. Make a Kindness Countdown – 25 days of small good deeds leading to Christmas Day. So there you have it: 42 ways to make this Christmas your most memorable yet. You don’t need to do them all (though we dare you to try!). Just pick a few that make your heart feel light, grab your favorite people, and soak up the sparkle of the season. Remember, the best Christmas moments aren’t bought, they’re made . With every batch of shortbread you bake, card you craft, and smile you share, you’re creating memories that last far longer than any wrapping paper. Feeling inspired? Sign up at 42thingstodo.net to discover even more seasonal adventures, creative challenges, and joyful ways to make every day special, all year round.