December is a month wrapped in light, warmth and a touch of magic. The year draws to a close, nights arrive early and the air smells of pine, spices and possibility. It’s the season for slowing down, coming together and finding joy in both the little things and long-held traditions.
This could-do list isn’t about perfection or pressure — it’s here to inspire you with ideas that might add a little sparkle to your family’s December. Pick a few that suit you, skip the rest, and make space for what matters most: connection, creativity and comfort.
Key Festivals & Special Days in December
• Advent (from Dec 1) – The countdown to Christmas begins, marking a time for reflection, kindness and anticipation. Try lighting a candle each evening or filling a reverse advent box with donations for charity.
• International Volunteer Day (Dec 5) – A UN-recognised day celebrating the power of community. Volunteer locally, collect items for a food bank or send thank-you cards to local helpers and teachers.
• St Nicholas Day (Dec 6) – Rooted in the legend of a kind bishop who inspired Santa Claus, this European tradition involves placing small gifts or chocolate coins in shoes overnight.
• Feast of St Lucia (Dec 13) – Celebrated across Scandinavia as a festival of light. Make candle crowns, bake saffron buns and bring a little brightness to the darkest days.
• Hanukkah (Dec 21 – 29 2025) – The Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrating dedication and miracles. Light candles, cook latkes and play dreidel as a family.
• Winter Solstice (Dec 21) – The longest night of the year marks the turning point toward lighter days. Welcome the returning sun with candles, stargazing and warm drinks around a firepit.
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (Dec 24 – 25) – Time for togetherness, generosity and tradition. Bake cookies for Santa, hang stockings and share your favourite festive films.
• Boxing Day (Dec 26) – Historically a day of giving to those in need, now a chance to relax. Go for a winter walk, enjoy leftovers and play new board games.
• New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) – Say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new with reflection, gratitude and hope. Write down your favourite memories of the year and one thing you’d like to try in the next.
Festivals, Events & Adventures
• Christmas at Kew, London (Nov – Jan) – A stunning light trail through Kew Gardens with installations, music and glowing displays. Wrap up warm and wander the illuminated paths together.
• Edinburgh’s Christmas (Nov – Jan) – Markets, big wheels, lights and street performances fill the city with festive cheer — a brilliant weekend away for families.
• York Christmas Festival (all month) – Wooden chalets, local crafts and delicious food make this a cosy seasonal treat in one of England’s prettiest cities.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London (Nov – Jan) – Ice skating, fairground rides, Santa Land and festive markets — book ahead for popular attractions.
• Blenheim Palace Christmas Lights, Oxfordshire (Nov – Jan) – Magical light trail and beautifully decorated palace rooms. Perfect for families who love a bit of sparkle.
• Local Light Switch-Ons & Carol Events (throughout Dec) – Enjoy the community spirit with hot chocolate, singing and small Christmas markets.
• Pantomime Season (Dec – Jan) – “Oh yes it is!” time — head to a local theatre for family laughter, songs and festive silliness.
Things to Try This December
Here are some ideas for slowing down, staying cosy and making December memories that last far beyond the holidays.
- Decorate together – Make tree trimming a family tradition with music, snacks and stories about favourite ornaments.
- Make a Christingle – Learn the meaning of Christingle with this fun craft.
- Homemade wrapping – Use brown paper, potato stamps and twine for eco-friendly wrapping with charm.
- Festive baking – Bake mince pies, gingerbread houses or shortbread. Let kids decorate biscuits for gifts.
- Christmas movie night – Watch classics by fairy light; don’t forget popcorn and pyjamas.
- Winter walks – Go for an evening stroll to see neighbourhood lights or spot constellations in the crisp sky.
- Hot chocolate bar – Set up mugs, toppings and marshmallows for a weekend treat.
- Advent kindness calendar – Each day, do one thoughtful thing — donate, write a note, or call a friend. We have a free printable kindness advent calendar for you.
- Family reflection – Write gratitude notes or draw “best moments of 2025” to share on New Year’s Eve.
- Games night – Dust off old favourites or learn something new together.
- Cosy crafts – Make paper snowflakes, felt ornaments or salt-dough stars to hang on the tree.
Crafts to Match the Month
DIY Snow Globe Candle Topper – a charming handmade centrepiece for winter tables.
Turn Any Glass Candle into an Advent Candle – perfect for counting down the days.
Photo Jar Luminaries – glowing memories for dark evenings.
Tea Cup Candles – repurpose vintage cups for cosy light.
DIY Butterfly and Flower Fingerprint Mugs – a thoughtful handmade gift for teachers or family.
Download Your Free December Could-Do List
If you love having these ideas all in one place, I’ve pulled everything together into a free December Could-Do List printable. Pop it on the fridge, slip it into your family planner, or let the kids pick an activity each weekend. It’s designed to make seasonal fun simple and stress-free. 🍂✨
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All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the free printable December Could-Do List will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished, click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged and the free pdf file will be available for you to download immediately and will also be emailed to your inbox.
Could Do December – Free Printable Family Activity List
Whatever you choose to do this December, may your days be filled with warmth, laughter and love. Slow down, light a candle, and soak up the moments that make this time of year so special.