60 fun and festive things to do in December
60 fun and festive things to do in December
By Isabelle Eyman | Published: 2025-12-01 11:00:00 | Source: Camille Styles
December always brings a special kind of magic and, yes, a little bit of chaos, as mailboxes overflow, cakes are repeatedly baked, and gift wrappers occupy every corner of the house, but as the year approaches, there’s an undeniable pull toward slowness: softer mornings, nostalgic rituals, and the simple pleasure of getting comfortable with the people (and practices) that make us feel grounded.
This year, instead of rushing through the season, I’m allowing myself to celebrate the quiet, meaningful moments that make December feel so magical. That’s the spirit behind this list: 31 intentional things to do in December—small, joyful rituals for every day of the month. Think of it as a gentle guide to savor the season, reconnect with yourself, and end the year with presence.
31 festive things you can do in December
Ask yourself: What will make me happy this month? What will help me feel more connected, inspired and at ease? Let this list be the push you need to slow down and savor all the goodness that is right here, right now.
Let’s make this December an unforgettable one. I will see you in 2026.
Warm winter ritual
1. Make your advent calendar. Whether filled with chocolates, small gifts, or handwritten notes, this small, everyday moment of joy creates a comforting and cheerful feel.
2. Set your intention for the month. Start the season with a poignant moment: Pour a warm drink, light a candle, and write a letter to yourself in January 2026. Think about what you’ve learned, what you’ll give up, and what you hope to welcome into the year ahead.
3. Decorate your home. Decorate the halls with garlands, twinkling lights and greenery. Transform your space into a soft, inviting sanctuary where you actually want to slow down.
4. Distribute Christmas pajamas. Conformity is optional – convenience is required. Bonus points if you take a photo with family or friends.
5. Prepare a festive breakfast. Gingerbread cinnamon rolls, cranberry loaf, or your favorite seasonal muffins: December mornings deserve a little extra sweetness.
6. Read a holiday book. Lose yourself in a happy romance or a warm classic. December is reading season.
7. Enjoy a self-care night while on vacation. When your calendar is full, intentionally reserve an evening to recharge your batteries. Think warm baths, winter skincare, twinkling lights, and no guilt.
8. Bake monkey bread. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and seriously delicious—basically the definition of holiday cheer.
9. Start the puzzle. Clear the table, turn on the playlist, and enjoy the slow pace of progress piece by piece.
10. Create your own holiday playlist. Mix classics with relaxed indie selections and a little bubbly. Let her record the rest of the month.
Ways to embrace the season
11. Watch your favorite holiday movie. Whether you are a team Vacation (same) or Little womenlean all the way to comfort.
12. Visit the holiday market. Browse handcrafted goods, sample festive sweets, and enjoy the glow of twinkle lights.
13. Take a tour of your city lights. Pack your bags and walk — or drive — through busy neighborhoods. This one never gets old.
14. Go ice skating. You don’t have to be good to have fun. In fact, oscillation is part of the magic.
15. Sip a seasonal beverage at a local café. Ask for something comfortable and move on. The season for mint hot chocolate is very short. (Alternatively, set up a café at home.)
16. Walk through the window display of past holidays. Treat them like little art installations and enjoy the whimsy.
17. Look Nutcracker. High school production or professional company – it’s pure December magic.
18. Relax in the fireplace bar or café. A warm drink, a crackling fire, dim lighting. This is winter aesthetics at its best.
19. Giving gifts to your neighbors. A small homemade treat or thoughtful note spreads joy in the simplest, sweetest way.
20. Shop small for holiday gifts. Support the stores and makers in your community and enjoy a less chaotic shopping experience.
Acts of joy and contemplation
21. Host a holiday cookie exchange. Gather friends, bake your favorites, and then leave with a box full of sweets. The easiest December gathering ever. Here’s exactly how to plan your cookie swap.
22. Enjoy an old-fashioned snow day. Snowball fights, sledding, snow angels… the only rule is to let yourself feel like a kid again.
23. Volunteer or donate. Adopting a family, sharing coats, giving away gifts – that’s what this season is really about.
24. Read holiday stories together. Be it that Fast polarity or Snowy dayEmbrace the warmth of nostalgia for a read-aloud.
25. Slow down and savor. Whatever your day looks like, take a breath and enjoy the moments that matter.
26. Create a nostalgic vacation. Peppermint bark, puppy food, cut-and-baked cookies…take your pick for your childhood taste.
27. Reflect on your year with someone you love. Talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
28. Watch a classic holiday movie you missed. One last relaxing watch before the season ends.
29. Do random acts of kindness. Hold the door, buy someone a coffee, and leave a nice note. Small gestures, big warmth.
30. Renew your space for the new year. Clean surfaces, wash bedding, and declutter a little. Paving the way for a quieter start until 2026.
31. End the year with gratitude. Write down ten things you are grateful for from the past year. Light a candle and make a toast to the days ahead.
The final word
As this month begins, let these little rituals help you slow down, reconnect, and savor the beauty woven throughout each day of December. Whether you’re spending cozy nights at home, celebrating with loved ones, or taking quiet moments just for you, every day offers an opportunity to end the year with meaning.
Here’s to joy, intention, nostalgia, and a month filled with all the magic you choose to do.
This post was last updated on December 1, 2025, to include new insights.
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