Whether you’ve had your decorations up since November 1st, or are just getting in the holiday spirit now, there is so much fun things to do this holiday season. From Santa visits and holiday markets, to movie nights and baking afternoons, we’ve got a list you can customize with the things that bring YOU the most JOY this holiday season!
Now, we know every mom and family is different when it comes to holiday festivities. Some want to do ALL the things to get in the spirit of the season, while some are content with just a few items to check off their holiday bucket list.
Either way, we’ve rounded up 30 fun ideas to add to your own family’s holiday bucket list this year!
Plus, we’ve created a FREE, CUSTOMIZABLE PRINTABLE that can be used to write your family’s bucket list, as a wish list for someone else or yourself, a holiday shopping list, or anything else you need to keep organized this season.
30+ Ideas for Your Holiday Bucket List
- Visit Gate City Bank’s Village West location (across from West Acres) to see their iconic blue lights.
- Watch a holiday movie as a family.
- Try hot cocoa bombs from a local bakery or store (or make your own!).
- Bake cookies or decorate some from a local baker.
- Decorate the Christmas tree.
- Attend Christkindlmarkt at the Fargo Civic Center (November 20-22 & 27-29, 2026)
- Make homemade ornaments (then use them as gifts for grandparents!).
- Read a holiday book.
- Go on a sleigh ride.
- Go ice skating outdoors or find an indoor rink.
- Volunteer as a family.
- Donate toys or other goods to someone in need.
- Watch Santa fly in to the Fargo Air Museum on December 12, 2026.
- Write a letter to Santa.
- Decorate a gingerbread house.
- Attend a Christmas tree lighting at Broadway Square (December 5th) or Downtown West Fargo.
- Get hot cocoa and look at Christmas lights.
- Visit a holiday market to shop for presents locally.
- Have a local shopping day.
- Watch a holiday concert or performance.
- Pick out a real Christmas tree (or if you feel like a day trip, cut your own at a nearby farm!).
- Watch the Holiday Lights Parade downtown on December 5th. Check out the decorated store windows while you are there!
- Watch a Christmas movie or show from your childhood.
- Bring food to a local food pantry.
- Get a photo with Santa.
- Bring goodies to your neighbors.
- Head to Bonanzaville for Christmas on the Prairie on December 5th.
- Attend a Christmas/Holiday show at the MSUM Planetarium.
- Go sledding, snow tubing, or snowshoeing.
- Visit Santa Village at Rheault Farm.
- Visit the Festival of Trees at the FARGODOME (hurry, it ends December 5th!).
- Drive through the Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds.
- Catch a show by the Holiday Train at a nearby stop in Hankinson on December 18th or Detroit Lakes on December 17th!
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MORE HOLIDAY FUN
