This post is all about winter bucket list ideas to do this year.
The best memories are the ones we made with the people (and pups!) we love. The Fall days are over, and yes, they were great; they were full of fun fall activities, matching Halloween costumes, Halloween movies, and PSL. But now it’s the best time of the year: Christmas, holiday desserts, Christmas pajamas, New Year’s Eve, and many cool winter bucket list ideas!
We’ve curated the ultimate winter bucket list with 30+ ideas to make your heart sing. From heartwarming holiday traditions to snowy escapades, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your favorite people, bundle up, and let’s dive into these winter time activities filled with love and let’s create some unforgettable memories!
If you’re looking for winter bucket list ideas, you’re in the right place.
38 Winter Bucket List Ideas
Winter Bucket List Must Do’s
1. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies: Christmas is an excellent opportunity to stay inside and spend the whole day baking Christmas desserts. Maybe not the entire day, but bake enough goodies to share with loved ones or enjoy as a sweet treat.😉
2. Have a bonfire: Roast marshmallows, read holiday stories, listen to Christmas music with your partner, and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire with your pup nestled at your feet.
3. Wrap Christmas gifts while listening to music: Create your own or listen to this Christmas playlist to add some energy and fun to the task.
4. Hang ornaments: Decorate your Christmas tree with sparkling ornaments and cherished keepsakes. One of my favorite ornaments from last year is this dog figure from Target (they have different breeds, by the way). If you are from the 90s like me or just a fan of this popular TV show, you will love these Friends ornaments.
5. See a holiday light display: Bundle up and take a stroll through a dazzling light display. Almost every city have those and some are pet-friendly!
6. Wear matching Christmas pajamas: These are the matching christmas pajamas for couples and dog I’m buying this year.
7. Celebrate the Holidays: Spend 24 hours in New York City to experience the magic of the city during the holidays. (I have been dying to do with our dog!)
@ethanbarber.co welcome to the most wonderful time of the year in the most magical place— christmas in new york! 🎅🏼🌇🎄✨ the streets are filled with people from all across the world and all walks of life. each participating in the festivities with their own traditions (or starting new ones!) there’s a feeling of joy and happiness that’s frankly quite rare to see these days. in a world where we’re so divided, new york city remains one of the few places left in the world where one can feel a sense of community and togetherness. and that’s the magic of christmas in new york!🎄✨ all clips taken november-december 2023 shot on iphone 15 pro max 4k at 30fps #ethanbarberco #christmas #christmasinnewyork #newyorkcity #rockefellercenter #christmastree #homealone #newyorkphotographer ♬ All Alone on Christmas – Darlene Love
8. Make snow angels: Embrace your inner child and create lasting memories in the snow. Don’t forget to document these memories!
9. Take Polaroid camera pictures: And talking about immortalising moments, capturing candid and nostalgic moments throughout the season with a polaroid camera is a special and fun way to celebrate the holidays.
10. Make a gingerbread house: Convince your partner to make a gingerbread house together as a fun thing to do in the winter inside.
Winter Activities
11. Visit a Christmas market: Sip on mulled wine, browse handmade crafts, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Spend a day in a beautiful winter town or city exploring the local shops, cafes, and attractions.
12. Build a snowman: While you are visiting one of those cute Christmas towns, get creative and build a whole snow family—you and your dog, because why not?! Don’t forget the carrot nose and twig arms.
13. Take a winter hike: Explore a snowy trail and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. If you are like me and love to include your dog in almost everything you do, you’ll want to go to one of these dog-friendly hikes.
14. Have a snowball fight: What better way to enjoy your hike than to channel your inner child and let loose with a playful snowball fight? Include your dog for the best memories together!
15. Go sledding or tubing: Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zoom down a snowy hill.
16. Take a cooking class: Learn how to make a new winter dish.
17. Reflect on the past year: Take some time to appreciate your accomplishments and lessons learned.
18. Make a New Year’s resolution: Set a goal for the new year and work towards achieving it.
19. Play giant Jenga in pajamas: There is nothing like staying at home for a silly and relaxing indoor activity. Your dog can join you in rocking their matching pajamas!
20. Take a winter road trip: Pack the car essentials and hit the road with your pup to explore a new town or scenic area. Here are some good dog-friendly destinations to go this winter.
Christmas Bucket List
21. Have a cozy movie night: Cuddle up on the couch with your dog and watch some classic Christmas movies.
22. Start a new hobby: Learn to knit, crochet, or paint.
23. Random acts of kindness: Spread some extra love and joy during the holiday season.
24. Update your Phone Wallpaper: It’s a new season, and you need a new cute iPhone wallpaper. Here are some iphone wallpaper ideas you can get right now, including winter wallpapers!
25. Light a festive candle: Fill your home with the warm glow of a holiday-scented candle.
26. Do a winter puzzle: Challenge yourself with a jigsaw puzzle or crossword puzzle.
27. Cook a candlelit dinner: When talking about couples bucket list, a anything that you do together is a good idea, and dinner may be basic but it will always be a special way to spend an intimate evening at home.
28. Have a game night: Gather with friends or family for a fun night of card games. Or host board games for couples night for a fun and competitive evening with your partner.
Dog Friendly Date Ideas: Fun Stuff To Do in The Winter
29. Cuddle up with your dog by the fireplace: Enjoy some quality snuggle time and curl up on the couch with a good book and your dog by your side. Don’t forget a cup of hot cocoa for you and the fresh homemade dog treats for your dog!
30. Plan a winter getaway: Escape the cold and enjoy a warm-weather vacation. This Key West Pet Friendly Rental Will Make You Think, ”Oh, I Should Stay Here Before”
31. Take your dog on a winter photoshoot: Capture some adorable memories with your partner and your furry friend.
32. Do charity work or volunteer: A donation to an animal rescue organization is a meaningful gift that will help animals in need. Here is a link to one of Chevy’s and my favorite rescues if you don’t know where to start.
33. Make homemade dog treats: Spoil your pup with some tasty treats.
34. Foster a pet: Open your home to a furry friend in need of a temporary home.
35. Host an ‘ugliest winter sweater’ contest: A fun and silly way to spend Christmas Eve with friends and family. Include your dog in the contest, I bet he will win!
36. Go for a scenic train ride: Take a relaxing train ride through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the views together. Many are pet-friendly trains, so your dog can join in on the fun.
37. Stay in a unique dog-friendly stay: From dog-friendly cabins to treehouses and even yurts, there are plenty of unique accommodations to choose from for a memorable getaway with your pup.
38. Make an ornament: Making your holiday ornaments is a fantastic Christmas bucket list idea that will make you feel proud of yourself. This paw print is one of the cutest DIY Christmas ornaments ideas I found on my research!
So, grab your calendar, start planning, and get ready to embrace the magic of winter. And don’t forget to share your adventures with us! Let’s spread the Christmas cheer!