The magic of the holidays lies in traditions— those little moments of connection that turn into cherished memories. Whether you’re looking to start new holiday traditions or breathe life into existing ones, the following ideas will help you make this season extra special.
From heartwarming activities to laugh-out-loud fun, these traditions for holidays are perfect for your family or the friends who’ve become family.
Here’s some inspo on 20 holiday traditions to start this year:
1. Host a DIY Ornament-Making Party
Gather craft supplies — felt, glitter, glue, and paint — and spend an afternoon creating personalized ornaments. You don’t have to be “crafts-y” to do this either. We recently made mosaic coasters over in Book Club — and, let me tell you, they were so fun and turned out beautifully and hardly a one of us professed to be a DIY gal. Whether it’s creating a snowman from pom-poms or painting wooden stars, this tradition doubles as a creative outlet and a way to deck the halls with memories.
2. Annual Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
Bring everyone into the kitchen for a cookie showdown. Assign roles for bakers, decorators, and judges, and crown a winner with a festive prize. It’s a fun holiday tradition for families that leaves you with treats to enjoy all season. Another way to make this work? Gather your friends for a cookie potluck, where everyone brings their favorite cookie and you vote on your faves.
3. Matching Pajama Movie Night
Invest in cozy, matching pajamas for the whole family (including the dog!) — or your besties — and settle in for a holiday movie marathon. Bonus points for building a blanket fort or bringing out a projector for an at-home theater experience.
4. Letters to Future Selves
Sit down as a family and write letters about your year — what made you laugh, what challenged you, and what you’re hopeful for. Seal them up and save them for next Christmas. This is a favorite holiday tradition because it captures moments that might otherwise fade.
5. Sibling (or Friend) Gift Swap
Take turns drawing names and exchanging meaningful, silly, or even White Elephant gifts. This tradition is one of the best ways to celebrate holidays with family because it encourages thoughtfulness and creativity. Stuck on gift ideas? Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for inspiration that will make everyone smile!
6. Create a Hot Cocoa Bar
Turn a table into a cocoa-lover’s paradise with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, sprinkles, and syrups. This holiday tradition idea works for both small family nights and larger gatherings with friends.
7. Secret Santa Exchange (With a Twist)
Add themes like “homemade gifts” or “something under $20” to keep this tradition affordable and exciting. Reveal gifts over a festive dinner or desserts night, and share laughs as everyone guesses their Secret Santa.
8. Random Acts of Holiday Kindness
Dedicate a day to giving back. Deliver homemade treats to neighbors, pay for someone’s coffee, or surprise a local teacher with a thoughtful gift. Small gestures like these embody the season’s spirit.
9. Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Stock up on gingerbread kits, frosting, and candy, and see who can build the most elaborate house. Younger kids can make simple cottages, while older family members get competitive with multi-level designs.
10. Make Your Own Family Holiday Playlist
Ask everyone to contribute their favorite songs to a shared playlist. From traditional carols to modern hits, this playlist becomes the soundtrack for cooking, gift-wrapping, and driving to see lights. My girls — Sydney and Remy — always bring in all the best music for our playlist.
11. Polar Express Pajama Ride
Load up the car with cocoa and blankets and drive around to see the most dazzling holiday lights. Wear pajamas for extra fun! Consider voting on the best house or creating a bingo card of light displays.
12. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Craft a list of seasonal items to find, like snowmen, wreaths, or inflatable Santas, and set out with your family to spot them in your neighborhood. Whoever checks off the most wins a holiday-themed prize.
13. Write a Thankfulness List
Take a few moments during the season to reflect on gratitude. Share your lists around the dinner table or tuck them into stockings to be read later. This tradition brings heartfelt meaning to the holidays.
14. “Snowed In” Game Night
Whether it’s snowing or not, transform a chilly night into a marathon of board games, card games, trivia, and charades. Add prizes, snacks, and a family trophy to make it a tradition your crew won’t want to skip.
15. Tree-Cutting Adventure
Head to a local tree farm and pick out the perfect evergreen. Snap photos, sip cider, and enjoy the outdoors before bringing your tree home to decorate.
16. Holiday Photo Booth
Set up a DIY photo booth with props like Santa hats, elf ears, and funny signs to use all season long. It’s an easy way to capture moments and create keepsakes you can look back on year after year.
17. Christmas Eve Box or Stocking Tradition
Pack a stocking or box with special treats like cozy socks, a book, or holiday snacks. Open them on Christmas Eve for a quiet, intimate way to relax and bond before the big day.
18. Craft a Family Recipe Book
Gather recipes that have been holiday staples and compile them into a keepsake book. Include notes on their origins or memories tied to each dish. This is one of my favorite holiday tradition ideas for preserving family history.
19. Host a “Friendsmas” Dinner
Invite friends over for a potluck-style dinner where everyone brings a holiday dish from their culture or family traditions. Light candles, share stories, and toast to chosen family. Okay, if your friends want the night off from cooking, you can also do what we did one year and order our favorite things from every fast food restaurant near us. I don’t make the rules.
20. A Midnight Dessert Feast
Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve with a late-night dessert gathering by the tree. Include everyone’s favorite treats — pie, cookies, or even hot cocoa with that extravagant toppings bar. Add festive music or soft holiday lights to make the moment feel even more enchanting.
The Power of Traditions
Starting fun holiday traditions is one of the best ways to celebrate holidays with family. Whether it’s crafting ornaments, sipping cocoa, or singing carols, these moments become the foundation of cherished memories for years to come.
Make this year the one where you start a new favorite holiday tradition — one that brings joy, connection, and a little extra magic to your season.
