31 Delicious Things to Do in December, A Festive Food Lover’s Guide

December is the month where food truly shines-warm kitchens, cozy gatherings, and the irresistible magic of holiday treats. If you're anything like me, this is the time when the love for good food meets the joy of celebration. From baking gingerbread cookies to stirring up steaming mugs of peppermint hot chocolate, every day brings a new opportunity to create something delicious and memorable. To help you savor every moment of the season, I've put together 31 delicious things to cook, bake, and do in December-simple, festive ideas designed to bring comfort, creativity, and cheer to your kitchen. And to make it even easier to follow along, I've included a free December bucket list printable you can download, check off, and enjoy all month long.

1. Bake classic gingerbread cookies

Nothing says December quite like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. Bake a batch of classic gingerbread cookies using my easy recipe for soft, chewy treats perfect for decorating with icing or enjoying alongside a mug of cocoa.

2. Host a holiday cookie swap

Invite friends, neighbors, or coworkers to bring their favorite homemade cookies and exchange them. A holiday cookie swap is a fun, festive way to sample a huge variety of treats without doing all the baking yourself-and you might discover a new favorite recipe!

3. Make a batch of peppermint hot chocolate

Cozy up with rich, creamy peppermint hot chocolate infused with a refreshing minty kick. This winter drink is pure December comfort in a mug. Try our peppermint hot chocolate recipe for a homemade version that's even better than café-style.

4. Create homemade holiday gift baskets

Fill holiday gift baskets with thoughtful homemade goodies like jams, spiced nuts, baked treats, infused oils, or artisanal chocolates. These personal touches make every gift feel warm, heartfelt, and delicious.

5. Design a festive handmade menu for your holiday dinner

Bring charm to your table by creating handmade menus featuring your holiday dishes. They double as keepsakes your guests will adore. For ready-made inspiration, take a look at our free printable holiday menu cards.

6. Try a new roast for Christmas dinner

Shake up tradition by experimenting with a new Christmas roast-think glazed ham, herb-crusted beef, or a citrus-brined turkey. Exploring a new centerpiece dish keeps your holiday dinner exciting and memorable.

7. Whip up a batch of spiced mulled wine

Simmer red wine with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and a touch of sweetness to make mulled wine-the quintessential holiday beverage. Its warm, comforting aroma instantly fills your home with festive cheer.

8. Craft your own holiday cocktail

Get creative behind the bar with a signature holiday cocktail made from seasonal ingredients like cranberry, ginger, rosemary, or citrus. Share it at your next gathering to give your guests a festive sip they won't forget.

9. Bake a festive Yule log cake

A traditional Yule log cake (Bûche de Noël) is both a showstopper and a delightfully decadent dessert. With its rolled sponge, creamy filling, and log-like design, it adds a magical touch to any holiday table.

10. Make homemade candy canes or peppermint bark

Kick off a sweet kitchen project by making candy canes or a sheet of classic peppermint bark. These peppermint candies make wonderful gifts and are fun to prepare with kids or friends.

11. Host a holiday brunch featuring cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit

Gather loved ones for a cozy holiday brunch. Serve warm, gooey cinnamon rolls alongside bright, fresh fruit for a delicious morning spread that feels festive without being fussy.

12. Experiment with holiday-themed charcuterie boards

Build a merry charcuterie board packed with red and green cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruits, nuts, and chocolates. Arrange it in fun shapes-like a wreath or Christmas tree-for an extra-special December touch.

13. Send out beautifully designed food-themed holiday invitations

Set the tone for your gatherings with charming invitations that feature foodie illustrations or recipe-inspired designs. They're a lovely way to share your culinary excitement for the season.

14. Cook a batch of hearty winter soup

Combat chilly December nights with a pot of hearty winter soup. Butternut squash, beef stew, lentil soup, or creamy potato soup are all comforting, warming options that taste even better the next day.

15. Make your own holiday spice blend

Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice to create a homemade holiday spice blend that elevates everything from desserts to lattes to hot chocolate. Try our homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe for the perfect festive mix.

16. Try baking festive bread-cranberry walnut or cinnamon swirl

Bring seasonal flavor to your table by baking festive bread such as cranberry walnut, cinnamon swirl, or even gingerbread loaf. For a delicious start, try our cranberry sourdough bread recipe packed with holiday flair.

17. Host a cookie decorating party

Break out the royal icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, and festive shapes for a fun cookie decorating party. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it's a joyful, creative way to spend a December afternoon.

18. Prepare a simple yet stunning cheese platter

Assemble a holiday-ready cheese platter with a selection of cheeses, seasonal fruit, nuts, olives, crackers, and a drizzle of honey. It's simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

19. Create edible holiday decorations

Get crafty in the kitchen by making edible decorations like popcorn garlands, candy ornaments, spiced cookie ornaments, or gingerbread houses. They double as festive décor and tasty treats.

20. Share your favorite holiday recipes online or in a printed booklet

Spread the joy by collecting and sharing your favorite holiday recipes-either online or in a printed recipe booklet. It's a meaningful gift and a lovely way to preserve family traditions.

21. Brew a big batch of holiday tea

Steep black or green tea with cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried fruit, and orange peel for a cozy holiday tea blend. Sip it throughout the month or package some to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

22. Host a holiday movie night with themed snacks

Choose your favorite seasonal films and serve themed snacks-like festive popcorn, hot cocoa with marshmallow snowmen, or Christmas cookie platters. It's the perfect cozy-night-in activity.

23. Make your own flavored butters or compound butters

Whip up flavored butters such as cinnamon-honey for sweet dishes or herb-garlic for savory meals. These compound butters elevate everything from bread to steaks and make delightful edible gifts.

24. Try your hand at homemade holiday jams or preserves

Cook up seasonal jams-like cranberry-orange, spiced pear, or winter citrus marmalade. They make wonderful breakfast spreads and heartfelt gifts in pretty jars.

25. Bake a batch of classic sugar cookies to decorate

Make a batch of classic sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. Use our go-to sugar cookie recipe for beautifully shaped cookies every time.

26. Prepare a festive salad with winter greens, pomegranate, and nuts

Create a vibrant festive salad featuring winter greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy nuts. For an extra seasonal twist, try our Broccoli Salad sprinkled with dried cranberries.

27. Roast chestnuts at home

Fill your home with the nostalgic aroma of roasted chestnuts. This classic December treat is surprisingly easy to make-try our Roast Chestnuts recipe for a cozy, nutty snack.

28. Make holiday-themed cupcakes or mini cakes

Bake cheerful holiday cupcakes or mini cakes decorated with seasonal colors, spices, or peppermint frosting. They're perfect for sharing, gifting, or adding to dessert tables.

29. Prepare a decadent dessert bar for your holiday party

Impress guests with a dessert bar loaded with pies, tarts, cookies, mini cakes, and chocolate treats. It ensures everyone finds something they love-and adds sparkle to any gathering.

30. Share a family recipe and its story with your guests

Bring connection to the table by sharing a cherished family recipe and the memories behind it. These stories add warmth to holiday meals and help keep traditions alive.

31. Reflect and plan your New Year's food resolutions

December is the perfect time to dream about the year ahead. Whether you want to try new cuisines, cook more at home, or bake a new recipe each month, planning your New Year's food resolutions can be both inspiring and exciting.

Download Our Printable Checklist

Make your December cooking journey even more fun and effortless with our free printable checklist. It includes all 31 festive ideas in a clean, easy-to-follow format you can hang on your fridge, add to your planner, or keep on your countertop. Download it, print it, and enjoy checking off each delicious moment throughout the month.

This December, I invite you to savor each day with good food, good company, and a spirit of celebration. If you try any of these ideas, I'd love to hear about it, tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below. Let's make this holiday season one to remember, one delicious bite at a time.