The holiday season is a time for festive traditions, spreading cheer, and spending quality time with loved ones. With the year 2024 fast approaching, it’s never too early to start thinking about new ways to celebrate the holidays. Whether it’s Friendsgiving, Friendsmas, or simply driving around to see Christmas lights, there are plenty of fun holiday traditions to start in 2024.
Here are some fun and unique ideas we think you’ll love!
Pin These Holiday Tradition Ideas on Pinterest
Holiday Lights Tour
There’s nothing quite like the magical glow of holiday lights to put you in the holiday spirit. Christmas lights can be fun and beautiful. Many people will go to great lengths to deck out the outside of their home with some amazing holiday decor.
One fun tradition to start this year is a holiday lights tour. Gather your friends and family, hop in the car, and set out to explore the best holiday light displays in town. Choose a designated driver, bring some hot cocoa, and make a night of it. You can even create a holiday lights scavenger hunt, where you check off certain displays as you see them.
Pro tip: Keep the car radio ready and look out for any signs that show a radio channel. Some houses will link up the lights around their house to a holiday radio station.
Friendsgiving & Friendsmas
With so many families living far apart, it can be tough to spend the holidays with everyone that you love. That’s where “Friendsgiving” and “Friendsmas” come in. Their exactly what they sound like: Thanksgiving and Christmas, but with friends! (Usually celebrated before or after the holiday but can be any day that works best for everyone).
These holiday celebrations allow you to create new traditions with your “chosen” family and make the holidays feel extra special. Gather your closest pals, and have everyone bring a dish to share for a potluck-style dinner. You can even do a “Secret Santa” gift exchange for Friendsmas.
Just don’t forget to use these holiday themed napkins for Christmas or Thanksgiving! They’re not only beautifully designed for the holidays, but also double as conversation starters for your guests. Each napkin comes with a unique holiday related question that help guests stay engaged together.
Host A Holiday Game Night
If you’re looking for a fun and low-key way to celebrate the holidays, consider hosting a holiday game night. Bring out all your favorite board games, card games, and even video games, and invite your friends and family to join in the fun.
You can even make it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite holiday treats to share. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a new tradition of yearly game nights.
If you don’t feel like hosting it or have enough room at your place, you can find a local place that offers board games. Some coffee shops, bars, and other venues have a collection of games that you can play while enjoying some hot drinks or snacks.
Pro Tip: Still decorate the house! This can set the tone for the game night and take it to the next level. Here is a simple guide to holiday decorating and hosting.
Gift Your Child an Ornament Every Year
Starting a tradition of gifting your child an ornament every year is a sentimental way to commemorate the holiday season. As your child grows, they’ll have a cherished collection of ornaments that they can look back on and remember all the special memories and experiences they had during the holidays.
Plus, it’s a fun activity to do together – you and your child can pick out the perfect ornament each year. Or you can make it a surprise and have it wrapped as a present every year.
It’s a simple but meaningful tradition that your child will appreciate for years to come!
Pro tip: Get them something that they’ve been into all that year. For example, if they are Star Wars fans, get them a Baby Yoda or Darth Vader ornament.
DIY Hot Chocolate Station
Setting up a DIY hot chocolate station is another delightful holiday tradition to start. You can decorate a small area of your kitchen or dining room with holiday-themed mugs, different types of hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and other favorite toppings.
This can be a treat for children and adults alike, creating a cozy and sweet holiday atmosphere at home. You can even invite friends and family over for a hot chocolate party, where everyone can customize their own cup.
Pro tip: Include some baileys for the adults
Have A Traditional Board Game Night
In this digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in screens and lose out on quality time with friends and family. That’s why starting a tradition of having a traditional board game night is a fantastic idea holiday tradition to start in 2024.
You can choose from classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue, or opt for newer games that are more interactive and require teamwork. Either way, it’s an excellent opportunity to disconnect from technology and bond over some friendly competition.
There are also fun engaging games you can play with family and friends through your phone such as HeadsUp (which even has holiday themed versions).
Go for A Family Walk or Hike
After indulging in delicious holiday feasts, it’s always a good idea to get some fresh air and move your body. Starting a tradition of taking a family walk or hike on Thanksgiving or Christmas can be a great way to bond and burn off some of those extra calories.
You can choose a local nature trail, or park, or even just walk around your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday decorations. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for some quality family time before or after all the festivities!
Save These 2024 Holiday Tradition Ideas on Pinterest
What Holiday Tradition Are You Starting in 2024?
The holidays are a time to celebrate and make memories with loved ones, whether that is friends or family. By starting one or more of these fun holiday traditions in 2024, you’ll be creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a holiday lights tour, game night, or Friendsgiving, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the people you love. Which holiday tradition do you want to start this year?
For more party inspiration, hosting tips, and exciting new ideas, join our mailing list and follow us on Instagram @cotierbrand or Tiktok.