Are you spending the holiday by yourself, away from family and friends? Here are 20 fun things to do alone on Christmas day.
The twinkling lights are everywhere, carols float through store speakers, and social media is flooded with pictures of family gatherings.
Spending Christmas alone can be a hard thing to do, especially when there’s a huge emphasis on being with loved ones and family. It can make you feel left out and lonely when all you have is yourself and nothing else to look forward to.
So, if you’re planning to overeat chocolate and get depressed, I have 20 better ideas for fun things to do alone on Christmas day.
Best Tips for Surviving Christmas Alone
Before getting into the specific solo Christmas ideas, let’s talk about approaching a solo Christmas with a positive mindset.
The main goal shouldn’t just be to survive the day. It should be to create an experience that’s meaningful and enjoyable in its own right.
Create Your Own Traditions
One of the most powerful ways to transform a solo Christmas is to create your own traditions intentionally. When you’re alone, you have the opportunity to make traditions that are tailored to your interests and preferences.
Maybe your Christmas Eve tradition becomes watching foreign films while eating sushi, or perhaps you start every Christmas morning with a sunrise yoga session followed by pancakes. The beauty of creating your own traditions is that there are no rules—except the ones you choose to make.
Enjoy Your Company & Surrounding
Being alone on Christmas doesn’t mean being lonely.
You don’t have to be isolated from the world around you. Your home can become a source of comfort by trying something new or fun. After all, learning to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.
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Your neighborhood can become a source of connection and entertainment during this holiday season. Take walks to admire the decorations in your area, say hello to neighbors who are out and about, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of a quiet Christmas morning.
20 Wonderful Ways to Spend Christmas Alone
You might be surprised at just how many fulfilling activities you can do on your own during Christmas. Here’s a curated list of ideas that can transform your solo Christmas from lonely to memorable.
1. Create Your Own Advent Calendar
Who says advent calendars have to be store-bought? Creating your own advent calendar can be an exciting project that builds anticipation throughout December.
The beauty is that you can customize it to your interests. Fill it with your favorite chocolates, write daily affirmations, include small self-care items, or do mindful daily activities.
Maybe day 5 is “watch your favorite holiday movie” and day 12 is “take a luxurious bubble bath.” The possibilities are endless, and the daily surprise gives you something to look forward to.
2. Decorate a Small Christmas Tree
There’s something magical about having your own Christmas tree, even if it’s just a tiny one.
Choose a small artificial tree or a real tabletop version and make decorating it a special event. Put on some holiday music, make yourself some hot chocolate with a splash of something festive, and take your time arranging the ornaments.
The best part?
You can decorate it exactly as you like—no compromising on color schemes or arguing about whether tinsel is tasteful.
3. Bake with a Soundtrack
Turn your kitchen into a holiday concert hall.
Start with a playlist that makes you happy—and it doesn’t have to be Christmas music if that’s not your thing. Then choose a recipe you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s an apple pie, some waffles, or a chocolate cake recipe you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest.
Baking is therapeutic, and the aromas that fill your home will instantly make it feel more festive.
4. Go Window Shopping
If you live in an area where stores decorate for the holidays, treat yourself to a window-shopping adventure.
Many cities have their most elaborate displays up during the Christmas season, and viewing them can be like visiting a free art exhibition.
Bundle up warm, take a thermos of something hot, and make an evening of admiring the creativity and sparkle.
5. Share Gifts in Your Neighborhood
Sometimes the best way to lift our own Christmas spirit is to lift others.
Create small care packages for your neighbors. These don’t need to be expensive—a small bag of cookies you baked, some toiletries, a thoughtful note, or even just a candy cane with a cheerful message attached can brighten someone’s day.
The act of giving creates a sense of connection, even if you’re not physically gathering with others.
6. Volunteer Your Time
Many organizations need extra help during the holiday season.
Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters often host special holiday meals or events. Animal shelters need people to walk dogs or socialize with cats who are also spending the holidays without a family.
Volunteering helps others and provides a sense of purpose and community. Plus, it’s hard to feel lonely when you’re making a difference in someone else’s life.
7. Have a Cinema Date with Yourself
Many theaters remain open on Christmas Day, and going to the movies alone can be a luxurious experience.
Choose whatever film you want to see, get some snacks, and enjoy the escapism of a good story on the big screen.
Treat it like a proper date with yourself.
8. Visit a Chinese Restaurant
Several Chinese restaurants stay open during this time of the year, and this has become something of a cultural phenomenon.
Use this as an opportunity to explore new dishes or retry your favorites. Some restaurants even create special holiday menus that blend traditional Chinese cuisine with festive elements.
9. Have a Tear Day
Here’s a slightly different idea for a solo Christmas:
Set aside some time to feel whatever you’re feeling. Allow yourself to fully experience any sadness, nostalgia, or loneliness that might come up. Put on melancholic music if you want, look at old photos, and have a good cry.
This kind of emotional release can be incredibly cathartic and prevent feelings from bottling up. After your tear period, watch a funny Christmas movie.
10. Take a Winter Hike
A solo hike can be a profound way to spend Christmas by yourself. The winter landscape has its unique beauty, and hiking helps you stay chill while releasing endorphins that boost your mood.
Pack some snacks, hot tea, and your camera. The solitude of nature can feel very different from being alone in the city—more peaceful and intentional.
Just be sure to check trail conditions and weather forecasts, and let someone know where you’re going.
11. Create Your Own Christmas Morning Unboxing
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, order yourself a few special items you’ve been wanting—books, crafting supplies, comfort items, or whatever brings you joy.
The idea is to wait until Christmas morning to open them. Wrap them beautifully (or have them gift-wrapped when ordering), and place them under your tree.
On Christmas morning, make your favorite breakfast, put on festive music, and enjoy the excitement of unwrapping gifts you chose just for yourself.
12. Attend a Church Service
If you’re spiritually inclined, attending a Christmas service can provide a sense of community without requiring direct social interaction.
Many churches hold special Christmas services that are particularly beautiful, with candlelight, music, and food.
Even if you’re not religious, the music and peaceful environment can be uplifting. Churches often make extra effort to welcome solo attendees during the holidays, and you might find the experience surprisingly comforting.
13. Experience Live Music
The holiday season usually brings an abundance of concerts and performances.
Look for local Christmas concerts, carol services, or even non-holiday music events. Live music has a way of making you feel connected to something larger than yourself, even when you’re alone.
The shared experience of listening to music in a crowd can be deeply moving, and you might find yourself chatting with fellow music lovers during intermission.
Looking for some inspiration as a music lover? Try these 141 music quotes to lift your spirit this Christmas.
14. Binge-Watch Christmas Movies
Transform your living space into the coziest cinema and have an Xmas movie marathon.
Create a thoughtful lineup of films. You can start with your childhood favorites and work your way through to more contemporary classics.
Prepare snacks and food for different parts of the day, and fully immerse yourself in the stories. Consider mixing genres like Christmas comedy, romance, horror, and real-life stories to keep things interesting.
15. Digital Detox
Take a break from social media and enjoy your solitude.
Seeing endless posts of family gatherings can intensify feelings of loneliness, so why not use this time to disconnect from the digital world and connect with yourself?
Turn off notifications, freeze or delete social apps temporarily if needed, and focus on being present in your own experience. Use the time you’d normally spend scrolling to read, reflect, or try something new.
16. Create Your Dream Board
Christmas can be an ideal time for creating your vision board for the new year.
Gather magazines, prints, or digital images that represent your hopes and dreams for the coming year. Think about what you want to achieve, experience, and feel.
Vision boarding can be both meditative and energizing, helping you focus on the future rather than dwelling on present circumstances.
17. Spread Joy to Strangers
Write heartfelt Christmas cards to people in hospitals or nursing homes.
Many facilities have programs that distribute cards to patients who might not receive other holiday greetings. Your words could brighten someone’s day significantly.
Be genuine, share a bit of holiday cheer, and remember that somewhere, someone will be touched by your thoughtfulness. If you’re artistic, you can include small drawings or decorations.
18. Connect with Nature’s Other Solo Creatures
Take a bag of appropriate food (like split peas or bird seed) to a local park or beach and spend time feeding the birds.
There’s something peaceful about watching pigeons, sparrows, or seabirds gather around. It’s a reminder that you’re part of a larger world, and that solitude doesn’t equal isolation.
Just be sure to check local regulations about feeding wildlife, and use appropriate food for the species in your area.
19. Go to the Beach
If you live in an area where it doesn’t snow, you can spend time at a beach, lake, or river.
Spending time by the water is therapeutic. The sound of waves or flowing water has a natural calming effect.
Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and a comfortable chair. Watch the sunrise or sunset, collect interesting stones or shells, read a good book, or just breathe.
Water has a way of putting our solitude into perspective. We’re all part of something much bigger than our current circumstances.
20. Immerse Yourself in a Christmas Book
Read a special winter-themed book you’ve been saving or revisit a beloved holiday tale.
Create the perfect reading nook with comfortable pillows, good lighting, and perhaps some seasonal scented candles.
Losing yourself in a story can be a wonderful way to spend the day. The characters become your companions, and the world of the book becomes your Christmas celebration.
In Summary: 20 Things to Do Alone on Christmas Day
Spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean you’re destined for the holiday blues. As we’ve explored, there are several ways to make the day special, meaningful, and even magical.
Like you, there are many other people out there creating their own solo traditions, finding peace in solitude, and discovering that a Christmas spent alone can be just as valuable as one spent with loved ones.
Regardless of how you choose to spend the day, be intentional about being happy. After all, the best holiday traditions are the ones that bring us joy, whether we’re in a crowd or happily on our own.
Other exciting things to keep you happy this Christmas:
