December Calendar: 31 Festive Ways to Spend the Holidays With Your Pet
By
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025
Photo by Illustrations by Tiffany Egbert
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, some combination of the three, or simply love the magical feeling in the air as the year draws to a close, there’s no doubt that having your pet by your side makes it all that much more special. So, follow along with our printable December calendar of ways to fill this season with fun festivities. Oh, and don’t forget to send your pet’s letter to Chewy Claus!
31 Things to Do With Your Pet This December
| December 1 | The holiday season is in full swing! Find out how pet parents like you are spending the holidays this year. |
| December 2 | Use these tips to take the perfect holiday photo for the ‘gram. |
| December 3 | Make pet-friendly holiday plans for the whole month with our list of ways to celebrate. |
| December 4 | Don’t forget to pick up some presents to put under the tree for your pup… |
| December 5 | …and your cat too, of course! |
| December 6 | Outfit your furry friend in a cute new holiday sweater. |
| December 7 | Happy Hanukkah! Get your dog in on the fun with these Hanukkah gifts. |
| December 8 | Make a festive Advent calendar for your pet. |
| December 9 | Need more gift inspo? Find out what our editors are loving this season. |
| December 10 | Bring the outdoors in with our guide to pet-safe holiday plants. |
| December 11 | Some holiday decor can be dangerous to pets. Here’s how to get festive without sacrificing their safety. |
| December 12 | For a fun DIY project, recycle your Chewy box into festive tree ornaments. |
| December 13 | Take your pup to a dog-friendly holiday light show. |
| December 14 | Bake these adorable gingerbread cookies for your dog. |
| December 15 | Snuggle up for a holiday movie marathon with your bestie. |
| December 16 | Let your cat “help” with holiday traditions like wrapping gifts and baking treats. |
| December 17 | No toppled Christmas trees this year! Make sure your tree is properly cat-proofed… |
| December 18 | …and dog-proofed, too. (You know your pup would love to chew those lights.) |
| December 19 | Traveling for the holidays? Be prepared with our guide to flying with pets. |
| December 20 | Celebrate the holidays Martha Stewart style! Bake a batch of her holiday dog biscuits. |
| December 21 | Don’t forget to stuff your cat’s stocking! |
| December 22 | In advance of your big holiday meal, brush up on foods that are toxic to dogs. |
| December 23 | Decorate your front door with a fresh foraged wreath. |
| December 24 | Read this heartwarming holiday bedtime story to your pet on Christmas Eve. |
| December 25 | Merry Christmas! |
| December 26 | Did you get a new puppy for Christmas? Pick the perfect name from this list. |
| December 27 | The weather outside may be frightful, but your dog still needs a walk. Here’s how to deal. |
| December 28 | Make a New Year’s Resolution for your pet based on their zodiac sign. |
| December 29 | In advance of New Year’s Even fireworks, treat your cat to this calming cocktail. |
| December 30 | Take measures to keep your pets safe during New Year’s Eve fireworks. |
| December 31 | Reminisce about your favorite parts of 2023 with our annual guide to the Year in Pets. |
Of course, you don’t have to do everything on our monthly calendar. (Life gets busy, we know!) If you have time for just a few special moments with your pet this month, add these adventures to your to-do list:
- December Pet Parent Checklist
- 1. Pick out a cute holiday sweater for your pet.
- 2. Make sure your Christmas tree is properly pet-proofed.
- 3. Visit a dog-friendly holiday lights display.
- 4. Bake some festive DIY treats for your pet.
- 5. Spoil your pet with plenty of holiday gifts.
And don’t forget to celebrate these December holidays!
- December Holidays
- Dec. 7: Hanukkah begins
- Dec. 15: National Ugly Sweater Day
- Dec. 25: Christmas
- Dec. 26: Kwanzaa begins
- Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve
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