September is here, and it’s time to trade iced coffee for spiced lattes and crop tops for blazers. Fall is the season everyone looks forward to—there’s something so special about the crisp air, cozy knits, and a hot toddy. As the leaves change, the season brings magic and moments to reflect and be happy. And for those who have birthdays during this time, it’s even more special, with the anticipation of celebrations adding to the excitement.
Fall has always been a season of change and simple joys. Halloween, a favorite sweater, and pumpkin spice make the months ahead something to indulge in. Though dressing up as a Disney princess for Halloween may be a thing of the past, the magic of the season remains just as strong.
Here’s a fall bucket list to celebrate the season. It’s designed to bring people together, help you grow, and make the most of this special time. So grab a scarf, brew some apple cider, and prepare for the best fall ever!
1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Visiting a pumpkin patch is the ultimate fall experience and should be on every fall bucket list. Whether with friends, family, or solo, it’s a great way to get cozy and nostalgic about the season. Pumpkin patches are more than just a place to pick out a pumpkin—they’re a full fall experience with a variety of activities to celebrate the season in all its glory.
Start the day by wearing your biggest, chunkiest knit sweater, layering up for that crisp fall air, and head to the patch. Many pumpkin patches offer more than just pumpkins; you’ll find hayrack rides through the fields, corn mazes to get lost in, and rows upon rows of pumpkins to choose from. The atmosphere is filled with fall scents—hot apple cider, cinnamon, and freshly baked apple cider donuts that are impossible to resist. These little treats are just part of what makes the day so special.
As you wander through the fields searching for the perfect pumpkin, you’ll find that it’s not just about picking out a decorative gourd but also about the experience itself. Take your time, take some photos in the golden light, and soak up the season. Whether you choose a perfectly round pumpkin, a tiny one, or something a little quirky, bringing it home to put on your porch is like bringing a piece of the season with you.
Once home, your chosen pumpkin (or pumpkins!) will become the focal point of your front porch display. Add some mums, lanterns, or hay bales, and you’ve created a cozy seasonal vignette that screams fall. Not only is it a decoration, but it’s also a reminder of the wonderful day you had enjoying all the season has to offer.
Visiting a pumpkin patch is more than just an outing—it’s a chance to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Whether taking in the views, indulging in fall treats, or searching for the perfect pumpkin, this activity has it all.
2. Get Outside and Enjoy the Fall Foliage
Take a walk and enjoy the fall colors. Summer strolls can be too hot, but fall is the perfect time to get outside again. The cool, crisp air and the colors create the perfect setting to get those steps in. Every corner of the neighborhood or park becomes a canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows, and every step is a picture-perfect scene. It’s the season to embrace change, and the earthy smell of fallen leaves is just an added bonus.
Getting outside and taking a fall walk can be a great way to unwind and clear your mind. Walking on crunchy leaves and feeling the softness underfoot is a simple pleasure that’s hard to find in other seasons. It’s also a great way to get some light exercise without overheating, as the temperatures are moderate, and you can keep a steady pace without discomfort.
Whether with a friend, family member, or solo, this seasonal outing combines physical activity and mindfulness. Add a fall playlist with acoustic tunes or soft melodies, and you can stay active and enjoy the fleeting beauty of autumn.
3. Make a New Fall Apple Cider Drink
Make a new fall drink that embodies the flavors of fall by combining classic autumn ingredients. Start with spiced chai tea as the base, which has warm notes of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Add a splash of apple cider for a sweet and tangy twist to the chai. Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup for a deep, earthy sweetness, and top with a pinch of nutmeg.
Top with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a full, cozy experience. For a creamy top layer, freeze some oat milk or your dairy-free milk of choice and pour it over the tea-cider blend. Top with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a full, cozy experience. This new drink is called the “Maple Chai Cider” and combines fall flavors—tea, apples, and maple—into one warm and soulful drink to sip on a crisp fall day.
Who knows, this could be the new PSL!
4. Eat Seasonally
Eat seasonally this fall and go beyond the pumpkin. Autumn has a bounty of produce to offer beyond the usual suspects. Stock up on apples, green beans, kale, sweet potatoes, beets, chard, figs, and radishes to add nutrients and flavor to your meals. These seasonal ingredients are endless possibilities in the kitchen.
Get creative and try new recipes, or add these fall favorites to classic meals. Roast sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon or add sautéed kale and beets to a grain bowl. For a twist on comfort food, try apples or figs with your favorite grilled cheese or mix them into salads to give them a natural sweetness.
For an even more fun experience, go to your local farmer’s market. Shopping there not only supports local growers but also allows you to find the freshest and most flavorful seasonal produce grown right in your area. And don’t forget to add fall’s signature flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, and more—to your creations for dishes that truly capture the season.
5. Watch a Comfort Movie or TV Show
Rewatching a comfort movie or TV show, especially a fall movie, is the best way to get into the cozy spirit of fall. As the days get cooler and the evenings get longer, there’s nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and rewatching a nostalgic favorite that’s pure comfort. Whether it’s a fall classic like Gilmore Girls, a feel-good rom-com, or a heartwarming animated favorite from childhood, these shows and movies will wrap you in a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Fall is all about slowing down and rewatching something familiar gives you just that a break from the hustle and bustle and a moment to unwind. You don’t have to keep up with plot twists or cliffhangers just sink into the feeling of knowing exactly what’s coming next and relish every favorite scene or memorable line. It’s like visiting an old friend or flipping through a scrapbook of moments that evoke nostalgia, comfort, and joy.
For an even cozier experience, create the perfect fall atmosphere. Dim the lights, grab your favorite soft blanket, and settle into your favorite spot on the couch. Pair this with a warm autumn drink like a homemade pumpkin spice latte, a steaming mug of hot cocoa, or some mulled wine. Lighting a fall-scented candle can also take it to the next level, filling the room with the comforting scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and apples.
The best part about rewatching a comfort show or movie is you can slow down and be present in the moment. With no pressure to focus intently on the plot, you can enjoy the little things: the familiar faces, the soundtrack, the scenes that make you happy, or the nostalgia that only a rewatch can bring.
6. Fall Movie Marathon
Have a fall-themed movie marathon on your fall bucket list and get fully into the cozy, spooky spirit of the season! It’s the perfect time to channel your inner Sanderson sister and get into the spooky season by lining up your favorite fall movies. Grab a big bowl of popcorn (maybe even with some cinnamon or caramel drizzle for a seasonal twist) and settle in for an evening of back-to-back movies that capture the magic of fall. Whether it’s classic horror or lighthearted Halloween fare like Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown, this marathon is all about getting into the spirit.
If you’re not a fan of horror or anything too spooky, don’t worry. There are plenty of fall films that will give you the mood without the nightmares. Consider a lineup of not-too-creepy classics like Practical Magic, The Addams Family, or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. These films have just the right amount of fall flavor without the fear factor and offer a perfect balance of autumnal nostalgia.
Suppose you’re more into the charming seasonal vibes that aren’t centered around Halloween; mix in a few films with quintessential fall atmospheres. When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Dead Poets Society are all great choices to get you in the autumn mood. From the golden leaves of Central Park in When Harry Met Sally to Meg Ryan’s iconic fall fashion in You’ve Got Mail (black tights, chunky knits, and cozy coats), these films will transport you into the warmth and romance of the season. They feature not only the crisp air and changing leaves but also a sense of nostalgia and reflection that’s so perfect for fall.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, consider adding some sweet fall treats like caramel apples or a slice of pumpkin pie. The goal is to create a warm and inviting space where you can fully enjoy the magic of fall through your favorite films.
7. Turn Your Home into a Cozy Retreat
This fall, give your home a cozy makeover and create a warm and inviting space that matches the season. Just like your wardrobe transitions from light summer clothes to cozy sweaters, your home should follow suit. Start by swapping out those light summer sheets for something warmer—think flannel sheets, plush throws, and an extra quilt at the foot of the bed for those chilly nights. Layering textures like knit blankets or faux fur throws on your couch or armchair will make any room feel cozy.
Finish the look by adding small seasonal touches throughout your space. A fuzzy rug underfoot or some new throw pillows in fall colors like burnt orange, mustard yellow, or deep burgundy will change the look and feel of your living room or bedroom. These little touches will make the space feel cozier and bring the autumn colors in. Plus, consider a fall craft session to make your own decorations using natural materials like pumpkins, leaves, and acorns. These fun activities will add to your seasonal decor and be a cozy indoor activity on chilly days.
And don’t forget the outside of your home! Dressing up on your front porch is a fun way to spread seasonal cheer and welcome visitors with a fall flair. A themed doormat with a fall message like “Hello Pumpkin” or “Happy Harvest” is a great starting point. Add a few faux pumpkins in different sizes (or real ones if you’re feeling festive) and place them around your entryway. For the final touch, hang a dried floral wreath in fall colors like burnt orange, golden yellow, and deep red to tie it all together.
Whether you’re having a cozy night in or getting ready to entertain, this simple seasonal makeover will turn your home into a warm and inviting space that’s fall at its best. It’s all about creating a space where you can fully enjoy the season, whether you’re snuggled up with a blanket and a book or hosting friends for a low-key fall gathering.
8. Stock Up on Your Fall Candles
Stock up on your favorite fall candle and instantly turn your home into an autumn oasis. There’s just something special about the warm and inviting scent of a pumpkin-scented candle that’s fall—whether it’s the sweet pumpkin spice or the comforting cinnamon and nutmeg, it has the power to turn any space into a seasonal retreat. If pumpkin is your go, then go for it! Light it up and let that familiar smell fill the air. You deserve to indulge in the pumpkin craze as much as anyone else.
But if you’re ready to expand your fall candle collection and try something new, you’ll discover a whole world of autumnal scents. Consider fragrances with deep notes like fig, which is sweet and earthy and perfect for a cozy night in, or vanilla, which adds warmth and comfort to any room. For a more masculine or rustic vibe, try candles with leather or sandalwood notes—these scents are sophisticated and grounding and will make you feel like curling up with a good book in a room full of crackling wood and soft blankets. Woodsy notes like cedar or birch will bring the crisp fall forest feeling indoors and add a refreshing and cozy element to your space.
Now that you’ve found your favorite fall scent—or a few new ones—be sure to stock up. There’s nothing worse than lighting the perfect candle and realizing you’re out halfway through the season. Plus, a well-stocked candle collection means you’ll always have a cozy scent on hand for those chilly evenings spent on the couch. Whether you stick with the pumpkin classic or try something new like fig, leather, or woodsy notes, your space will be filled with the warmth and comfort that only a great fall candle can bring.
9. Buy the Coziest Sweater
Buying the perfect cozy sweater is a must for your fall wardrobe as it’s the ultimate seasonal wardrobe item. Sweaters are the perfect combination of comfort and style and are a go-to whether you’re lounging at home or putting together an OOTD for running errands or meeting friends. As soon as the temps drop, there’s nothing better than reaching for a soft, warm sweater that feels like a hug. While affordable basics are great to have on hand, there’s something special about splurging on a high-quality sweater made from luxurious fabric that you’ll love for years.
This season, get yourself a sweater that ticks all the boxes: the perfect shape, flattering fit, and a color that works with your wardrobe. Look for materials that feel amazing and will last—cashmere, wool blends, or even alpaca are worth the investment for their softness, warmth, and durability. A great sweater will elevate your everyday style and give you cozy comfort all fall and winter.
Plus, if you take care of it properly, the perfect sweater will become a long-term staple in your wardrobe. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle, air dry it flat, and store it carefully (folded, not hung to prevent stretching), and it will look and feel like new. Think of it as a self-care investment—one that will keep you cozy and stylish all season long, year after year. So, go ahead and splurge on that perfect sweater you won’t want to take off.
10. Change Your Beauty Routine
Change your beauty routine as the weather cools, just as you would in summer when you swap in bronzers, dewy moisturizers, and extra SPF. Adding a fall bucket list to your seasonal plans can include updating your skincare and haircare routine to combat cold weather issues like dry, flaky skin, dullness, and chapped lips. Now’s the perfect time to stock up on products that will keep your skin hydrated and glowing all fall and winter.
Start by adding a richer, more nourishing moisturizer to your routine or using an overnight mask for intense hydration while you sleep. Replace lightweight lotions with creams or oils to lock in moisture and prevent that cold-weather tightness. For makeup, swap out powder products for cream-based products. Cream blushes, highlighters, and foundations give a more natural, hydrated look, which is key to avoiding a cakey or dry appearance.
For quick fixes throughout the day, keep a hydrating mist, lip balm, or facial oil on hand to refresh your skin and prevent chapping. Your hair also needs extra love—switch to less dry shampoo, which can further dry out your scalp, and do more deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair soft and healthy. Hydrating hair masks and leave-in conditioners will help protect against the frizz and brittleness caused by colder air and indoor heating.
To take your fall beauty to the next level, consider adding a seasonal trend. Darker lip colors like deep burgundy or plum will add a bold and trendy vibe to any look. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try an on-trend hairstyle like curtain bangs, a textured bob, or rich autumnal hair colors like caramel or chestnut tones. Whether you go for subtle changes or bold beauty moves, adjusting your routine for the cooler months will keep you glowing and fresh all season long.
