We are officially in the winter months, and it’s a season that doesn’t always get the most appreciation. The cold temperatures and shorter days can really make this season feel a bit challenging to get through. But I’m here to look on the brighter side of things this season.
14 Things to Do in Winter
There are so many things you can do in the winter that make the season feel less cold and grey. From finding new indoor activities to embracing the weather with outdoor winter sports and activities. The festive holiday season is one reason to love winter. But once the holidays are over, it can feel daunting to get through the remaining months.
Technically, winter starts towards the end of December with the winter solstice, and lasts until the spring in mid to late March. There’s plenty of time to still enjoy the winter and here are a few things to do in winter, and what makes winter special.
What Makes Winter Special
Ultimate Cozy Vibes
The vibes of the season are cozy and you can lean into this to enjoy winter even more. From the holiday season, to the beautiful snowfall and fireplaces, this is the time to curl up with cozy blankets and enjoy the vibes of the season. Build a fire, make a hot chocolate and cozy up with a book, I can’t think of anything better.
Cozy Traditions
Traditions this time of year are always so much more fun. From game nights with friends, or making a batch of soup every week. These little traditions feel cozy and comforting.
Crisp Air
There’s something so refreshing about the crisp winter air. Go for morning walks to get in a little Vitamin D before your day starts. One of my rules is to get outside before the sun starts to set. With a 4pm sunset in the winter, and working from home, it is crucial to get in some sunshine and crisp air every single day.
Outdoor Winter Activities
This is the season for very specific winter activities. From sports like skiing and ice skating, winter sports make the season feel so special and different than other seasons.
Slower Pace
I find that winter, at least once the holidays are over, is a much more slower pace than the rest of the year. It’s as if everyone agrees that this is the time to hibernate, relax and take it easy. Lean into it.
What To Do In Winter
Start A New Winter Hobby
Winter hobbies are a great way to stay busy and have something to do when the sun goes down early. This can be as simple as doing puzzles, knitting or cross-stitching, and even watercoloring.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Forget going to a real indoor rink, head to an outdoor rink for ice skating in the winter. It’s fun and cozy, and a great way to spend an hour with friends. Follow it up with hot cocoa or warm apple cider.
Explore Holiday Markets
Before the season comes to a close, be sure to visit holiday markets in your city. They’re usually filled with fun vendors selling locally made items, great food and drinks. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
A Warm Weather Destination
Plan a warm weather destination to look forward to. This is something I always regret not doing once winter is over. It’s nice to defrost a bit somewhere warm and tropical. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy either. Just a quick 2-3 days somewhere warmer than where you live can do the trick.
Cozy Weekend Getaway
If a warm weather getaway is not in the budget, a cozy weekend getaway to a nearby town can do the trick too. While you may not defrost, or work on that sun-kissed glow, it’s still something to look forward to. Having a trip to plan and look forward to is scientifically proven to boost serotonin levels. Don’t believe me? Read this.
Work On Puzzles
A puzzle is the perfect thing to do in the winter. We’re mostly inside avoiding the cold so why not spend your time on something fun. Puzzles or even Legos are a great activity to do indoors when we’re in the bitter cold of winter. This is one of my favorite winter activities to do personally.
Get Social
Sometimes it can be easy to forget to socialize in the winter. But hosting an intimate and low key dinner at home for friends is the perfect way to spend a winter evening. Try an Italian night with a big pot of Italian soup and garlic bread, or chili with cornbread. Maybe do a make-your-own-pizza party kind of night. Play games, cards or just watch a movie together while spending time with friends and family.
Explore Museums
A great indoor activity during the winter months is to check out museums. You can easily spend a couple of hours going through one and staying warm. It’s easy to forget to explore your very own city, so this is the perfect way to spend a winter day. Highly recommend making an afternoon of it and maybe also check out a new charming restaurant nearby your museum of choice too.
Enjoy Winter Cocktails
The only time it seems to be acceptable to drink a hot cocktail, or one that’s full of white chocolate liquor, is during the winter. Seize the opportunity to enjoy the best winter cocktails from mulled wine, to hot Toddy’s, and my favorite, a spiked hot chocolate.
Bake Something Delicious
Baking doesn’t have to just be for the holiday season. This is a great time to try great recipes, and an excuse to invite friends over to enjoy your sweet treats.
Eat And Cook With Winter Fruits
Enjoy the produce of the season from snacks to cooking. This is my favorite time of year for all things citrus like Sumo oranges, or try persimmons or pomegranates. These all make for a great winter fruit salad. I also love to roast root vegetables this time of year from beets, carrots to sweet potatoes. Make a lucious butternut squash soup or potato and leek soup.
Make A Pot Of Soup
The winter season is meant for soup. Make a big batch and freeze leftovers so you can have all sorts of soup throughout the season. You can even do a fun challenge and try a new soup recipe each week for winter.
Make Pomander Balls
This is a really easy and fun DIY you can do. Take the beautiful citrus of the season and turn them into pomander balls. It’s so easy, just follow my pomander ball tutorial here. You can then enjoy their amazing aroma in a beautiful bowl on your table for a few weeks.
Volunteer
Once the holidays are over, volunteering can dwindle at local food shelters and other charities. Get involved in your community by volunteering to help those in need.
If you’re wondering how to spend these cold, gloomy winter days, I hope this list inspires you. From easy hobbies you can do right at home with little effort, to more exciting activities like a warm getaway, these are the best things to do in winter. They help to make the short days feel a little more exciting.
