Winter is a beautiful season. Shimmering white snow, glistening icicles on tree branches, and frost covering mountains and valleys. Winter feels magical, refreshing and cozy. Winter naturally feels like a time to hunker down, rest and become more introspective. Snow also creates opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying the cold-weather outdoors, such as snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and more.
Winter can also feel like a dark time for many people. Less sunlight during the day can lead to seasonal depression and an overall feeling of dread. Getting out and exploring or staying home and doing something creative or fun can help overcome these feelings of doom and gloom. Whether you’d rather enjoy cozy indoors during the winter, or you’d rather venture out in the cold, there are many ways to enjoy winter. Here are some fun ideas for what to do indoors and out this winter!
20 fun things to do in winter
indoor activities
read a book
I find that I do a lot of reading in the winter because there are more opportunities for quiet and squatting. I love curling up on the couch with a novel, under a cozy blanket, with a crackling fire nearby.If you’re looking for your next favorite read, check out our review of The Best Books You’ll Read in 2022. So many great reads to choose from!
host a girls night
There’s nothing like spending time with your girlfriends to get you out of the winter slump. No need for anything fancy, just invite a few girlfriends over for a light appetizer and drink. You’ll have a great time connecting with friends and having a good laugh. Those dark days always seem brighter with the company of friends.
watch movies and shows
I’m definitely indulging in more TV shows during the winter too. If you’ve got a bunch of shows and movies to catch up on, winter is the perfect time to settle down and binge. Whether it’s a snowy Sunday, or when it starts to get dark around 4:30pm, watching some good movies and shows is always a fun way to wind down in winter.
diary or write
Winter is a season of introspection, and journaling or writing is the perfect way to embrace that. You can document your ideas, or try writing in different genres to explore new writing styles. There are so many fun ways to document or write and bring out all these beautiful ideas from within.
painting or painting
I’m not very artistic myself, but I love the idea of sitting in front of a blank easel and creating something beautiful. Maybe you’re already an artist but have fallen out of your craft and want to get back into it. Or it may have been something you’ve always wanted to explore. Anyway, get out your paints or pencils and see what happens! Maybe take a class or buy a book to help inspire your inner artist.
plan a date night
Date night is a great way to connect with our partners or friends. I always feel that conversations with my husband in the dining room are deeper and richer when we are away from all the stress and responsibilities we feel at home. It’s nice to have a meal that we don’t have to cook and have a drink that’s been poured for us or made especially for us. Eating out is a treat, and it can be very enjoyable during the cold winter months when we might need to be pampered and get out of the house.
learn to sew
I’ve always wanted to learn to sew and have a few friends who love to sew. Being able to create beautiful products that you can wear yourself or give as a gift to your loved ones is a satisfying hobby. Likewise, you might want to sign up for a course or buy a book to get started. If you are a beginner, enjoy it and start with small projects. Excited to see your progress!
Take a Clay Class
I’ve been wanting to take clay lessons for a while now. It seems like a meditative and relaxing, yet challenging hobby and craft. I love all the crockery in the house and it always feels special to drink coffee and tea from mugs made with love and attention. Take a clay class and learn this beautiful art yourself!
sign up for dance lessons
If you love dancing and have always wanted to take lessons, why not try it now! You can sign up for your favorite dance style or try something new. There are many different dance styles to choose from – ballet, hip hop, jazz, belly dancing and more. See what’s available in your area and try it out!
puzzle
Puzzles are a really fun winter pastime. Get out all your old puzzle pieces and choose a large table in your house to place it on. The problem with puzzles is that they do take up a lot of space and take time. So make sure it’s a space you can occupy for a while. I love doing a winter themed puzzle and do a little bit of it every day. It always makes me feel calm and clear-headed.
play board games
Board games are a great way to pass the time with family, friends, and partners. Enjoy a family game night or play a favorite board game with your partner. Some of our favorite board games are Catan, Cribbage, Yahtzee, and Clue.
light a fire
The ritual of lighting a fire feels so meditative and relaxing on a cold winter day. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, set aside some time in the morning to light the fire and relax in front of the warming fire.if Build a fire outside, get dressed, and enjoy the warmth of the fire on a chilly night (one of our favorite things to do on girls’ night!).
listen to music
Music is a great way to get rid of fear. I like to make playlists based on my mood and taste. Make a playlist and dance around in the kitchen, or blah blah while driving. Music is a wonderful way for people to feel alive and connected at a time when many people are feeling alone.
Outdoor sports
Skis, snowboards or skins
ski, snowboard And skinning is a very fun winter activity. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the winter scenery, and the boat ride down the mountain is really exhilarating. The speed and vision are unobstructed, and it feels like a new look! It’s also a great way to spend many hours outside and feel the real weariness of being outside all day. If you’re new to the sport, rent equipment and take lessons. Start at Rabbit Hill and relax yourself.
Snow shoes
If you don’t like the downhill part of skiing but still like being outside in the snow, snowshoeing A great way to enjoy the great outdoors.nothing compares Snow shoes After a new snowstorm. The trees are covered in beautiful white snow, and the snowshoes allow you to venture out into the forest or any other favorite trail in your area.
cross country skiing
cross country skiing It’s one of my favorite winter activities. I like that you get the same downhill skiing fun on the small hills, but you also get a nice sweaty workout on the flats and uphill. If you haven’t been, give it a try this winter!
hiking
We are lucky to have so many hiking trails locally that are accessible even in winter.depends on the weather make sure you have the right shoeswe often need spikes or some other kind of traction to increase the winter hiking boots If the weather is icy or slippery. Winter hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beauty, fresh air and views!
fat car
Fat bikes have become very popular over the past few years. Fat bikes are off-road bikes with oversized tires. For cyclists, this is a great way to keep your bike on track all year round! You can rent fat bikes to explore local trails or invest in your own.
ice skating
There is nothing more magical than skating on a frozen pond, lake or river in winter. It’s so lovely to have that refreshing cool breeze on your face as you glide. Depending on where you live, ice skating has both outdoor and indoor options, and it’s a great fun winter activity to do with friends, family, or even by yourself.
play with snow
As adults, we often forget to simply play in the snow! My appreciation for this has grown over the past year since I was 19 months old. It’s still fun to build snowmen, play sleigh rides and simply wade through the snow with snow-making angels and feel the fresh flakes on your eyelashes and tongue. So head out to the beautiful snowfields and enjoy it like you did when you were a kid!
What do you like to do in the cold winter? Let us know in the comments below.
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