I love the holidays. They are exciting and cozy and all about spending time with family and friends. To keep yourself busy and in the holiday spirit, check out these 20 (Mostly) Free Winter Holiday Activities. These winter activities will keep you cozy during the cold days, and get you excited for the upcoming holidays. Try some of these activities, and let me know how they go!
Have a super decorating day
Nothing says “it’s the holidays” like a beautifully decorated house. Whatever holiday you’re celebrating, immerse yourself in the holiday season by decorating your house, inside and out. This doesn’t have to cost a ton of money, use any of your old decorations or make your own with things you have around the house. If you’re looking to splurge, check out some Holiday Decor from Etsy.
Cut paper snowflakes
This is a super cute and easy DIY decoration that is really great for kids and for families to do together. You’ll get to see all of the variations and everyone’s will be unique (just like them!).
String popcorn and cranberry garland
A fun old school style decoration. Alternately string pieces of popcorn and cranberries on a piece of strong thread. Use it to decorate your tree or drape around the house. Not free, but the price is super minimal.
Make DIY ornaments
An easy and inexpensive diy ornament to make are the gingerbread ornaments, like the ones here. You basically make a gingerbread dough, cut out fun, holiday themed shapes, bake and decorate them. Super fun and a great family holiday activity.
Make hot chocolate
Hot chocolate always reminds of the holiday season. I don’t know what it is, but whenever I get a sip of that sweet deliciousness, I know that my favorite season is coming up. Throw a candy cane on top to add to the festiveness.
Bake holiday cookies
I love baking, as you may already know, so I get so excited when it’s time to make Christmas cookies for the year. We spend hours at a time making pizelles and zuccarinis (our favorite Christmas cookies) and when the smell of anise fills the house, I know that it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Build gingerbread houses
The most holiday of all holiday activities: build or bake your own gingerbread houses. Glue them together with frosting, and decorate to your heart’s content. I haven’t built one in forever, so it’s definitely on my list this year. A super fun and easy way to make “gingerbread” houses with little ones is to use a cardboard pint container and use graham crackers as the gingerbread.
Make some mulled wine
Nothing says winter like a nice, cozy beverage. And what’s cozier than a nice mug of spiced wine? I’m including this as a “free” activity because who doesn’t have a bottle of red wine lying around? Throw it in a pot with some spices you’ve already got on hand, and boom, mulled wine.
Have a Christmas movie marathon
Snuggle up on the couch with your family, or solo (we’re still in quarantimes, people), and put on all of your favorite holiday movies. Whether you’re a Lifetime movie lover, or you’re more into the classics, now is the time to enjoy what you love.
Play in the snow
There’s no freer activity than running around and playing in the snow. Building a snowman, having a snowball fight, being numb by the time you go inside. Some of the most exciting winter holiday activities are done out in the snow.
Make and send homemade holiday cards
I love to receive holiday cards, and if I ever receive a handmade card, I am always so excited. Even if you’re not a super artist, you can still make cards with stamps and scrapbooking paper, and I guarantee everyone will be calling you about how cute they are.
Write letters to Santa
If you’ve got little ones, nothing will get them more in the holiday spirit than writing to Santa. For more details about Santa’s address, and how to receive a letter from the Big Man himself, check out this article on Money.com.
Find ugly Christmas sweaters at a thrift store and see who can find the best (worst) one.
You know you can find a vintage Christmas sweater at any thrift store you walk into. Make it a competition and see who can find the craziest sweater. Think 80s homemade sweatshirts with cats in Santa hats and puffy paint. Good luck trying to decide!
Host a cookie swap
I love sweets, and the holidays are the best time to experiment with some new recipes. Host a (socially distant) cookie swap, and have everyone bring their favorite recipes. This is one of the tastiest holiday activities you can try.
Volunteer your time
There are always plenty of opportunities to volunteer during the holiday season. While the holidays is joyous time for some, it can also be an extremely difficult time for others. If you are fortunate enough to have the resources, donate your time to working at a food bank, or see if your local school or church is hosting a giving tree to donate gifts for those in need.
Read your favorite Christmas stories
Start reading your favorite Christmas books or have story time with your little ones around the Christmas tree. No matter what stories you read, you’ll definitely be more prepared for the Santa’s arrival.
Call a faraway family member
This year, especially, family members are going to be far away from each other. So this year take the time to call or FaceTime those family members who you won’t be able to visit. Maybe make a family zoom call with Christmas trivia and holiday sweaters, so that everyone can visit virtually.
Drive around to look at holiday lights
I can’t wait until I have my own house and I can decorate for Christmas, so to get some inspiration for the future, I love driving around and admiring all the beautifully decorated houses around town. There are even a few houses nearby that have a drive through Christmas light display. Check out local community pages to see who offers this holiday activity in your town.
Go on a holiday hike
One of the greatest memories I have of my family is taking a hike in the snow with my family after we opened our presents on Christmas morning. Enjoy quality time with your family and the fresh air and sights around you.
Celebrate the New Year
Whether you’re staying at home or going out for the New Year, there’s no better feeling than ringing in a brand new year (especially when this year has been such a tough one). Write your New Year’s Resolutions down, and work to accomplish them.
If you tried any of these holiday activities, comment below to let me know how they went! And remember to share this post so you don’t forget any of those new winter activities you wanted to try!
