December is the perfect time to embrace the winter activities and make the most of the festive season. Whether you’re a fan of snow-covered landscapes or prefer cozy indoor moments, there’s a wide range of fun winter activities for making memories with family and friends.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Before we dive in…
Reasons Why Winter Activities Are FANTASTIC For Your Health:
• Seasonal Magic: December brings snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights, and a festive atmosphere that enhances the charm of winter activities.
• Holiday Spirit: Many winter activities align with holiday traditions, making them perfect for creating joyful memories.
• Family and Friends: It’s a great time to bond with loved ones through shared activities like sledding, ice skating, or baking.
• Mental Wellbeing: Engaging in fun activities helps combat winter blues and keeps your spirits high.
• Physical Activity: Outdoor winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking keep you active and healthy.
• Cozy Moments: Indoor activities like sipping hot chocolate, crafting, or watching holiday movies create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
• Unique Experiences: Seasonal events such as holiday markets, light displays, and winter festivals only happen during this time of year.
• Creativity Boost: Activities like crafting or building a snowman encourage creativity and hands-on fun.
• Tradition Building: Participating in winter activities can create meaningful traditions to cherish every year.
• Escape Routine: December offers a chance to break from your daily routine and enjoy something different.
• Connection with Nature: Outdoor activities let you appreciate the beauty and serenity of winter landscapes.
• Festive Excitement: December’s winter activities help you fully embrace the holiday season and its unique charm.
Here’s a list of ideas to help you enjoy the winter activities and snowy weather. Start creating some lasting memories with family and friends, and make the most of this December.
29 Fun and Affordable Winter Activities to Do in December to Make Memories With Family and Friends
1. Ice Sculpting
Look for local festivals or events where you can watch ice sculptors work their magic or even try it yourself. It’s a fun way to experience art in a winter setting.
2. Winter Photography
Take advantage of the winter landscapes by capturing the beauty of snowy trees, holiday lights, and frosty mornings. It’s a creative way to enjoy the season and create memories.
3. Volunteer for the Holidays
Spread some cheer by volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity event. Giving back during December not only helps others but can also fill you with a sense of purpose and joy. Here is a little list to get you started…
Homeless Shelters – Serve meals or distribute winter essentials.
Food Banks and Pantries – Help sort, pack, or distribute food to families in need.
Animal Shelters – Walk dogs, clean enclosures, or assist with adoptions.
Children’s Hospitals – Organize holiday crafts or distribute toys.
Senior Centers – Host a holiday event or simply spend time with residents.
Community Centers – Assist with holiday programs or events.
Salvation Army – Participate in toy drives, meal programs, or as a bell ringer.
Churches and Religious Organizations – Help organize holiday events or food drives.
Local Libraries – Volunteer for seasonal storytelling or craft sessions.
Military Support Organizations – Send care packages or holiday cards to troops.
Schools and After-School Programs – Assist with holiday plays or events.
Neighborhood Clean-Ups – Organize or join efforts to keep your community tidy for the holidays.
Refugee Assistance Programs – Help with holiday integration events or provide essential items.
Habitat for Humanity – Volunteer for a build or donate winter housing items.
Soup Kitchens – Help prepare and serve meals during the holiday rush.
4. Host a DIY Gift Wrapping Party
Gather friends or family and turn gift wrapping into a fun event. Provide snacks, holiday music, and a variety of wrapping supplies for a creative, festive atmosphere.
5. Winter Stargazing
On clear, cold nights, bundle up and look up at the stars. December often offers some of the best stargazing opportunities, especially if you’re in a location far from city lights.
6. Attend a Live Holiday Performance
Many cities offer unique performances in December, from classic Nutcracker ballets to Christmas-themed plays or concerts. It’s a great way to enjoy live entertainment and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
7. Winter Picnic
For the more adventurous, have a winter picnic with hot drinks, blankets, and cozy food. Just be sure to bundle up and enjoy the crisp air while savoring your favorite seasonal treats.
8. Create a Winter Bucket List
Write down all the winter activities you want to experience and set a goal to check off as many as you can before the season ends. It’s a fun way to stay engaged in the festivities.
9. Christmas Caroling
Gather a group of friends or family and go caroling around your neighborhood or at local nursing homes and hospitals. It’s a nostalgic and heartwarming way to spread joy during the season.
10. Make a Gingerbread Village
Instead of just decorating a single gingerbread house, try making a whole gingerbread village! It’s a fun, creative way to get into the holiday spirit and have something to show off at the end.
11. Crafting Personalized Gifts for Loved Ones
Show your friends and family how much you care by crafting personalized gifts that hold special meaning. Whether it’s a hand-painted mug, a knitted scarf, or a homemade candle, the thought and effort you put into creating these gifts will surely warm their hearts.
12. Decorating the Home with Festive DIY Projects
Transform your home into a winter wonderland with festive DIY projects that add a sprinkle of magic to every corner. From creating a cozy fireplace display to crafting your own holiday-themed garlands, let your imagination run wild and infuse your space with holiday cheer.
13. Snowy Hikes and Winter Walks
Bundle up and explore snowy trails and winter wonderlands on foot. The peacefulness of a winter hike is unmatched, and the scenic views will take your breath away.
14. Visiting Frozen Waterfalls and Snowy Landscapes
Seek out frozen waterfalls and beautiful snowy landscapes for a magical winter adventure. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning beauty of the winter scenery.
15. Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for feathered friends and furry critters in their winter snow. Birdwatching and wildlife spotting can be a calming and rewarding way to connect with nature.
16. Ice Skating
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, ice skating is a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Many local rinks offer skate rentals and indoor or outdoor skating options. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the winter season, get some exercise, and have fun with friends or loved ones.
17. Skiing or Snowboarding
Head to a nearby ski resort for some thrilling downhill skiing or snowboarding. If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry—most resorts offer lessons for beginners. Plus, many resorts also have terrain parks for advanced skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
18. Sledding
Sledding is a classic winter activity that never goes out of style. Find a nearby hill, grab your sled, and race down with friends or family. It’s a simple, yet exciting way to enjoy the winter weather.
19. Building a Snowman
If you’re lucky enough to get a good snowfall, take some time to build a snowman or even a snow family. Get creative with scarves, hats, and buttons, or challenge yourself to make a snow sculpture. It’s a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy the snow.
20. Snowshoeing
For those who enjoy the outdoors, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore nature during winter. Many trails offer snowshoe rentals, allowing you to hike through beautiful snow-covered landscapes while getting a great workout.
21. Hot Chocolate by the Fire
Sometimes, the best part of winter is staying warm indoors. Make yourself a delicious cup of hot chocolate, find a cozy spot by the fire, and relax. Add marshmallows or whipped cream to make it extra festive!
22. Holiday Lights Tour
Take a walk or drive through neighborhoods or parks known for their impressive holiday light displays. Many cities and towns have spectacular light shows during December, making for a magical evening.
23. Baking Holiday Treats
Baking is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. Spend time with family baking cookies, gingerbread houses, or any other festive treats. The smell of fresh-baked goods is the perfect way to welcome winter.
24. Attend a Holiday Market and Winter Festival
Local holiday markets are a fantastic way to experience the festive atmosphere and pick up unique gifts. They’re filled with handmade treasures, where you can sip on mulled wine and soak in the festive atmosphere. The perfect spot to discover unique items and enjoy delicious seasonal treats.
25. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Choosing and cutting down your own Christmas tree is a memorable experience that many families enjoy. Even if you don’t cut down your tree, visiting a Christmas tree farm is a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit.
26. Join a Winter Festival
Many towns host winter festivals featuring parades, ice sculptures, holiday performances, and more. Check out local listings to see if there’s a winter festival near you that you can enjoy with family and friends.
27. Cuddle Up with a Good Book or Movie
If you’re in the mood for a quiet evening indoors, curl up with a good book or a holiday movie. Snuggle up by the fire with a classic holiday movie or a feel-good flick. Add some popcorn, blankets, and maybe a furry friend for the ultimate cozy movie night. It’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy some much-needed downtime.
28. Crafting
Get crafty this December by creating homemade ornaments, wreaths, or holiday decorations for your home. Crafting is a great way to express your creativity while enjoying some cozy wintertime fun.
29. Polar Plunge
For the daring, a polar plunge can be an exciting and invigorating winter challenge. Many communities host polar plunge events where participants take a dip in icy waters for charity or simply for fun.
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Thank You Credits: Cover photo by Lorna Pauli on Pexels.
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