The air is getting a bit crisper, the clocks are set back, fireplaces are cozying up houses, and winter is on its way. With that, it’s time to start dreaming up ways to celebrate the season.
With our lives feeling overly full, this list is a a gentle reminder and starting point, and by no means a list of all the things you should plan to do this holiday season. The holiday season can be a stressful time, full of so many activities, parties, and travel. I like to put things in the calendar that we’re already planning to do, so that this doesn’t add more work to an already busy time of year.
How we use the Winter Activities Checklist
Our family aims to build traditions and we like keep things simple. We’ll make a copy of the list for our fridge or magnet board, and reference it when we’re building an activity advent calendar, looking for fun things to do to fill an hour, or when we’re planning out the season. It’s nice to have this list handy as a reminder of seasonal activities that we love to share and celebrate as traditions each year.
Some of the winter activities, like look at holiday lights or play in the snow can be easy to blend into the rhythm of your day. Others, like ice skating or a family craft night may require a little more planning.
While we won’t do everything on the list, our absolute not-to-miss winter activities include: drink hot cocoa, visit a tree farm (this is our favorite spot), make ornaments, play in the snow, and volunteer.
How to use the Winter Activities List
- Sit down as a family and circle or highlight the activities you want to try
- Give yourself a goal to try 5, 10, 15, or ?? activities from the list
- Post it somewhere as a reminder
- Take pictures as you try the activities
- Make a family photo album for all the fun activities you try
- As you do the activities check them off the list
50 Winter Activities for Families
Look at holiday lights
Drink hot cocoa
Visit Santa
Build a fire
Read holiday stories
Make cookies
Play with friends
Have a family craft night
Make a popcorn garland
Make salt dough ornaments
Take a snow walk
Paint on snow
Watch the Nutcracker
Make a winter art project
Make a gingerbread house
Make soup
Build a snowman
Decorate with lights
Sing carols
Light candles
Take a family holiday photo
Make paper snowflakes
Eat a candy cane
Play the dreidel game
Build a fire
Wrap presents
Make holiday cards
Go sledding
Visit a tree farm
Make a snowflake collage
Have a pajama day
Go ice skating
Make reindeer food
Volunteer
Go sledding
Make paper stars
Watch a holiday movie
Eat latkes
Make ornaments
Hang ornaments
Make a wreath
Make homemade gifts
Hang stockings
Look at holiday lights
Play in the snow
Donate to a food bank
Host or join a cookie swap
Have a game night
Write a letter to Santa
Make treats for neighbors
[…] For a full selection of ideas click over to the PDF download of 50 Winter Activities Checklist. […]