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 go ice skating or have 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, pick out a tree (this is our favorite NorCal spot), make latkes (my mom’s recipe is this best!), make ornaments, watch the Nutcracker (my kids are in it this year!), make ornaments, play in the snow, and donate food to those in need.
What’s on your list?

50 Winter Activities for families
Look at holiday lights
Go caroling
Make latkes
Visit Santa
Build a Fire
Make cookies
Play with friends
Have a family craft night
Make a popcorn garland
Donate food to those in need
Decorate a tree
Watch the Nutcracker
Make a winter art project
Build a snowman
Decorate the house with lights
Sing Carols
Light Candles
Take a family holiday photo
Eat a Candy Cane
Play the dreidel game
Build a fire
Wrap presents
Pick out a tree
Drink hot cocoa
Wear new pj’s
Go Ice Skating
Make Reindeer Food
Volunteer
Go sledding
Watch a Christmas movie
Read holiday stories
Buy a special ornament
Make a wreath
Hang stockings
Look at holiday lights
Play in the snow
Do something nice for someone
Host or join a cookie swap
Eat chestnuts
Write a letter so Santa
Make treats for the neighbors
[…] For a full selection of ideas click over to the PDF download of 50 Winter Activities Checklist. […]