27 Things To Do This Holiday Season With Your Family

Winter is a magical season filled with endless opportunities to create cozy memories and embrace the joys of cold-weather fun with family. From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, there are countless ways to celebrate and make the most of the season’s chill. Whether you love building snowmen, sipping homemade hot chocolate, or exploring festive light displays, each activity brings a unique sense of warmth and togetherness. These bucket list ideas encourage everyone to spend quality time, enjoy the season’s beauty, and make cherished memories. Here’s a collection of 27 ultimate winter activities to inspire a season filled with joy, adventure, and love.

Nothing says winter like building a snowman family together in the yard. Gather scarves, hats, carrots, and buttons to give each snowman a unique look and personality. Make it fun by creating a snow-pet or adding whimsical touches like big stick arms or fun facial expressions. This timeless winter activity is sure to bring smiles, laughter, and plenty of photo-worthy moments for the family.

Ice skating is a winter tradition that’s perfect for family bonding and lots of laughter. Whether you’re skating at a frozen lake or a local rink, the thrill of gliding on ice adds to the season’s magic. Beginners can use skate aids, while seasoned skaters can try out some spins or playful moves. Warm up afterward with hot chocolate to end the outing on a cozy note.

Bundle up and venture out for a peaceful winter walk through a snow-covered forest or local nature trail. The quiet stillness of a winter landscape, with frosty trees and animal tracks, makes for a magical escape from daily routines. Challenge the family to look for wildlife or follow animal tracks for a mini adventure. It’s a calming activity that lets everyone reconnect with nature’s beauty in the winter months.

Transform a chilly day indoors into a cozy movie marathon with warm blankets and plenty of snacks. Choose holiday favorites like *Home Alone* or animated classics that the whole family can enjoy together. Dim the lights, get some hot cocoa, and settle in for a relaxing day of festive films. This movie day is a perfect way to enjoy family time without braving the cold.

For a thrilling winter adventure, take the family skiing or snowboarding on a snowy mountain. Many resorts offer beginner lessons, making it a great opportunity to try out these exciting winter sports together. Experienced family members can hit the trails and practice their skills on the slopes. After a day of gliding down the mountain, warm up with a fireside hot drink and recount the highlights.

Gather icing, candy, and graham crackers for a gingerbread house-building competition that lets everyone’s creativity shine. Divide into teams or work individually to craft the most unique, colorful gingerbread houses. Compete for categories like “Most Festive” or “Best Use of Candy,” and admire each other’s creations when you’re finished. This sweet activity is both fun to make and delicious to enjoy afterward.

Experience the magic of a winter wonderland by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy fields. Snuggle up under warm blankets as you listen to the gentle clopping of hooves and take in the beautiful scenery. Many sleigh rides offer scenic routes, perfect for capturing the magic of winter. This activity is unforgettable for families and adds a romantic touch for couples.

Create a cozy atmosphere outdoors with a winter bonfire night, roasting marshmallows and warming up by the fire. Bring blankets, s’mores ingredients, and some hot cocoa or cider to make the experience extra cozy. Tell stories, sing songs, or just enjoy the warmth and crackling flames in the crisp winter air. A winter bonfire brings friends and family together under the starry winter sky.

Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore winter landscapes without sinking into deep snow. This fun and easy-to-learn activity is perfect for the whole family, allowing you to trek through scenic forests, fields, or mountains blanketed in snow. Many outdoor stores offer rental snowshoes if you’re new to the sport. It’s a peaceful, low-impact way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of winter nature.

Gather the family in the kitchen to make a batch of rich, homemade hot chocolate from scratch. Experiment with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize each cup. Try adding a hint of peppermint or salted caramel for a unique twist. Enjoy this warm, comforting drink together after a day in the cold, savoring each sip.

Immerse yourself in holiday spirit by visiting a local Christmas market filled with festive decorations, music, and delicious seasonal treats. Browse through stalls of unique handmade crafts, perfect for holiday gifts and souvenirs. Savor the smells of roasted chestnuts, mulled cider, and other seasonal delicacies as you explore. A Christmas market is a magical experience for the whole family and a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Bring the fun indoors by building a blanket fort in the living room, creating a cozy hideaway for family relaxation. Use chairs, pillows, and blankets to construct your fort, making it as spacious and comfortable as possible. Bring in snacks, a tablet for movies, or board games to enjoy inside your cozy hideout. An indoor fort is perfect for snowy or rainy days, providing warmth and a touch of adventure.

Spend an afternoon creating winter-themed crafts as a family, from snowflake cutouts to pinecone ornaments. Gather supplies like glitter, markers, and glue for everyone to unleash their creativity. Display the finished crafts around the house or hang them on the Christmas tree for festive décor. Crafting together is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while making lasting memories.

Gather everyone in the kitchen to bake a batch of delicious holiday cookies, from gingerbread to sugar cookies decorated with frosting and sprinkles. Let each family member choose their favorite designs and help with decorating to add a personal touch to every cookie. Baking fills the house with the warm, comforting scents of the season, creating an inviting holiday atmosphere. Package some up as homemade gifts or enjoy them with hot cocoa by the fireplace.

Take advantage of a snowy day with an energetic family snowball fight, building snow forts for cover and seeing who has the best aim. Run, dodge, and throw as you enjoy the fun and friendly competition. This outdoor activity brings out everyone’s playful side and is guaranteed to end in laughter. It’s a great way to stay active while enjoying the winter season.

Visit a local tree farm to pick out and cut down your own Christmas tree, turning it into a festive family tradition. Wander through rows of trees, searching for the perfect one to bring home and decorate. Many farms offer hot chocolate and holiday treats to make the experience even more festive. Choosing and decorating a tree together creates a cherished holiday memory that everyone will look forward to each year.

Bring warmth and magic to your home by stringing up twinkling lights both inside and out. Use white or colorful lights along with garlands, wreaths, and festive décor to create a winter wonderland. The lights cast a cozy glow, making the house feel extra special during the holidays. Decorating together is a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit as a family.

For the more adventurous family members, a polar plunge is a unique way to embrace the winter season. Join others at a local lake or beach to jump into freezing water, often as part of a charity event. The cold plunge is exhilarating and unforgettable, providing a thrill that’s hard to beat. Warm up afterward with hot drinks and blankets to celebrate this daring winter experience.

Pack your sleds and head to a local hill for a classic day of sledding. Racing down snowy slopes brings endless laughs and is a simple way to embrace the winter fun. Take turns, try different types of sleds, and enjoy the thrill of the ride together. Afterward, warm up with some hot cocoa and share stories of your best rides.

Gather around the table to write heartfelt holiday cards to friends, family, and neighbors. Personalize each card with drawings or stickers for a fun, festive touch. Sending holiday cards is a thoughtful way to spread cheer and let loved ones know they’re in your thoughts. This creative activity also encourages kids to put pen to paper and enjoy the art of giving.

Winter nights are often crisp and clear, making them perfect for stargazing. Bundle up, bring a telescope if you have one, and try to spot constellations, planets, or even the Milky Way. The peacefulness of the winter night sky adds to the awe-inspiring experience of observing the stars. Stargazing encourages appreciation for nature and is a calming, magical family activity.

Collect pinecones and add essential oils like cinnamon, clove, or pine to make them smell like the holidays. Place the scented pinecones around the house to bring a natural, festive scent indoors. This easy craft is a lovely way to decorate and fill the house with cozy winter aromas. It’s a fun project that captures the essence of the season in every room.

Gather your favorite board games for a family game night by the fireplace. Choose classic games like Monopoly or Scrabble or try new ones to add excitement to the evening. Serve snacks and hot cocoa to create a festive atmosphere, making it a cozy winter tradition. Game night brings everyone together for fun, laughs, and a little friendly competition.

Explore a local festival of lights, where dazzling displays and holiday music create a magical winter experience. Many festivals offer walking or driving tours through elaborate light installations, perfect for families and holiday photos. Enjoy seasonal treats like hot cider or roasted chestnuts while taking in the festive ambiance. Light festivals are a wonderful way to celebrate the season and enjoy outdoor holiday cheer.

Put together a playlist of holiday favorites and have a family dance party in the living room. Sing along to classic tunes and let everyone show off their best dance moves. This activity is a great way to energize a winter day indoors and get into the holiday spirit. A holiday dance party brings joy and laughter, creating fun memories for everyone.

Bundle up and pack a winter picnic with thermoses of hot soup, cocoa, and cozy blankets. Choose a local park or your backyard to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful winter scenery. This unique twist on a traditional picnic offers a refreshing way to appreciate nature, even in colder weather. A winter picnic provides an outdoor adventure that’s fun for all ages.

Create a resolution jar where each family member writes down their goals and hopes for the upcoming year. On New Year’s Eve, gather to read the resolutions and discuss everyone’s dreams for the year ahead. The jar can be revisited the following year to see which resolutions were achieved and reflect on progress. It’s a meaningful family tradition that fosters growth and encourages support for one another’s aspirations.

Winter offers a wonderful mix of cozy indoor moments and exhilarating outdoor activities, giving families countless ways to bond and enjoy the season together. From sipping hot chocolate to stargazing on crisp winter nights, each activity on this bucket list brings a chance to create cherished memories. Embracing the unique charm of winter encourages us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and connect with loved ones. No matter which activities you choose, the magic of the season lies in sharing these experiences with family. Here’s to a winter filled with warmth, laughter, and new traditions.