Winter is a great season to try new activities and make valuable memories that you will remember for years to come. As the holiday break approaches, many people are still thinking about how to make the most of their time. Here is our A-to-Z list of engaging activities you can do this holiday season to wrap up the year festively. 

A. Attend a winter festival

If you want to have special experiences, the winter festival is the best way to experience the festivities of winter. From ice carving competitions to light shows, there are many festivals with different niches. Check the local event dates and don’t forget to bring cameras to capture the beautiful moments.

B. bake

If you do not want to face the cold, baking is the perfect activity that you can enjoy with your friends or family at home. Whether you bake snowman-shaped cookies using marshmallows or make chocolate Christmas trees, you are sure to feel the Christmas spirit. Decorate the cookies or cupcakes, and give them out to people whom you are thankful for.

C. Christmas card decorating

When you reflect on the past year, do you have people whom you are grateful to? Writing letters is a great way to express your gratitude and share happy memories. After writing letters, decorate them using colored pencils or colorful stickers, and give your cards out on Christmas. 

D. dog sled

Imagine going fast through the woods and feeling the cold breeze of the white, soft snow. Dog sledding is a unique way to connect with dogs and enjoy the great views. Dog sledding tours are mainly located in snowy regions, such as Alaska and Minnesota, so if you are going to these areas over break, dog sledding is the perfect afternoon activity. 

E. eat

It wouldn’t be an actual winter break without eating winter food. Eating is a great way to spend winter break. Hot cocoa is the best drink to melt away the cold, and yule log cake is the best food for celebrating a wonderful Christmas. So many delicious winter foods are waiting for you! Winter break is the perfect time to try new foods.

F. family photo

On a cold winter night, bundle up with your family and take a photo to celebrate the end of the year. Photos are a wonderful way to see how much has changed in one year and look back on great memories. Set up your camera and capture a new memory with the people you love. 

G. gingerbread house decorating

It’s time to show off your decorating skills! Gingerbread decorating is a great activity that can make a holiday fun and special. With colorful candies and chocolate, you can build your own beautiful house. To spice things up, you can make it a competition between friends and family. May the best man or woman win!

H. hike

If you want to be athletic this winter, winter hiking is the best activity. Nothing is more satisfying than standing at the highest peak of the mountain, and doing it in the winter means you won’t overheat. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle and stretch your body before hiking. 

I. ice skate

You cannot talk about winter without mentioning ice skating. Ice skating is an exciting and popular activity that lets you spend a wonderful time with your family and friends. If you want to feel the mood of Christmas, Rockefeller Center is a great place to enjoy ice skating under the Christmas tree. Don’t forget to get a hot chocolate while you’re there.

J. journal

Write your thoughts and memories to look back on the past! It would help strengthen your memories of the past year and help you get to know yourself. Journaling is an opportunity to move ahead and grow. How about recording your daily life in a journal before the new year starts?

K. knit

If you are looking for activities that you can enjoy at home, knitting is the best option. From a coaster to a sweater, there are lots of things you can try. It also helps to relax your mind and organize your thoughts. Be careful not to stay up all night working on your knitting.

L. LEGO building

A fun activity to do with friends or alone is building LEGOs. Find the right LEGO set, follow the directions, and work together until you see the masterpiece that is your finished product. 

M. make a snowman

While we haven’t seen much snow the past couple of years, if we do get lucky, you can build a snowman. No snow day is complete without making a snowman. Make a big snowball and build your special snowman. Don’t forget to bring your snowman a warm jacket and gloves!

N. New Year’s Eve celebration

Celebrate the last day of the year with your family and friends, and get excited for the new year that’s soon to come!

O. ornament making

If you want to be creative and do some arts and crafts this winter, you should consider making and decorating your own ornament to hang on your Christmas tree! Grab some art supplies and enjoy the process.

P. potluck dinner

If you’re celebrating the holidays with close friends or family, consider planning a potluck! Prepare your favorite signature dish to serve and enjoy the experience. You will get to try new foods and show off your favorite dish, too.

Q. quilt making

If you’re an artsy person, then quilt-making may be a winter activity that’s perfect for you. Get a lot of fabric and quilting tools, and begin sewing. Once you are finished, you’ll have an amazing work of art that you can use to stay warm this winter. 

R. read

What’s more cozy than simply reading a good book in your bed? Get your favorite book and blanket, and start reading; it is the perfect way to pass the time.. Pro tip: Make a hot drink too.

S. snowball fight

Having a snowball fight before the snow melts away is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to have fun playing outside during the cold winter. If it snows, go outside, grab a handful of snow, create a snowball, and throw it at someone! Having a snowball fight is a great way to bring back some childhood memories, too. 

T. toy donation drive

Nothing is more rewarding than helping those in need during the holiday season. To do so, consider participating in a toy donation drive. Search around your house for old toys you don’t want, collect them into a box, and donate them to a local drive that accepts these goods. Everyone deserves to be happy at this time of the year. 

U. ugly sweater contest

Another fun holiday ritual is hosting an ugly sweater contest. Put on your craziest sweaters and compete with your family or friends. Celebrating the holiday season with laughter is important, and an ugly sweater contest will, without a doubt, spread joy. 

V. Visit New York City’s winter attractions

Going to New York City during the winter is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s ice skating or visiting Rockefeller Center and seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree, it’s guaranteed that you will make exciting memories walking around the city and visiting famous attractions.

W. Watch Christmas movies

What’s more traditional than watching Christmas movies during the holiday season? Grab your favorite snacks and blanket, cozy up in front of the TV, and relax while enjoying cheerful movies! There are many famous Christmas movie classics to choose from, including Elf, Home Alone, and The Polar Express. 

X. X-mas tree decorating

Decorating a Christmas tree is something that cannot be skipped for those who put up a tree. Christmas trees are the symbol of a holiday, and a nicely lit one brightens the holiday spirit. Grab your favorite ornaments and make your Christmas tree shine. Make sure you don’t forget to add the star on the top!

Y. yard sledding

Yard sledding is a perfect way to spend time outside during the winter months, but it’s only possible if we get a lot of snow. Sculpt a small hill and track for your sled and start sliding. You’ll be able to create joy in your own backyard. 

Z. zamboni watching 

If you go ice skating, look out for the big machines that resurface the ice, commonly referred to as Zambonis. Instead of being impatient to get back on the ice, consider enjoying how the machine glides over the ice and helps smooth its surface. The process is surprisingly satisfying to look at!

We hope our complete A-Z list gives you a few ideas on how to spend your winter break. Make sure to get out there and make some memories, because before we know it, we will be back in school and counting down to our next school break.