Just a Ton of Activities That'll Keep You Entertained AF This Winter (You're Welcome)
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I don't know about you, but the first snowfall of winter is exciting for about five minutes. Any longer than that, and I'm Googling flights to Cancun. The wet, the cold, and the general lack of visible grass, PLUS staying pent-up inside = cabin fever to the max. Despite being the most wonderful time of the year, winter boredom has a way of creeping up faster and harder than that extra glass of spiked eggnog. Without even realizing, two hours have gone by, and all you’ve managed to do is scroll through miles worth of TikTok vids, IG posts, and Tweets. Trust me, I totalllllly get it.
Luckily, I'm here to rescue you (and your phone battery) from any potential snow-induced boredom. I have put together a list of 40 (yes, 40!) actually fun winter activities that will make those, “IDK, what do you want to do?” group chat convos a ghost of winter's past.
Now, lace up those snow boots and throw on that Acne Studios scarf that cost you half a paycheck, cause baby it's cold outside! (BTW, I might be *tad* biased, but you should def bookmark this list for future reference—I promise, it is that good.)
Host a swap party
I guarantee that green swirl printed dress (you know the one) hanging in the back of your closet hasn't seen the light of day in well over a year. Encourage all your friends to clean out their wardrobes then come together for a clothing and accessory swap. One gal’s trash is another gal’s trend!
PJs and TJs
When I saw this trend on TikTok I just knew it belonged on this list. Hit up the group chat and let everyone know to be at your place wearing their comfiest pajamas with fav Trader Joe’s snacks in tow. BTW TJ’s bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese are an absolute MUST.
Try a YouTube yoga workout
I will use any excuse to buy new workout clothes, even if that means flowing along a (FREE!) yoga routine from the comfort of my living room.
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
lululemon.com
$98.00
LululemonRent a cabin for the weekend
Whether it's for you and your boo thing or strictly a girls trip, a cozy cabin is the perfect place to watch the snow fall as you sip Prosecco (hold the Negroni Sbagliato, plz) by a fireplace. Like a scene from a Hallmark movie!
Have your own bake off
I have been v inspired by The Great British Bake Off lately, aka my winter comfort show. What could be more fun than hosting your own baking challenge with friends and fam?! Taste test each others’ desserts and crown your very own Star Baker.
Go snow tubing
Putting on a snowsuit is a major pain in the ass—like I literally break out in a full body sweat. But the struggle of getting that puffy suit on are 100% worth it once you are tubing down a snowy hillside at high speed.
Give yourself a much-needed spa night
Step one: Go to Sephora and treat yourself to a luxurious face mask and bath oil. Step two: Stop in at Yankee Candle and pick up your fav seasonal scent. Step three: Run bath, light candle, and RELAX. (With soothing background music playing obvi).
Plan your next vacay
Ideal for when you're dreaming of white beaches instead of a white Christmas. Plus, despite what your checking account says, you 100% deserve the damn trip!
Go cosmic bowling
Maybe it is because the whole awkward walk back after taking your turn, but bowling does not get enough love. Grab a couple friends and go knock some pins down under the neon lights, bb.
Throw a viewing party for LiLo’s new Netflix movie
Lindsay Lohan is back and my 2000s heart has never been happier. Go all out for her return to the big screen and host a viewing party for her new Netflix holiday rom-com, Falling For Christmas.
Have a laugh at the comedy club
With the state of today’s world, we could all use a good laugh (not to mention a good therapist). Check out your local comedy club and if you're feeling like an SNL cast member, test out your best jokes on open mic night.
Hit the ski slopes
Promise we won’t judge if you can only handle the bunny slopes, cause honestly SAME, babe.
Give back to your community
Winter is the giving season, so what better time to volunteer? Spend a day helping your local food bank or collect pet food to donate to the humane society. A good deed is sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Holiday light peeping is a must
Put on a holiday playlist (plz make sure you include “Last Christmas” by WHAM!) and cruise through the neighborhood to take in all the festive lights. Even better if you venture off to a ritzy part of town where their decorations are on par with Martha May from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
(Dream) House hunt on Zillow
Fancy a beachside property in Malibu? Prefer a chateau that overlooks the lush French countryside? Or maybe you’re a city girl who would kill for a multimillion-dollar brownstone in Brooklyn? Give yourself an imaginary budget (or don’t) and find your absolute dream home. (Then cry after because you can barely afford your one-bedroom apartment, which BTW does NOT have in-unit laundry.)
Take a self-defense class
We can all agree that being a lady is hard. On top of cramps, lower pay, and being taxed for essential hygiene products, we are in a constant state of “is someone following me?!” Sign up for a self-defense class to sweat out your female frustrations while learning how to kick some serious ass in the process.
Check out a vineyard for some winter wine tasting
The booze is sure to keep you nice and warm!
Build a snowman
It is not a revolutionary idea, but of course this had to make the list. Put a fun spin on Frosty by making a snow monster or an ice mermaid. Or attempt to recreate your celeb crush in snow form. Release your inner artist and get creative!
Two words: ROLLER. DISCO.
Disco is not dead, bb! Have a major main character moment by skating the night away under the glitzy disco ball of the roller rink. P.S.: It is TOTALLY worth slipping the DJ a few bucks to play your favorite throwback jam.
Take a dip in the hot tub
If you have a hot tub, then we should def be friends. If you don’t, then maybe we can go halfsies together on one of these inflatable ones? Which BTW, have amazing reviews!
Coleman SaluSpa Tahiti Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
amazon.com
$440.64
AmazonStrike a pose with a digital camera photoshoot
PSA: iPhone selfies are dead, and Y2K digital camera pics are IN. Pull out your mom’s old Nikon Coolpix (you know, the one she used to capture your middle school graduation) and have a full-on nostalgia-inspired photoshoot. All the cool girls are doing it. <3
Impress everyone by taking up mixology
Mixology is basically a fancy word for “alcoholic potions.” Hone your (witch)craft this winter and never have to pay for an overpriced cocktail at an overcrowded bar again!
Redecorate a little bit
Winter weather means spending a lot more time inside your house. Head to HomeGoods and pick out some new pieces to revamp your space. A couple of decorative throw pillows, a plush blanket, and a new candle can do wonders.
"Speakeasy" Luxury Candle
harlemcandlecompany.com
$48.00
Harlem Candle CompanyThrow a themed dinner party
Dinner parties don’t have to be stuffy and boring. Invite all your guests to dress up for a themed dinner party to add a little ~spice~ to the ordinary soiree. An A+ idea is to have everyone dress as their sexual awakening, which will undoubtedly give you insight to who your friends really are.
See a movie in theaters
Idk about you, but it has been a minute since I actually watched a movie in theaters. Grab yourself an overpriced popcorn (or sneak in some Twizzlers, we won’t tell) and see a film on the silver screen instead of your laptop.
Belt it out on karaoke night
“Gimme the mic, I want to sing ‘Breakaway’ by Kelly Clarkson.” - me after two tequila shots.
Pull out your old video games
Dust off your GameCube and rollout that crinkly Dance Dance Revolution mat because we're fighting the winter blues by reliving the happiest days of our lives. Buckle up, because now is your chance to *finally* master expert mode on Guitar Hero.
Host a game night
And I’m not talking about Candy Land. Get everyone together for a low-key adult game night, which of course includes beer and plenty of takeout.
Start a book club
Pick a book (preferably something a little spicy ;)) and assign each of your friends a couple of chapters to read. Once everyone has read their part, come together IRL or over Zoom to discuss allll the steamy deets. Way easier than committing to an entire 350-page book!
Attend an art gallery
Who knows, maybe you'll bump into a mysterious artist, fall madly in love, and be whisked away to Paris while you live as their muse. Only one way to find out!
Hit up the thrift
I could spend HOURS at the thrift store rummaging through endless racks of other people’s stuff. There is no greater joy than finding that one-of-a-kind piece then looking at the price tag to see it costs less than your usual Starbucks order. Reverse sticker shock, FTW!
Make playlists for each of your friends
Idk if there's anything sweeter than someone telling me that I remind them of a song :’) Show some love for your friends by making them a curated playlist of songs that remind you of all the ~Good Times~ you've shared.
Watch old VHS tapes
As a child of the late 90s/early 00s, a good chunk of my youth was captured on video tapes, which have been long forgotten about as they take up space in my parent's attic collecting dust. Next time you are back home for a visit, pop in those home videos and screen them with the fam for a fun trip down memory lane.
Go ice skating
Ice skating is the quintessential winter activity. Tie up those skates and practice your best Triple Salchow (for the love of God, please be careful though). Bonus points if you end the night with a hot cocoa!
Invite friends over for a hot chocolate bar
Speaking of the unofficial drink of winter! Transform your kitchen into a hot cocoa bar with allll the yummy toppings (mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and ofc whipped cream). It is basically a hug in a mug.
Visit a museum
Art! History! Science! Get lost for a few hours and learn a thing or two while you're at it.
Did someone say snowball fight?
Snowball fights are not just for the kids, ya know. Head to the park and show off your best fastpitch. Waterproof gloves are a must.
Have a throwback night
We're going full 2000s here! Plan a nostalgia night and stream your fav childhood show - which BTW all episodes of Hannah Montana are streaming on Disney+. Grab some Fruit Gushers and feed your inner child!
Put together a family and friends cookbook
Save your mom the non-stop calls and texts while you attempt to make her family-famous stuffed chicken. Ask her and the rest of your friends and fam to send over their fav recipes for you to have in one place.
Make a festive lil snow globe
Who doesn’t love a good DIY?! Hit up the craft store and get all the supplies to make a little winter wonderland that fits in the palm of your hand. Makes a great, personalized Christmas gift too!
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