What to Do in Winter: The Best Ideas for Active Recreation and Entertainment

Winter is a special time of year when each day can become a little celebration filled with warmth, coziness, and activity. If you're lacking inspiration, here are 20 ideas to help make your winter days bright and memorable. We have gathered both outdoor activities and cozy moments for the home. Choose what suits you best!

1. Ice Skating

When winter arrives with frosts and snow, ice skating becomes one of the brightest winter pleasures. This activity is suitable for all ages and skill levels: from beginners taking their first steps on the ice to experienced athletes showcasing figure skating moves. Open rinks, where you can enjoy the fresh winter air, are especially attractive when everything is covered in snow. And if the weather is uncooperative, indoor rinks are a great option for those who don’t want to rely on the whims of nature. It’s a great way to spend time with friends or family, whether you're just gliding on the ice or improving your skills. For those looking for active entertainment, ice skating offers both excellent exercise and the chance to experience the freedom of movement in the open air.

2. Home Decoration

The winter season especially evokes the desire to surround yourself with coziness and warmth. Decorating the house for the holidays is not only a way to add festive cheer but also an opportunity to make the space more comfortable and atmospheric. Hang Christmas garlands on the walls or windows, decorate furniture with tree ornaments, and place candles in winter candleholders. Snowflakes on the windows, artificial snow-covered branches, or tinsel on mirrors will create an atmosphere of magic and coziness. It’s a wonderful tradition for all family members, and if you have children, they’ll love creating winter wonders together. Add scents of cinnamon and pine with candles to fill the house with that special winter mood.

3. Cutting Snowflakes

Cutting paper snowflakes is not just a children’s activity, but a wonderful way to return to childhood and enjoy simple pleasures. All you need are a few sheets of paper and scissors, and you can create true works of art. Decorate windows, walls, make garlands, and gift wraps. This activity not only helps set the mood for the holidays but also allows you to express creativity. It’s especially fun to cut snowflakes with children—they’ll be delighted to create beautiful snowflakes with you, and you can teach them new techniques and tricks.

4. New Year’s Movie

A winter evening when snow is falling outside is the perfect time to cozy up and enjoy your favorite films. New Year’s movies have a special atmosphere—they remind us of childhood dreams and that miracles are possible. Movies like “Home Alone,” “The Irony of Fate,” or “Yolki” always create a festive mood, even if you’ve seen them many times. Choose movies that bring warmth and joy, whether it’s a romantic comedy, a family fairy tale, or a musical. And don’t forget hot tea or cocoa to make the evening even cozier.

5. Year-End Summary

Reflecting on the past year is an important tradition that helps not only analyze what has been accomplished but also set the stage for the future. Sit down at a table, take a sheet of paper and a pen, and write down everything you’ve achieved this year: personal successes, professional achievements, new acquaintances, and bright moments. Recognizing these achievements will boost your confidence and help you plan for the future. You can also write down goals for the next year—dreams you want to fulfill and steps you need to take to achieve them.

6. Visit Friends or Relatives

The winter season is a time when it’s especially important to spend time with loved ones. If you're far from family, you might feel lonely, and a visit will bring joy and warmth. Give your friends or relatives unforgettable moments by visiting them during this special period. Shared meals, life talks, and fun memories will strengthen your bond. And the warm atmosphere among loved ones always fills you with positivity.

7. List of New Year’s Gifts

Holiday preparations start early. Make a gift list so you can decide in advance what to give to friends and family. Write down ideas in a notebook or on your phone so nothing is forgotten. This approach will help avoid panic and chaos at the last minute when time is running out. Choose gifts that are not only pleasant but also useful. And, of course, don’t forget to add a heartfelt message or card to the gift, making it even more personal and meaningful.

8. Winter Park Walk

A winter park is a place where frosty air and snowy landscapes create a unique sense of tranquility and serenity. Walk along snow-covered alleys, toward a lake or through the woods—it's the perfect way to de-stress and enjoy nature in its winter form. Listen to the silence, broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot, and enjoy every moment. The winter park is full of beauty and magic, and the fresh air will give you a boost of energy and positivity.

9. Snow Angel

Don’t forget about the joy of childhood, even if you’re no longer little. Make a snow angel—it will not only bring you funny memories but also a boost of good mood. Simply fall onto the snow and wave your arms and legs to create the angel’s wings. This simple, silly action is a great way to disconnect from the everyday grind and bring back the feeling of celebration.

10. Skiing or Snowboarding

If you love active winter sports, skiing or snowboarding is a great option for active recreation. Get inspired by the fresh air, enjoy the winter landscapes, and feel the adrenaline rush as you ski or snowboard down a mountain. This sport is suitable for people of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Find the nearest resort or ski slope and spend the day in active adventure.

11. Tubing

Tubing is one of the most fun winter activities, offering unforgettable experiences for both children and adults. Slide down a hill on a special tube—feeling the speed and adrenaline. This activity doesn’t require special training, but it provides a great deal of enjoyment. Tubing is perfect for family outings or with a group of friends. These slopes are easy to have a blast on, creating moments of fun and laughter.

12. Hot Bath

After spending a long time in the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up in a hot bath with aromatic oils or salts. This not only helps you relax after active walks but also improves circulation, relieves tension, and reduces fatigue. Immerse yourself in a relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by candles and soft light, to restore warmth and comfort to your body.

13. Write a Love Confession in the Snow

If you want to do something unusual and romantic, write a love confession in the snow. This gesture will create a unique atmosphere of a winter fairy tale and make your loved one feel special. You can use different objects to write or just your footprints—the result will always be amazing.

14. Making New Year’s Cookies

Winter holidays are a great time for creativity in the kitchen. Try baking traditional New Year’s cookies shaped like snowflakes, stars, or gingerbread people. This process not only brings satisfaction from creating delicious treats but also creates a cozy atmosphere at home. You can decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, and give them to friends and family.

15. Mandarins

Mandarins are a true symbol of the holidays in winter. They’re not only delicious but also fill the house with a fresh citrus scent. Buy a few boxes of mandarins to enjoy their juicy flavor during winter evenings when you want to relax with a cup of tea. These bright fruits will bring vitamins and good mood.

16. The Main Christmas Tree of the Country

Visit the main Christmas tree of your city or country. This event is always accompanied by festive lights, musical performances, and a joyful atmosphere. Various events and photo sessions often take place at the tree, and its decorations are admired for their beauty and grandeur. It’s nice to spend time near such a tree, photograph festive moments, and feel the magic of the New Year.

17. Make a List of Wishes

Prepare for the coming year by making a list of your wishes and goals. This will help you focus on what’s important to you and set the stage for a successful year. Write down everything you dream of, whether it's trips, personal achievements, or material things. This list will inspire you on your journey to your dreams and give you a clear idea of what you need for happiness.

18. House Cleaning

Winter is the perfect time for a deep cleaning. Tidy up all the corners of your home, get rid of unnecessary things and old items. Clean out closets, rearrange furniture, and free up space for the new. Cleanliness and order in the home will help create an atmosphere of coziness and harmony and contribute to a positive mood.

19. Fairy-Tale New Year’s Photoshoot

Organize a winter photoshoot with a fairy-tale theme. Create special outfits, decorate the setting, and use New Year’s props. A photoshoot in a snowy forest or near your decorated Christmas tree will become a lasting memory of the holiday season. These photos will be a wonderful addition to your photo album.

20. Winter Reading

Winter is the perfect time to delve into books. Choose stories that immerse you in a magical atmosphere—whether it's fantasy, historical fiction, or inspiring works. Cozy up with a blanket, warm tea, and dive into the fascinating world of books. You’ll not only relax and escape the daily hustle and bustle but also fill your mind with new ideas and experiences. These 20 ideas will help you create memorable moments and add a little magic to your life this winter. Don't forget to cherish every moment!