31 Winter Bucket List Activities to Enjoy This Season
Winter is typically a slow season for most of us. But that can be a good thing. I mean, Winter has a way of slowing life down just enough for us to notice and appreciate all the small and meaningful things we often miss.
Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors in the snow or prefer staying warm and cozy indoors, Winter can bring experiences that will definitely make the season feel more memorable, intentional, and even refreshing.
This Winter bucket list will help you step out of your typical routine and add more magic to the slowest season of the year. Some ideas will encourage you to move more, some will help you relax and practice self-care, and a few might challenge you to try something completely new.
Here are 31 Winter bucket list activities to make this Winter the most enjoyable yet.
31 Winter Bucket List Activities
1. Build a Snowman
Building a snowman is one of those must-try Winter bucket list ideas. It is simple, fun, and nostalgic. And adding a personal touch can make it even better.
Use scarves, sunglasses, spare buttons, hats, or just about anything you have on hand to create a fun character.
You can even turn it into a friendly competition with family or neighbors to see who builds the most creative one.
2. Go Ice-skating at an Outdoor or Indoor Rink
Ice skating is one of the most classic Winter activities. And for good reason. It is a graceful way to stay active and embrace the season.
You can bring friends or your partner to make the experience more fun.
3. Create a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
This is one of the best winter bucket list activities. Mix and match your coziest pieces so you can create enough outfits to shine all season long.
4. Have a Cozy Hot Chocolate Night
Make an experience out of it. You know, set out toppings like marshmallows, cinnamon, whipped cream, or peppermint sticks, and make an effort to try different flavors.
This is an easy way to relax and actually enjoy the slowness that is Winter.
Shop Cute Winter Mugs for your hot chocolate nights.
5. Go Sledding or Tubing Down a Snowy Hill
Very few things bring out pure joy like racing down a hill on a sled or inflatable tube. Find a safe slope and embrace the thrill.
This is one energizing Winter bucket list activity that is perfect for both kids and adults who want to feel like kids again.
6. Bake Festive Winter Cookies
Winter baking is what the season demands. I mean, it fills your home with warmth and the smell of spices.
Go with classic recipes such as sugar cookies, gingerbread, snickerdoodle, and take your time decorating with icing and sprinkles.
This is an awesome Winter activity for families, but can also be a fun silo project.
And a silicone baking mat makes cleanup so much easier.
7. Take a Brisk Winter Walk
Winter landscapes have a calm beauty that’s different from any other time of the year.
If this is something you enjoy, go for a slow walk and pay attention to all the small Winter details and appreciate the stillness that can only happen this time of the year.
8. Try a New Winter Sport
Whether you go for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, winter sports offer a chance to challenge yourself and experience nature in a new way.
Even if you’re a complete beginner, taking lessons or renting equipment and learning at your own pace can open doors to a hobby you’ll completely adore and enjoy for years.
9. Host a Game Night
Is there a more perfect season for fun game nights? I don’t think so. Game nights are the perfect way to bring people together when it’s too cold to go out.
Choose a mix of board games, card games, or interactive group activities and have fun.
Add warm snacks and blankets, and you’ll have a memorable night that was super low effort.
10. Winter Movie Marathon
I’d argue Winter is the perfect season for comfort films. Create a lineup of holiday classics, animated Winter favorites, or cozy feel-good movies.
Make it a whole experience with blankets, warm drinks, and dim lighting.
11. Build a Snow Fort or Igloo-Style Sculpture
If you have enough snow in your area, building a snow fort can be super satisfying.
It can be a simple hideout or a whole overdone structure. This is the time to let your inner creative shine.
Pair it with fun outdoor activities like sledding or snowball fights, and it can be particularly fun.
12. Create DIY Winter Candles
Making your own candles is a relaxing craft that is perfect for Winter.
If you’re a complete beginner, choose simple ingredients like soy wax, essential oils, and wicks.
Scents like pine, vanilla, cedar, cinnamon, or amber can instantly make your home feel warm and inviting.
Plus, it is a thoughtful homemade gift that is perfect for this holiday season.
Related Post: 23 DIY Christmas Gifts People Like Getting
13. Visit a Winter Light Festival
Winter nights feel magical when you’re surrounded by glowing lights. Many cities host seasonal light festivals, lantern displays, or illuminated gardens that often transform ordinary spaces into something magical.
It’s a peaceful way to spend an evening and also get Instagram-worthy pictures.
14. Start a Winter Reading Challenge
For me, Fall and Winter are my favorite reading seasons. As you all know, I am a big romantasy girl, and I usually use Winter to catch up on my reading list. So this is the perfect time to start a reading challenge or enjoy a long series.
If you don’t do fiction, this is also a good opportunity to read a few self-help books to start the new year with the best mindset.
15. Take a Winter Train Ride
If you live in an area or can travel to an area where a Winter train ride is possible, then add this to your bucket list.
Winter might not be the best season, but nature at this time of the year is simply stunning. And a scenic Winter train ride is a cozy way to enjoy the snowy landscapes.
16. Make a Hearty Winter Meal.
Winter cooking is all about comfort. You can make a typical Winter meal, such as a cheese tomato soup. You can get great recipes on Pinterest and get cooking.
And just don’t stick to your usual options. Winter is the perfect time to experiment with new dishes you wouldn’t normally try.
17. Go Stargazing
Cold air creates incredibly sharp night skies, making Winter an underrated season for stargazing.
Choose a clear night, head somewhere dark, and enjoy the night sky.
You might notice constellations and bright stars that are usually not very visible during the warmer months.
18. Do a Winter Photo Challenge
Photography is such an underrated way to notice all the small things that make Winter special.
Take your time to photograph small details. You know, the frost on windows, the soft morning light, snowy trees, or all the cozy indoor moments with lights.
You can make it a whole thing with a simple list of themes or prompts and dedicate time to capturing them. An instant camera can make all this so much fun.
19. Take a Weekend Cabin Getaway
There’s nothing quite like escaping to a cabin in Winter. Whether it’s an Airbnb deep in the woods or near a quiet lake, a cabin getaway is the perfect Winter vacation.
Imagine sitting close to a warm fireplace, warm drinks in hand, while listening or reading Quicksilver by Callie Hart. I, for one, want that.
20. Make a Gingerbread House
This is the time to let your creativity run absolutely wild. Go all out and design something elaborate.
This is a playful and creative activity that is fun for all ages and brings out the festive spirit.
21. Treat Yourself to a Winter Self-care Day
We all know how Winter can be demanding on your skin and energy. Winter blues are real, and so is the dry skin. So, a self-care day in Winter can be super restorative.
Make it a whole thing. Light some candles, run a warm bath, apply your favorite hydrating skincare products, and listen to calming music.
22. Learn To Knit or Crochet
Knitting or crocheting are some of those winter-coded hobbies, making them perfect Winter bucket list activities.
Start with something simple like a scarf. The repetitive movement can be incredibly relaxing, and if you complete your project, you’ll have something handmade that you can wear all Winter long.
Besides, handmade pieces make for heartfelt gifts.
23. Visit a Holiday Market
I’d say holiday markets bring together all the best parts of Winter. Warm food, handmade gifts, festive displays, and cheerful energy. What’s not to like?
If you go, get a seasonal drink or snack and soak up all the holiday feels.
24. Write Letters or Cards to Friends and Family
A handwritten note can feel super meaningful during the holiday season and throughout the colder months, for that matter.
Take some time to write thoughtful letters or simple seasonal cards and send them to the people you care about.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also participate in programs that send letters to older people, hospital patients, or people going through a rough time.
25. Have a Snowball Fight
A good snowball fight with friends, kids, or neighbors can add some much-needed energy to an otherwise quiet or boring winter day.
26. Go Thrift Shopping for Winter Finds
Thrift shops can be treasure hunts if you know how it’s done. You can find cool cozy sweaters, mugs, candles, books, or even seasonal decor.
Not to mention you’ll probably save money and bring home items with character.
27. Do a Winter Puzzle or LEGO Build
Puzzles and LEGO builds are made for winter, don’t you think?
Go with something seasonal, like this winter country landscape puzzle, or something completely different from what you usually do to really challenge yourself.
28. Try a New Winter Indoor Hobby
Winter naturally encourages some indoor creativity. This is the perfect time to try a new hobby. It could be watercolor painting, pottery, journaling, or making candles.
And don’t obsess about being perfect at it. Simply enjoy exploring something new.
29. Make a Winter Playlist
From some cheerful holiday tunes to soul-soothing acoustic melodies, take your time to create a playlist that captures the essence of Winter.
You can even make playlists for mornings, evenings, cooking, or working. This is a simple way to elevate and romanticize your daily routine.
30. Do Random Acts of Kindness
Look for small opportunities to help. Pay for someone’s coffee, donate warm clothing, tip generously, or volunteer a few hours at a food shelter. Spread the Winter joy. It’s the season of giving, after all.
31. Create a Scrapbook or Digital Album of Winter Memories
Before winter ends, gather photos, notes, ticket stubs, or small keepsakes and arrange them in a scrapbook or digital album.
This is an awesome, reflective way to end the season and appreciate all the amazing things you got to do.
Final Thoughts
Winter often gets a bad rep with the cold temperatures and early sunsets overshadowing the entire season. But it doesn’t have to be all gloom. These winter bucket list ideas show that you can actually enjoy this season.
Whether you try a few of these activities or, better yet, all of them, each one offers an excellent opportunity to slow down and discover the magic of winter, all while creating lasting memories.