50 Wonderful Ideas for Your Winter Bucket List
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Do you get the blues during the cold winter months? It's actually a common problem. In fact, according to WebMD, seasonal affective disorder affects 11 million people in the United States each year. Of course, anytime you experience symptoms of depression, you should discuss them with your doctor. But finding things to do that make you happy may help combat feeling down from the changing seasons. That's why you should try this wonderful winter bucket list!
Having a list of fun things to do in winter can brighten up your mood, motivate you to do things you like, or even try something completely new.
50 Winter Bucket List Ideas
Get ready for some winter fun! Here are 50 fantastic winter bucket ideas for you to try:
Bundle Up and Take a Nature Walk
I'm guilty of hibernating in the winter and staying inside too much. I love being outside, but the cold deters me from going out. If you're like me, then it's time to bundle up and head outside to enjoy the outdoors!
Nature can improve mental health, so getting outside is essential, even during the winter. Taking nature walks is a wonderful way to embrace winter. Head to a nature trail or local park, take a nice slow walk, and take in all the beauty surrounding you.
2. Make Homemade Cocoa
A hot yummy drink is sure to warm up your spirits during the harsh cold season. Try making homemade cocoa for a delicious tasty treat.
3. Go Birdwatching
I love birds! They are so fun and interesting to watch. One of my favorite fun things to do in winter is to go birdwatching. To get a "bird's eye view" of things, grab a pair of binoculars so you can really spy on your feathered friends.
4. Go Sledding or Tubing
Of course, any winter bucket list has to include sledding or tubing. You can make a day of it and head to a ski resort or if you live in a snowy state, buy your own tube and sled and head for the hills yourself.
5. Try Out Snowboarding or Skiing
Be daring and try your hand or uh legs at snowboarding or skiing. It's one of the most fun things to do in winter, and you get in some exercise while trying out something new!
6. Learn Latte Art
This is one of my favorite winter bucket list ideas because I am a coffee lover. If you find yourself ordering lattes with adorable art, then why not try learning latte art yourself at home? It's fun, and you save a bundle of money.
7. Make a Winter Craft
Crafting is not only fun; it actually boosts your mood! There are so many cute winter-themed crafts you can make. Check out this post by craftyhacks.com for ideas!
8. Learn to Crotchet or Knit
What's something productive and fun you can add to your winter bucket list? Learn how to crochet or knit. You can make blankets, gloves, scarves, hats; you name it!
The best part is you can learn from the comfort of your own home thanks to YouTube. Check out the Bella Coco channel to learn how to crotchet with ease!
9. Have a Fondue Party
For me, cheese and chocolate are two of the best things to indulge in. If you are also a cheese and chocolate lover, then why not treat yourself and have a fondue party?
You can pick up a budget-friendly fondue kit on Amazon. Start the evening with a cheese-fest and finish up with a chocolate banquet!
10. Build a Snowman (Or a Sandman if you live near the beach!)
Building a snowman is one of the most classic and fun things to do in winter. Some people change it up and build snow cupcakes and other cute characters. If you are lucky enough to live near the beach, head over and make a sandman in the shape of a snowman for fun.
11. Have a Weekend Away in a Log Cabin
There is just something enchanting about a rustic log cabin in the forest. Embrace the Hygge lifestyle, get away for a weekend, and spend it in a log cabin.
Try to rent one with a fireplace and try to spend the entire weekend embracing Hygge. 😊Hygge is about enjoying life's simple pleasures, being content and cozy, and embracing moments and slow living.
Rather than spending an evening scrolling your phone, you will sit by a fireplace and read a book or enjoy some good conversation with your loved ones.
Hygge is the key to happiness; unplugging from it all with a trip to a cabin is one of the best ways to enjoy winter.
12. Try a Winter Photography Challenge
Tap into your artistic side with a winter photography challenge. Photography is one of the most creative and fun things to do in winter! Grab the FREE winter photography challenge printable from the Natural Beach Living Blog to get started.
13. Make a Gingerbread House
Making a gingerbread house is a must-do on any winter bucket list! You can buy a kit or try making your own from scratch. Check out this easy-to-make gingerbread house recipe by the Food Network.
14. Start Scrapbooking
What better way to display your pictures from your photography challenge than a cute scrapbook? Scrapbooking is another great creative outlet. Plus, you can finally get all those old photos out of a shoebox and display them as they deserve.
You can learn how to get started over at scrapbookingcoach.com!
15. Make Winter Candles
I really enjoy making candles. Plus, making your own candles can save you money while you do something fun. There are so many different types of candles you can create. Pop over to wonferfuldiy.com and check out the post "15 D.I.Y. Winter Candle Ideas For Fancy Evenings."
16. Soothe Yourself with a Winter Skin Care Routine
Winter is hard on your skin. The cold air can dry out your skin which will leave your skin cracked and chapped. So, add a luscious skincare routine to your winter bucket list this year. Check out E.L.F. for a great line of skincare products that are vegan and cruelty-free!
17. Have a "Do Nothing Day"
Winter fun is essential, but winter can also be a great time for rest and relaxation. If you are constantly on the go, then you should definitely schedule a "Do Nothing Day!"
Check out my post to learn why you should let yourself have a do-nothing day and how to have one!
18. Read a Novel
When can there be a better time to read a captivating novel than during the cold winter months? Head to the bookstore, browse your favorite genre, and get a new book to delve into.
19. Write a Book
Have you dreamed of being the next best-selling author? Why not add writing a book to your winter bucket list?
Dedicate some time to writing every day, even if it's just twenty minutes. Get that book out of your head and onto the page.
20. Create a Hygge Bedroom
As you can tell, I'm in love with the Hygge lifestyle of the Danes. Creating a hygge bedroom can help you create a sleep sanctuary so you can have sufficient rest and relaxation. Hop over to Montana Happy's Blog to learn how to create a hygge bedroom.
21. Spend a Night Stargazing
One wonderful thing winter offers are clearer night skies for stargazing. Since cold air doesn't hold as much moisture, the sky appears clearer, making it fabulous for stargazing. So, bundle up and head out for a night of stargazing as part of your winter bucket list!
22. Have a Bonfire
Grab a cozy blanket and cuddle up by a bonfire for a wonderful winter evening. Make it even better by making smores next to the fire!
23. Add to Your Family and Adopt a Pet
Animals make the world a better place. If you're looking for one of the best friends you will ever have, consider adopting a new pet. Check out my post "Why You Should Adopt, Not Shop For A Pet" to learn all the benefits of adopting a new furbaby!
24. Go Iceskating
Strap on some skates and give ice skating a go for one of the more thrilling and fun things to do in winter. If you're nervous about falling, some ice-skating rinks have aids that can assist you while you learn how to skate.
25. Take a Whimsical Winter Vacation
Many people dedicate summers to fun getaways, but why not take a whimsical winter vacation to a beautiful destination? There are many gorgeous places to see during the winter. So pack a bag and head to a serene snowy destination!
26. Have a Cozy Night In
Winter is the perfect time for a cozy night in. Whether you want to bake a yummy dessert or snuggle with your furbaby, a cozy evening at home is a wonderful way to relax. Check out my post "10 Ideas For a Cozy Night In" for inspiration.
27. Host a Game Night
How about a night of charades or a game of monopoly? Host a game night with your friends and family for a budget-friendly but fun thing to do. You can make it a potluck, so everyone brings a dish or something to snack on too!
28. Cook Up Your Favorite Comfort Food
I don't know about you, but I really crave comfort food in the wintertime. Something about a good heavy meal just hits the spot. What's your favorite comfort food? Whatever it is, find a good recipe to try on Pinterest and cook up some comfort food to enjoy.
29. Head to a Winter Festival
Add a bit of magic to your winter bucket list and head out for a winter festival! There are so many different types of festivals you can attend.
For instance, there are lantern festivals and winter wine festivals, to name a couple. Check out Country Living's round-up of the best winter festivals in the U.S. and Canada.
30 Have a Movie Day
How long has it been since you had a movie marathon? Why not make it part of your winter bucket list this year? Grab all of your classic favorites (or new movies you want to see), snuggle up in your pajamas, make some popcorn, and spend the day binge-watching movies.
31. Put Together a Puzzle and Frame It
Flex those brain muscles while having a good time and put together a jigsaw puzzle. There are so many types of puzzles these days. They even have 3D puzzles now!
If you are looking for a traditional but adorable puzzle, then pop over to the Simplicity and Sunshine Shop!
32. Redecorate Your House
Does your home bring you peace? Are you surrounded by things that bring you joy? Take advantage of being indoors this winter to redecorate your house.
It's essential to feel happy about where you live, and redecorating can definitely help with this. Check out these 8 Simple Ways To Make Your House A Home for inspiration!
33. Grow an Indoor Garden
Surrounding yourself with plants can improve your mood. Spruce up your living space with beautiful indoor plants to bring life back into your winter. You can add random plants you like or try a themed garden.
For instance, an herb garden or a salsa garden. Gardening, even in the simplest form, can boost mood and happiness!
34. Make Pinecone Birdfeeders
Pinecone birdfeeders are so adorable and simple to make. All you need are pinecones, bird seed, peanut butter, and twine. Check out Spruce's "D.I.Y. Pinecone Birdfeeder" post to learn how to make your own.
35. Go On a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Go on a scavenger hunt for another way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter. There are a ton of fun ideas on Pinterest and free printables you can print out.
36. Make Snowcream
Who would have thought snow could become a yummy treat? You can make snow cream with just 3-ingredients. Check out Jackie's post at Happy Hooligans to learn how to easily make this tasty treat!
37. Take a Sleigh Ride
This is at the top of my winter bucket list! Horses are such magnificent creatures, so of course, a sleigh ride is one of the most whimsical and fun things to do in winter.
To find a sleigh ride available near you, simply google sleigh rides near me and allow google to search your location.
38. Camp Out in Your Living Room
Summon your inner child and camp out in your living room for the night for some simple winter fun. Make a pillow and blanket fort, and drag your mattress out so you can be comfortable too. Decorate your fort with string lights for a relaxing ambiance.
39. Foster a Pet
Pets are such a delight. If you can't adopt a pet yet, why not try fostering an animal instead? Shelters are overflowing with homeless animals, and you can save a life by fostering an animal until it can find a forever home. Learn more about fostering a pet at paws.org.
40. Make a Delicious Soup
Have you ever made your favorite soup from scratch? Learn how to make it and treat yourself to a delicious homemade bowl of soup. The Pioneer Woman has a post of 35 of the best winter soups to make!
41. Throw a Winter-Themed Party
Break the mundane cycle of cold days and throw a winter-themed party. You can have a party with a snowflake theme or flip the script and have a beach party indoors! It's a great way to get together with friends and family and have fun.
42. Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the most amazing and fun things to do in winter. If you loved a sleigh ride, you'd really love the freeing feeling of riding an enchanting horse.
So put on your boots and hit the snowy trail this winter for a lovely horseback riding adventure.
43. Start a Journal
Journaling is a fantastic way to express yourself. It also helps reduce stress by getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper. Get a cute journal and write down your thoughts, worries, and cares.
Check out the adorable notebooks in the Simplicity and Sunshine Shop for a budget-friendly journal!
44. Bake a Braided Bread
Baking bread is another excellent way to ease tension. In fact, in this article by Yahoo, therapist Lauren Rhodes-Levin stated, "it eases stress and brings a sense of satisfaction." So not only is bread delicious but making it improves your mental health.
Bust out the baking pan and learn how to make braided bread over at the Spruce Eats site.
45. Color Your Cares Away
Coloring may seem like a child's activity, but it actually can calm your mind and body. It may help reduce depression and anxiety too.
Color your cares away with the "Simplicity and Hygge" coloring book by Simplicity and Sunshine!
46. Learn to Make an Ice Sculpture
How cool would it be to learn how to make an ice sculpture? Thanks to YouTube, there are many videos that teach how to make anything from beginner ice sculptures to ice sculpting with chainsaws.
This is one of the best winter bucket list ideas yet!
47. Volunteer at a Pet Shelter
Helping pets is such an amazing way to spend your winter. Use some of your spare time to make a difference in an animal's life and volunteer at your local pet shelter.
You may help out by taking pictures for adoption ads or walking the pups to get them some much-needed attention and exercise. You might just find your next best friend while volunteering!
48. Try the Wim Hoff Cold Exposure
Suppose you're looking for a more extreme thing to add to your winter bucket list. In that case, you should try the Wim Hoff cold exposure therapy! There may be some health benefits to cold water therapy, such as boosting the immune system and lowering depression.
Joe Rogan actually takes ice baths and states that it has helped him build resilience and reduce inflammation. Remember, there are risks to just about everything, so always check with your doctor BEFORE TRYING THIS METHOD.
49. Chill Out with your Favorite Cousin
There is nothing like having an awesome cousin you get along with. When was the last time you and your cuz got together and just chilled out? Give your cousin a call and schedule some time out to see each other and have some winter fun.
50. Take a Scenic Train Ride
I've always wanted to take a scenic train ride across the United States. There are so many beautiful places to see right here in America. A scenic train ride is one of the ultimate activities to try from this winter bucket list.
If you can't tour the U.S. just yet, google scenic train rides near you for a fantastic day trip somewhere.
Have a Blast with these Wonderful Winter Bucket list Ideas!
Now you have 50 fabulous winter bucket list ideas to make your winter wonderful. Pick your favorite ideas first to be sure you get to try them before the winter ends. Remember, life is precious so take time out to do things you love.