Winter is most people’s least favorite time of year, especially once the holiday season is over. It gets dark earlier, it tends to be gloomier during the days, it can be chilly and/or snowy (depending on where you live), and the temptation to hibernate is just so real. However, how I’ve been able to make winter more tolerable for me is to get out of the house or socialize indoors with people.

I have some suggestions for some activities you might try or they may even get your creative juices flowing and help you come up with your own. If you do the latter though, I want those ideas to add to my arsenal, so leave them down below. Please and thank you. Let’s get started.

1. Ice skating and Hot Chocolate or Coffee

   A true winter classic. I am sad I haven’t done this yet this winter season. Getting on that ASAP. It’s got it all, it’s active, it’s fun, it’s sometimes funny, it’s a seasonal activity (at least for me), and you get a sweet reward after: coffee/cocoa! Fun for a date, friend date, or even for the family. Win, win.

2. Lights festivals or Neighborhood Lights

   This is usually more-so during December, but some cities have lights festivals going into January so bare with me. Raleigh and the Triangle (surrounding areas in Raleigh such as Durham, Cary, etc. for non-local people) has a Chinese Lantern Festival through January, which I have yet to go to and I really want to check out. I know back when I was living in Michigan, Detroit had the zoo decorated in lights and Ann Arbor would decorate the downtown area in lights as well. Find something similar in your city. Don’t forget your cocoa. Are you sensing a theme? I’m just suggesting things that involve warm yummy drinks. Someone bring me hot cocoa, so I can stop thinking about it.

3. Beach or Mountain/Woodsy Trip

   Take advantage of the off-season! The beaches will be empty. Beaches, at least here in North Carolina, allow dogs on them during the off season. The woods or mountain towns will be quieter after the fall season hype. I’m actually heading to Blowing Rock, NC here this weekend which is located near Boone, NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Great time to get out of town and explore and take advantage of the cheaper rates!

4. Winter Sports — Bundled Up, Of Course

   If winter sports are your thing, then now is the time. What are you waiting for? Get out there and… ski, snowboard, snowshoe, skate… or whatever it is you winter sports fans love to do! If you have a winter sport you really love partaking in that I didn’t mention, please let me know what it is and why you love it down below. Maybe I can be converted!

5. Holiday Karaoke

   So Raleigh has this bar called the Haymaker and every year they go ham for the holidays and redecorate the whole bar. They also have special holiday drinks and holiday karaoke! I’ve gone with my best friend the last two years and it’s so fun! You could even do your own at home if you wanted to have a little party!

6. Find a Bar or Coffee Shop with a Fireplace

   Winter is for embracing all the cozy vibes. There’s nothing quite like a cozy fire in the winter. There is bound to be a bar or restaurant or even coffee shop that has a wood or gas burning fireplace. Go there, order food and/or drinks and have a cozy catch-up session with your S/O or friends!

7. Museums

   What better way to stay warm and intellectually stimulated than staying indoors and learning! Whether it be your local art, science, history museum, or even an aquarium! This could even be a date idea, friend thing, solo, or family friendly! You could even make a scavenger hunt out of it if you really wanted to. So many ideas for this one! My city’s museums are free too. You might be able to get a membership for cheaper per use if your city charges for museums.

8. Trolley Pub

   Most cities have these now and I know as drivers, we all dislike them. Hear me out though, they are really fun if you partake in drinking alcohol. You get to hang out with friends see the city in a different way, drink or not drink, listen to music, and be active pedaling. The Trolley Pubs in my city have flaps and a heater to keep you warm as well as the physical activity aspect of course.

9. Fun Nights in Alone or With Friends

   I left this one broad because you can make it whatever you want it to be. I love a good board game night. I have a Nintendo Switch and Mario Party and Mario Kart and I’ve brought that over to a friend’s house recently. You could do Galentine’s. Throw a potluck brunch or dinner. You could have a movie night. The options are endless! Staying in can be more fun with friends. Try it and send me pics on Instagram!

10. Check out an Arcade or Barcade

    My city also has this and I am sure most cities are moving towards this as well. This is a fun way to get competitive with friends or even to avoid the typical drinks, coffee or dinner for a first date. One of our barcadees is dog friendly so it’s even more fun that I can bring my pooch with me.

Well there you have it folks, my 10 suggestions for winter activities to keep you warm and sociable this winter. I hope you try some of these out and share your experiences with me. If you have any other free or cheap activity ideas do let me know down below. I’m always looking for new suggestions!

What activities do you do during the winter when you’re getting a little stir crazy? Do you mostly hibernate during the winter?