40 Winter Bucket List Ideas
Winter is a season full of fun bucket list activities for the entire family. Adventure out into the snowy weather or savor the smells of warm, freshly baked bread. Get inspired to create magical moments during the chilliest months of the year with these 40 winter bucket list ideas.
Go on a Winter Hike
Bundle up to witness a vividly different world by taking a winter hike. Frozen waterfalls, the crunch of freshly fallen snow paired with dynamic ice displays, makes venturing out on a nature hike during the winter months a must-do bucket list item. Hiking in the winter requires a little more preparation than in warm weather. These Winter Hiking Tips are bound to keep you out on the trail and away from the television this season.
Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
Nothing screams wintertime more than a warm cup of hot chocolate. Whether it is instant hot cocoa full of marshmallows or a gourmet homemade hot chocolate, this is winter’s official drink. It is best enjoyed next to a cozy fire with a warm blanket after a snowball fight.
Build A Snowman: A Winter Bucket List Must!
“Do you want to build a snowman?” YES!!! This timeless winter bucket list activity is perfect for all ages. Get out the old hat and scarf, then find a carrot nose to complete your masterpiece. Snowmen come in all shapes and sizes; even if it is a little one on a balcony or picnic table, they always spark joy.
Make Snow Angels
Another wintertime classic is plopping down in the middle of a snow-filled yard to create a snow angel or two. Getting a little wet from the snow is entirely worth it.
Start A Journal
Fight seasonal depression by starting a journal. Documenting your feelings, stories, travels, and life events are an excellent form of expression. You don’t have to be good at writing to experience the benefits of journaling. It is a great way to learn more about yourself and grow.
Plan A Winter Escape
Beat the wintertime blues by planning an escape to a remote cabin or treehouse for the weekend. Enjoy a relaxing dip in a hot tub, find great hiking options and delicious local eateries—jazz things up by finding unique lodging options within a few hours from home.
If traveling is out of the question, plan a fun dream vacation complete with activities and food!
Have a Snowball Fight
Nothing quite beats the thrill of throwing snowballs at unsuspecting family members and friends. Be prepared to engage in snowy combat as not many will take the hit without returning fire. Take your snowball fight to the next level by building snow forts for shelter.
Binge Watch A TV Series
Quarantine left us with many TV series binges as a way to pass the time. The good news is that Netflix and other streaming services are continually producing new, engaging series for us to indulge in. Find a series that can be enjoyed by the whole family or take a day to watch the shows that you always put off instead of watching other requests.
Buy A New Pair of Cozy Socks or Slippers
Treat yourself this season to a great new pair of house slippers or cozy socks. While many have their favorites plagued with holes and wear, it is time to break in that new pair. A few of our favorites are the and .
Learn A New Language
Are you dreaming of that trip to a foreign country? Why not get started on learning the language? Winter is the ideal time to take on learning a new language. With less daylight, that means there will be more opportunities to spend indoors with your language lessons. Free apps like Duolingo make picking up phrases and common words in a new language a breeze!
Even More Winter Bucket List Ideas
Make A Pinecone Wreath
During a nature hike, gather a bucket of pinecones to create a stunning pinecone wreath from your door. Don’t know where to start? This tutorial is terrific for making a quick and easy Pinecone Wreath.
Go Stargazing On A Clear Night
The crisp, chilly air on a winter’s night seems to make the stars glow even brighter. Grab that telescope to discover the starry world that is unfolding above. Even though winter may be cold, it offers prime sky gazing at state and national parks as crowds have dissipated.
Take A Bubble Bath
The speed and convenience of a shower often take priority over a nice soak in the tub. Treat yourself this winter to a relaxing bubble bath. Grab a glass of wine, turn on classical music, light some candles, and feel the stresses of this world melt away. Splurge on a Lush Bath Bomb or your favorite scented bubble bath.
Sit By The Window and Watch The Snow Fall
One of my favorite things to do during the wintertime is to take a moment to enjoy the falling snow. The peacefulness of watching the snowflakes flutter to the ground while cozied up inside is something I love doing every snowfall.
Learn A New Skill
Imagine what could be learned with all the time spent binging Netflix? Instead of settling in for the next season, take that time to tackle a new skill, whether it be crochet, cooking, sewing, or web design; set aside a little time each evening to practice your designated skill. Youtube can be an excellent teacher, with educational videos found on everything under the sun.
Clean Out Your Closet
Organizing a closet or two can do wonders for the soul. Take time to clean out unwanted items, clothing that doesn’t fit, and items that will never be worn again. Donate them to local charities. Coats, hats, scarves, and mittens are always in need during this season so add the coat closet to your cleanout.
Have Antarctica Day
Dedicate a day to learning about one of the coldest places on earth. Make homemade ice cream, watch a documentary, and discover the animals that live in these extreme conditions. For more ideas on how to host an Antarctica Day, visit Travel Around The World At Home.
Write Thinking Of You Cards
Spread kindness by sending five people thinking of you cards. Imagine their surprise to get a handwritten note, letting them know that someone cares.
Try A New Coffee Drink
Boldly order that coffee drink that you have always wanted or try something completely new! It could wind up being a new favorite!
Organize Old Photos
Does anyone else have shoeboxes full of old photos? Organize them this winter into albums or download them to the computer. Not only is this a fantastic way to reminisce, but it can be a fun family night.
Tip: Organizing photos on the computer is another excellent wintertime activity. Label and place it into designated folders.
Build an Indoor Fort
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, build an indoor fort! Whether it is for a sleepover, movie night, or merely a way to pass the time, an indoor fort is bound to be a success. Add flair to any fort by adding twinkling lights.
Fondue Night: A Foodie Winter Bucket List Idea
It’s time for a throwback dinner by busting out the fondue pot! Fondue is one of the most fun at-home date night ideas since it is done at a leisurely pace. Kick-off your evening with delicious cheese fondue, then cap off your evening by savoring a decadent chocolate fondue.
Perfect the Chili Recipe
Everyone has a famous chili recipe that they guard closely. Experiment with new chili flavorings or create an entirely new recipe this winter: Tackle White Chicken Chili or the Vegetarian Chili recipe. Most people will agree, nothing quite beats a warm bowl of chili on a cold day!
Go Sledding: The Ultimate Winter Bucket List Item
Grab your sled and run for the nearest sledding hill. While sledding can be dangerous, it can also be an incredible time filled with lifelong memories. Come prepared with plenty of warm weather clothes, proper footwear, and snacks.
Try Skiing or Tubing
Skiing is a popular winter sport that many enjoy year after year. Newbies to the sport can opt to take a beginner’s lesson while more experienced skiers hit the slopes running. Skiing, not an option? Consider another fun winter sport, snow tubing!
Have A Wine Tasting
Envision the rolling hills of Napa Valley while sipping a variety of wines from the region. Select two or three wines to sample and take notes on different flavors and aroma characteristics and characteristics of the wines. Pair it with a charcuterie board for a perfect evening.
Cook Your Way Through A Cookbook
Do you have an old cookbook lying around? Make a point to try to cook through the entire thing this winter. There are bound to be a few new recipes in there that will be keepers! A few popular ones to cook through are the Joy of Cooking and Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Try A New Restaurant Every Week In Winter
As you are cooking your way through a cookbook, be sure to give yourself a break by trying a new restaurant each week. Support local businesses while sampling various cuisines—carry out for a quick, easy meal at home.
Get Cozy With A Book By The Fire
Put on those new slippers, grab that blanket and settle in for a peaceful evening of reading accompanied by the glow of the fireplace.
Ice Skating
Lace-up your skates and hit the nearest rink for an entertaining afternoon on the ice. It is a fun way to get exercise during the cold winter months.
Bake A Pie
Let the aroma of a fresh-baked pie fill the house on a dreary cold day. Think of Thanksgiving as the kick-off for pie season instead of the end. Winter fruit pies, chocolate mousse, pecan pie, the list is endless.
Try A New Workout
Get moving this winter by trying out a new workout program. It can be challenging to get motivated during grey days but try various exercises and workouts to break out of sloth mode. Try a morning yoga session, or commit to a running group!
Make Homemade Soup
Homemade soups are a fantastic way to warm your tummy and comfort your family this winter. Pair it with freshly made bread for a winter bucket list favorite.
Sample A Variety Of Teas
Get to know the different types of teas by having a tea sampling. Tea can be paired with foods to create an Afternoon or High Tea. Utilize this tasting guide to know how to taste the tea properly. In addition to online, Homegoods and TJMax are great spots to pick up tea sampling sets.
Random Acts of Kindness
Inspire kindness by performing random acts of kindness. This is doing something nice for someone without asking and without you doing it for anything in return. Whether it is buying the meal for the person behind you, leaving money in a vending machine, or writing a positive comment on a blog or website, each little act of kindness does not go unnoticed.
Work a puzzle
Winter is the perfect time to strengthen the mind with a puzzle. Choose a tropical-themed puzzle for a mini escape! As kids, we would often have puzzle races to see who could finish their puzzles first.
Serve At A Homeless Shelter or Soup Kitchen
This is a need that the community has every season, not just winter. Call your local shelter to find out how you can help today.
Coloring Contest
Let your inner artist shine by creating a masterpiece. Get others in your family to compete, then display the finished colorings along a wall like an art gallery.
Create A Special Holiday Bucket List
The holidays bring about many unique traditions, recipes, and activities. Create your own custom holiday bucket list. Popular holiday bucket list items include making a gingerbread house, adopting a family, go caroling, and sending holiday cards.
Have A Yeti Day: A Unique Winter Bucket List Activity
Learn all about the legendary Yeti by dedicating a day to this mysterious creature. Eat snow cones, watch light-hearted Yeti movies such as Smallfoot, and even make fake snow.
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