When the days get shorter and the air turns cold, my first instinct is to retreat. I’ll admit it, I’m not naturally a fan of winter or being cold. But I’ve learned that the season feels much shorter and far more enjoyable when I give it a little intention. A winter bucket list turns something I might otherwise endure into something I actually look forward to.
Instead of hiding out and waiting for warmer days, I like to meet the season halfway. These cozy and adventurous winter bucket list ideas are here to help you do the same, and maybe even enjoy the cold a little more than you expected.
Outdoor Winter Adventures
I’ll be honest, I naturally gravitate toward the cozy, inside version of a winter bucket list. Give me a blanket, a warm drink, and a good meal and I’m happy. But here’s the thing I’ve learned over time. The moments when I actually brave the cold are always worth it. As long as I bundle up properly and don’t forget my toe warmers and hand warmers (non-negotiable), winter becomes a lot more enjoyable.
- Glide through snowy trails dog sledding.
- Try snowshoeing on a local trail.
- Spend an afternoon tubing down a snowy hill.
- Build a snowman or make snow angels like you did when you were a kid.
- Have a snowball fight with friends or family.
- Go on a classic winter sleigh ride.
- Get an adrenaline rush on a snowmobile.
- Try ice fishing on a frozen lake.
- If you’re feeling brave, do a polar bear plunge.
- Go ice skating outdoors.
- Spend a day skiing or snowboarding, even if you stick to bunny slopes
Cozy & Simple Winter Joys
As we’ve already established, getting cozy in winter is one of my favorite things. Give me a cup of tea and a jigsaw puzzle and I’m completely content. That’s very much my winter thing. This season feels like an invitation to slow down, stay in, and lean into comfort without guilt.
- Make homemade hot chocolate with real chocolate.
- Curl up with a good book and read by the fire.
- Binge-watch a favorite TV series. (check out my top 100 picks!)
- Have a pajama day where comfort is the only goal.
- Camp out in the living room with blankets, pillows, and a movie marathon.
- Take a long bubble bath with candles and calming music.
- Work on a jigsaw puzzle during long evenings.
- Create a winter playlist filled with cozy, feel-good music.
- Explore different teas and find a new winter favorite.
- Watch Oscar-winning movies you’ve always meant to see.
- Have a game night. Bonus points for finishing myboard games bucket list of the 50 best ones to play!
Comfort Food Experiences
My participation in cooking turns up about ten notches in the winter. I love staying cozy inside while something delicious simmers away, filling the house with the kind of smells that make you feel instantly at home. This is the season when I stock the freezer with soups and chili, because nothing feels more comforting than having something warm ready to go on a cold night.
- Perfect your chili recipe and make a big pot (you can even try my recipe!).
- Make homemade soup and freeze leftovers.
- Bake cookies and enjoy them fresh out of the oven.
- Bake a pie from scratch, even if it’s just for yourself.
- Try baking a loaf of bread and enjoy it warm with butter.
- Make apple cider on the stove and let it simmer all afternoon.
- Prepare mulled wine for casual get-togethers.
- Decorate sugar cookies.
- Build a gingerbread house just for fun.
- Take a cooking class to learn a new winter-friendly dish
- Start to tackle my Foodie Bucket List. Or make one of your own.
- Try a new restaurant and enjoy a long, leisurely meal
Festive Winter Traditions
Winter is the season when traditions really matter to me. Every year, I buy a new ornament, and I keep my decorations up until at least a week after the New Year. It feels like a small way to stretch the magic a little longer. It’s also the one time of year I never forget to light a pumpkin or apple-spiced candle, because somehow that scent instantly makes everything feel more festive!
- See The Nutcracker ballet for a classic winter tradition.
- Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of home.
- Host a football party with comfort food and good company.
- Attend a hockey game.
- Do a winter photo shoot to capture the season.
- Take your Christmas card photo early and avoid last-minute stress.
- Visit holiday light displays and take a nighttime stroll.
- Go to a Christmas market for festive food and gifts.
- Revamp your bucket list and set intentions for the year ahead.
Creative & Indoor Projects
Every winter, I pick one creative project to focus on, something just for the joy of it. This year it’s cross stitch, which has become my favorite way to slow down and keep my hands busy on cold nights. There’s something deeply satisfying about making progress on a project while the world outside feels quiet.
- Start a scrapbook and preserve favorite memories.
- Knit or crochet a scarf or hat for winter wear.
- Make DIY snow globes as seasonal décor.
- Create a pinecone wreath using natural materials.
- Clean out and organize your closet.
- Start a gratitude journal and write in it regularly. Need ideas? Here’s 100 things to be grateful for today
- Write thank-you notes and actually mail them!
- Stick to an indoor workout routine that feels manageable.
Kindness & Giving
Winter naturally encourages reflection and generosity. These simple acts can make the season feel more meaningful and connected.
- Do a random act of kindness for a stranger or neighbor.
- Volunteer at a food kitchen or local charity.
- Donate toys to children in need during the holidays.
- Donate warm jackets, scarves, and mittens.
- Send a care package to a soldier or someone far from home.
Winter Getaways & Experiences
If you ask me, there’s really never a bad time to travel, and that absolutely includes winter. Some of my favorite trips have happened during the colder months. I’ve been to Yosemite National Park twice in winter, both times blanketed in snow, and it was magical in a completely different way than summer. That said, winter experiences don’t always require a big trip. There are plenty of nearby adventures that still make the season feel special, even if it’s just a short getaway or a day trip close to home.
- Soak in a natural hot spring surrounded by winter scenery.
- Spend a day at a spa for deep relaxation.
- Stay in a cozy cabin and enjoy quiet nights by the fire.
- Sleep in an ice hotel for a truly unique experience.
- Go bowling on a cold afternoon for a casual outing.
- Visit a local museum for a warm, cultural escape.
Ready to Start living your bucket? Use my Favorite Resources:
Finding Ideas
Of course this bucket list blog and my bucket list are great resources, but you can also use my free printable 2,000 bucket list ideas.
Naming Your List
Some people don’t love the term “bucket list”. But, what is most important is that you have a list, not what you call it, so here are 25 other names for a bucket list.
Storing Your List
I’ve created the perfect Google Sheets Bucket List Tracker Spreadsheet, that helps you store your list, plus keep track of all those checkmarks you’ll be making on it!
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Great ideas of things to do in winter