Winter is a time for holidays and fun, regardless of whether it falls in December, January, or the early days of February. Busy or not, vacay or not, the snow calls for celebration, hope for a new lease of life, a gentle promise made by the impending season of spring. While the snow and the ice last, the weather is not too unkind, so dress festive and engage in cheerful outdoor winter activities. Here are some fun ideas for solos, couples, families, and groups of friends. Go ahead, make the most out of it!
Ice skating: Nothing screams holidays quite like a frosty ice skating rink decked in twinkling lights, throbbing with reverberating laughter and happiness. From the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City to the uncharted ones in the smaller towns of California and all across the country, go ice skating to feel the holiday cheer and perhaps learn, practice, or upskill in the art of skating.
Sledding: While December and early January occupy your time on the ski runs, non-skiers and the ski-weary souls can engage in the fun and easy winter sport of sledding. You don’t have to live near a ski resort or a mountain to go sledding. America is known for its undulating land, and you can find top sledding hills in the middle of the country. Head to the hillside fun at these rolling hills in Mad River Mountain, Valley Hi, Ohio; Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Firecracker Hill, Telluride, Colorado, and many more.
Snowshoeing: Most snow sports require a bit of skill and sometimes expensive equipment. Snowshoeing is down to earth, a close cousin of hiking, and a healthy alternative to many sports. With the invention of adequately warm clothing and plastic snowshoes, this sport is also becoming popular. Beginners can try the Cooper River Trail in Washington and Catskill Scenic Trail in New York. Then there is Lakeshore Trail in Wisconsin and Mount Healy Trail in Alaska, among many for intermediate and seasoned snowshoers.
Snowball fights: It is a fun activity when there is heavy snowfall. We recommend a friendly fight, a physical game where a fighter has to roll balls of snow and hit the opponent. A harmless game only to generate a burst of hearty laughter. As long as no one gets hurt, a snowball fight is a welcome break from the regular snow activities. However, there have been mishaps in the past, leading to blows, cuts, and stitches caused by ice and other foreign particles wrapped in snow.
Hot cocoa dates: While there are many other fun activities to enjoy, nothing beats ending an exciting day with a delicious cup of hot cocoa. It is a tradition to have this every day during the USA’s festive winters. Shane Confectionery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, French Broad Chocolate in Asheville, North Carolina, and La Chatelaine Chocolat Co. in Bozeman, Montana, are some of the best in the country apart from the ones you get from your mama or granny’s kitchens.
