50 AMAZING Winter Staycation Ideas for 2025
Winter Staycation Ideas are the perfect way to embrace the season’s magic without leaving the comfort of your local area. Whether you’re craving cozy nights by the fire, fun-filled DIY projects, or outdoor adventures in the crisp winter air, there’s no shortage of creative ways to make your time at home feel special.
50 Amazing Winter Staycation Ideas
If you’re looking for more ideas on winter fun, 31 Winter Hygge Ideas to Nourish Your Soul and 9 Enchanting First Snow Day Traditions will help get you started on your journey.
What is a Winter Staycation?
According to Wikipedia.com, a staycation is a “Period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within a day trip to their home and does not require overnight accommodation.”
Reasons to Have a Staycation
- Saves Money – Saving money is probably why you started reading this blog post. You’re one of the smart people that realizes you don’t have to spend a ton of cash to have a wonderful time. There are plenty of winter staycation ideas to keep you busy.
- No Packing – It might be the best reason of all. I hate to pack, and I always forget something. You get to skip this step when you stay home.
- Flexibility – There’s no need for schedule planning, must-dos, or full agendas when you decide to take this time to relax and enjoy life.
- Play Catch-Up – Sometimes it can feel like you can never catch up with all the things you need to do or want to do. Use this time to check a few things off your to-do list.
- No Sleep-Loss – It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re not in your bed. Now instead of tossing and turning, you can catch up on all your beauty rest.
- Saves Time – Traveling takes a lot of time and hassle to get to and from your destination. Skip all the headaches and use all that time wasted to do something adventurous.
Creating a Cozy Life Group
Since you found this article on Amazing Winter Staycation Ideas, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 209,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and a talk beside the fire: is the time for home.”
Edith Sitwell
1. Channel Your Inner Chef
Winter staycations are the perfect time to discover your inner chef and embrace the warmth of your kitchen. With no rush to go anywhere, you can experiment with comforting recipes like slow-cooked stews, freshly baked bread, or decadent dessert.
Try creating dishes inspired by seasonal flavors, such as roasted root vegetables, spiced apple cider, or rich chocolate fondue. Let the process of chopping, stirring, and tasting become a soothing ritual that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re cooking solo or inviting loved ones, the act of creating something delicious can turn your staycation into a cozy, flavorful adventure.
2. Cooking Classes
Taking cooking classes during a winter staycation adds a touch of adventure and a shared sense of accomplishment to the season. Instead of staying home, why not gather your partner, friends, or family and sign up for a class that teaches you how to make homemade pasta, artisan bread, or master the art of pie-making.
These classes are not only educational but also a fun way to bond and create lasting memories. Laugh over the mess you make, share tips on rolling dough, and taste your creations together. By the end, you’ll leave with new skills, delicious recipes, and a heartwarming experience to treasure long after winter fades.
3. Board Game Tournament
A board game tournament is the perfect way to bring friendly competition and laughter to your winter staycation. Plan a series of game nights, culminating in a grand championship on your final evening before heading back to work. Whether you stick to one classic game or switch it up with a new favorite each night, the excitement of earning points and advancing through the tournament will keep everyone engaged.
Add to the fun of the board game tournament by offering a coveted grand prize – maybe a gift card, a cozy blanket, or a special homemade treat that everyone will compete fiercely to win. Pair the games with snacks and warm drinks for an exciting staycation.
4. Picnic in the Snow
Who says that picnics are just for summer? A snowy winter day can set the scene for a truly magical picnic experience during your staycation. Bundle up in warm layers, grab a cozy blanket, and pack a basket with hearty treats like warm soup in a thermos, crusty bread, and gooey s’mores kits. Don’s forget a flask of hot apple cider or rich cocoa to help keep you toasty.
Find a scenic spot where the snow sparkles like winter wonderland, and soak in the crisp air and serene beauty around you. Whether you’re with family, friends, or simply savoring some solo time, this snowy outing will be a cherished memory of your staycation.
5. Movie Marathon
Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the things you want to do.
There are probably a few movies that you’ve missed along the way. Now is your time to catch up on some movies and get lost in another world.
Make sure your staycation movie marathon has all the proper ingredients – blankets, lots of pillows, popcorn and other snacks, and comfortable clothes. Order in some pizza to go along with your winter staycation movie marathon.
You can even theme your marathon to be about movies that take place in the snow, comedy’s, old black and white films, movies that are inspirational, or documentaries.
Here’s a list of cozy movies the Cozy Living Group put together as their favorite ones.
6. Learn a New Skill
Now that you have a little time off, how about learning something you’ve always wanted to do?
How about taking woodworking classes, stain glass making, or even a beekeeping class might be something that fits the bill? You can take courses online or in person.
The Big Book of Weekend Woodworking will help get you started on woodworking if that appeals to you.
7. Host a Bonfire.
Who doesn’t love to go to a bonfire? Invite neighbors, family, and friends and create a build-your-own bar so everyone can serve themselves. You can also create you’re own one-of-a-kind staycation drink for everyone to taste test.
Have everyone that attends be responsible for one of the items, so you aren’t spending most of your time in the kitchen.
Hang lanterns in the trees or a string of white lights in your backyard. Provide lots of blankets and chairs. (Make sure you check with the safety requirements of creating a bonfire in your area before making plans!)
8. Visit a Music Scene
Find out who will be playing at local concerts or small venues. There’s nothing like hearing an artist pour their soul into the music they produce in person.
9. Comedy Club
We could all use a bit more laughter in our lives, so center your staycation with funny in mind. Check out one or maybe all the comedy clubs in your area for a much-needed belly laugh.
10. Hit the Slopes
When’s the last time you went to a ski resort? If you’re lucky enough to live near a place to ski, take advantage of this time and get your athletic mojo back.
The reward of relaxing fire will beckon you after a day of enjoying the snow.
11. Host a Bowling Tournament
Invite neighbors, friends, family, and even kids to have an epic bowling tournament. You can make bowling pin cookies as one of the staycation gift ideas. You can find the bowling pin cookie cutters here.
12. Create a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Put a couple of teams together and start the hunt. You can set up the scavenger hunt in your neighborhood, or you can search your town for treasures.
If your staycation is a Christmas staycation, create a scavenger hunt with the holiday in mind.
13. Trivia Night at Bars
Use all that knowledge stored in your head and show your honey how smart you are by hitting the local trivia nights at bars in your area.
Who knows, this might be an ongoing date night activity for the two of you.
14. Volunteer
There’s nothing like volunteering to help those less fortunate that puts your life into perspective. Your troubles will pale in comparison to some of the people you can help.
Not only will your life perspective change, but you’ll feel great knowing that you were able to help someone with your talents.
Whether it’s just teaching someone how to read or use your culinary skills to make delicious meals for the homeless, your time can change lives.
15. Restaurant Sampler
Who has the time or money to try every new restaurant that comes to town? With this idea, you’re able to do just that by splitting one entree or appetizer at each new restaurant you want to try.
Hit that breakfast place and split something yummy like a specialty French Toast.
For lunch, have an appetizer at your first choice restaurant, a split entree at another restaurant, and dessert at the third. Repeat this process for dinner.
16. Sunrise, Sunset
One day of your vacation, gather your family to watch a sunrise and an evening to view a sunset.
We take some of the most beautiful things in the world for granted, and those are two of them. The best part is for this beautiful show, the price of admission is free.
17. Spread Kindness
There’s a movement going on in the world, and the purpose is to spread kindness.
Get involved in rock painting, and you’ll make new friends, spread hope and love, and make the world a little bit better today. Read about becoming a Rock Angel here.
18. Tour Local Breweries
Breweries are popping up everywhere, and sampling what they offer is a fun way to spend your time. It’s the perfect idea for staycation couples.
19. Great Places to Kiss
Take pictures of you and your honey all over in and outside of town that will make a spectacular place to kiss.
Post your pictures on social media. Who knows, maybe others in your area will follow in your footsteps?
20. Complete a Project
Are there a couple of projects you’ve been meaning to get done, but never found the time?
Now’s the perfect opportunity to get them started. Always wanted a gazebo? How about improving the storage space in your garage?
21. Backyard Camping
Pretend like you’re far away from civilization and set up your backyard staycation as a campground.
Cook your meals in the fire pit, roast marshmallows for S’mores, lay on your backs and look at the stars. Don’t forget the roasting sticks!
Magic is just steps away from your home.
22. Ugly Item Contest
Hold a contest who can find the ugliest thing in a thrift store. You can hit several thrift stores or just one.
The person that finds the ugliest item gets to call all the shots for the rest of the vacation. You might want to have a trophy on hand for the winner.
23. Reading Marathon
Go to your local library or bookstore and get those books you’ve wanted to dive into reading.
A reading marathon is one of my favorite winter staycation ideas if you need some rest from your hectic schedule.
I put together a list of some books that offer a cozy read.
24. Show Off Your Skills
Whether you’re an expert ping pong player, cake baker, or card player – it’s time to teach other family members some of your secrets. If you can sing, how about the entire family writing some staycation songs to sing together?
They, in turn, teach you something they’re good at doing. At the end of your winter staycation, their skills will improve as well as yours.
25. Be Sporty
Spring for some tickets to a local sporting event. Ice hockey, football, and ice skating are just a few of the sports to attend.
26. Go Birdwatching
Not all birds fly south for winter. Since most of the foliage is gone, birds become more visible.
Find out what type of birds stay in your area during the winter and create a checklist including each one. Your objective is to find every bird on that list.
27. Become a Homesteader
Pick up some fresh milk at a local dairy and learn to make cheese, sour cream, or churn butter. How about making homemade bread and sharing your bounty with your neighbors?
Roast winter squash and make pumpkin pies, pumpkin puree, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Make homemade cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent, counter cleaner and window cleaners.
While you’re at it, make toothpaste, bath salts, and perfume! Here’s a cheese-making kit to get you started.
28. Learn Some New Moves
It’s time to dust off those old dancing moves and learn a few updated ones.
Take a Hip-Hop class to see if you can improve your skill-set, and then head with your honey to a local nightclub to show them off.
29. Hit up the Local Tourist Spots
When’s the last time you went to all the tourist destinations in your area?
There might be a few that you’ve never even seen. Now is the time to revisit and explore your hometown.
30. Check Out Museum Exhibits
Museums are constantly changing their exhibits, and now is the time to explore and find out the upcoming displays.
Do a bit of research on the type of exhibit that will be at your local venue before you go.
31. Make Your Family Bucket List
Get the family together and write down everything you want to do in your life. Compare lists.
When you find an activity that overlaps on all your lists, make a plan for how you’re going to check it off. A bucket list journal is the perfect gift for your family members.
32. Road Trip
Get a map and decide how many miles you want to go exploring.
Let’s say you decide you want to travel thirty miles. Now get in the car and head west thirty miles to find out what’s there. Do the same thing with each direction.
33. Model Home Tour
It’s fun to look at new homes, and going on a model home tour will give you ideas of what your perfect home should have.
34. See a Play
When was the last time you walked into a theater that wasn’t a movie theater?
It’s time to see a live performance again, whether a children’s theater production or a famous play.
35. Learn a New Sport
Kickboxing, sword fighting, indoor rock climbing, or ice skating are just a few ideas on new sports to try. Who knew that boxing gloves came in the color pink?
36. Hit the Trails
Being out in nature is so soothing to your soul. Plan a few day hikes in your area and soak in all the beauty.
A staycation family that enjoys the outdoors will create everlasting memories.
37. Family Roots
Spend some time researching your family history and start working on your family tree.
Get the whole family involved and send everyone a message letting them know what you’re working on and if they have any information to help put all the pieces together.
Gather family stories, recipes, and achievements to serve as inspiration for the next generation. This family tree poster might be a fun tool for the family to work on together.
38. Walk Down Memory Lane
Spend time together watching old family movies, revisiting places in town that hold meaning to you, looking at old photographs, and stepping back in time going back to the schools you attended.
39. Be Weird
That’s right, show off your crazy side by allowing your inner-weirdness to shine. Go shopping wearing ridiculous hats, speak to everyone in unusual accents or break out singing or dancing in public places.
Whoever did the most ridiculous thing during your winter staycation wins the Weirdo Trophy. This pizza hat might be the perfect accessory for your outing.
40. Roulette Adventure
That’s right…since you follow a structured routine day in and day out, it’s time to shake up your lives and leave your days to chance.
Write down every single thing you can think of doing and cut each item up in slips. Set a number of items to draw every day when you wake up, and that’s what you’re going to do.
Make sure you create a lot of different choices because that’s what makes this so much fun.
Here are some ideas to get you started: make cupcakes, take a picture with a local outside art sculpture, go to a poetry reading or research blogs you want to start reading. (Make sure you subscribe to this one…hint, hint!)
41. Reconnect
It’s time to break out your photo albums, and start reconnecting with long-lost friends, relatives and co-workers you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Make a list of everyone you would like to talk to or meet and set up some time to catch up.
42. Experience Paintball
If you’ve never tried paintball, you can finally check that activity off your list. You can join an open session or gather your friends and family for a private party.
43. Spend an Afternoon in an Arcade
Enjoy being a kid again by competing with all your loved ones in an afternoon of arcade games. The one that wins the most significant prize gets to pick the restaurant to celebrate in for dinner.
44. Epic Snow Sculpture
That’s right; it’s time to take some of that white stuff and create your artistic masterpiece.
You can make it as simple as creating a fabulous snowman or go for the gold by making a snow sculpture that will have your neighborhood looking at you in a new light. Here’s a snow sculpture kit for the kids.
45. Dream Garden
Hold on. I didn’t say you needed to make your dream garden. Use this time to plan your dream garden.
Get online and look at all the garden layouts and decide your focus for your new garden.
Are you growing your own food? Create an outdoor living space? Grow a cottage garden that rocks your world?
After you decide what your garden’s focus will be, the fun is looking at all the plants, garden plans, and accessories that will make your garden shine.
Here’s some themed garden ideas to get you started:
- How to Start a Victory Garden
- 35 Best Cottage Flowers to Grow
- How to Grow Your Own Tea Garden
- How to Create a Romantic Garden
- Moonlight Garden Magic: How to Start One
46. Redecorate
We all have one room that needs a little love.
Take this time to transform that space by coating it in fresh paint or wallpaper. Add ceiling molding and the perfect light fixture.
Now freshen up the rest of the space using what you already have to create a new look.
47. Photography Contest
Capture all the moments of your winter staycation and have a little fun at the same time.
Make a wager with your loved ones, and whoever takes the best photograph during your time off wins.
The winning photo will be enlarged and framed to serve as a reminder of your special time at home.
48. Spoil Your Dog
Your loyal friend has been there for you through thick and thin.
Use some of your winter staycation to give back some of that love that’s given to you.
Take your pet on long walks, massages, car rides, and day trips that will make you happy in addition to your pet experiencing the attention they deserve.
49. Bed and Breakfast
Staying at a local bed and breakfast would make a fun night away.
You’ll get to know local innkeepers and will be able to give travel tips to the other guests staying at the same time.
50. Healthy You
It’s time to get in the best shape of your life. Start that cleanse, hire a weight trainer, create a healthy food plan. Now is the time to develop your plan of action and execute it.
Whew! You made it through all 50 winter staycation ideas. Now it’s time to put a couple of these ideas into action and make the best of your time at home.
Please let me know in the comments below if you have an idea for a winter staycation that’s not on the list or if you’ve tried one of the ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.
Don’t forget to join the Creating a Cozy Life Group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!
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