50 AMAZING Winter Staycation Ideas for 2024

Sometimes all you want to do when you get time off is to stay home.  Most people want to spend their summers at home, but a winter staycation might be the perfect time to rejuvenate yourselves and spend some time exploring in your hometown.

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 why you might want to have a winter staycation this year:

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.

If you’re using these ideas for Christmas Staycation Ideas – you save a lot of time not traveling during the busy holiday season.

Hometown Exploration

Sometimes you’re just too busy to take advantage of all the things the area you live in has to offer.  This time at home gives you the time to experience it.

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 65,000 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

Here are the 50 Amazing Winter Staycation Ideas:

1) Channel Your Inner Chef

Your winter staycation is the perfect time to start making all those gourmet recipes you’ve been dying to try.

You’ve had visions of yourself creating works of art in the kitchen and serving your loved ones the best meals they’ve ever had in their lives.

Now is your opportunity.  Save some for me, won’t you?

2) Cooking Classes

Maybe an even better idea than cooking at home is to take a couple of cooking classes with your friends or family.

Learn to make homemade pasta or the secrets to making the best pie.  Cooking is a fun way to spend time together as a couple or as a family.

One of my favorite gifts to myself was a membership to Masterclass.  You pay one annual fee, and you’re family has access to all the classes taught by people famous for their skills.

It was this cooking class on Masterclass that sold me.  But once I found out about all the other classes I had access to, I realized what an amazing gift it actually was and well worth the money.

Art, music, photography, Education, and cooking are just some of the classes taught by famous people.  It’s one of the best staycation gifts that will last for an entire year.  The new skills you and your family will learn will last for a lifetime.

3) Board Game Tournament

Plan a tournament of board games for the days you have off.

The grand championship night would be the last night you have before returning to work.

You can stick to one game, or every night try a different game.  Make sure the grand prize is something everyone would want.  

4) Picnic in the Snow

Who says that picnics are only for the summer months?

Winter has breathtaking beauty, and enjoying some hot apple cider, and a basket filled with yummy dishes will make this a day to remember.

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

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!