As we get into the swing of the holidays, make the most of the season by enjoying the festivities and fun outings. To inspire you to celebrate the holidays in a memorable and magical way, here are 10 unique and festive things to do this season. From dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides to holiday performances and reindeer farms, here are a few fun activities that the whole family will love to do.

Things To Do During The Holidays

Shop Local

While we all enjoy browsing the web from the comfort of home, it’s always fun to shop local too. Discover artisan crafts, hand-made goods, and unique finds from local stores. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting your community by shopping local this holiday season.

Decorate Cookies

It wouldn’t feel like the holidays without a little cookie baking and decorating. Gather with friends and family to decorate sugar cookies, make gingerbread houses, and bake holiday treats. Kids of all ages can participate in the fun, making it a good time for everyone. Plus it inspires creativity and imagination, making it a great activity for children in particular.

DIY Holiday Wreath

One of the easiest, low-cost ways to enjoy the holidays is to create a DIY holiday wreath. Gather fallen pine cones, leaves, and dried berries for your one-of-a-kind holiday wreath. For detailed instructions, check out this DIY holiday wreath tutorial on Inspirations & Celebrations.

Dog Sledding

Head to the mountains and go dog sledding this holiday season. This exhilarating and exciting outdoor activity is a must for all dog and nature lovers. Experience the exuberance of these adorable huskies when they get suited up in their harnesses, knowing they’re about to take you for a ride in the snow. Dog sledding is one of the most enjoyable things to do during the holidays, especially in places like Whistler.

Holiday Decorating

Turn on the holiday music, whip up a little hot cocoa, and enjoy the experience of decorating your home for the holidays. From stringing Christmas tree lights to hanging the garland, holiday decorating should feel like a fun and festive activity, rather than a chore. That’s why it’s best to make it an enjoyable activity with family by getting into the spirit of holiday decorating.

Holiday Performances

From The Nutcracker ballet to Christmas caroling and holiday theater performances, one of the most festive ways to celebrate the holidays is to watch a holiday performance. There’s no shortage of interesting and heart-warming entertainment this time of year. So why not make a day of it by taking your family to the ballet?

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

One of my favorite memories of the holidays was going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods. This magical moment transports you to a time before automobiles, when the world was a little slower and you could take in the scenery that much more. Bundle up, get the kids, and head to a snowy winter wonderland to do this festive activity during the holidays.

Ice Skating

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, ice skating is always a festive activity to do during the holidays. Head to a nearby ice skating rink or go to a frozen lake to take a spin on the ice. 

Visit a Reindeer Farm

During a trip to England years ago, we ventured out into the countryside to visit a reindeer farm. Getting a chance to see these majestic animals was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel the globe to see these incredible beasts. From Alaska to Illinois, there are reindeer farms all over the USA. Just search online to find a reindeer farm near you, and surprise the kids with an impromptu trip to the North Pole.

Winterfest at California’s Great America

Last year we went to Winterfest at California’s Great America and enjoyed all the festive activities and entertainment that they offered. From the gorgeous light displays and brilliantly decorated village to the spectacular holiday performances, Winterfest was a delightful time for grown-ups and kids. If you’re in the Northern California region during the holidays, make sure to check out this annual event.

No matter how you spend the season, make sure to bring cheer and joy into your life by doing festive activities that you’ll remember for years to come.