We’re only a few short months away from the holiday season which will be here before you know it. Knowing this, many people are starting to plan out travel dates to see family and friends for the upcoming holidays, and hosts are starting to think about fun activities to do during their stay. If you are planning to travel to see family or if you’re hosting family, we’ve gathered up five activities that everyone will enjoy. Here are five ideas to make your holiday season extra special:
- Decorate for the Season/Holiday: Depending on when your guests arrive, it might be the perfect time to put up lights or go to the pumpkin patch to decorate your front porch with. You and your guests can transform your home into a fall or winter wonderland with festive decorations and make a whole day out of it.
- Volunteer Together: Another great option is volunteering at a local charity, food bank, or animal shelter to give back to the local community and spread holiday cheer. If you plan to have young adults or kids in tow, volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to the community and teach them the importance of helping others.
- Go on a Holiday Light Tour: You’d be amazed at the nearby homes in your area that deck out their houses that you might not even be aware of. Read local news articles or hop on a community forum or social network group to find out the best houses or tours to see Christmas lights in your area. Depending on where you live, some communities will organize holiday light tours and do the planning for you.
- Explore Local Sightseeing and Tours: Another amazing option to entertain your guests is taking them on tours and sightseeing in your local area. This is a great way to show your guests hidden gems, historical landmarks, and iconic spots that your city is known for and learn about your area’s culture and history. Go online and check out tours near you to see what’s available in your area.
- Bake Seasonal Treats: Between pumpkin spice, apple cider, and eggnog, there are tons of festive flavors people love to indulge in during the holidays. A fun way to gather the family around is getting everyone together to bake sweet treats like cookies, cheesecakes, breads, pies, and more. This is also a great activity for kids as they find it exciting to make and eat the treats they’ve made.
BONUS: Additional Activities
- Ice Skating: Enjoy a classic winter activity at an ice rink or pop-up ice rink at a local shopping center. Many communities offer special holiday events and ice skating lessons.
- Build a Snowman or Snow Fort: Depending on your area’s climate and the weather this year, you might get lucky and get some snow while guests are in town. If you do, get outside and create snowmen or have a snowball fight.
- Watch Holiday Movies: A great activity at any time of day with guests, curl up on the couch, and enjoy classic holiday movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Home Alone.”
- Attend a Holiday Concert or Performance: Local theatres usually have a plethora of performances scheduled during the holiday season, so check out what’s opening soon and get some tickets to a live musical show or performance.
Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your loved ones and create lasting memories. With a little planning and creativity, you can make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
