Winter Lifestyle Guide: Best Activities to Celebrate Winter 2024
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As the days grow shorter and temperatures continue to drop, there's a certain magic in the air that can only mean one thing - winter is here. It's the time of year that calls for snowy ski slopes, sugar & spice, super snug coats and, of course, a winter bucket list filled with seasonal activities. If you're wondering how to make the most of the cold season, look no further. I’ve put together the ultimate winter bucket list for 2024 that includes a variety of things to do this winter to ensure you fully revel in the season.
This winter lifestyle guide isn’t your average winter bucket list. I’ve curated it specifically for the “chic girl” — that is, the sophisticated gal who appreciates art and culture, dresses well and lives passionately. This winter bucket list isn’t just about sipping matcha lattes and enjoying a snowy day indoors (although I enjoy doing both), it features winter activities that will enrich your life and make the most of what the season has to offer. Continue reading to discover the best winter activities for 2024.
1. Shop the Winter Sales
Most fall and winter merchandise goes on sale in January after the holiday season. This is the perfect time to purchase quality winter wardrobe staples for less, especially if you’re curating a winter capsule wardrobe. Although the spring months arrive quickly after January, you can still get some wear out of your new winter clothing items over the next few months. Plus, you’ll be already preparing your closet for fall and winter 2023.
Before shopping the sales, review your current wardrobe and take stock of any items you need to replace or add to your closet. Review your list, make a budget, and start shopping. Although sales can be enticing, avoid impulse purchases and focus on the pieces that you need to upgrade your wardrobe. Don’t forget to check my blog during January to discover the best winter sales and my favorite finds.
2. Curate a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Prepare your closet for the cold weather by curating a winter capsule wardrobe. By creating a wardrobe with just a few versatile pieces, you’ll be able to easily put together endless winter looks. Start by assessing your current wardrobe, and identify any pieces that you want to wear again this season. Whether it’s an oversized wool coat or a sleek pair of knee-high boots, we all have a few items that we constantly reach for when getting dressed.
Once you have determined which items you already own and love, build your capsule around these items by exploring winter outfits on Pinterest. Save any outfit ideas that you would be excited to wear this winter season. Then fill in the gaps by creating a list of the key items you need to buy to create these looks. I always know what to purchase for the winter season based on my winter fashion board. Wool coats, crewneck sweaters, oversized scarves, and tall boots are some of the pieces that I constantly find on my winter fashion board. If you need some inspiration for your winter capsule wardrobe, check out these posts:
Don’t forget to add a few winter wardrobe essentials to your closet to get the most out of your capsule wardrobe. You’ll be surprised how many outfits you can create when you have the right basics. Below are some of my favorite winter pieces that are almost always part of my winter capsule wardrobe.
3. Enjoy Art & Culture
While you can admire a piece of art or attend a theatre performance year-round, there are certainly seasonal ways to enjoy art and culture in winter. Start by checking your local galleries, museums, theaters, etc. for upcoming exhibits or productions this season. It’s always a good idea to book tickets in advance.
Stay indoors and take a virtual trip to the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Louvre Museum in Paris. Many museums share their exhibitions online for free. Enjoy Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet, Swan Lake — a classic story that is wonderful for the winter season. You don’t need to leave your home to enjoy this magical masterpiece either. You can watch the entire ballet on YouTube or even just listen to the enchanting music.
4. Create a Winter Reading List
Winter is the best seasons to curl up with a good book. To inspire your winter reading, create a reading list with seasonal books to enjoy this season. Get cozy by the fire with a classic Christmas story like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. You’ve probably already seen at least one of the film adaptions, but enjoying the work in its original form will make you appreciate it even more. Read it for free on Project Gutenberg’s website. Try a book with a snowy setting like The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey or Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie. If you prefer modern literature, browse new releases to discover the latest best-sellers. Killers of the Flower Moon and The Woman in Me are two recent books that are on my to-read list.
5. Participate in a Winter Sport
Being active during the winter doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or at-home workouts if you can leave your home. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or skating, get outdoors and enjoy your favorite winter sport. Plan a ski trip with your friends, spend an afternoon at your local ice rink or try sledding on a snowy day.
If winter sports aren’t easily accessible to you, grab your warmest gear and go for a walk outdoors. Try a yoga or pilates at your local studio. Moving my body and going outside is one way that I stay healthy and manage seasonal depression during the colder months.
Read More: What to Pack for a Ski Trip
6. Eat Seasonally
Savor the flavors of winter by preparing a seasonal recipe like pear, gorgonzola and walnut salad, spiced squash soup, and citrus olive oil cake.
Stock your fridge with seasonal produce like beets, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, leeks, parsnips, squash, kale and fennel. Cook with wintery spices like cinnamon, ginger and turmeric. For fresh fruits and veggies near you, browse produce guides to discover what’s in season for the month and shop at your local farmer’s market.
Leisurely enjoying a warm drink is one of my favorite comforts during winter. Make your signature fall beverage whether it’s a nourishing matcha latte, creamy hot chocolate or a comforting peppermint mocha. I always stock my pantry with chai tea bags so I can enjoy a cup anytime during the winter months.
7. Set New Year’s Goals
Ring in the new year by setting your goals for 2024. Start by reflecting on your past year and make note of what went well and what you want to improve on in the next year. Consider your current life and whether it aligns with the person you want to be and the life you want to live. Write down ways you can achieve your dream life and roadmap the goal you need to accomplish to get there. For goal-setting inspiration, check out these posts:
8. Spruce Up Your Space
As the seasons change, so should your home. Thankfully, it doesn’t require an expensive makeover, just a few small changes to your space. If you’ve already prepared your home for fall, you’ve likely already layered your bed with cozy quilts, flannel sheets, and a warm duvet cover. During the winter months, I add a heated blanket for extra warmth.
When decorating for the holidays, I normally avoid anything too Christmas-themed. I prefer to focus on incorporating warm colors like forest green, cranberry or cream and plush textures like velvet and faux fur. Adding a beautiful wintery bouquet, candlesticks, and a throw blanket to my space instantly makes it feel more winter-appropriate. Bring in the smell of winter with your favorite winter scent. Try candles with notes like vanilla, pine, cinnamon, woodsy, or amber.
Read More: The Holiday Decor Edit: 30 Festive Finds to Spruce Up Your Space
9. Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Although Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the more popular winter holidays, my favorite is Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re single or taken, there are several ways to spend February 14th. If you’re single, enjoy a pampering night, visit a spa, or go out with your friends. For those with a significant other, enjoy dinner at your favorite restaurant, grab a coffee and treat at a café or see a movie together. Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for her (or just want to treat yourself)? Check out my post on Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her.
10. Change Up Your Beauty Routine
As the weather transitions from hot to cool, consider giving your beauty routine a makeover. Start by switching up your skincare. A rich moisturizer, lip mask, body lotion and hand cream are must-haves for keeping your skin hydrated during the cooler months. Face masks can also be a handy step to add to your routine.
Don’t forget to update your makeup for winter too. Replace powder makeup with cream formulas to ensure your face looks hydrated. Try out a winter beauty trend whether it’s a glossy lip oil, bright cherry blush or the cold-girl look.
Your hair also deserves some extra TLC during the colder months. Maintain your lush locks by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and incorporating a weekly hydrating hair mask into your routine.
The harsh conditions during the winter season can leave our bodies in need of some pampering. Take a day to visit your spa and enjoy a massage, face mask or other beauty treatment. Prepare a self-care day at home with your favorite beauty products. Indulge in a luxurious bath bomb or sheet mask to make it extra special.
With this winter bucket list, your calendar will be full of winter activities to celebrate the season. Whether you're outdoors enjoying the cold weather or cozying up at home, there are countless ways to make the most of this cherished time of year. Happy winter!
Which winter activities are on your bucket list this year? Let me know in the comments below.
