The holidays are around the corner, and I’m definitely feeling the first hints of magic. No doubt this season is full of fun and joy, but it can also be stressful financially. But with a bit of creativity and planning, you won’t have to let a limited budget stop you from fully enjoying the season. We’ve rounded up 50 holiday activities to do on a budget that won’t cost you much but will still allow you to embrace all of the cheer that comes with the festive weeks ahead.
50 Holiday Activities to Do on a Budget
The holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank to be memorable. There are plenty of holiday activities to do on a budget that capture the magic of the season without the hefty price tag. From festive outings to at-home traditions, creating joyful memories can be simple and affordable. With a little creativity, you can experience all the warmth and wonder of the holidays—no matter if you’re staying cozy inside or bundling up for outdoor fun.
Because everyone has different lifestyles and interests, we’ve sorted these ideas into six categories. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, looking for cozy holiday rituals, or want to have fun with the family, we have your options ahead. However you’ll be making the most of the chilly weather, there’s something here for everyone. Happy celebrating!
Outdoor Holiday Activities
1. Go ice skating at a local rink. Many community rinks offer discounted entry or skate rentals, making it an affordable way to enjoy winter magic.
2. Wander through your zoo or botanical garden. If you’re lucky, you’ll find one decked out with gorgeous light displays this time of year.
3. Warm up those vocal cords and go Christmas caroling! Gather a group of friends or family and spread holiday cheer around your neighborhood—it’s a fun, festive activity that’s completely free!
4. Track down all of the best-decorated stoops in your city. Take a stroll through your neighborhood or town to admire the creative, festive displays and enjoy the holiday spirit for free.
5. Go sledding down the steepest hill in town. Warm up with hot cocoa at home afterward.
6. Build a snowman. You can make it as simple or fancy as you want. And we’d never say no to a best snowman competition.
7. Deck out your front porch. It’s a wonderful way to bring cheer to the neighborhood. Go as big or as subtle as you’d like—even just a simple garland and string lights offers some much-needed warmth to the season.
8. Go on a holiday hike. Find a scenic trail and enjoy the winter landscape, taking in the beauty of the season while getting some fresh air and exercise
9. Visit a Christmas tree farm. Many farms offer free entry to walk around and explore. Some even have affordable activities like hayrides.
10. Have a winter picnic. Bundle up and pack a cozy, warm picnic to enjoy at a local park, embracing the winter weather while sipping hot chocolate.
Cozy Holiday Activities
11. Knit a scarf or sweater for a loved one. (Or keep it for yourself as a cozy holiday treat!) This is a fun activity any time of year, but it’s wonderful in the winter to cozy up on the couch with a knitting project and your favorite show.
12. Enjoy an at-home spa day with holiday-scented bath products. Cinnamon, pine, and vanilla are perfect—you can even consider adding a candle to set the vibe.
13. DIY holiday cards for friends and loved ones. Add a personal touch with thoughtful messages and creative designs.
14. Pick up a seasonal treat from a favorite bakery. Gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, and snickerdoodles are our holiday faves.
15. Listen to your favorite holiday albums while curled up on the sofa. The time to get your Michael Bublé fix is now.
16. Give yourself a holiday mani. Get creative with festive colors like red, green, or gold, and add fun designs like snowflakes or stripes. And who doesn’t love a little holiday sparkle?
17. Get lost in the pages of a holiday-themed book. Try One Day in December or The Christmas Orphans Club.
18. Watch your fave holiday rom-com or TV episode. Or binge all of the best classic holiday movies.
Holiday Activities for Families
19. Attend a holiday concert or performance at a local school or congregation. Enjoy the festive music and community spirit while supporting local talent.
20. Bake holiday cookies. Box them up in festive wrapping and hand them out to neighbors.
21. Take photos in matching holiday pajamas. Then stay in them all day.
22. Dress your pet in a festive holiday outfit. And take a picture, obviously.
23. Attend a tree or menorah lighting in your town. Experience the joy and tradition of the season as the community comes together to celebrate with festive lights. It’s always magical.
24. Take pictures with Santa. The making of a cherished holiday memory.
25. Decorate gingerbread houses. These waffle gingerbread houses are so simple—and actually delish.
26. Play a holiday-themed board game. Elf Monopoly, it’s a thing.
27. Pick out and wrap a gift for a child in need. Or consider adopting a family through a local community organization or church.
Holiday Activities to Do With Friends
28. FaceTime a long-distance friend while each sipping a seasonal beverage. It’s the coziest catch-up.
29. Host an ugly sweater party. Make it a potluck and invite everyone to bring their favorite holiday dish.
30. Shop secondhand for holiday decor. Grab your thrift store-loving bestie and get ready to uncover hidden treasures you won’t be able to resist.
31. Enjoy a cocktail or cup of coffee in an elaborately decorated hotel lobby. There’s something about the holidays that makes this all the cozier.
32. Host a white elephant gift exchange. Each person only needs to bring one gift—shop these affordable ideas.
33. Make each other holiday playlists. Get inspired with our go-to holiday playlist.
34. Go window shopping at a well-decorated boutique. Get inspired by the holiday decorations for your own home.
35. Surprise a friend with a peppermint mocha. Who could resist?
36. Have a holiday cocktail-making party. Encourage each guest to bring materials for their own drink.
Holiday Activities for Couples
37. Go ornament shopping and choose one for each other. You can make this as serious or goofy as you’d like!
38. Enjoy dessert at a romantic restaurant. Savor a sweet treat by candlelight and indulge in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
39. Cook your favorite winter meal for an at-home date night. Camille’s braised short ribs or vegetarian coq au vin are perfect for the occasion.
40. Write and give each other sentimental holiday cards. It’s even better if you make the cards yourself.
41. Sip mulled wine while cuddling by the fire. Warmth all around.
42. Dress up and take photos together in a photo booth. This will never not be fun.
43. Have a holiday movie night. You’ll both pick out your favorite holiday movie ever—it’s a creative way to introduce each other to your holiday traditions.
44. Fill stockings, sticking to a $20 limit. The Target Dollar Spot is calling your name! Consult our stocking stuffer gift guide for more ideas.
Nostalgic Holiday Activities
45. Bake a favorite holiday recipe you enjoyed growing up. Your dad’s famous latkes, your grandma’s red and green M&M cookies, you name it!
46. Pick up a holiday-themed book from your childhood. Enjoy it solo or read it out loud to your kiddos!
47. Track down and flip through a vintage holiday issue of a favorite magazine. Martha Stewart Living, anyone?
48. Cut out and decorate paper snowflakes with your kids. They’ll look so pretty taped up on your windows.
49. Look through family photos and videos from holidays past. Send a few to relatives you can’t be with this year.
50. Rewatch your favorite childhood holiday movie. A Christmas Story will never get old.