Unwrap the Magic: Top 10 Outdoor Christmas Activities for 2024
Get ready to jingle your bells and deck the halls with our top 10 outdoor Christmas activities for 2024! From festive light displays to holiday-themed hikes, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to make this season merry and bright.
Festive Light Displays: A Magical Holiday Experience
Every year, neighborhoods across the globe transform into winter wonderlands with elaborate light displays. Grab some hot cocoa and take a stroll through your local community to enjoy the sparkling lights and festive atmosphere. Many cities also offer guided tours or special events to enhance the experience.
In the United States alone, you can find amazing light displays in cities like Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco. Don’t miss the famous ‘Christmas Lights’ display in London’s South Bank, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Make it a family affair by setting up your own festive lights at home or volunteering with local community groups to create a magical winter wonderland for all to enjoy.
Holiday-Themed Hikes: Get Cozy with Nature
Wrap up warm and hit the trails this holiday season! Many national parks, forests, and nature reserves transform into enchanted winter landscapes during Christmas. Experience the serenity of snow-covered trees, frosty lakes, or sparkling waterfalls, all while enjoying festive-themed hikes.
In the United States, popular spots for holiday-themed hikes include the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the snow-covered Canadian Rockies!
Take a guided tour or create your own adventure to explore these natural wonders while getting into the holiday spirit.
Sleigh Rides: A Classic Winter Experience
Feel like royalty with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside! Many stables and winter resorts offer this classic winter experience, complete with blankets, hot cocoa, and festive tunes. Find a cozy spot to snuggle up and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Head to rural areas in the United States, like Wisconsin or Vermont, for authentic horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered landscapes. Don’t miss the picturesque villages and charming town centers, decked out in holiday finery.
Frozen Pond Skating: A Timeless Winter Tradition
Bring back a classic winter tradition by lacing up your skates and gliding across frozen ponds and lakes! Find a nearby ice rink or create your own outdoor skating experience on a frozen pond. Invite friends, family, or make it a romantic evening for two.
Many cities in the United States offer public ice skating sessions at festive locations like Rockefeller Center in New York City or the Rink in Seattle’s Gas Works Park. Don’t miss the lively atmosphere and holiday tunes!
Snowshoeing: Explore Winter Wonderland on Foot
Leave your worries behind with a snowshoeing adventure through serene winter landscapes! This low-impact activity is perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers looking to get into the festive spirit. Rent snowshoes and hit the trails in national parks, forests, or local nature reserves.
In the United States, popular spots for snowshoeing include the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Don’t miss the breathtaking views of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes!
Ice Sculpture Gardens: Marvel at Winter’s Artistry
Gaze in awe at intricate ice sculptures in festive gardens across North America! Discover stunning displays of artistic skill and creativity, often accompanied by live music, twinkling lights, and the crisp winter air.
Head to cities like Chicago, Denver, or San Francisco for breathtaking ice sculpture gardens. Don’t miss the magical atmosphere and chance to capture memorable photos!
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: A Regal Holiday Experience
Ride in style with a horse-drawn carriage ride through festive neighborhoods! Many stables and winter resorts offer this elegant experience, complete with blankets, hot cocoa, and holiday tunes. Find a cozy spot to snuggle up and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Find authentic horse-drawn carriage rides in rural areas of the United States, like Wisconsin or Vermont. Don’t miss the picturesque villages and charming town centers, decked out in holiday finery.
Snowball Fights: A Fun Winter Tradition
Unleash your inner child with a classic snowball fight! Gather friends and family for a fun-filled afternoon of throwing (and catching) snowballs. Create memories to last a lifetime and enjoy the thrill of winter’s magic.
Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes: A Thrilling Winter Experience
Feel like you’re gliding across a serene frozen landscape with ice skating on a frozen lake! Find a nearby frozen body of water or create your own outdoor skating experience. Invite friends, family, or make it a romantic evening for two.