10 Cheap (and Fun!) Activities To Do During the Holidays
The holidays are all about spending quality time together with your family and loved ones. But let’s face it, the holidays can also lead to more spending and a hefty dose of stress. Instead of going overboard, you can make the most of the holidays with cheap holiday activities. Here are 10 fun things to do during the holidays.
1. Host a potluck
Invite your friends and family over for a holiday potluck for some delicious eats, good libations and even better company. A potluck can help you avoid hosting and covering all the costs. If you want, you could even have a special themed potluck, like a Christmas cookie potluck. Each person can bring a different Christmas cookie to enjoy.
2. Go caroling
During the holidays you don’t just have to sing in the shower! You can go caroling in your neighborhood. Want to make it really special? Consider going caroling in an assisted living home or at the hospital. If that seems like too much, you can always just gather your friends for an impromptu holiday song fest in your living room.
3. Go on a Christmas lights walking tour
It’s inevitable that some houses take the whole “go big or go home” idea to heart when decorating their houses with Christmas lights. Some neighborhoods transform into a winter wonderland that’s a feast for the eyes. One of the best cheap holiday activities is to go enjoy the Christmas lights and take a walking tour of the neighborhood. Some cities offer tours as well, like this one in NYC. The best part? It’s completely free!
4. Have a holiday movie slumber party
What’s better than getting your girlfriends together for a slumber party? Doing so while watching cheesy holiday movies! On Netflix you can watch classics like “Love Actually”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and more. For something new and extra cute, try “The Christmas Prince” or “The Princess Switch”. You can get into the holiday spirit and binge watch holiday movies with your favorite gal pals.
5. Gather round to read holiday poems
If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do during the holidays, consider inviting people over or meeting at a park (if it’s warm enough depending on where you live!) or a coffee shop and read holiday poems aloud. There’s something beautiful about hearing the voice read text aloud and sharing among friends. Each person can bring a holiday poem that resonates with them and each person can read aloud. It’s one of the best cheap holiday activities to get you into the spirit. Need some inspo? Here are some holiday poems to check out.
6. Volunteer and help the less fortunate
The holidays are a magical time for a lot of people. But it’s also a really hard time for people, too. You can take this time and be grateful for all that you have and volunteer to help the less fortunate. Consider volunteering to feed the homeless, volunteer in an assisted living home or a children’s hospital. Getting involved in your community and giving back in this way can make your spirit bright.
7. Go to a Christmas parade
Many cities celebrate the holiday season with festivities like a Christmas parade. Check your local community calendar and see what holiday parades are on the schedule. This is one of the fun things to do during the holidays that is free and festive.
8. Make an ornament
Want some fun DIY cheap holiday activities? Make an ornament. You can go to your local craft store and pick up something. You can paint it, put a photo on it, whatever you want. It’s your ornament, so make it something meaningful and special to you. But more importantly, enjoy the process!
9. Go ice skating
Get out your scarf and hat and head to your local ice-skating rink. The holidays are a perfect time to go ice skating with friends and family. It’s typically not that expensive either. Enjoy some time on the rink and soak up the festive feelings and holiday cheer.
10. See a show
Seeing the Nutcracker or going to the symphony are great and fun things to do during the holidays. To avoid paying full price see if you can score a cheap ticket on Goldstar. You can also see if there are “preview” days or any other discounts.
Bottom line
The holidays are just once a year so you want to make the most of it while staying on a budget. These 10 cheap holiday activities can help you get into the holiday spirit with your friends and family without breaking the bank.