1. Enjoy the Christmas Lights

Whether you just drive around different neighborhoods in your area or you go to a dedicated place that has a light tour, this is a must during your Christmas break. There’s a gorgeous place called the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL where you can stay in your car and drive around different paths to see a variety of Christmas lights set up on trees, buildings, etc. They also have a petting zoo with reindeer and donkeys, which personally, I’m a big fan of. Go with a friend, significant other, or your family and make some great memories this winter!

2. Go ice-skating

What better time to put on some skates and slide around on the ice than during Christmas? No matter what age you are, this activity will always scream Christmas. Not to be hypocritical, but I’ve never actually tried ice-skating. I know, I’m a 20-year-old college student and I haven’t ever gone ice-skating...crazy. However, I’m going with my boyfriend this winter for the first time and I’m extremely excited.

3. Build gingerbread houses

This might seem like more of a child-like activity, but I promise you it’s a fantastic time. Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Target sell gingerbread house kits for a decent price. On a snowy day, go pick up a kit or two and have a decorating contest with one of your friends. Not only will you have fun building the houses, but you also get to eat them once you’re done. That’s a win-win situation if you ask me.

4. Decorate Christmas cookies

It seems like there are some Christmas traditions that have been around for as long as time has gone on. Decorating Christmas cookies must be one of them. All it requires is a roll of sugar cookie dough, some Christmas themed cookie cutters, and colored frosting. This could be an all-day event with your significant other, family members, or best friends. You might even want to have a competition to see whose cookies turn out the best. Spending quality time with your loved ones AND eating cookies until you’re sick. What could be more fun?

5. Have a Christmas movie night

There’s no better way to spend a cold winter day than staying inside for a movie night. Grab your friends, your favorite snacks, and some classic Christmas movies for a memorable night this Christmas break. You could even do the previous 4 activities on this list and then have the movie night all in one day, that way you’ve had a jam-packed day of activities and get to finish it off with a relaxing night at home. Don’t forget your gingerbread houses and decorated cookies for some snacks! Take this time to enjoy each other’s company and watch the classic Christmas movies you love.