Free Activities

The holidays are filled with free activities that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. For instance, fall festivals - these occur at the peak of the leaves changing. They usually offer hayrides, pumpkin patches, warm apple ciders, delicious treats and more. It is a great way to bond with friends and family without having to drop a tremendous amount of money.

Who doesn't like to get creative and carve pumpkins? This is a great activity to get outside and enjoy the crisp air. Plus, you can make pumpkin seeds with the insides!

Spontaneous Trips

The seasons are changing faster in some places than others. A great way to get into the holiday spirit is by taking a trip somewhere to see some amazing views. For example, October in Vermont offers a beautiful rainbow forest and crisp air. Since there is no snow yet, the ski lifts still offer mountain biking and a trip on the gondola to the top for guests to see the beautiful colors from up above.

Once the flurries start to fall, Killington, Vermont is also a great spot to go snowboarding, skiing, and snow tubing. In addition to Vermont, some other great resorts for more snow fun are Snowshoe Virginia; Massanutten, West Virginia; Denver/ Aspen Colorado, and more. Even if you have never been before, it is always a fun family affair to try something new.

Theme Parks

What is a better way to get in the holiday spirit than to go to a theme park? During the fall-winter, most theme parks completely re-decorate in honor of the season. For example, in North Carolina in October, Carowinds turns into "Scarowinds" to get into the spooky season and changes into a Holiday wonderland for the winter.

In addition to this, Uptown Charlotte Speedway turns into a holiday racetrack where you can actually drive your car on the track and drive through and see the decorations. Right outside of it is a manmade snow rink that is available for all ages.

Another fun destination that will be available this winter is The White Water Center. It will be creating a giant snow rink with a brewery that you are available to ride up to.

Holiday Drinks

Like every season, there is a signature drink that goes with the holiday spirit. One sip and you're feeling a sensation from head to toe. Some of my favorite during the fall is to try different style pumpkin beers, Oktoberfest, and apple cider mimosas.

As it begins to get more chilly, there are multiple styles of Christmas Lagers that are present alone. In addition to this are warm spiced hot chocolates, egg nog, grinch punch, mulled wine, and more!

Holiday Treats

Put on the chef hat and get to the kitchen! Let yourself have fun and get a little silly with family and friends. Making holiday cookies is one of my favorites all season long. Besides, it is always fun to try new homemade sweets to make for Thanksgiving such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, pumpkin bread, or a yummy cake.

During the winter, making gingerbread will leave your house smelling amazing. Even better, making a gingerbread house is a fun (and tasty!) activity as well. Some other creative snacks are chocolate bark, homemade peppermint patties, reindeer treats, puppy chowder, and more.