The holiday season is a time for cozy customs, family gatherings and joyful celebrations—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to start new traditions. By trying something new—such as outdoor activities, volunteering, crafting, cooking or stargazing—you can create lasting memories in unique ways while staying engaged with the season.
This year, let your holiday traditions be as adventurous as your spirit.
Take a Holiday Hike
Take a break from all the couch time and embrace the stillness and serenity of winter on a quiet winter trail. Holiday hikes are a perfect way to connect with nature, breathe in crisp air and enjoy scenic vistas dusted with snow. (Not to mention, walking can also be helpful for digestion after a big holiday meal.) Whether it’s an easy trail near your neighborhood or a challenging climb to catch a sunset view, a hike can become a new family or friend tradition. Bonus: Pack a thermos of cocoa or cider to enjoy at the summit for an extra festive touch.
Give Back
Giving back is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. Volunteering at a local food bank or community center is a meaningful way to connect with your community and spread holiday cheer. Making it a yearly, family tradition to dedicate a few hours to helping those in need can be deeply rewarding and reminds us of the true spirit of the season. Explore volunteer opportunities at Boulder County nonprofits like Emergency Family Assistance Association, Harvest of Hope Pantry, Sister Carmen Community Center and Community Food Share, just to name a few.
Dress Up and Visit a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
For those who enjoy a mix of holiday cheer and social adventure, dressing up for a festive pop-up bar can be a quirky new tradition. Colorado is home to numerous winter-themed pop-up bars—like North PL at Poka Lola Social Club and Snowdrift at Adrift Tiki Bar—where you can wear your tackiest holiday sweater, sip on seasonal cocktails and enjoy a night of festive bliss with friends and family. This tradition combines creativity, camaraderie and a touch of nightlife excitement for a twist on holiday socializing.
Hit the Slopes
Skiing or snowboarding isn’t just for adrenaline junkies—it’s a magical way to celebrate the holidays outdoors. When family comes to town, spend Christmas Day or New Year’s Day carving through fresh powder, making it a yearly tradition to look forward to each year. If skiing isn’t your thing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing can provide the same winter wonderland experience at a gentler pace for everyone.
READ MORE: Colorado Ski Resorts: What’s New and Notable for Winter 2025-26
Try a New Holiday Recipe
You probably have your tried-and-true family recipes that everyone knows and loves. Add a new favorite dish to the mix by experimenting with new recipes this year. Make it a tradition to try a completely new dish each year—perhaps inspired by different cultures or local ingredients—and share the results with friends or neighbors. Try roasting chestnuts over an open fire, baking holiday treats on a camp stove or playing around with seasonal ingredients for a unique twist on traditional recipes. There’s something special about creating new flavors while embracing the chill of winter air.
Learn a New Skill at an Arts & Craft Workshop
Holiday workshops can be a great way to combine creativity with hands-on activity. Take a stained-glass class, try pottery or learn how to create natural decorations using pinecones, branches and seasonal greenery. Over time, this can grow into a cherished tradition of crafting new decorations each year and passing skills along to younger family members.
READ MORE: Studio Arts Boulder Is Now Groundworks Art Lab
Go Stargazing
Winter nights are long and often clear, making this season perfect for stargazing. Once the indoor holiday festivities start to wind down, bundle up, fill a thermos and find a dark spot away from city lights. Whether you’re tracking constellations, spotting shooting stars or simply marveling at the vastness of the sky, stargazing is a peaceful and awe-inspiring holiday tradition. For an added twist, you could learn to identify a new winter constellation each year.
Organize a Nature Scavenger Hunt
For families who love a challenge, a kid-friendly winter scavenger hunt adds excitement to outdoor exploration. Make a list of natural items to find—like pinecones, animal tracks or certain types of leaves—or create a holiday-themed checklist with ornaments hidden around a park or backyard. This activity encourages movement, observation and laughter, and it can become a fun competition that everyone looks forward to each year.
Take a Winter Camping Trip
Winter camping might sound extreme, but for those who love the outdoors, it’s a magical experience. Toast marshmallows over a fire, stargaze under crisp, clear skies and enjoy the peacefulness of nature without the summer crowds. Whether you opt for a rustic campsite or a cabin getaway, dedicating a few nights to outdoor camping can be a memorable holiday tradition that reconnects you with nature.
