Winter Bucket List
Fun and affordable things to do in the U.S. this winter!
SOUTHEAST
GEORGIA
Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The Garden’s eighth annual electrical extravaganza shines nightly through January 6. Walk through the miles of dazzling lights with hot cocoa in hand to get into the holiday spirit. This year brings the debut of the Skylights Lounge in the Skyline Garden. Be sure to purchase tickets online before 4 p.m. the day of to get the best deal. Ready? Set… GLOW!
Polar Plunge
On February 23, brave plungers will jump into the frigid, icy waters of Acworth Beach to show their support for Special Olympics Georgia athletes. This day will be filled with chilly fun including live music, food, and prizes. Do you have what it takes to make the plunge and be “freezin’ for a reason?” Participants (teams and individuals) who collect pledges from friends and family totaling at least $50 secure their plunging spot!
KENTUCKY
Unified Trust Company Ice Rink
The lawn at Triangle Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Grab your skates and enjoy the chilly holiday temperatures at the Unified Trust Company Ice Rink in Lexington. Admission to the rink is $14 which includes skate rental for one hour on the ice. Check the website for details on the Ice Rink’s times. The last day to skate is on January 22.
The Lexington Old-Time Music Gathering
This four-day winter music festival brings Kentucky’s traditional arts to the Commonwealth’s largest epicenter. Hundreds of visitors from all across the country gather for a weekend full of traditional mountain music, dance callers, instrument workshops, literary readings, and some of the finest farm-to-table eating experiences. The Gathering takes place from February 7–10 at ArtsPlace on North Mill Street in Lexington. Ticket pricing ranges from $15 to $100.
SOUTHWEST
TEXAS
Winter Fest
From now until January 6, head to SoCal’s Ultimate Winter Festival at the OC Fair and Event Center for spectacular family fun featuring ice tubing, snow play, ice skating, and more. Check out the website for specific Winter Fest times, and purchase tickets online ahead of time to get the best deal.
New Year’s Race
What better way to start off the New Year than running a race? Choose which mileage (5K or 10K) suites you best then secure your spot by registering online today. The festivities that come along with this race include a beer garden and food trucks. After you complete the 5K, take your fitness goals to new heights and join fellow runners in a high-intensity workout lead by Basecamp Fitness trainers. The race takes place starting with the 5K on January 6 at 5:00 p.m., and the 10K begins at 6:30 p.m. in LA’s Grand Park on Spring Street.
COLORADO
Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks
The 8th Annual Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks features ATMOSPHERE live at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Friday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. This outdoor concert is the only winter concert held at Red Rocks Amphitheater and continues to be one of the most unique experiences at the world’s most iconic Outdoor Amphitheater. Winter on the Rocks features jams from Living Legends, DJ Cassidy, and others. Tickets to this show are available at the Denver Coliseum box office from 11 a.m- 3 p.m. every Saturday or online.
The Polar Express
Hop on board this historical train in Durango for an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime. Based on the award-winning book, the story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on board this historic steam train. All ages will enjoy this special trip to the North Pole! Check the website for exact times. The train runs until January 5.
MIDWEST
ILLINOIS
Maxwell Street Market
Bundle up and get your shopping on at Maxwell Street Market. The outdoor Street Market is a Chicago tradition of bargains and bargaining with an internal flavor offering merchandise including tools, collectibles, fresh produce, and other rare finds. The unique market offers free admission and is open every Sunday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Chicago Pizza Party
Save the date for the 3rd Annual Chicago Pizza party held on Saturday, February 9, which just so happens to be National Pizza Day. There are two sessions- one session from 1–5 p.m. and the second session from 6–10 p.m. For $20, both sessions offer pizza from Chicago’s top contenders, a dessert lounge, and themed games on all three floors of Ravenswood Event Center! Check out the website for specifics about what your tickets will get you.
MINNESOTA
WinterFest
Enjoy the Cabin Fever Days of Winter in Rochester at Winterfest. WinterFest serves to promote wintertime activities for all ages while raising awareness and funds for events sponsored by area nonprofit organizations. Check the calendar on the website for a list of more extensive activities with corresponding times. This year’s WinterFest takes place January 24- February 24.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival provides community events for the whole family. A majority of the carnival events are free, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The spectacular Winter Carnival takes place from January 24 until February 3.
NORTHEAST
NEW YORK
Holiday Train Show
Enchanting model trains zip through a display of over 175 New York landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center. Each of these sites was re-created with all natural materials and shine under the glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Making a special debut this year is the One World Trade Center and the historic Battery Maritime Building along with two vintage ferry boats. The last day to marvel at the locomotives is January 21. Tickets do sell out, so making online reservations in advance is recommended.
Soul On Ice: Winter Skating Party
Gwendolyn Simmon’s Soul on Ice Winter Skating Party is an annual community event organized by the Figure Skating in Harlem Parent’s Association. The party is a fun-filled afternoon including food, music, raffle prizes, and ice skating demonstrations. The figure skating takes place on February 2 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Lasker Rink on Malcolm X Boulevard. The $15 admission includes skate rental.
MASSACHUSETTS
North Adams WinterFest
Shake off those winter blues at WinterFest in North Adams. Head downtown for all sorts of festivities including ice sculpting, a chowder competition, roasting marshmallows, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafters market, and ice skating. Come sip hot chocolate at the Fest that takes place on February 16–17. The best part is that all events are free including free skate rentals for ice skating. Check the event website for specific times and event details.
The Boston Globe Travel Show
This is not just a show, it’s a total travel experience! Attending the Travel Show will give you a whole new perspective on the new year. Enjoy vacation deals, cultural performances, and all sorts of events fit for the whole family. There will be informative travel seminars and a kid’s area provided by Camp Cody along with many giveaways. The Travel Show will be at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston from January 18–20. Tickets are $10 to purchase online and $15 onsite.
NORTHWEST
OREGON
Worst Day of the Year Run
It’s cold, windy, and raining, which means it’s a perfect day for a run. Gear up and register online today for the 5K run on February 2 in Troutdale. Register quickly because the 5K is capped at 1,200 people and is expected to sell out.
Portland Winter Light Festival
Keep the winter spirit alive at the 4th annual Portland Winter Light Festival. There is no better way to celebrate the Portland community than with festive lights. The Festival showcases vibrant performances, stunning kinetic fire sculptures, and illuminated art installations. The lights shine from February 7–9. The family-friendly festival is free and open for everyone to attend.
WASHINGTON
Winter Wonders Family Discovery Day
Gather your family to celebrate and discover the beauty of winter at MN Discovery Center. On January 26 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., enjoy winter-themed activities such as winter trees watercolor designs, bird watching, and winter storytelling. You can also learn how different weather conditions produce different types of snowflakes. Winter Wonders is a part of the Family Discovery Days series at the Aquatic Resources Education Center and regular admission prices apply.
Wintergrass Music Festival
Enjoy the melodious tunes offered at the Wintergrass Music Festival at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue. The festival has dozens of acts on many stages plus workshops and impromptu jams in Bellevue. Tickets are on sale now on the website where you can also check the 2019 lineup. The festival begins February 21 and goes until February 24.
