15 Great Ways To Have Fun On A Budget This Winter

*This is a collaborative post on ways to have fun on a budget this winter

After a challenging year and Christmas rapidly approaching, many of us have to tighten the purse strings and curb “non-essential” spending. 

But that doesn’t mean that life has to become all work and no play. There are plenty of ways to have fun on a budget as the nights draw in and temperatures drop. Whether you’re single, in a relationship or part of a busy family home, we have some great low-cost ideas for helping you to liven up winter evenings and weekends. 

Check out free local events

There are always plenty of free local events in the run-up to Christmas. From Christmas markets and carol concerts to light shows and open-air ice skating, there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy. Check out your town’s Facebook page or pick up a local paper to keep track of events happening near you.

Have fun on a budget with museums and art galleries

Many museums and art galleries offer free entry to their main exhibitions, especially in city centres. If there is a charge, it is often nominal. Spend an afternoon mooching around and absorbing a bit of culture — if you have a hectic family home, you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet!

Home movie or game night in

This is a great way to spend quality time with your partner, family, or friends. Dust off the board games and enjoy a little fun competition before settling down in front of your favourite film. If you want to pull out all the stops, create a theme for your evening and choose a film, activities, food, and outfits to match it.

Have fun on a budget and host a wine and cheese evening

Whether you’re planning an evening with friends or a romantic date night in, a wine and cheese evening is a great way to have fun on a budget. Take the hassle out of organising your event by opting for a cheese hamper delivery. Set up a cheese tasting session, or relax with your guests while enjoying some delicious nibbles and drinks.

At-home spa and relaxation evening

If a luxury five-star spa hotel in the countryside is beyond your budget, get creative and make your own at-home spa and chill evening. You can pick up face pack sachets for less than a pound each — everything else you probably have around the house. Chop a cucumber into cooling slices to freshen tired eyes and fill up a bowl with warm water and bath salts to soak tired feet. Light a few scented candles, dim the lights and play some relaxing music. Et voila! You have your very own spa! You might even persuade a family member or partner to give you a foot run or massage. 

Have fun on a budget with a crafting weekend

This is a great one for families (but many grown-ups love a bit of crafting too). Stock up on coloured cardboard, felt-tip pens, scissors, glue, glitter, and anything else that takes your fancy. There are lots of free crafting resources online, including step-by-step “how to make” instructions, templates, and printables. Why not make your Christmas cards this year? If you want to skip the hassle of shopping around, treat yourself to a Christmas card-making set that contains everything you need.

Have a bonfire night

If you have a garden, create your own bonfire night for friends and family — or just the two of you. Toast marshmallows over a fire pit set off some fireworks and get those chestnuts roasting. Serve hot chocolate to the kids and mulled wine or hot apple cider to the adults. This one is sure to get you into the winter spirit. 

Have fun on a budget and get fit!

Don’t wait for summer to return before getting fit. Winter is a great time to shape up, and if you do it as a team effort, it can be fun. Start a couch-to-5k programme with your partner or take up yoga (there are lots of free online classes to follow on YouTube). Go cycling through the autumn leaves. There is something for everyone, and you don’t have to spend a penny. 

Tour the local Christmas lights

Take a drive around the local neighbourhood in December and enjoy the Christmas decorations. Your council probably organises lights and decorations for the town, but don’t forget to explore the side streets and cul-de-sacs — many homeowners really go to town at this time of year!

Hit the library to have fun on a budget

There’s nothing more relaxing than curling up by the fire with a good book in the winter. Anyone can join their local library and borrow books for free. If you’re not already registered, sign up and rediscover your favourite authors or find some new ones.

Get puzzling

Most of us spend a significant amount of time looking at a computer, phone, or television screen. Switch off the tech for one evening and get out a jigsaw puzzle. You may be surprised how quickly you become engrossed in the challenge. This can provide hours or even days of fun for everyone. 

Karaoke at home

If you love singing in the shower and belting out tunes in the car, but the thought of singing publicly terrifies you, at-home karaoke could be the perfect budget evening for you. Various online platforms offer karaoke services for a small fee. If you know you’ll do this often, it might be worth buying a karaoke machine — there will be an initial outlay but use it enough, and it could be a financially savvy investment.

Go for a winter walk to have fun on a budget

Winter walks are a simple yet perfect way to have fun on a budget. Pick a scenic route and wrap up warm. A wintry walk by the sea or in the countryside is an uplifting experience. Take the dog, the kids, and your friends, or opt for a romantic stroll with your partner. And don’t forget to have some warming soup ready for your return.

Learn a new skill

The online education industry is booming. Over the past year, many business owners who previously relied on face-to-face sessions have developed an online offer. Fancy taking up knitting but don’t know where to start? Are you keen to hone your Indian cooking skills? Or perhaps you want to get stuck in and try your hand at an online degree? There will be a course for you. And even better, many courses are free, or there are options to spread the cost.

Have a bake-off

Challenge your family and friends to a bake-off. Who can make the best Victoria sponge? Who cooks the meanest curry? If you’re not feeling competitive, cook a favourite meal or get the kids involved in baking their first cake.

If finances are tight and winter weather has set in, there are still plenty of ways to have fun with your friends and loved ones. Get creative. Your imagination is the only limit!