The countdown to Christmas has begun and there's nothing I love more than the holidays. With just one week left in the semester, I'm ready to really get into the swing of things and have fun this winter break. This year I've been trying to plan out some fun things to do while I'm in town to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year... So, I came up with this list of 25 winter themed things to do in Lexington during the break. No boyfriend/girlfriend? No problem. Just grab your best friend and have some holiday fun. Enjoy!
3. Volunteer Together
Each year, the Catholic Action Center/God’s Net hosts a Christmas Store where
those who would not otherwise be able to purchase gifts for their children can
come “shop” for free. Volunteers are always needed for this event and for the
other services offered by this organization, so why not pay it forward together
and tap into the true spirit of Christmas? CAC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CAClexky
or website: godsnet.info
4. Build a Snowman After
a particularly good snow, create your own Frosty complete with a hat and a
carrot nose. Totally free and very fun.
5. Go Skiing Technically,
this one’s not in Lexington, but I decided to include it anyhow. If you’re up
for the hour and a half drive, Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, IN is a
great place for a fun winter date. Plus,
in January and February they offer College Nights, where skiing, tubing, and
snowboarding is discounted with a student ID. More info here: http://perfectnorth.com/calendar.
6. Paint Mugs Visit
The Mad Potter and design your own holiday-themed mugs together for future hot
cocoa sipping. Website for more information: http://www.themadpotter.biz.
7. Make a Gingerbread
House Grab a kit from just about any major grocery store and build a home
together using nothing but sweets.
8. Run a 5k For an
active couple, The Reindeer Ramble hosted by the YMCA of Lexington or one of
two John’s Run/Walk Shop Holiday Fun Runs are perfect opportunities to run (or
at least slowly jog) off a few of those holiday calories together.
9. Winter Hike at Raven
Run Bundle up and take a snowy walk together through this nature sanctuary
in the heart of Lexington.
10. Buy a Christmas Tree
Or at least walk around one of the local Christmas tree farms to get into the
holiday spirit. Support Lexington farmers by visiting Barker, Nieman, Christmas
Memories, or other tree farms listed here: http://www.kychristmastreefarms.com
11. Decorate a Tree Whether it’s real or fake, big or small, decorate a tree together with lights, garland, and all of the usual holiday jazz.
13. See a movie at the
Kentucky Theater With weather turning nasty and cold, winter is prime movie
time. The historic Kentucky Theater is the perfect place to enjoy an evening
and catch a movie. Plus, the theater’s within walking distance of many great
downtown restaurants. Movie times available on their website: http://www.kentuckytheater.com/special-events/
14. Carriage Ride Although
it’s a little pricey ($100 for 1 hr), I can’t imagine a more picturesque winter
date idea than packing a thermos full of hot chocolate and riding around
downtown in a horse drawn carriage. For information on carriage rides in
Lexington visit http://www.lexingtonlivery.com.
15. See a Holiday Play Get a little dressed up and watch one of the many Christmas-themed plays and musicals that the Lexington Opera House offers each year. Full listing here: http://www.lexingtonoperahouse.com/events. Or, visit the theater at the UK Fine Arts Center for "The Smack-Off: A Christmas Reality Show," a funny holiday performance that's a sequel to the awesome "Smackdown for the Christmas Crown" that I saw a few years ago (which is where I took this lovely picture). Tickets available here: www.scfatickets.com.
16. Have a Snowball Fight
I don’t just mean pack one little snowball and toss it at your significant
other. I’m talking about a full out wintry war. Build snow forts and prep
snowballs ahead of time, or surprise your significant other by pelting him/her
unexpectedly.
17. Go Sledding Like
many of the other date ideas, this one requires a good amount of snow. Still,
getting all bundled up and going sledding together can be a lot of fun. There’s
nothing wrong with embracing your inner child, especially not around the
holidays.
18. Christmas Parade Every December, Lexington offers a Christmas Parade downtown on Main Street. Why not wear your favorite holiday sweater and join in the festivities by watching it with your favorite person?
19. Ugly Christmas
Sweater Party Search Goodwill, rob your grandma’s closet, or create your
own tacky Christmas sweaters, then get together with others to enjoy the
ridiculousness.
20. Christmas Cookies
Whether it’s grandma’s secret recipe or straight from a box, bake up some sugar
cookies or gingerbread men and spend a little time decorating them to holiday
perfection with red and green icing and sprinkles.
21. Christmas Shopping Love
it or hate it, during the holidays at least one shopping trip is practically
inescapable. So, rather than trudge through the mall alone, bring your significant
other along and get more accomplished while hopefully having a little more fun
with it!
22. Reindeer Games
Also known as Game Night. Pull out the good ol’ board and card games and take
part in some friendly competition. My personal favorites are Apples to Apples
and UNO.
23. Attend a Hockey Game The UK hockey team has many games during the holiday season. Games start around midnight at the Lexington Ice Center, and I’ve heard they’re a blast.
24. Christmas Movie Marathon Elf, A Christmas Story, The Grinch, Christmas Vacation, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Holiday Inn, White Christmas (my personal favorite!) … the possibilities are endless. Just pop some popcorn, start a fire, and grab some fuzzy socks and you’re all set!
25. Christmas Dinner
Depending on the nature of your relationship, you may or may not have an actual
Christmas dinner with your significant other, but this idea is of the faux-Christmas
dinner variety. If you happen to love cooking like I do, pull out all the stops
and fix a delicious holiday meal regardless of the day.
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