Written by Jazmin
12 Nov 2025
It’s coming! Winter is here, and I can already feel it! The days are getting shorter, and darkness starts to fall around 4 p.m. Some of us might begin to feel more tired or sleepy earlier than usual. I know it can be tough, and some people even experience sadness or the so-called winter depression. That’s why in this post, I want to share some cheerful activities you can do this winter (some of them for free, of course!) to see the season from a brighter perspective.✨
🎄Christmas Markets
My absolute favourites! If you haven’t read it yet, I already wrote a whole blog post about them. What I love most about Christmas markets are the lights, the festive vibes, and (of course) the delicious food options. You can find stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations, sweets, warm drinks, and all sorts of cozy treats.
There’s something magical about walking around with a cup of hot glögg (Swedish mulled wine), feeling the warmth of people and the twinkle of the lights. Even though it’s nice to visit any time of day, I’d say it’s best after sunset. That’s when the lights truly shine and the atmosphere feels most special.
⛸️Ice Rinks!
It’s skating season! Many Christmas markets and city centers start setting up ice rinks next to their Christmas trees, and they’re usually open for everyone to enjoy. Just yesterday in Lund, I saw how the local ice rink was being prepared. It already looks so festive!
Some places even mix things up with karaoke or themed skating nights, which makes it even more fun. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro skater; falling a few times is part of the experience! Grab a couple of friends, laugh about it, and enjoy the moment. Winter doesn’t always mean staying at home; there are plenty of fun things to do outdoors.
🎶Concerts
If your favourite artist is in town, winter is the perfect time for a concert night. But I also know concerts can be pricey, so let’s talk about free options. In Malmö, for example (just next to Lund), there are free symphonic concerts happening right now, such a great and accessible way to enjoy music with friends.
My only tip: arrive early! These events tend to fill up fast. I once arrived just as the concert was about to start, and it was already full. So, plan ahead and secure your spot early for a cosy musical evening.
🍻Bars & Quiz Nights
This is something new I recently discovered thanks to a friend who loves quizzes. Some bars organise quiz nights in the evenings, little competitions where you can join as a group or solo, answering themed questions. My friend once joined a quiz where the least knowledgeable person won a funny (and slightly embarrassing) prize. Luckily, he didn’t win that one!
There are so many themes to choose from: Disney princesses, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, general knowledge, and more. It’s a great way to hang out, meet people, and have fun without spending much.
What do you think about these winter activities? If you were thinking, “There’s nothing to do during winter,” now you’ve got some new ideas! Which one would you like to try first?
