15 Budget-Friendly Christmas Activities For a Cosy Holiday Season

Christmas is an expensive time of year! You might want to get involved in seasonal activities or you might need to buy gifts for your loved ones – and that can all add up.

However, there are lots of ways to make Christmas memories on a budget. Let’s take a look at some cost-friendly cosy Christmas activities, including plenty of free ways to get in the festive spirit!

1. Christmas movie marathon

Watch all of your favourite Christmas movies in the comfort of your own home. You can snuggle under blankets, eat some Christmas treats, and save a bit of money.

2. Put up your Christmas tree

I love putting up my Christmas tree! It always puts me in the festive spirit – and it’s the perfect budget-friendly cosy activity to enjoy alone or with your family and friends.

3. Christmas markets

‘Tis the season for Christmas markets! Wander around your local markets or visit a nearby city. You could buy a few Christmas gifts or just enjoy the pretty lights for free.

4. Go for a Christmas cocktail taster session

Last weekend, I went to a cool Christmas cocktail taster session at a local Christmas market. It was a lovely chance to enjoy a few drinks and do something a bit different!

Christmas drink - glass of liquid with a cinnamon stick on top and orange peel in the background

Look out for low-cost community events. You might be surprised how many local businesses put on events during the holiday season – or you could even host your own cocktail tasting at home.

5. Create a Christmas blog post

If you’re a blogger or creative, try creating some festive blog posts for Christmas. This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and connect with other bloggers.

6. Christmas games night

Board games are a staple on Christmas Day for me and my family – but what about playing a few games before the big day, too?

You could host a games night or set up some games for you and your family. Get cosy with a bit of friendly competition!

7. Make paper Christmas snowflakes

All you need is paper and a pair of scissors to make your Christmas snowflakes – and these snowflakes are a great way to decorate your home on a budget.

8. Make a Christmas hot chocolate

Make a delicious hot chocolate to celebrate Christmas. Pile on lots of cream and marshmallows or opt for a classic, simple recipe. You could even add some Bailey’s for a little (adult) treat.

9. Go for a cosy Christmas café afternoon

I love going to my local café at Christmas time. There’s something so cosy about reading or writing with a big slice of cake and a hot drink.

cup of coffee and slice of cake: budget-friendly cosy activities

Many independent cafés put on special deals at this time of year, so why not make the most of free heating and cosy vibes for an afternoon?

10. Host a Christmas dinner party

You could make a mini Christmas dinner for you and your partner or get your friends together for a Christmas celebration.

Stick to your budget by getting everyone to bring something. You can enjoy some good food and time with your loved ones, all without breaking the bank.

11. Go for a Winter walk

I love going for a crisp Winter walk at this time of year. Bundle up in all your layers and check out any local Christmas lights.

This is a completely free way to get into the Christmas spirit. Make sure to warm up with plenty of hot drinks when you get back home.

12. Go on a day trip

The run-up to Christmas is the perfect time to go on a fun day trip. You could visit a friend or get the train to a nearby city for the day.

Make the most of any travel discounts and choose off-peak times to keep costs down.

13. Christmas baking

I love baking at Christmas! Pop on some Christmas music and bake your favourite sweet treats, by yourself or with friends and family.

two gingerbread men with a gingerbread heart between them

Christmas bakes are a great way to save money on gifts, too. Send out delicious baked goods to your loved ones instead of buying expensive Christmas gifts.

14. Volunteer for a charity

Christmas is the perfect time to give back to your local community. You can meet new people and get into the festive spirit.

Many churches serve hot meals to families at Christmas – or you could check out if any local charities need a bit of extra help over the holidays.

15. Go ice-skating

Ice-skating is a quintessential Christmas activity! Go at an off-peak time to stick to your budget – and make the most of any family or student discounts.

What are you up to for Christmas? Do you enjoy finding new activities for Christmas? What is your favourite budget-friendly Christmas activity?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x

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Author: Not-So-Modern Girl

I’m Eleanor, welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m a freelance content writer and book lover from Yorkshire. On my blog, I write about life as a 20-something, including posts about freelance life, blogging, book reviews and more. I also write resources for bloggers and writers on my Gumroad account, including my ebook 'The Art of Blog Writing'.

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