During regular times of the year, it may be difficult to get your whole band of girls together to enjoy a special activity. Between classes and work schedules, it's just not always possible to just hang with the women you love the most. But during the holidays, as hectic as they may get, it's a perfect time to chill with your girl squad. And if you're in a bind about what to do, you can always stick to Christmas things to do with your friends to really narrow down how you want to have fun this break.
Of course, every friend group is different. Some really want to let off steam ad party the night away, while others may like low-key outings, like seeing some holiday lights. But you know your besties more than anyone else and honestly, as cheesy as it may be, just being together in a non-work or non-school setting is fun and freeing.
The holidays are such a great time to go out and have a festive time, because there are so many activities going on and events being hosted. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, there's a common theme of just "busyness" in every place in America. So, save the stressing out for gift giving, and leave the planning to us (we've got your back).
01Ice Skating
Probably one of the most popular things to do this time of year, ice skating is a must-have on your bucket list. Yeah, you may fall on your butt, but it's sure to give you and your girls a fun time, and it can be a great tradition to start. Honestly, some of the best memories are made when making fools of yourselves.
02Window Shopping
Shopping is so engrained in holiday culture, that whenever you're in a store this time of year, you may feel the strong need to swipe your card. However, window shopping can be just as fun without the expense.
Go to the mall or shopping center and try a ton of stuff on. Shoes are probably the easiest to do this with (because no fitting rooms are involved, so it's faster), and have a bomb time.
03See A Holiday Show
If you and your squad can go, live shows are the best things to do during the holidays. There are an unlimited amount of "A Christmas Carol" showings, and you can of course find a production of "The Nutcracker" wherever you are in the USA. Making it holiday-themed is great to get you right in that festive mood.
04Visit A Festive Rooftop Bar
05Stream The Day Away
You, of course, don't have to go out anywhere to have a good time with your besties. Staying in with some hot cocoa or spiked eggnog will make for some perfect memories. And there are endless things to watch, of course. You can watch something brand new like a Netflix original, or an old fave. I am holding my bestie hostage this Christmas break and making her finish Supergirl, but that's just what I find fun, I think.
06Make It A DIY Day
Crafting is the perfect friend date! You can get as wacky as you'd like, or you can make something new and chic to go with your #aesthetic. And there's an endless amount of Christmas and Hanukkah crafts on YouTube, that you'll be able to do this every weekend if you'd like.
07Take A Wine Tasting Or Cooking Class Together
Wine is flowin' every holiday season, so why not take advantage of it by actually learning about what you're drinking? Wine tasting classes or cooking classes are a great time to learn something (duh), but also create a great mood for you and your friends.
08Pamper Yourselves
Go get some holiday nails at your favorite salon because you've 100 percent earned it. Again, I don't know how many times I'm going to say this before the new year, but the holidays are stressful. You all need this, so give in and get a facial, too.
09Visit Festive Light Displays
Bigger cities like Chicago or New York have so many places to see Christmas and holiday lights, but this is something you can do in a small town, too. Whereas in Chicago, you can go to the zoo, drink hot cocoa, and go through a maze, you can also just go to a neighborhood in your area that really dresses their houses up. It's all the same, and your friends are going to have a great time either way.
10Hit Up A Holiday Market
Again, whether it's the Christkindlmarket Market in Chicago or The Bryant Park Winter Village in New York City, you and your besties can go drink mulled wine and ice skate your day away. Honestly, this is one of the best ways to get a traditional holiday experience.
11Go Christmas Caroling
This one may scare some friends off because not everyone is a singer (and for good reason, I'm sure). But it's not about how good you are, it's about the fun you'll have.
No one is going to care if you're flat or sharp, but that you're having a good time (or at least, they should). And if there's not opportunities to go caroling your area, go to a karaoke bar and belt out "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" for full effect.
