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Fun Holiday Activities that Won’t Break the Bank

Here are the most fun holiday activities for you and your family that won’t break the bank

Fun Things to Do This Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of exciting things to do, but all those activities can sometimes get expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of fun holiday activities that won’t put a dent in your wallet. 

With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy this special time of year without overspending. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for things to do this holiday season that the whole family will love. 

 

Enjoy a Festive Movie Marathon at Home

Few things feel more like the holidays than cozying up with hot cocoa and watching holiday movies. Make it extra special by setting up a “movie theater” at home with popcorn, blankets, and your favorite treats. Choose a mix of classic holiday films and new releases to keep things fresh. 

There are plenty of free streaming services that offer holiday movies, so you don’t need to spend money on rentals. Invite friends or family over to join in the fun and make it a holiday tradition. 

 

Create DIY Holiday Decorations

Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. Gather supplies from around your house, or visit a local dollar store, and get creative with DIY holiday decorations. You can make homemade ornaments, wreaths, or paper snowflakes to decorate your space. 

Making decorations is also a fun activity for kids, as it allows them to contribute to the holiday festivities. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together without spending much money. 

Visit Free Community Events

Many communities host free holiday activities throughout the season, like tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and concerts. Check your city’s event calendar or local listings to see what’s happening nearby. These events often include food, music, and festive lights, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere without the high costs. 

If you’re not sure where to find information about local events, websites like your city’s tourism page or community center’s website can be helpful resources. 

Baking holiday cookies is a delicious and inexpensive activity. Invite friends or family members over for a cookie-baking party, where everyone can pitch in with ingredients and share recipes. You can make classics like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate chips. 

Consider hosting a cookie exchange where each guest bakes a batch of their favorite cookies and exchanges them with others. It’s a fun way to add variety to your holiday treats without spending too much on ingredients. 

Take a Holiday Lights Tour

One of the simplest ways to enjoy the holiday season is by taking a tour of neighborhood holiday lights. Many neighborhoods have beautifully decorated homes, and some even have light displays set to music. You can make it a cozy outing by bringing along hot chocolate or tea in thermoses. 

If your city offers drive-through light displays, it might be worth checking out. These displays are often inexpensive, and you can enjoy a night of holiday magic from the comfort of your car. 

Volunteer Together

The holiday season is a great time to give back. Volunteering as a family or with friends can be a meaningful and free way to spend time together. Many organizations need extra help during the holidays, whether it’s serving meals, organizing donations, or helping with holiday events. 

Volunteering not only spreads holiday cheer but also creates lasting memories and a sense of community. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season without spending any money. 

Host a Budget-Friendly Gift Exchange

Gift-giving can get expensive, but a budget-friendly gift exchange is a fun way to celebrate without overspending. You can organize a Secret Santa or a White Elephant exchange, where each person buys a single, affordable gift. Set a spending limit to ensure everyone stays within budget. 

Another idea is to make homemade gifts, like baked goods or DIY crafts. Personalized gifts are often more meaningful than store-bought items, and they won’t cost a lot. 

Plan a Holiday Staycation

If travel isn’t in the budget, plan a holiday staycation instead! Turn your home into a cozy getaway by setting up a comfortable space to relax, watch holiday movies, or have a mini spa day. Check out LendNation’s guide on budget-friendly staycation ideas for inspiration. 

A staycation allows you to unwind and enjoy the holiday spirit without the stress of travel expenses. Plus, you can create new traditions and memories right at home. 

Make Handmade Holiday Cards

Sending holiday cards is a thoughtful way to spread cheer, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Gather some basic art supplies like markers, colored paper, and stickers, and make handmade holiday cards to send to friends and family. 

Handmade cards add a personal touch and show the recipient that you put thought and effort into their card. You can even involve the kids to create fun, unique designs. Making holiday cards can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and it costs very little. 

Explore Local Cultural and Holiday Traditions

Learning about different cultural celebrations can add a special dimension to your holiday activities. From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Diwali and Christmas, there are many ways people around the world celebrate. Look into local events or virtual activities that showcase these traditions. 

The Diversity Resources Interfaith Calendar is a great resource for learning about different cultural celebrations. Exploring new traditions is a meaningful way to expand your holiday season without extra spending. 

Make the Most of the Holidays Without Overspending 

The holiday season is about joy, togetherness, and creating memories, not just about spending money. With these holiday activities, you can enjoy the festive season while staying within budget. 

If you need extra cash for holiday expenses, LendNation offers quick and convenient loans to help you manage your finances responsibly. Borrowing can be helpful if you need extra funds for holiday shopping and expenses. Just remember to use loans wisely and only borrow what you can afford to repay. 

Enjoy the holidays without the stress of overspending! 

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