7 Cozy Hobbies to Try When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside

When the wind is howling and the sky looks like it's in grayscale, there’s something special about leaning into winter’s slowness.

This season’s weather is the perfect excuse to stay in and try new cozy hobbies that don’t require a single step outside.

These are the hobbies that made me feel the warmest this winter 🤎

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1. Winter journaling 🕯️

I started lighting a candle before opening my journal and i love it. Even if all I write is “today was weird,” the ritual itself feels grounding.

Bonus points for using winter-themed washi tape or winter themed stickers lol.

2. Learning to knit 🧶

Okay, I still haven’t gotten the hang of knitting to be perfectly honest. But trying is half the fun.

I keep a chunky yarn project around and just do my best while watching my favorite YouTube creators or listening to an audio book.

At the end of the day It doesn’t have to turn out perfect just so long as its fun.

photo credit: lottastichler on Pinterest

3. Playing snowy games ❄️

Winter is the perfect time for low-stim, high-comfort games.

Anything with calm music, snowy maps, or seasonal events (Stardew in winter? Hello).

There’s something about pixelated snowfall that hits different with tea in hand.

find my cozy gaming item recs here 🎮🤎

4. Building puzzles🧩

There's nothing more peaceful than a slow afternoon puzzle in a warm sweater.

I like to set up near a window, grab a snack, and just let time blur.

It’s the kind of focus that doesn’t feel like pressure. Just little wins, one piece at a time.

check out some cute winter puzzles and other hobbies here ❄️

5. Baking something small 🧁

I don’t do full baking projects really. But one little cozy bake here and there is right up my alley.

I like to bake those little Pillsbury sugar cookies that come in the tube with the picture in the middle because they are easy and nostalgic lol.

The goal doesn’t have to be perfection. For me its about the anticipation, the warmth and the memories.

6. Winter Themed Coloring 🖍️

There’s something so calming about filling in little shapes how you wish with colors you chose. No one’s grading you and there is no pressure to “finish.”

I keep a coloring book and markers in my hobby room and reach for them whenever my brain feels too loud. It’s like quiet joy in a page.

you can find a big list of my coloring item favorites here 🎨🖌️

7. Reading something cozy(even if it's one page) 📖

I used to think reading had to mean a whole book. But lately I’ve been letting myself read just a couple pages before bed with my phone across the room.

Focusing on finishing can make it more stressful. Its good to just slow down the story for a moment.

Final Cozy Thoughts 🧤

Winter isn’t always easy but we can still create cozy little moments here and there.

These little hobbies remind me that I don’t need to always be productive to feel fulfilled or worthy.

Sometimes, the coziest thing you can do is simply exist in a space you made for yourself.

Stay cozy!

Kennedy 🕯️🤎❄️

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