Top 10 Things to do this Winter in Buffalo

Mira Hennon '25  ~  November/December 2023

As the semester draws to a close and spirit week at Nardin arrives, it is inevitable that students and faculty begin to get excited for the upcoming holiday season. Living in the Buffalo area, the snow is plentiful during the winter. So, what are the best things to do once school is out for break?

1. Ice Skating

A thrilling activity, ice skating with family or friends is a perfect way to spend free time this winter! Right in the heart of the city you can skate down at Canalside, Buffalo Riverworks, or Rotary Rink. No need to buy your own – all three offer rentals, and some are even free admission. Take in the brightly decorated city full of Christmas cheer as you skate.

2. Volunteer

An excellent way to get service hours for Nardin as well as spread joy to others, look for local places to volunteer in your area. Volunteer organizations get especially busy around the holidays, so there truly is no better time to be helping others. ‘Tis the season of giving!

3. Baking Cookies

Who doesn’t love baking during winter break? Whether you are making cookies for yourself, friends, family, or Santa, it is a great activity and you can do it right in your home! Crinkle, sugar, gingerbread – the opportunities are endless. This Top 100 Christmas Cookie list from the Food Network has plenty of recipes for you to try!

4. Movie Marathon

Cozy up on the couch and watch some Christmas movies! There are endless options on all types of streaming platforms. Some of the most popular selections are Elf, A Charlie Brown Christmas (my personal favorite), Home Alone, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Story. 

5. Build A Snowman

Add a scarf, a carrot nose, eyes, and a hat and you’ve got yourself a new friend for the winter season (until it melts!)

6. Ski or Snowboard

Head to Holiday Valley, Holimont, or Kissing Bridge and hit the slopes. There is nothing more fun than a weekend of skiing with friends down in Ellicottville, NY. 

7. Build A Gingerbread House

Does it ever work out like you want it to? No, not really. However, it is still in the spirit of the holidays, and a super cute activity. To make it even more exciting, make it an intense competition against family or friends and see who can make the best one.

8. Sleep

It’s Christmas break! Skills assessments are over! Lay in bed all day if you want, because there is no 8:00am class at Nardin to stop you. Sleep is just as important as eating and breathing. 

9. Make A Christmas List

If you haven’t already, you should really get to work on that. Those mini Uggs aren’t going to wait, they sell out quickly! Just remember when we get back from break that they aren’t DCA at the Academy...

10. Take It All In

The break will end sooner than you think, so enjoy it while you can. Before you know it you will be back in the familiar high school hallways of Nardin Academy. Spend time with family and friends, enjoy the snow if it comes, and have a great Winter Experience!