Winter in New York City is not for the faint of heart. As the weather dips to nearly below freezing, nothing is more appealing than cozying up indoors for a unique winter activity. Here are 10 winter activities to do without leaving your house:

1. Have a movie you’ve always wanted to watch? Try a movie night complete with classic movie theater snacks. The experience of the theater can be brought right to the living room with the large variety of streaming services available to watch on-demand movies. A wintertime picture is an excellent way to experience the diversity of cinema while never having to leave the comfort of your home. Feeling a warm, heartfelt Christmas classic? Watch “White Christmas” (1954), a family-friendly musical extravaganza. Interested in horror? Watch “Black Christmas”(1974), a slasher flick following a group of sorority sisters on a cold winter night. 
2. Never have enough time to read? This winter is your chance! Spend your downtime with that novel you’ve had on your reading list. Or, if reading print isn’t your style, try an audiobook and be transported to another world far away from the snowy landscape of the city. Need a recommendation? “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, a harrowing novel following the life of a young boy in 20th century Barcelona, is the perfect book to cozy up with on a wintery afternoon.
3. Feeling crafty? Nothing says wintertime fun like diving into an arts and crafts night to unlock your inner artist. Craft nights offer endless possibilities for creativity at very inexpensive prices. Even something as simple as learning how to make paper snowflakes is sure to brighten up a snowy day. Want something a little more? Plan a paint-and-sip night with a follow-along painting tutorial. Bob Ross has incredible winter paintings, and paired with his melodic voice, he is sure to lift your spirits.
4. Looking to expand your musical horizons? Create the perfect winter playlist for future frosty evenings. Apps like Spotify or Apple Music make it easy to curate playlists with your winter music finds, and you can share them with friends to create a blend. In addition, many artists such as Noah Kahan, Gregory Alan Isakov and The Head and The Heart embody the winter spirit. They can turn any cold day into a vibrant musical escape. 
5. Nothing says a cozy night in like breaking out your favorite board game and gathering with friends for an epic showdown. Board games are a fantastic way to spend an evening, and they provide a variety of entertainment. Want to battle your friends for world domination? Play Risk! Or is building a business empire more your style? Try Monopoly for an assured night of competitive fun.
6. Winter is also the perfect time to learn how to cook your favorite meals or appetizers. The cold weather makes learning how to cook even more delicious. My personal favorite? A good Italian wedding soup never fails to perfect a dark evening. Cooking is also a fantastic way to bring together friends and family. Try hosting a dinner party to reconnect with those closest to you. 
7. No dinner party would be complete without a festive dessert to end the night, whether the night calls for a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies or perhaps a flourless chocolate cake. Whatever the case may be, baking is a great way to push your creative and artistic boundaries. Plus, at the end of the process, you have created a delicious treat for all to enjoy.
8. Having a lazy afternoon, why not take up the British tradition of afternoon tea? Crafting a simple tea is a great way to warm up after a long day in the frigid weather, and with all the unique flavors available, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your fancy. Additionally, pairing an afternoon cuppa with your new-found baking skills can elevate a simple cup of tea to a magical pre-dinner snack.
9. Need an activity to pass an afternoon? Why not break out a deck of cards? Card games provide endless opportunities for entertainment. Poker, rummy or a high-intensity game of spoons are sure to bring a competitive spirit to any wintertime gathering. Cards are not only a good way to pass the time with friends, but can also provide solitary entertainment. A game of solitaire or building a card tower is a fantastic way to spend downtime away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. 
10. Finally, if none of these activities have sounded appealing thus far, why not try your hand at some fiber arts? Knitting, crocheting or embroidering are fun ways to express your creative side while also staying cozy indoors. These unique skills are easy to learn through online tutorials, and making your own winter hat or scarf is a great way to embrace the cold artistically.