By Maria LyndersIn this story:
Winter looks a little different depending on where you live — snowy NYC sidewalks, biting Chicago winds, or shorter LA days that call for an extra sweater — but one thing never changes: the urge for cozy winter activities to do with friends.
If you’re searching for fun things to do this weekend, creative workshops are the ultimate winter activity. Think hands-on classes where you can make something from scratch, laugh through the learning curve, and leave with both a finished piece and a great memory. Whether it’s crafting, cooking, or creating side by side, now is the perfect time to lean into winter hobbies that warm the soul.
For the true bucket-listers out there, consider this your ultimate cozy checklist of fun things to do with friends. From the West Coast to the East Coast, we’re rounding up seven creative winter activities that turn chilly days into memorable moments.
1. Knit your next winter scarf in NYC
Best For: 30°F days and below
This one’s for New Yorkers who know there’s something special about winter in the city — when cold days make cozy plans feel even more meaningful. If you're looking for winter activities to do with friends in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens, a crochet or knitting workshop is the perfect way to warm your hands and catch up in a calm, intimate setting.
In this knitting class on the Upper East Side with The Crafty Lounge, you’ll learn foundational stitches and techniques while working on a project you can actually wear. Set inside a cozy studio lined with colorful yarn, the class is filled with easy conversation, laughter over dropped stitches, and a beginner-friendly vibe. You’ll leave with a handmade piece that’s perfect for bundling up and taking on the New York sidewalks in true winter style.
2. Bake the ultimate comfort sweet treat in SF
Best For: Foggy 50–60°F afternoons
For San Franciscans who lean into comfort food when Karl the Fog rolls in, taking a baking class is a no-brainer. It’s ideal for friends who love cozy kitchens, nostalgic treats, and fun winter crafts that end in something delicious.
In this chocolate chip cookie baking workshop, conveniently located near San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, you’ll learn techniques that take a classic cookie from good to bakery-worthy. Expect hands-on mixing, a coveted family recipe, and warm cookies that make gray days feel instantly brighter.
3. Shape the perfect ramen bowl in LA
Best For: Cool 50–65°F winter evenings
Pottery classes can be the perfect winter activities to do with friends who want to get a little messy. Working with clay warms your hands, slows the pace, and gives you space to brainstorm unique January craft ideas made out of clay. It is calming, tactile, and easy to sink into on a cool evening.
And when winter cravings hit, nothing beats a steaming bowl of ramen. In this ramen bowl ceramics class in Los Angeles, you will hand-build and shape your own bowl from clay, creating a piece that makes every ramen night at home feel extra special. You can even pair it with a ramen-making class in LA, so you can learn how to cook the dish itself to match your one-of-a-kind bowl.
4. Shake up a winter cocktail in Seattle
Best For: Rainy 40°F nights
Made for Seattleites who know winter means early sunsets, steady drizzle, and an excuse to gather indoors. This is a perfect pick for friends who love hosting cozy get-togethers and learning a skill they can bring out at every future dinner party.
In this winter cocktail-making class, you’ll mix drinks that feel custom-made for stormy evenings, from a classic Hot Toddy to a creamy Grasshopper, a smooth Rob Roy, and a bright, citrusy Sidecar. Expect warming spirits, playful garnishes, and plenty of laughs as you shake, stir, and sip together. It’s one of the best fun things to do in the winter when you want to lift your mood and lean into the season.
5. Master latte art like a local in San Jose
Best For: Chilly mornings before work
Nothing is cozier than wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of coffee on a cool winter morning. For Silicon Valley friends and coworkers who bond over coffee breaks and know each other’s orders by heart, a barista class adds a creative, feel-good twist to an everyday ritual.
In this latte art class, you’ll learn how to steam milk and practice pouring techniques to create café-style designs at home. It’s relaxed, hands-on, and leaves you with a cozy skill you’ll use every single chilly morning.
6. Make candles virtually with long distance friends
Best For: Any temperature, any location
If your friend group is scattered across cities virtual candle making classes are one of the best winter crafts for adults who want connection, creativity, and comfort without leaving the couch.
In this organic soy wax candle class, a kit arrives at your door with everything you need and a friendly instructor will guide you online. You’ll blend scents, pour wax, and create a candle alongside friends in real time — all while staying wrapped in blankets and sipping something warm.
7. Tuft a statement rug in Chicago
Best For: Sub-freezing temps and serious wind chill
When Chicago winter brings the kind of cold that laughs at scarves and gloves, it’s time to bring in the big guns and by that, we mean tufting guns! This ultra-cozy, fully indoors experience is perfect for friends who want to escape the freeze, crank up the creativity, and stay warm while doing something fun.
In this rug tufting workshop, you’ll design and create a custom rug using a tufting gun and vibrant yarns. It’s energetic, hands-on, and the perfect idea for January crafts for adults. Best of all, you’ll leave with a statement piece that instantly adds warmth to your home long after the snow melts.
No matter where you live, winter is the perfect excuse to slow down, get cozy, and share creative experiences with friends. From handcrafting your own scarf in NYC to shaping a ramen bowl in LA, these winter activities with friends are designed to bring warmth, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment to chilly days.
