As winter settles in, many people find themselves feeling less than enthusiastic about the colder, darker days ahead. For those who already feel weighed down by life’s demands and the uncertainties of our world, the season can add another layer of heaviness.
However, while winter may feel like a time of doom and gloom, it doesn’t have to be. Brighter evenings and sunny walks might be on hold until next year, but this season can offer its own unique set of joys.
From cozy nights spent with loved ones, to the quiet beauty of snowy landscapes, winter invites us to slow down and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures. It’s also a time for reflection and renewal, where we can embrace nature, spend time with family, indulge in creative hobbies and warming foods, and even reap some health benefits that come with the colder months.
Here, we share 24 things to look forward to this winter…
New TV series landing
One of the greatest joys of the season is that the winter television schedule is packed with excellent new dramas. This year, many of these are returners: on Apple a new series of the brilliantly dark comedy Bad Sisters, starring Sharon Horgan and Anne-Marie Duff, arrives next week (13 November), while on Netflix, the global megahit South Korean survival thriller Squid Game returns for its second season on Boxing Day.
Perhaps the most anticipated return, however, is the BBC’s continuing adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall books, which has been nearly 10 years in the making. Beginning tomorrow night, Wolf Hall: The Mirror & the Light, starring Damian Lewis as Henry VIII and Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell, is the follow-up to the acclaimed 2015 series which reworked the first two novels in Mantel’s beloved trilogy.
Birdwatching
“A multitude of fascinating birds grace the UK skies in winter, including pied wagtails – which often gather at dusk to roost – fieldfares, robins and pink-footed geese (easy to spot with their pink bill, legs and feet, and honking call). A larger species to look out for is the whooper swan
“This bird undertakes a long journey to the UK every winter from Iceland and is distinguishable from the smaller Bewick’s swan by having a larger patch of yellow on their black beaks. During the daytime, look for whooper swans feeding over farmland on leftover potatoes and grain, before they head to roost on open water.” Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Seasonal food
“Seasonal vegetables including Brussels sprouts, kale and pumpkin are excellent sources of zinc, as are mushrooms –especially varieties such as shiitake and oyster – making them vital ingredients for healthy ears and skin. Root vegetables such as beets and carrots are packed with potassium, which supports muscle function and helps to regulate fluid balance within the inner ear, while turnips and swedes add a folate boost, essential for cell health and circulation. Add any of these vegetables to soups, stews and roast dinners for a delicious health boost.” Dr Rony Ganguly, doctor of audiology, Pindrop Hearing
Excellent exhibitions
Calling you in from the cold, museums and art galleries around the country are opening a host of exciting exhibitions this winter. From 21 November, London’s Tate Britain will have a new display simply called “The 80s”, which traces one of the UK’s most tumultuous decades through photography. Hepworth Wakefield will mark 100 years of surrealist art with its exhibition Forbidden Territories (opens 23 November), while Yorkshire Sculpture Park will celebrate the printmaker Sarah Kirby (opens 9 November). And if you are feeling inspired, between 28 December and 5 January, Tate Liverpool is running free “Create and Chill” winter workshops for families.
Stargazing
“This winter, several stunning celestial objects will be visible. Jupiter, the largest planet, can be spotted in the south-east and will reach opposition (when it is brightest) on 7 December.
“Saturn, with its yellowish hue, can be found low towards the south-west during the evening, though a telescope is required to see its rings, while Mars is visible in the east – on 20 November, it will appear right next to the Moon.
“The Geminids meteor shower peaks on the night of 14 December, and into the following morning, producing stunning shooting stars from asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
“Winter skies also highlight the constellations of Andromeda and Orion, both visible with binoculars even in light-polluted areas. The Milky Way is visible directly overhead – its faint glow made up of the light from billions of stars – but to have a clear view you’ll need to find somewhere away from light pollution and at a time when there is no bright Moon.” Neill Sanders, astronomer, Go Stargazing
Slowing down
“Winter can be a good time to pause and assess where we are emotionally, evaluate our goals and prepare for the year ahead. Embrace the opportunity to slow down by leaning into activities such as yoga, meditation and journalling.
“Writing down thoughts and feelings allows for greater clarity, helping to manage stress and providing a space to explore new goals or revisit old ones. This process also promotes emotional release and mindfulness, allowing for greater self-awareness.” Helen Wells, psychotherapist, The Dawn Wellness Centre
Brilliant books
Curling up with a good book is one of the best things about the season and the two biggest forthcoming releases will help you do just that. In fiction, the cult Japanese author Haruki Murakami brings his brilliant magic realism to The City and its Uncertain Walls, a shadowy story of love and loss, out on 19 November. On the same day, the inimitable music icon Cher will release the first instalment of her memoir – she has, after all, lived a life “too immense for only one book” – meaning we can delve into the world of her roving childhood and early fame.
Improved sleep quality
“Cooler temperatures can improve sleep by helping your body reach its ideal temperature for rest – around 18°C – more quickly. This allows you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep. To maximise these benefits, aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and use breathable but warm bedding.” Dr Deborah Lee, GP and medical consultant, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Winter foraging
“Foraging is more challenging in winter and requires patience, but that’s part of the reward. Rosehips are a favorite of mine at this time of year. Packed with vitamin C, they bring a bright, tangy note to syrups and jams. I’ve often used rosehip syrup as a drizzle over yoghurt, or in cocktails, such as a rosehip Bellini.
“Hawthorn berries are also plentiful – rich, tangy and sweet, they can be made into chutneys and jams to accompany a cheeseboard.
“While greenery is sparse, you can still find wood sorrel (tastes like lemon juice or apple peel) and bittercress, which add a lovely peppery bite to winter salads.” James Wood, professional forager, Totally Wild UK
Fantastic films
In the cinema, Bill Nighy stars in Joy, a glorious film about the birth of IVF (out on 15 November), while Ralph Fiennes plays a cardinal battling to become the next Pope in Conclave (out on 29 November), an adaptation of Robert Harris’s 2016 novel. For Disneyphiles, Moana 2 is out on 27 November and the photorealistic animation prequel Mufasa: The Lion King on 20 December. Rather curl up at home to watch a film? Don’t miss Wallace & Gromit’s first feature length film in 19 years, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, on BBC One on Christmas Day.
Light trails
Sandringham Estate, Kew Wakehurst in West Sussex, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and Antrim Castle Gardens are just a few of the stunning locations showcasing dazzling trails this winter. These family-friendly events offer breathtaking light displays, scenic walking trails, and festive food and drink stalls.
Winter warmers
“There’s nothing better than a mulled wine or a hot chocolate to warm the soul on a cold winter’s night, and these treats can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation over the festive period. Choosing a hot chocolate with a higher cocoa content may be more beneficial for your health, considering dark chocolate has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may also contribute to enhancing cognition and your mood.” Rhiannon Lambert, registered nutritionist and author of ‘The Science of Nutrition’
New music
After a summer dominated by Charlie XCX and Sabrina Carpenter, it can be easy to forget that there are other artists out there. New albums from Gwen Stefani (Bouquet), Mary J Blige (Gratitude) and Shawn Mendes (Shawn), all being released on 15 November, will remind us this is not the case. Meanwhile, Joan Armatrading will bring her blend of rock, pop and folk to her album How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean out on 22 November, while the American rapper Snoop Dogg will release his 20th album, Missionary, on 13 December, featuring collaborators from Eminem to Sting.
Boosted immunity
“While flu and colds are more common in winter, some studies suggest that brief exposure to cold air may strengthen the immune system – as your body adapts to the colder temperatures, it can boost its ability to fight off infections. To keep illness at bay, get outside in the fresh air but do wrap up warm, eat a balanced diet and prioritise sleep.” Dr Deborah Lee
Panto season
We may pretend we are going for the kids, but there is something irresistible about pantomime for adults, too. Jason Manford will star in Cinderella at Manchester Opera House, while in Richmond, west London, you can catch Maureen Lipman in Beauty and the Beast. Glasgow’s King’s Theatre is getting a rendition of Peter Pan, Stoke’s Regent Theatre is being treated to Dick Whittington, and Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre is being graced by Aladdin.
Wintry walks
“There are countless reasons to bundle up and head out for a winter walk. Fresh air and natural light can significantly lift your mood by boosting serotonin levels, which tend to dip during the shorter, darker days. This can be particularly helpful for those who experience seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, exercising in the cold provides a unique cardiovascular challenge, as your body works harder to regulate its temperature, giving your heart an extra workout. The combination of mental and physical benefits makes winter walks a powerful way to stay healthy and energised during the colder months.” Dr Deborah Lee
Advent calendars
Is it completely mad that you can now get everything from crisps to cheese in an Advent calendar? Yes. Is there also something a little bit exciting about the fact there is a calendar to please everyone nowadays? Definitely.
Roaring fires
Feeling the warmth of an open log fire is one of life’s great joys. For gloriously cosy pubs where you can sit beside crackling flames, try: The Fox at Oddington, Gloucestershire; The Blue Bell, York’s smallest taproom; The Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk, Co Durham, a wood-panelled 18th century inn; or The Down Inn, a family-run watering hole in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Want to recreate the same effect at home but don’t have a fire? Bring up YouTube (on a smart TV if you have it), search “fireplace” and play one of the lovely videos which give your home that warm and cosy feel.
Time for creativity
“The winter months can provide an uninterrupted opportunity to focus on personal development or creative hobbies that we may have been putting off. For example, reading or writing can offer an escape, expand our knowledge, or help us process our thoughts. Engaging in creative activities such as painting or crafting can help to release stress, promote relaxation and foster a sense of achievement. These activities provide both mental stimulation and a sense of fulfilment, offering a welcome break from the demands of everyday life.” Helen Wells
Festive markets
Expect to find a variety of festive markets popping up across the country. Enjoy a warm mulled wine at the Christmas markets in Winchester, Bath, Belfast, and Cardiff, glide across the ice at Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland or Dundee’s WinterFest, or explore the handcrafted gifts at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market – the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria.
Gardening
“Winter may be a quieter time for UK gardens, but there is still plenty of enjoyment to be had from gardening. Winter aconites, snowdrops, hellebores and winter irises all flower in the colder months, while it is a good time to harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage and sprouts. With less pressing jobs to do, take the opportunity to prepare for spring by planting and pruning fruit trees and bushes.” Royal Horticultural Society
Cosy knitwear
You can’t do a hygge winter without bundling yourself up in knitwear. A low-cost way of getting some new hats, jumpers and scarves is by looking at Vinted or Thrift+, where you can buy them second-hand. Or teach yourself how to knit – this pastime does wonders for your wellbeing.
Festive specials
There is something lovely about Christmas television and this year’s schedule is one of the best in a long time. Call the Midwife, always one of the most beloved shows in the Christmas TV calendar, will be set in 1969 ahead of next year’s series taking place in the 70s, while Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan will guest-star in Doctor Who’s festive special.
After an eight-year hiatus, the hilarious family sitcom Outnumbered, which stars Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner, is coming back for a festive episode, and Death in Paradise will introduce us to its new lead, Don Gilet, who is set to play DI Mervin Wilson in the new series following Ralph Little’s departure.
And of course Gavin and Stacey will be gracing our screens for the final ever time with its Christmas special, five years after the last episode left us on a humdinger of a cliffhanger.
Winter light
Yes, the days are short and dark, but there is something quite special about the way that winter sun, lower in the sky at this time of year, floods our homes with a soft, silky light.
