The start of a new year is a celebration for people around the world. It’s common to mark the occasion with fireworks, countdowns, and champagne. For those who indulge too much on New Year’s Eve or stay up past midnight, January 1 can be a day to recover. However, spending New Year’s Day in nature is an excellent way to enjoy the first few hours of the new year.

  • Go hiking. Spending time in freshly fallen snow and crisp air can be a great way to recharge and start the new year. State America’s Hike Parks created First Day Hikes to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors. They are held across the U.S.
  • Host a firepit brunch. Spending time around the firepit might seem like an activity just for autumn evenings, but you don’t need dusk to enjoy an outdoor fire. Dress warmly and gather friends around a firepit or outdoor fireplace. Swap s’mores for cheese cubes on sticks, warmed and slightly melted over the open flames.
  • Waterfront activities. Western New York offers numerous winter ice activities, most notably at Canalside, which features ice skating, curling, and ice bumper cars. Also, Buffalo RiverWorks hosts open ice skating, hockey tournaments, and curling. See https://buffaloriverworks.com/things-to-do/winter-spring for more information

  • Beyond the waterfront. Outdoor options include sledding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at local parks and resorts

  • Indoor Activities. When you need a break from the cold, consider visiting the Buffalo Museum of Science or the Explore & More Children’s Museum. 

New Year’s Day doesn’t have to be all about headaches and sleeping in. Spending time outdoors is a great way to enjoy the start of a fresh year.