Winter, a time for staying in
Wintertime brings along lower temperatures, less daylight and days that call for us to stay home. But it also offers a chance to relax, regroup and manage our time more mindfully. That doesn’t mean all activities must cease! It’s just an opportunity to change things up and move things indoors.
Whether you enjoy social activities or prefer the solitude of your own home, winter gives you ample chance to relax, be inspired and fill your days with beautiful moments.
Home, sweet home
Winter weather makes staying home an attractive and sometimes necessary option. And since you spend more time at home, why not make the best of it? Winter is the ideal time of the year for all these little organization projects that you keep postponing: cleaning out the closets, de-clattering or making small changes to your home decor, to make your personal space more comfortable and pleasant.
And since home is now all cozy and warm, it's time to let yourself relax in it, by practicing the art of hygge, as the Danish call it. Plan for a “do nothing” day, enjoy a hot bath and offer yourself all the care and pampering you deserve. Once your batteries are recharged, you can make new plans and dream about your next endeavors, stress-free, going over ideas or coming up with a plan for new experiences.
Imagination and creativity
For anyone with young children, staying at home can be an opportunity for play, artistic expression and quality time. Winter is the best time for activities that stimulate the imagination and, at the same time, create common experiences and valuable memories:
- Make your own art supplies, e.g. finger paint, clay or slime, using simple and safe materials, such as flour, shaving cream or food coloring.
- Make handicrafts from recyclable materials, e.g. a guitar made from an old shoe box, a kitchen paper roll and rubber bands for strings, and then decorate it.
- Create a memory scrapbook, with drawings, photos and short stories.
- Build a time-capsule with objects and notes you’ll open in the future.
But creativity knows no age. Arts and crafts can be a very relaxing activity for adults as well, helping with their concentration and personal expression. Painting, knitting, crocheting or jewelry-making fill up your time and give you a sense of reward and accomplishment. And if you happen to find that you have a knack for it, why not take advantage? Your creations can turn into something more, whether as personal, customized gifts or as a new source of extra income, through online communities and digital platforms.
Company optional
Winter is also the perfect season to invest time in activities you can do all alone, at your own pace. Gyms, indoor climbing centers and indoor swimming pools keep you active on those days when weather does not permit exercising outdoors. On the other hand, activities such as Pilates and yoga offer a less strenuous but equally rejuvenating experience.
And if you’re feeling more social, your options multiply. Escape rooms can turn a simple outing with friends into a game of strategy and cooperation, while bowling alleys and billiard halls are a sure bet for fun and don’t require a great deal of planning. And of course, a night at the movies with good company is a timeless classic. Coffee shops with board games or reading spaces offer something different than a simple meet-up for coffee, proving that winter does not limit your social life, it just redefines it.
Winter activities at the LAMDA Development destinations
At LAMDA Development we believe that life in the city can and should be better for everyone. This is why we are creating sustainable and modern destinations that prioritize people and upgrade day-to-day life. We are not merely developing spaces, but environments that deliver joy, inspiration and opportunities.
The Ellinikon Experience Center at The Ellinikon Experience Park is open daily with free admission and offers a glimpse into the future. In an interactive, high-tech exhibition, split into 5 thematic areas, visitors of all ages can see the new The Ellinikon city come alive before their eyes, explore the facilities and learn about the largest urban regeneration project in Europe in a fun and exciting way. The technologically advanced Visitor Center is one of the largest of its kind. It is housed in Hangar C of the Hellenic Air Force, originally built in 1950 and completely overhauled, and now listed as a contemporary monument by the Ministry of Culture.
The 4 LAMDA Development malls are always a meeting point for kids and grown-ups alike, offering opportunities for all kinds of activities:
- The Mall Athens – The first and largest mall to open in Greece in 2005, hosting more than 200 shops, is the best proposal for a day full of shopping, culinary experiences and entertainment. Visitors can discover unique flavors in one of its 20 restaurants and enjoy an impressive view of the city from the Urban Roof Garden, the new all-day experience on the 3rd level. Village Cinemas, with 14 ultra-modern movie theaters, complement your visit perfectly, turning it into a complete experience for the entire family.
- Golden Hall – The premium Athens mall is home to XPLORE, an exciting space where children discover the world through play. XPLORE also features the only aquarium in the city, with more than 2,000 fish and marine organisms. Moreover, the Olympic Museum of Athens presents the story of the Olympic Games in the most fascinating way, and also hosts activities such as the Winter Olympic Heroes, an interactive journey of knowledge and play for children, from February to March 2026. Golden Hall is an ever-popular destination, combining shopping with coffee, brunch or lunch at its many cafés and restaurants.
- Mediterranean Cosmos – The most expansive and popular shopping and entertainment destination in Thessaloniki hosts more than 30 restaurants, while the 11 movie theaters of Village Cinemas, the Mind Trap escape room and the kids’ area at the mall are a daily meeting point for families and friend groups. Mediterranean Cosmos is truly a part of daily life for the residents and visitors of Thessaloniki.
- Designer Outlet – The ideal city break outing, just 30 minutes from the center of Athens. Visitors discover unique offers on their favorite brands and enjoy a shopping experience in a pleasant environment. For the younger crowd, February weekends are full of children’s workshops and activities. And the experience is completed with a break at one of the discount village’s cafés and restaurants.