Columbus, Ohio is located in the Midwest, an area known for its temperamental weather and sometimes tough winters. It’s not uncommon for sudden snowstorms to blanket the Central Ohio region, making it into a beautiful but chilly landscape. Here are a few of our favorite pastimes for those snowy winter days.

Go to a hockey game. Columbus has been home to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a National Hockey League team, since their establishment in 2000. The team plays in Nationwide Arena and has experienced a growing fan base due to their past few years of successful seasons. When the game is over, you can visit some of the many bars and restaurants in the Arena District to celebrate a victory or mourn a loss with fellow hockey fans.

Get crafty. Does your apartment need a bit of decorating? You can stay cozy while you’re experiencing the new trend of craft studios, where you design and create your own art piece for your home. Check out A&R Workshop, which has locations in Worthington, Grove City, and Pickerington, or Studio 614, (located in Old North Columbus. You get to enjoy creating custom home décor with the help of an instructor and in the company of friends.

Catch a live show.Whether you’re a music buff or theatre lover, Columbus has plenty of live shows to keep you busy during the dreary winter months. The Ohio Theatre is a beautiful historic theatre that frequently features major touring productions—this year they’re hosting Hamilton! If you’re a concert goer, the venue at Express Liveoffers an intimate indoor concert experience, while larger events are frequently held at the Schottenstein Center, which also hosts some of the Ohio State University’s sports teams.

Visit a park. This one requires a bit of bundling up! Make sure you put on your warmest jacket, gloves, and hat before you head out to one of Columbus’s many beautiful metro parks on a snowy day. There you can enjoy sledding, like at the rolling hills of Scioto Park on the banks of the Scioto River. If you’re looking to build a snowman, you can find open space in Goodale Park (close to our Short North Sonnenblick community!) to design your own masterpiece. Make sure to grab some hot cocoa to warm up afterward, though!