Fun Winter Getaway Ideas to Beat the Winter Blues

By the time January rolls around, the sparkle of the holidays has faded, the decorations are packed away, and the holiday letdown quietly sneaks in. The days feel shorter, the skies grayer, and suddenly cabin fever sets up camp in your living room. For many people, this time of year can also bring the winter blues or even seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—that heavy, sluggish feeling that comes from too little sunlight and too much routine. The good news? Winter doesn’t have to be something you “get through.” Sometimes, the best cure is simply getting away.

That’s where long winter weekends come in like a breath of frosty fresh air. January and February are dotted with built-in three-day weekends that practically beg for a mini adventure. (January 19, 2026, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and February 16, 2026, is Presidents' Day.) Think crackling fireplaces, snowy hikes, cozy cabins, ski lodges, or even a sunny southern escape. A short getaway gives families something to look forward to, breaks up the monotony, and creates moments of togetherness when everyone could use a little extra warmth—both literal and emotional.

Why We Have Long Winter Weekends in the First Place

Those treasured three-day weekends didn’t happen by accident. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which officially took effect in 1971. The goal was simple yet powerful: to move certain federal holidays to Mondays, creating more consistent long weekends. Lawmakers recognized that predictable time off boosts morale, encourages travel, and provides families with more opportunities to spend time together. While the act wasn’t created specifically for winter, it unintentionally became a gift during the coldest, darkest months—offering built-in chances to escape routine and reconnect.

Then, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, first observed in 1986. Beyond honoring Dr. King’s legacy, the holiday added another meaningful long weekend right in the heart of January—exactly when people need a lift the most. Together, these holidays form a wintertime rhythm of pause and possibility, reminding us that rest, reflection, and time together matter.

Washington’s Birthday has been part of the American calendar since 1879, but it wasn’t until 1971—thanks again to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act—that it found its modern rhythm. The holiday was shifted to the third Monday in February, creating a much-needed three-day weekend tucked perfectly between the birthdays of George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12). Over time, that timing sparked the popular, unofficial name “Presidents’ Day,” a nod to both leaders and, let’s be honest, to the joy of a long winter weekend. Officially, it’s still called Washington’s Birthday—but for families itching to escape the winter doldrums, it’s become one of winter’s most welcome invitations to pack up the skis and snowboards, head out, and make the most of the season together.

Turning Long Weekends into Winter Magic

These long weekends are perfectly timed to combat cabin fever and SAD by encouraging people to get moving, get outside, and get together. Whether it’s sledding with the kids, snowshoeing through a quiet forest, gathering around a puzzle in a mountain cabin, or sharing hot cocoa after a day in the cold, winter getaways turn the season into something to savor instead of endure.

Where to Find Things to Do in the Winter Within a Short Distance.

If you don't want to travel far from home for a three-day weekend, there are various resources to find the perfect getaway with friends or family. Did you know that each state has its own official website with seasonal things to do and places to have exciting adventures? These online tourism sites are often run by their State Tourist Board (e.g., Visit North Carolina, Visit Pennsylvania, or Discover America), to promote travel and attractions, making it easy to find information on things to do, places to stay, and local events for the state you live in or plan to visit. 

A three-day winter escape doesn’t have to be extravagant—it just has to be intentional. It’s about laughing together in a rented cabin, unplugging from daily stress, and creating traditions that make winter feel special again. Thanks to a little holiday history and a lot of cozy potential, January and February can become some of the most memorable months of the year. So pack the mittens, load up the car, and let winter work for you this time around.

Plan your winter weekend getaway now. What are you waiting for?! Visit Harvest Array's Food and Market Section for breakfast items, soup mixes, and snacks that are perfect for travelling. Enjoy your family time after dinner in front of a cozy fire, without cellphones. Take along a few of our Channel Craft Travel Games for imaginative and competitive play!