Six Unusual Activities to Spend Christmas Like a Viking

As the winter chill sets in and the festive lights twinkle, why not spice up your holiday season with a Viking sprinkle? Pardon the rhyme. From the exhilarating rush of a Polar Bear Plunge to the artistic wonders of Snow Sculpture Contests, each activity offers a Viking-like way to celebrate holidays.

In this guide we'll cover six unique winter outdoor activities and how you can participate in them in your home town or a neighboring state! So, don your warmest cloak (or a down jacket) and embark on new holiday journeys, Ragnar-style!

Polar Bear Plunge

Come the end of December, one might find an unexpected activity trending on Twitter: Polar Bear Plunges. Like the old Northmen who embraced the icy waters as part of their seafaring lifestyle, these modern adventurers bravely dive into frigid temperatures, showcasing their endurance for a different kind of glory.

Polar Bear Plunges are fundraisers that bring people together on New Year’s Day, raise money for charity, and prolong the season of giving beyond Christmas. Fun fact: the Special Olympics is the biggest sponsor of polar bear plunges around the United States!

"I've got a robe and towel waiting. The car will be hot, and I've got a Crock-Pot of chicken noodle soup at home."

Chastity Cincotta for Yahoo News.

Ready to test your willpower? Take a plunge at any of these events and find out!

• Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunges, Portland, Oregon,
• Jacksonport Polar Bear Club in Door County, Wisconsin,
• Warrior Plunge in Pagosa Springs, Colorado,
• UnCruise Alaska Polar Plunge,
• Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

#PolarBearPlunges

Winter Surfing

If you think cold plunges are hard-core, wait until you hear about winter surfing. It’s an activity that resembles sailing the icy North Atlantic, albeit without the crew and on a downsized, paddle- and sail-less boat… board!

While winter surfers aren’t facing the adversity of plundering distant lands, they do conquer something far closer to home and possibly something more challenging - themselves. It's a test of endurance, willpower, discipline, and one's readiness to embrace the discomfort and the elements in their rawest form. And they don’t have to do it alone.

Surfers gather, bonded by the unique challenge of winter waves, creating a community reminiscent of Viking crews. Minus the Drakkar, of course. It's a chance to meet fellow adventurers, to give winter surfing advice, share stories, and to encourage each other in the face of the cold waters.

For those looking to add a dash of adventure to their winter activities, hitting the waves during the holiday season might just be the perfect blend of thrill ‘n’ chill. Sounds good? Here are the top places to go winter surfing this year:

• San Diego, California,
• New Smyrna Beach, Florida,
• Cocoa Beach, Florida,
• Oahu, Hawai’i,
• Grand Haven, Michigan,
• Stoney Point, Minnesota.

Looking for something more challenging than winter surfing this Christmas season? Check out some of these winter surfing events.

Yule Log Hunting

Imagine venturing into the snowy woods, but instead of seeking to overthrow an Earl, you’re in pursuit of the perfect log that will tie your cozy living room design together. It’s a journey that tests your resilience against the chill, your sense of aesthetics for the ideal piece of timber, and your ability to drag it all the way back home.

Yule Log Hunting is less about the hunt and more about reviving a bygone tradition - experiencing how our ancestors marked the winter solstice. The log, typically a large, sturdy piece of wood, was not just fuel for the fire; it was a symbol of warmth, light, and hope during the darkest days of the year. In some traditions, the log is decorated or carved with symbols before being ceremoniously lit, a practice that harks back to the days of Norse mythology.

For those looking for an offbeat and historical way to celebrate the holiday season, Yule Log Hunting offers a perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia. 

Why not attend:

• The Annual Yule Log Hunt in Palmer Lake, Colorado? 
• Or The Great Yule Log Hunt at Livermore, California? 

Why not start the Yule Log Hunt tradition in your own community? It’s a way to connect with the past, celebrate the present, and create some fiery memories the future yule will remember!

Snow Sculpture Contests

Ever thought of turning a grassy lawn into a canvas for art? Well, Snow Sculpture Contests are sort of doing just that, transforming winter’s blanket into a gallery of frozen masterpieces. It’s like a topiary competition, but with less shrubbery, more mittens, and possibly some road slush. 

Teams armed with shovels, chisels, and an array of snow-carving tools, each vying to create the most awe-inspiring sculpture before the sun dips too low. These aren’t your average hometown snowmen; we’re talking root-gnawing dragons, fierce ice giants, frosty castles, and maybe even the Jörmungandr itself.

Snow Sculpture Contests are less about winning and more about celebrating creativity in its coolest form. It’s a song of innocence and experience – to take something as simple as snow and turn it into works of art that would make even a Viking raider drop his axe in wonder.

These contests bring communities together, people wrapped up in scarved smiles as they wander through these temporary icy museums. It’s a place where professional artists and amateur enthusiasts stand side by side.

This winter, check out events like: 

• International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado,
• Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition in Saint Paul, Minnesota,
• Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in Rockford, Illinois,
• Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska, and
• Winterfest & U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Why not grab a pair of gloves and join in? It’s a chance to leave your mark on the snowy canvas of winter - maybe even after Christmas. The U.S. Snow Sculpting Week is celebrated from January 31st to February 4th 2024!

Skijoring

Ever wanted to be propelled by a cowboy on a horse while skiing? If so, do I have an activity for you! Welcome to the world of skijoring, where the untamed spirit of American freedom meets the elegance of Nordic skiing. 

This unique sport might sound like a modern-day invention, but its roots intertwine with Viking history. Imagine ancient Norsemen traversing the frozen fjords, skis strapped to their feet, with their trusty steeds leading the way. Skijoring taps into this same bold spirit of exploration and combines it with a dash of cowboy flair.

As you hold onto the ropes and feel the rush of cold air, you’re not just participating in an obscure winter activity; you’re partaking in a tradition that spans centuries. It's about speed, skill, and a touch of readiness to dine in Valhalla  – qualities that any Viking would admire.

Looking to add a jockey twist to your Christmas celebrations? Head out to any of these snowy locales where horses and skis can join forces:

• Whitefish Ski-Joring, Montana,
• Carnaval de Quebec, Canada,
• Leadville Ski Joring, Colorado,
• Meeker, Colorado,
• Ridgway, Colorado,
• Banff, Alberta, Canada,
• Lewistown, Montana,
• Columbia Falls, Montana,
• Big Sky, Montana,
• Saratoga, Wyoming,
• Sheridan, Wyoming,
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado,
• Craig, Colorado,
• Pinedale, Wyoming,
• Boulder, Montana,
• Heber City, Utah,
• Sundance, Wyoming,
• Silverton, Colorado,
• Bellevue, Idaho,
• Skowhegan, Maine,
• Driggs, Idaho,
• Canterbury Park, Minnesota,
• Wisdom, Montana.

Viking Festivals

If you know who Einar Selvik is, this one's for you. Viking Festivals are a smörgåsbord of activities that celebrate the rich culture and history of the Norse people. There are mock battles, where warriors clash in a display of might and valor reminiscent of ancient sagas. Craftsmen and women showcase their skills, offering a glimpse into the artistry of the Viking Age – from metalworking to weaving.

These festivals often host storytelling sessions, where skalds tell tales of gods, giants, and heroes, underscoring the importance of oral tradition in Viking culture. And let's not forget the feasts that would make any warrior raise their horn in approval.

For those seeking a Christmas season with a chance to experience the rich culture of the Norse people, check out:

• Yuletide Festival, Texas,
• Yule Viking Festival at Avalon, Texas,
• Orlando Renaissance Festival, Florida,
• Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Texas,
• Viking Yule Feast, California,
• Faire of Champions, Texas,
• or any other viking festival near you.

Grab your not-horned helmet, and a mug of mead and celebrate this holiday season like a #ModernViking - by honoring the the old traditions and taking care of your community!

Conclusion

The spirit of adventure doesn't fade with the season. These six experiences offer more than just a twist to your holiday celebrations; they invite you to embrace a more daring approach to life. So, as the festive lights dim, carry the newfound Viking vigor into the new year! 

Let it inspire you to seek out new horizons, create lasting memories, and, perhaps, make traditions of your own with your closest crew. Skål to a year filled with adventure and discovery!

Featured image by: AndrewJ.