Trudging through the snow during a Western New York winter is better when your destination is fireside. An old-fashioned bonfire can feed your soul when you’re longing for sunshine and warmer weather, and outdoor relaxation can help break up the monotonous feeling of cold, dark, and wet days as exposure to daylight and sunshine is reduced mid-winter in the (585). Grab a favorite beverage to unwind with, make a pot of cocoa for the neighborhood kids, and catch up with each other while surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.
Let your crockpot shine
Crockpot recipes (like Francesca’s Chuck Roast Soup) can make winter cooking easy and simple. Enjoy a bowl of a winter stew, a serving of piping-hot chili, or some homemade meatballs served on rolls while embracing the fireside glow of the season. Alternately, fill up the crockpot with apple cider and mulling spices so guests can enjoy a warm drink.
Hearty noshing
Encourage friends to take part in the fun by bringing a treat to share. Ideas include a hot chocolate tray with mix-ins like marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes to add to a pot of cocoa (like Bridget’s hot chocolate). A rustic winter charcuterie board also provides great snack ing for a large group. Stop by a local butcher or market for some fresh cut meats to add to a selection of crackers, apples, olives, and jams.
Get moving
The camaraderie is endless with winter bonfires, and the smiles pair well with outdoor activities like hand-led sledding on an inflatable tube along randomly shoveled pathways in the yard. Touch (or tackle!) football might make an appearance during a winter party, too. Kids often love creating an outdoor fort, so offer them kitchen containers and bowls to help them shape bricks from snow. Don’t forget a scarf, a carrot, and some buttons so they can also dress their own snowman.
Winter camping
If fires are not allowed within your city limits, consider heading to the nearest campground and embrace camping.
Some camping sites, like Allegany Stat Park, offer year-round camping in winterized cabins equipped with electricity and room for four or six people per cabin. Book a cabin in the Quaker or Red House area of the park. These cabins offer heat and kitchens for a fully functioning winter camping experience.
Whether you’re under the pines with some of your favorite people or huddled together on the back patio, memories made by the fire pit can last a lifetime.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of (585).
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