Know the risk: Common winter activities and COVID-19

Always keep in mind the number of people present, the space you're in, and make sure you wear a mask in all activities when not with members of your household.

Keep in mind that to make activities safe and low risk, you should:

  • Wear a mask when with others outside of your household
  • Always keep a distance of at least six feet from others
  • Wash your hands often

Celebrations

Illustration of a house
Low risk

Gathering with members of your household or attending virtual celebrations

Illustration of a stocking cap
Medium risk

Attending a small outdoor gathering with people outside your household

Illustration of a steaming bowl of soup
High risk

Attending an indoor gathering with people outside your household

Shopping

Illustration of a hand selecting a link
Low risk

Shop online for holiday gifts

Illustration of a clock
Medium risk

Shop in stores during less crowded days or times

Illustration of a full shopping bag
High risk

Shop in crowded stores

Gift giving

Illustration of a postage stamp featuring a snowflake
Low risk
  • Exchange gifts with members of your household
  • Send gifts through the mail
  • Using contact-free drop off to give a gift
  • Making donations virtually
Illustration of a hand holding a gift box
Medium risk

Small outdoor gathering to exchange gifts with people outside your household

Illustration of a gift box
High risk

Exchanging gifts indoors with people outside your household

Travel

Illustration of a fireplace
Low risk

Stay home

Illustration of a car
Medium risk

Take a short car trip with limited stops

Illustration of an airplane
High risk
  • Travel by plane
  • Go on a cruise

Other activities

Illustration of a person throwing a snowball
Low risk
  • Taking a nature walk
  • Sledding
  • Having a snowball fight with members of your household
  • Decorating your home
  • Writing letters to Santa
Illustration of a person ice skating
Medium risk
  • Ice skating or skiing during less crowded days or times
  • Socially distant bonfires
Illustration of a music note
High risk
  • Caroling
  • Visiting Santa Claus in person
  • Attending an indoor sporting event
Choose one of these 31 ways to celebrate the holidays safely
Learn more about COVID-19 and how to fight it
Last reviewed: 
December 2020

Interested in using our health content?

Use of Health Topics