As cold air sets in, finals week creeps closer. However, after finals is a one- month break between the fall and spring semesters. This opens up the college student’s schedule. It leaves more time to spend at work making money, but it also leaves more free time to relax and enjoy. We’ve complied a list of 10 winter activities that can be enjoyed during that free time.

1. Lights Under Louisville is an underground light show located in Louisville’s MEGA Cavern. There are two million points of light and 850 Christmas light displays Jeremy Priddy, MEGA Caverns phone operator, said.

“They start setting up about a week before we open,” Priddy said. “The display is pretty much the same year to year. They switch out a few displays though.”

They are open Monday through Friday 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. The cost is $25 for a car, truck, SUV or mini van. The drive takes 30 to 40 minutes, Priddy said. This is a great way to bring friends together and drive through a beautiful light display.

2.Coffee shops are another great option for winter fun and relaxation. Visit with friends or alone. Chat with friends, read a book, listen to music or sit and enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

“I feel that the warm décor, low lights, typically low volume workspace and good drinks are a fair explanation of why coffee shops are so inviting,” Lindsay Lindsey, biochemistry junior said.

Coffee Crossings, located on Charlestown Road in front of the movie theater, is close to campus, but there are also various other coffee shops that can be enjoyed.

3. Movies are a way to bring friends together. Take a trip to the movie theater to see the newest movies.

“I like going to the movies better than staying home,” Michell Evans, biology junior said. “You get to experience more, like the smell of popcorn, other people, and the screen is huge. It’s loud, and it’s fun.”

There are two Regal theaters in the area, one on Charlestown Road and a smaller one located behind Bass Pro Shop between Louis and Clark Parkway and Veterans Parkway.

4. Bowling is another way to have fun and stay warm during the winter months. It can be competitive for the skilled bowler or a time to have fun and hope to hit some pins. There are multiple bowling allies around the area. Blackiston Bowl is located on Blackiston Mill Road off Louis and Clark Parkway. There is also Hoosier Lanes Strike and Spare located on the corner of State Street and Daisy Lane.

5. Ice skating can be chilly, but also exciting. Gliding on the ice is great exercise as well. While it isn’t exactly easy, it can be learned and enjoyed. There are two ice rinks in Louisville — Alpine Ice Arena on Gardiner Lane and Iceland Sports Complex on Ups Drive. Downtown Jeffersonville also opens an outdoor ice rink on Spring Street from Nov. 29, through Jan. 26. The outdoor rink helps make the holidays more exciting.

6. While going to the movies is fun, staying home in pajamas and enjoying a holiday film can be just as enjoyable. Sip on eggnog and find a Christmas movie that is funny, serious or sweet and enjoy a warm night indoors.

7. For a wonderland adventurer there is always skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. This won’t be a warm activity; however the amount of movement will help warm the participants. It is also a great exercise. Paoli Peaks is approximately an hour drive to the Paoli Township near Paoli, Indiana. Paoli has 15 trails for skiing and snowboarding and nine lanes for snow tubing according to paolipeaks.com.

8. A warmer activity is baking. Sweets are a holiday staple, so what a better way to entertain oneself than break out the blender and start whipping together delicious desserts? Friends would love to come keep a baker company to taste all of the goodies as well.

9. Lately Uptown Art has been getting business; however, these painting classes can be expensive. To keep the cost low, host a painting party. Invite friends and family to join in painting festivities. Even if nobody present has artistic skills it can be great fun to see the creations at the end of the night.

10. Board games may sound rather boring, but finding the right game is key. Get together with friends and test out different board games seeing which are the most entertaining. It can help pass time on cold winter nights.

These activities should help alleviate some winter boredom and leave lasting memories with family and friends.