Daylight Savings 2023: 11 Fun and Creative Ways To Enjoy the Darkness

Blog | November 6th, 2023

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, Daylight Savings Time brings with it an extra hour of darkness in the evening. Instead of grieving those earlier sunsets, celebrate a world of exciting opportunities that time changes bring. From stargazing to cozy family activities, here are 11 fun and creative ways to make the most of the darkness while we attempt to save daylight in 2023!

Stargazing Extravaganza

With darkness arriving earlier, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the night sky. Dust off your telescope or simply lay a blanket on the ground and watch the stars twinkle. You can even download stargazing apps to help you identify constellations and planets.

Evening Walks

Immerse in the peace of dark evening hours with a slow soothing walk where the moon lights your way. The crisp air and serenity of a world draped in darkness can provide an outdoor experience that can’t be found behind sunglasses and crowds. Just make sure to bring a flashlight if the moon hides behind a cloud and dims your way.

Fireside Puppet Shadows

Unleash your inner child and the animals you can make by the light of a fire with shadow puppetry. Your whole family can join in and guess the images the other makes. All you need is a light source and a wall to create magical shapes and figures. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Campfire Storytelling

While you have that campfire going, share ghost stories or make up your own terrific tales. If the weather won’t cooperate, use your indoor fireplace for the same delightful effect. Grab some sleeping bags and make it an inside camp out in case some attendees fall asleep early.

DIY Movie Night

Turn your living room into a movie theater with dimmed lights, fresh buttered popcorn and boxes theater style candy from the dollar store. Since the darker days kick off many holiday festivities, make your movies fit the season accompanied foods that also fit the movie. For example, a lovely cheese pizza for Home Alone, Spaghetti for Elf and everything green for the Grinch!

Crush Boredom with Board Games

Since you’ll be indoors earlier, pull out those games you got last Christmas but have been too busy to play. Board games, card games, puzzles and more will be a bright spot when the darker hours take over.

Nighttime Gardening

Illuminate your garden with the magic of fairy lights and other glowing options. When it’s dark you can immediately see the placement with no do overs needed!

Cook Up a Storm

Prepare for future snowstorms by cooking meals that can be frozen. You’ll have a quick and easy warm up for hearty meals and full tummies on those blustery days or nights. There’s nothing like good food and great times with family after daylight hours have gone to sleep.

Mini Thanksgiving Celebrations

Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of early evenings and create a prelude to Thanksgiving with an intimate, slow paced, themed dinner before the chaotic big family gathering. Cook a turkey breast and savor the smell. Add a simple side and a slice of a premade Cracker Barrel pecan pie for the feel, family fun and time to be truly thankful!

Nighttime Photography

Just as there’s no place like home, there’s no place like darkness for nighttime photography. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, capturing the beauty of the night can be a thrilling and creative experiment that can include long-exposure shots to capture mesmerizing light trails and unique surprises!

Flashlight Tag

Not quite sleepy when the new bedtime arrives? Run out the energy with a few games of flashlight tag in your yard. By the time the last one is out…everyone will be ready for all lights out!