14 things to do in an airport if your flight is delayed this holiday season

But a delay doesn't have to lead to boredom. Many airports across the US have activities and features designed to entertain weary travelers. For example, the Denver International Airport offers a free ice rink during the winter months, and the San Francisco International Airport has an Instagram-famous therapy pig to cuddle.

Keep scrolling to discover more fun things you can do while waiting for your delayed flight this holiday season.

Go ice skating.

If you're in Denver for the holidays — or rather, you're stranded in the Denver International Airport for a few hours — and you're tired of sitting around, you can go ice skating.

The airport offers an outdoor plaza ice rink during the winter months, open daily from

Take in some art.

Many airports have art installations and cool architectural features that go unnoticed by the average hurried traveler.

If you're stuck in an airport for a while, why not check out your surroundings and see if you can discover something beautiful? The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has over

Snuggle a pig.

LAX has something called a Pets Unstressing Passengers program (PUP)

Hit the town.

Many airports in the US and abroad have shuttles to transport travelers from the outside world straight to their terminal. Why not reverse that this season, if you have an afternoon to kill?

Chicago's public transit has a train called the Blue Line that runs directly from O'Hare to downtown Chicago in around 40 minutes, just in case you need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping on The Magnificent Mile.

Have a Michelin-worthy meal.

Airports across the US — and even the world — are upping their game in terms of restaurants. If you do a little digging, there may be a one-of-a-kind dining experience right across the terminal.

Hit the gym.

Many airports in the US offer gyms and fitness centers to their travelers. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of them — they even have a " target="_blank"

Some airports even have yoga rooms. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport offers one that features

Listen to some live music.

Who said the holidays are just for Christmas music?

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport has a program called "Harmony in the Air," which features live performances from jazz, classical, and international musicians, all designed to help passengers de-stress and "."

And if the airport you're in doesn't have live music, take advantage of the free WiFi and listen to your favorite playlists until you (finally) get up in the air.

Or listen to carolers.

'Tis the season at Washington-Dulles Airport in Virginia, where holiday travelers are greeted by Christmas trees and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. If you zoom by on the Aerotrain, you can see giant ornaments and decorations hanging from the ceiling, too.

The airport also offers Christmas caroling and classical music performances.

Get nostalgic.

Airports used to look very different. And what better time to get nostalgic about it than during the holidays? The Miami International Airport has monitors outside Concourse F that play vintage clips showing

Get a blowout.

Many airports are home to spas and nail salons, like LaGuardia in New York. The Warren Tricomi salon is known for giving killer blowouts in under 20 minutes, and its Xpres Spas specialize in fast massages, facials, and manicures.

The Delta

Treat yourself to some time in a lounge.

The popular discourse surrounding airport lounges is that they're restricted to frequent flyers (or those who pay for the pricey annual memberships). But there are some cheaper options and day passes for those who feel like "lounging" while they wait.

One-day passes for

Shop 'til you drop.

Nearly every airport has Duty Free shopping — it's an opportunity for international travelers

However, according to USA Today's Reader's Choice Awards 2017, the San Diego International Airport is the best in the US for some retail therapy, as it has tons of high-end national and international brands as well as locally-themed shops.

Shoot your shot at a slot machine.

Of course, the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas has slot machines.

The machines can be found all over the airport, and as long as you've got a little cash on you (and you're over 21) you can play. Who knows — you might win some spare money to make up for all that holiday shopping.

According to winthebet.com, there have been a fair share of six-figure wins at McCarran, and someone actually hit the $3.9 million jackpot on a "Wheel of Fortune" Machine.

Take a much-needed nap.

This is an evergreen option, but it's even more appealing during the holiday season, when stress is at an all-time high.

Napping in airports is an art. You don't have to take up an entire row of seats, but there are ways you can get comfortable. There's even a blog devoted to the art form — fittingly called Sleeping In Airports — that offers tips, such as sleeping with an arm or a leg over your bags so that if someone tries to steal them, you'll wake up.

Trip Advisor user "bestcornishcat" recommends getting an "announcement buddy" if you're travelling alone, so that while you sleep, your new "buddy" stays up, pays attention to flight updates, and wakes you if there are any changes.

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14 things to do in an airport if your flight is delayed this holiday season

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