There is something undeniably enchanting about the first snow of the season. The world goes quiet, the air feels sharp and clean, and suddenly even the most ordinary backyard looks like a scene from a holiday card. This year, the Farmers’ Almanac is promising what it calls “an old-fashioned winter,” predicting “cold, snow, a bit of a warm-up, and then, yes, more cold and snow.” Translation: the chill is here to stay. But instead of retreating indoors and waiting for April, what if you leaned into that chill of the season and gave your outdoor space the starring role of the season?
That is exactly what a fire feature makes possible. Add a fire pit or fireplace, and suddenly your patio stops being a summer-only destination and starts working year-round. Picture stepping outside on a crisp January evening, breath rising in the air, and gathering with friends around a crackling fire. There is a kind of luxury in being able to sip hot cocoa outside while snowflakes swirl overhead, wrapped in a blanket with toes stretched toward the warmth. With the right setup, winter evenings become less about hiding from the cold and more about savoring it.
And the beauty of it all is that this choice is not just about atmosphere. Fire features are proven crowd-pleasers, scoring a near-perfect 9.7 out of 10 on the National Association of Realtors’ Joy Score. Seventy-eight percent of homeowners who add one say they feel a greater desire to be at home, while seventy-three percent report an increased sense of enjoyment. Even better, these upgrades recover more than half their cost when it comes time to sell, offering a practical return alongside the cozy glow. Winter may be long, snowy, and full of icy mornings, but with a fire feature at the heart of your backyard, it transforms into a season worth savoring, not just enduring.
What Does the Almanac Actually Say?
Every year, the Farmers’ Almanac has a way of stirring up conversation with its long-range forecasts, and this winter’s outlook is no exception. Editor Sandi Duncan told USA Today that we’re in for “an old-fashioned winter.” Translation? Think plenty of snow, biting cold, and just enough warm-ups to tease you before the flurries start again. The 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be a true test of mittens, patience, and maybe your snow blower.
If the Almanac’s 209th edition is right, the chill is arriving early this year, sneaking into northern states even before the December 21 solstice. And once it sets in, don’t expect it to leave quickly. New England, the Great Lakes, and the Northern Plains are forecasted to feel winter’s grip well into spring, with big storms and bone-chilling cold snaps predicted for January and February. Meanwhile, the Midwest is looking at a snowy New Year’s followed by brisk winds that stretch through March.
The rest of the country won’t be spared, either. Here’s a quick peek at what the Almanac says is on the horizon for different regions:
- Northeast and New England: frequent snowstorms in January and February, with the coldest stretches hitting mid-month
- Midwest and Great Lakes: a snowy start to the year, a big storm in early February, and winds that linger well into March
- Northwest: chilly, wet days ahead with excellent snowpack for skiers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington
- North Central States: a “classic winter wonderland” lasting into March, and in some spots, even into Easter
- Southeast: mostly average temperatures, but with wetter-than-usual periods and the chance for snow in the Appalachians
- Texas and Southern Plains: wetter than average overall, with icy rain and cold snaps mixed in
- Southwest: near-average temperatures paired with wetter-than-normal conditions
In other words, no matter your zip code, there’s a good chance this winter will have you craving warmth, comfort, and a cozy fire feature to make your outdoor space just as inviting as your living room.
Why Fire Features Work So Well in Winter
When the days get shorter and the nights turn frosty, a fire feature has a way of transforming a backyard into the coziest room in the house, only without the walls. On the practical side, fire pits and fireplaces offer warmth, creating a natural gathering spot where family and friends can linger even as the temperatures dip. Add in the glow of the flames and the gentle crackle of burning wood or gas logs, and suddenly the outdoors feels more welcoming than ever.
But fire features are more than just practical heaters. They double as statement pieces that can elevate the entire design of your outdoor space. For some, that means a dramatic stone fireplace built into the patio, giving the yard the feel of a luxury lodge retreat. For others, it might be a sleek fire table that anchors a modern setup or a rustic fire pit that invites marshmallow roasting under a snowy sky. The flexibility of design means there’s truly a fire feature to match every style, whether your aesthetic leans classic, contemporary, or something in between. Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of fire features is their adaptability to different spaces. Even the smallest patios can fit a modest fire bowl, while sprawling backyards can accommodate large-scale fireplaces that serve as outdoor focal points. The beauty of these installations is that they don’t have to be extravagant to deliver maximum impact. With thoughtful placement and the right materials, a fire feature makes any outdoor area feel purposeful, polished, and warm.
And at the end of the day, it’s not about braving the cold or extending the grilling season. It’s about the lifestyle upgrade. A fire pit or fireplace turns a patch of yard into a destination, a place for conversations, laughter, or simply staring into the flames with a blanket wrapped tight. It’s that perfect mix of practicality and indulgence that makes fire features the star of winter living.
Joy Factor Backed by Research
If you need more than glowing embers and s’mores to be convinced, the numbers make a pretty strong case. According to the National Association of REALTORS Remodeling Impact Report, adding a fire feature doesn’t just warm up your backyard, it lights up your whole sense of home. Fire features scored an impressive 9.7 out of 10 Joy Score, one of the highest of any outdoor project surveyed. That kind of number isn’t just about function, it’s about how people actually feel once the project is complete. The report found that 78 percent of homeowners said they experience more enjoyment at home after installing a fire feature, while 73 percent reported a stronger desire to spend time at home.
Even better, 70 percent said the project gave them a major sense of accomplishment, proving that the payoff isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. Taken together, these stats highlight what many of us already know deep down. A fire feature isn’t just about beating the cold or checking off a design trend. It’s about creating a place that feels alive, a place where you actually want to spend your evenings instead of rushing inside at the first hint of frost. The data backs it up, fire pits and fireplaces transform backyards into sanctuaries and elevate homes from shelters to destinations.
Practical Return on Investment
When it comes to outdoor living upgrades, few projects strike the balance between lifestyle and value like fire pits and fireplaces. They are not just decorative pieces; they extend the season of your backyard, create instant gathering spots, and add a sense of polish that resonates with both homeowners and future buyers. The return here is twofold, emotional in the joy of nightly fireside moments and practical in how the feature boosts a property’s appeal on the market.
According to a survey of more than 6,000 Realtors, a ten foot diameter natural stone gas fire pit yields on average a 67 percent return on investment. Costs vary depending on whether you install a permanent fixture or choose something more mobile, but the numbers show a consistent pattern. Put $6,000 into a professional installation and you can expect roughly $4,000 back at resale. While you might not profit outright, you are investing in something that makes your home stand out to buyers. The American Society of Landscape Architects’ Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey supports this idea, ranking fire pits and backyard fireplaces as the most popular outdoor design element, even ahead of lighting, seating, and dining areas.
Real estate professionals confirm what these surveys suggest: buyers notice fire features. Pete Veres, an agent in Albuquerque, explains that even in a hot and dry climate, the right type of fire pit adds real marketability. Permanent, walled installations especially catch attention and signal a well-planned outdoor space. “In most cases, people like it,” Veres said. “It’s appealing when you have a landscaped yard. What that allows you to do is push the price to the top of the market to try to recoup some of that cost.” Beyond statistics, this highlights the intangible ROI. Buyers are more likely to pay at the upper end of a price range when your property feels complete, livable, and ready for year round enjoyment.
To summarize, fire features deliver value in ways that extend beyond a single percentage:
- Strong ROI averaging between 56 and 67 percent depending on type and installation
- Boost in marketability, helping sellers compete at the top of their price range
- Emotional ROI, offering daily enjoyment and more meaningful time spent at home
The takeaway is clear. Fire pits and fireplaces may not guarantee a dollar for dollar return, but they enhance your home’s desirability, its perceived value, and your own quality of life. These are returns that are hard to measure but impossible to ignore.
Bringing It All Together
As winter approaches and the Farmers’ Almanac promises a season of cold snaps, swirling snow, and long nights, fire features offer more than just warmth. They create a natural anchor for gathering, a reason to linger outside even when the air turns crisp, and a sense of personality that elevates the entire home. A rustic stone fireplace can bring a timeless charm, while a sleek modern fire table adds a touch of sophistication. In both cases, the effect is the same: comfort, connection, and an undeniable boost to livability.
The numbers prove that homeowners are not just dreaming when they install these features. From high joy scores in national surveys to measurable returns at resale, installing outdoor fire pits and fireplaces are investments in both lifestyle and property value. They may not guarantee a profit, but they deliver something more lasting, offering a sense of place and an atmosphere that makes a home feel like the best version of itself. When the first snow falls this season and the Almanac’s predictions come true, a fire flickering in the yard will be there to welcome you into winter with open arms.
