The bars/pubs would be more crowded at the end of the week and there might be brawls. Drinks might be half price one day and guards in that town might not be as effiective the following day from a hangover.

Castle/mine upkeep might be more expensive in the wintertime since you have to heat them.

I wouldn't mind seeing a travelling merchant that arrived at each town once a week and sold random magical and unique goodies, even if they didn't do anything other then to say you have it, like magical rings that change color or something simple and cosmetic or amulets that maybe can create food or water, nothing super powerful but like small things, like nothing above a level 5 effect imo. create light (like darkestaff), create food/water etc, I know that was a bit off topic, but the idea came as i read about having more people in bars at night, which i like that idea. maybe some areas just have more people at night and less during day etc

That would make the towns more alive. have the gates close but for the seedy ones. or have guards ask more questions? or have different stores open at night than during the day.

have mobs go around and light the laterns in the city.

can make it feel alot more alive with that kinda stuff