One thing I always prioritize during the holiday season is spending time with my loved ones. The year goes by in a flash as we are all busy with work, school, or other obligations. So when the year’s end comes around, I like to spend time enjoying my loved one’s company. My favorite way to do that is with holiday-themed outings and events. This is why today I want to talk about some winter date ideas.
There are so many fun activities to do to get in the winter spirit. I don’t live in an area where it snows, so this article will talk about both snowy and non-snowy winter date ideas. You can still enjoy the winter season without snow! I have been doing it my whole life!
I wrote a post similar to this, full of autumn date ideas, which you can see here! A lot of those activities would also work during the winter season! Just add a little bit of winter spice to them!
All of the winter date ideas on this list can be done with anyone you enjoy spending time with. You can visit snow with your best friend or host a game night with your entire family. There is no limit to who you can enjoy the winter season with!
Why Go on Winter-Themed Dates?
So, why should you even worry about going on winter-themed dates, when you can just continue going on regular dates?
Firstly, they are fun. I am in full support of living life to the fullest, and one way to do that is by enjoying the present moment. Well, the present moment is winter, at least for those in the northern hemisphere, so enjoy it! Find all the joy that winter has to offer and grab it! What do you have to lose?
Going on holiday-themed dates is also a great way to build memories with your partner. When you look back at your relationship, do you want all your dates to be movies and dinner? Obviously, there is nothing wrong with movie and dinner dates, but taking time to have memorable moments with your partner will pay off in the long run.
Where Can I Find Winter-Themed Activities in my Area?
Although a lot of the winter date ideas on this list can be done anywhere, some depend on local access to certain venues. So, how are you supposed to find these local wintery activities?
- Google! Simply google “Winter Activities in [insert city]” and you will find lists of things going on near you.
- Facebook! Another great way to find local events is joining your city’s Facebook group! Most cities have one now, where people post about local news and events.
- Check the local newspaper! Most events will advertise in the local newspaper, so grab one next time you are at the grocery store and see what you can find!
- Ask around! I know, as an introvert that is the last thing I want to do. Talk to people… no way! But asking around is a great place to start when looking for local winter activities.
- Check outside your city! Don’t just focus on your city, look at the surrounding area in your state. You might find some fun activities only a short hour drive away that you would have never known about if you never looked. The drive can be a part of the date!
What are Some Winter Date Ideas?
1. Go Ice-Skating
This date idea is both fun and physical. What is more wintery than going ice-skating? Bundle up with your partner and head to your local skate rink! A lot of cities create ice rinks during the winter season, so check out what is happening locally! You might find an adorable skate rink perfect for a holiday-themed date!
Or check out your local year-round skating rink. Their online website should have open-skate hours available for the public.
2. Play in the Snow
Of course, this winter date idea is only possible if you have snow nearby, but if you do, go! Playing in the snow is a great way to embrace your inner child! There are so many fun things you can do in the snow!
- Build a snowman
- Sled, ski, snowboard, etc.
- Snowball fight
- Snowy couples photo shoot
This is a great way to spend the entire day with your partner! Don’t forget to grab a hot cocoa or hot coffee on the way home to defrost after a long day spent in the snow. Check out the local shops in the area to find a cozy café to stop in!
3. Holiday Movie Marathon
Of course, I am always a fan of staying in! Create a list of both of your favorite holiday movies and spend the day cuddled up on the couch watching them all. My favorite are Hallmark Christmas movies! Don’t forget the warm drinks and holiday-themed snacks!
- Popcorn drizzeled with white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes
- Chocolate fudge squares
- Holiday cookies
- Peppermint hot cocoa
- Hot sugar-cookie latté (check out this recipe to make one at home!)
Pair your Christmas movie marathon with a cooking date! Create a delicious winter-themed meal and eat it while watching the movie!
Bonus, watching movies is a fantastic way to get close with your partner. Winter is a cold season, which is the perfect excuse to cuddle if your love language is physical touch!
4. Drive Around and Look at Christmas Lights
This has been a tradition in my household since I was a kid, I love piling the whole family into the car and looking at Christmas lights!
But this would also make a romantic winter-themed date idea! Grab a coffee or hot cocoa to go and drive around your city, trying to find the best holiday lights!
Many cities host holiday light contests! Take a tour of the winners to see the best Christmas house decorations in town! You can usually find a list of the winners in your local newspaper or on your city’s website
5. Visit a Local Holiday Craft Fair
I am a sucker for homemade gifts and holiday decorations. Each year I visit the local harvest festival that comes to my area, full of homemade decorations, foods, clothing, and more. I have found some real gems at events like this.
Just google “craft fairs near me” to find some in your area! But do it quick, they are usually held at the beginning of December!
6. Create a Holiday DIY Together
Staying with the theme of crafting, choosing a holiday-themed DIY is the perfect way to spend time with your partner. Pinterest is going to be your best friend with this winter date idea! There are so many different holiday crafts you can create!
- Create homemade ornaments
- Make your own holiday wreath
- Build a snowglobe using mason jars
- Learn to crochet and make each other a scarf
The possibilities are endless! Spend some time passing ideas back and forth, then head to the craft store to get all the supplies! This is a great way to spend time together and use some creativity this holiday season.
7. Get Competetive with a Board Game Night
I am a massive fan of board games. They are a great way to spend time together. They are also a great way to get to know your partner if you are in the early stages of a relationship! You can talk, and see how they are under the pressure of competition! There are a ton of two-player board games out there that would be so fun to play during a date.
- Chess/Checkers
- Jenga
- Card Games
- Monopoly
Imagine sitting my a roaring fire, sipping hot apple cider, and playing a board game. Perfection!
8. Bake and Decorate Holiday Cookies
I love baking. It is so relaxing, and you get a sweet treat at the end of it. So grab those Christmas cookie cutters and frosting and make some yummy creations! Then share them with your friends and family. Although, I am also a full supporter of keeping all the cookies to yourself.
Don’t forget the throwing flour fight that every romantic date requires! Come on! Romanticize your life and pretend you live in a Hallmark Christmas movie! Just don’t forget to clean up after…
9. Go Holiday Gift Shopping
During this time of year, there is always holiday shopping that needs to get done. Might as well have fun while you do it! Going to the shops with your partner makes holiday shopping much more enjoyable. Except of course, if you need to buy their holiday gift!
10. Attend a Holiday Theatre Production
As a former dancer, I always make it my mission to attend as many local theatre and dance productions all year, but especially during the holidays!
My absolute favorite is the Nutcracker ballet. It is a winter classic, and no matter how many times I have seen it, it never gets old. If you are more into theatre, it is super common to find a production of A Christmas Carol this time of year.
With all these winter date ideas, you will be all booked this holiday season!
I am hoping to spend as much time as I can during the next three weeks enjoying myself and my life. I spend way too much time worrying about the future and regretting the past. But what does that do? Nothing!
Taking time to enjoy the present is everything. So take some time with your partner, friends, and family this holiday season! Go out and do some wintry activities. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
