Date ideas in the summer are so easy and enjoyable. Rooftop drinks on a patio? Yes, please. Outdoor concert? Send me a Venmo for the ticket. Walking along the waterfront? So romantic. But in the winter, all of those ideas are basically out of the question because it’s… well, below zero, and it’s hard to make the “my lips are turning blue” look appear cute to your date. There is, however, a plus side when it comes to going on dates in the winter: Everything is a little bit more romantic and cozy. And contrary to popular belief, there are a lot of winter date ideas that you can plan that are inside and yes, even outside.
So whether you’ve been with your partner for a long time and you’re looking to switch up date nights this season or you’re not sure what to do on a first date during colder months, here are 12 winter date ideas that both you and your date will love—no matter how miserable it is outside.
1. Head out on a winter hike
Pick a trail and lace up your hiking boots for an afternoon outdoors with your date. Not only will you see some gorgeous views, but you’ll both benefit from the endorphins of the hike. We recommend packing some snacks in your bag so you can stop and enjoy the scenery at the top before heading back down. (If you aren’t into hiking, snowshoeing is a great alternative!)
2. Hit the slopes to ski or snowboard
OK winter athletes, where are you at? Now is the time to hit the slopes and show off your skills to your date. When you’re done, head into the lodge to enjoy a warm après-ski cocktail (or hot cocoa) together. (As someone who doesn’t ski or snowboard, it’s OK to skip the slopes and go straight to a lodge for cocktails and people-watching with your date too!)
3. Enjoy a movie night in
Enjoy a movie night at home when it’s far too cold to venture out. Simply pick a movie you’ll both enjoy, set out some yummy snacks, and cuddle up on the couch together to watch a classic or a new movie you both haven’t seen before. Bonus points if you make a cozy setup in your living room with extra blankets and pillows.
4. Go sledding
Is there a big hill in your town that you always see kiddos sledding down in the winter months? Well, this activity isn’t just reserved for them! Grab some sleds, put on your warmest winter scarf and beanie, and head to the hill for one of the most fun and playful winter date ideas that will have you laughing the entire time.
Source: Pexels | Polina Kovaleva
5. Go to the aquarium
It’s a little too cold to visit the zoo in the winter, but it’s the perfect time of year to head to the aquarium. Spend an afternoon exploring an aquarium with your date to learn about all the cute and interesting animals inside like sea otters, penguins, sharks, and stingrays. There will be so much to see and do while you’re there that there will hardly ever be a lapse in conversation.
6. Go see the lights
City lights and neighborhood doorsteps are at their very best this time of year, so plan a date with your partner to take advantage of the views. If you live in a big city, bundle up and walk around your city to see all the decorated storefronts and trees around your city. And if you live in the suburbs, head out on a drive around the neighborhood to see how everyone decorated their house for the season.
7. Set up an indoor picnic
Unless you live in a warm climate, an outdoor picnic is basically out of the question in the winter, so head indoors and set up a picnic at home. Prepare a cheese plate, grab some wine, put on some music, and lay out a blanket in your living room to sit on. And if you want to add a touch of romance, light some candles too.
8. Go ice skating
Ice skating is the ultimate winter date idea. Think about it: You always end up holding hands while ice skating—especially if you or your date isn’t so good at it. And this date idea isn’t reserved for those in cold climates. If you live somewhere warm, check to see if your local hockey rink has an open skate.
Source: Pexels | Pavel Danilyuk
9. Go bowling
Escape winter weather and head to the bowling alley! Almost no one is actually that good at it (in my experience), so this is a no-pressure, fun date idea that you can do during the day or at night. Bowl a few games and then play some of the arcade games to round on this lighthearted winter date.
10. Tour a brewery or distillery
Nothing will warm you up quite like enjoying a few drinks at a brewery or a distillery, but to make this date even more interesting, sign up for a tour of the facility. Most places offer free tours, but if not, tickets are typically pretty affordable. You’ll learn all about the process of making the beer or spirits and the history of the company you’re visiting, and you might even get some free drinks out of it at the end too!
11. See a show
Arguably the best time to see a show (of any kind) is in the winter. Whether you choose to head to a theatre in a fancy dress or go to a comedy show in a casual yet cute date night outfit, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and the entertainment, too. This is the perfect winter date idea if you’re just getting to know someone since there is less pressure to keep the conversation flowing because you’ll be watching the show.
12. Cook a cozy dinner at home
Not only are dinner reservations harder to get in the winter (due to the holidays and indoor seating capacity) at most restaurants, but sometimes it’s just far too cold to even leave the house. Instead, cook a cozy dinner at home with your date. Choose a meal that will keep you both busy (one is chopping vegetables while the other is prepping a sauce), pour some wine, and put on some music. You will (hopefully) enjoy the process of cooking together and be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end.
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