Dating in the winter can be tricky. Not only are you juggling holiday travel schedules, but often weather conditions prevent more relaxed date environments like a casual stroll through the park or outdoor dining. Fortunately, winter dating has its strengths, too. This is the perfect time of year to get cozy with your significant other and embrace the magic of the season. Our matchmaking agency has 10 cold-weather date ideas you will love.
1) Hockey Game
Hockey games actually make for really great dates. Root for the same team (or play devil’s advocate to start a friendly rivalry), grab some poutine from a local vendor and cuddle up together on the stands. Hockey games are notorious for crowd involvement, so you are not likely to have a dull moment as you cheer your team on to victory.
2) Bar Crawl
Tis the season for hot toddies! Put a seasonal twist on an old idea and create your very own bar crawl to scout out the best holiday cocktails in town. Sip all the hot buttered rum and peppermint alexanders you can handle and compare notes afterward. This is one boozy adventure you won’t soon forget!
3) Cabin Fever
Rent a secluded cabin in the woods for some tech-free quality time with your partner. Stoke a real-wood fire, roast s’mores over the flames, and create your very own hot chocolate bar complete with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Stir in festive liqueurs like peppermint schnapps, Bailey’s, Kahlua, or Chambord to kick things up a notch.
4) Movie Night
Don’t settle for Netflix and chill. Set up an actual home theater with plush, reclining chairs for you to share. Pour organic popcorn kernels into a kettle with some vegetable oil and cook over medium heat until you have a bowl full of popped white goodness. Melt real butter from grass-fed cows over the top and create your very own flavor bar with different spices, or mix salt and sugar for homemade kettle corn. Opt for a lighthearted holiday movie like Love Actually or A Christmas Story that will leave both of you feeling nostalgic.
5) Skiing
You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy skiing with your date (but it’s okay if you are anyway). Take lessons together or tackle the Black Diamond run and celebrate your success with some cocoa at the lodge! Bonus points if you whisk your date away to one of the world’s best ski towns for a little vacation while you enjoy the slopes.
6) Horseback Riding
There is something romantic about going for an exhilarating ride through the crisp, cold air. If snow has already fallen, make sure your horse is barefoot or has special snow-tire-like winter shoes with caulks and pads to protect their hooves from snow which will weigh down their feet. Similarly, a carriage ride through the city to your favorite restaurant is a great choice.
7) Volunteer
Show off your charitable side with a visit to the animal shelter or soup kitchen this season. You will both feel good about the trip and your date will see this as a sign that you are invested in your community. Compassion is always attractive!
8) Work It
Go to the gym together and get fit for the holiday season! If you live in the southwest region, consider a cold weather hike to get your blood pumping. Even a dance class can be a great excuse to get close to your partner. The point is to get moving so you can benefit from all those great endorphins that cause a boost in mood.
9) Holiday Baking
Baking is a goal-oriented activity that allows you and your date to work on something together. This is a great time to show off your sugar cookie decorating skills or flatter your date by spelling their name in icing. It’s okay if some of the cookie dough goes “missing” during the taste testing process, too.
10) Fondue Night
Whether you live it up at the Melting Pot or create an intimate atmosphere with your very own fondue at home, this is one romantic date night idea we wholeheartedly endorse! Dip bread cubes and veggies into different types of cheese for your entrée and follow the meal with a chocolate fountain dessert. Dinner is served!
Whether it’s autumn or winter, there are plenty of date ideas that will make you grateful for the chilly weather! Contact a matchmaker today to learn more about finding that special someone to make your winter dates worthwhile.
