Last Updated on July 19, 2023 by Corynn
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With the weather changing, we go from being outside all the time to being inside as much as possible. What happens to date night? Well, I have just the thing for you. Here are some winter date ideas that you can do indoors or outdoors.
What Should I Do On My First Date In Winter?
You don’t want to stay indoors all winter long right? I have created a list of date ideas that are a mixture of being at home, going to different places, and saving money. Especially with Christmas just right around the corner!
1. Ice Skating
One of my favorite things to do as a child and now I can do it with my fiance (Well we both forgot how to ice skate, but still the joy of skating is still there!). This is a date that you can do during the day or at night.
Research some skating rinks in the area. Some skating rinks are free to go to although you would have to pay for your skates if you do not have some.
Want a nice way to end the date? Go out for a quick snack after! Or pack your own. You can eat this during the time the Zamboni is cleaning the ice.
2. Indoor Picnic
Who said picnics had to come to an end when summer is over? Make some space in your living room, grab a blanket, make food that you would eat at a picnic, and there you have it!
You have your own picnic right inside your living room. You can change it up a bit by ordering your favorite take-out.
I would suggest making this date no phones allowed. This is a great time to have some one-on-one time, especially during this time of the season.
3. Movie Marathon
Do you love watching Christmas movies? Why not make a date night out of it? There are so many holiday movies you can choose from.
Such as; Elf, Jack Frost, Home Alone, Christmas Story, and Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer. Oh, the list goes on!
Grab some snacks, cuddle up with some blankets, and pick your top 5 holiday movies you want to watch. This is a great winter date idea if you don’t want to go out or you just want to save money.
4. Baking Together
In every relationship, we always have one who can bake really well, and the other one who struggles just a bit. This is a great time to test out your skill and bake your favorite goodies. You can make anything from sugar cookies to cupcakes.
This is a great way to show how you both work together. If you mess up the recipe, that’s okay. The whole point of this date is for both of you to have fun!
5. Go To A Christmas Market
In Toronto, we have this huge Christmas market that happens every time during the holiday season. This is a great date idea for the both of you together to go and check out some local businesses in your area.
Plus some Christmas markets include live events and you’ll even see some food vendors there as well. Remember to dress warm!
6. Skiing/Snowboarding
This date idea is for couples who love the outdoors. Take a day trip together and go skiing! If you love the thrill you can go snowboarding as well. Such a fun outdoor winter date idea that you’ll both remember.
7. Visit a Cabin
Want to plan a little getaway with your partner? Why not book a cabin?! A nice cozy romantic weekend away will give your relationship a reset.
The best thing about a cabin is that you can bring your own food, entertainment, and anything else you need for the weekend. This date idea is a bit pricy and involves advance planning.
8. Sledding
Ready to go back to your childhood? I used to love going sledding with my family whenever it snowed. Let your inner child out! Grab a toboggan, and go sledding. Your cheeks will hurt from all the laughing between you and your partner.
9. See a Show
This could be at the movie theaters or a Broadway show. Around the holidays you will see a lot of live show events happening around the time. In Toronto, I always see tickets being on sale to see The Nutcracker.
The best way to see what live shows are happening is by reaching out to your local theatre to see what will be performed.
10. Gingerbread House Competition
My fiance and I love a little competition. Either it’s a simple bet or Mario Kart. If this is like you, try having a gingerbread house competition between you and your partner.
A lot of grocery stores sell kits for less than $15 with all of your supplies included. If you need more candy and frosting, feel free to go all out (within reason).
if you’re not into competition, you can always have a gingerbread house showcase between the both of you. Make this date your way!
11. Holiday Lights Drive-By
We all know that neighborhood that has the most decked-out house with all the Christmas lights. Some that have music, moving figures, you name it! Why not make a date night out of it? Grab a cup of coffee before (to keep you warm), and hit the streets.
Some neighborhoods, allow you to walk around and others prefer you to drive around. This could also become a Christmas tradition between you and your partner.
RELATED POST: Christmas Traditions For Couples
12. Holiday Shopping
Have a list of people you need to shop for? Why not make a date out of it? This could be a great day for you and your partner to get all of your holiday shopping done. Plus you can get an idea of what they like as a gift.
Need some ideas on what to get everyone? Here is a list of Gift Ideas for Guys and Gift Ideas for Girls.
13. Three-Course Meal
Two ways how you can do this winter date idea. 1) You can go to a nice cozy restaurant you both enjoy and enjoy a nice 3-course meal together. Orrr 2) Cook at home! You can still dress up, each of you makes a meal, and buy dessert and a bottle of wine. Then enjoy!
Who wants to go out in the cold snow for just dinner when you can bring all of this home?! If you don’t feel like cooking you can always order out. Simple!
14. Indoor Entertainment
During the Summer, we try to be outside as much as possible! Now with it being cold, we can enjoy indoor entertainment. Such as; bowling, arcade, or even indoor rock climbing.
You can still have outdoor fun indoors. Don’t let the cold bother you.
15. Carriage Ride
It is one of the most romantic date ideas I could ever think of. You see it happen all the time in Christmas movies, why not live it!? This winter date idea will take a bit of time to research. You will have to see if this is available within your area.
I’m currently looking for this date idea for my husband and me.
16. Holiday Party
Now I wouldn’t have this happen on the first date. Possibly the third or fourth date. With so many holiday parties happening, you may want to bring someone with you.
Depending on the party, this is a great time for your partner to meet your close friends and families.
17. Pajama Night!
How can you pass up the idea of wearing your pajamas, ordering pizza, and watching movies with your loved one? Not me!
My fiance and I do this basically every weekend. This date idea is great for couples who want a date where you can just be yourself?!
BONUS: Have both you and your partner pick their favorite childhood movie, and explain to each other why it’s your favorite. So you’ll be watching the movie through their eyes.
18. Catch a Sports Game
Is your partner a sports fan? Why not go catch a game? This could be Hockey or Basketball! This could be a pricy date depending on the type of seats you get.
You can even make this a Christmas gift for them! *hint* *hint*
19. Coffee Date
My fiance and I started dating close to the Wintertime. The majority of our Winter date ideas were in coffee shops. Getting homework done, or even just grabbing a cup of coffee. During this time I have learned so much about him. It was a moment where it was just us.
I suggest this is as a first date because you have nothing to distract you (well, the customers but you get the gist?) This is a great opportunity to ask all the questions you want.
This is also a great date idea if you believe you want to further your relationship with your partner. I have a great article about Questions You Need To Ask Your Partner to see if they are compatible.
20. Spa Day
The end of the year can be a great time but also a stressful time of the year. My friends who are in school are dealing with final exams. If you work in corporate or run your own business, it’s time to tackle the end-of-year stuff. Plus let’s also add on all the holidays/birthdays that are happening.
It’s a lot!
A trip to the spa can be a great time for both you and your partner to unwind. Trying to save money? DIY spa day!
It doesn’t have to be a full spa day, it could be simply a face mask with a glass of wine in your hands. See? Spa day.
21. Photoshoot
Usually, you’ll hear this as a date idea in the Fall, with all the fall leaves and the fall colors. Wouldn’t those photos look so good?! Although, nobody talks about taking photos as a couple in the winter?! What??
If you live in an area that snows, this is a great opportunity to get photos done in the snow. I can’t tell you how cute it looks when I see couples with winter photoshoots.
22. Build A Snowman
Has anybody else thought of Frozen? I did! If you live in an area that snows a lot, why not take this opportunity to build your own snowman? Who knows it may turn into a snowball fight!
23. Game Night
Have a game night! This could be; board games, video games, or even a simple game of cards. Take some time to relax, drink some hot chocolate (or wine), and have fun!
24. Volunteer
Instead of spending money on a dinner and movie, why not spend the night helping others? During the holidays, a lot of people are in need during the time. Plus you’ll both feel great after knowing you did such a good deed.
25. Hot Chocolate Tastings
I always see people go wine tasting in the summer but what about doing a hot chocolate tasting in the winter? This is a great winter date idea for everyone who loves drinking hot chocolate.
The items you’ll need are; different types of hot chocolate mix, milk, and a variety of toppings. The types of toppings you can use are marshmallows, whip cream, candy canes, etc.
Each of you makes small hot chocolate creations for both of you to try. You can then rate your hot chocolate tastings from the one you like the most to the ones you like the least.
26. Hiking
Hiking can be done any time of the year. It’s one of the most chill winter date ideas (no pun intended haha). This is a great idea for couples who love the outdoors and who need time away from the busy city.
Remember to dress warm and bring a thermos of your favorite hot drink.
27. Cooking Class
Going to a cooking class is a fun but different date idea than any of the ones I have listed. You’ll be trained on a dish you never cooked before, plus this also brings out the team-building skills between you and your partner. In Addition, this puts your cooking skills to the test.
Want a budget-friendly version? Find a recipe on youtube or on Pinterest, buy the ingredients, and follow the recipe!
28. Trivia Night
Do you remember random facts? Or memorize various TV shows? This winter date idea is great for you and your date to test your knowledge!
I know many bars will host a trivia night. This could be about sports, TV shows, or just anything in general! You can go just the two of you or as a group date! Remember to have fun and work together.
29. Fondue Night
Want a nice, cozy, and delicious date night? Have a fondue night! This could either be with chocolate or with cheese (the choice is up to you).
You can gather all the ingredients you want to dip inside your fondue!
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