What Can You Do on a Winter Date? Try One of These Cute Ideas
Whether it's your first date or you've been a couple for years, you can't go wrong with any of these romantic activities.
By Lizz Schumer
If the weather outside is frightful, you and your main squeeze probably need some fun winter date ideas that make the most of the season. Whether you're the type who just can't wait to bundle up in cute outerwear and get outdoors, or you couldn't be happier to hunker down under a cozy blanket next to a roaring fire (ideally with a hot beverage and a cuddle partner), you don't have to settle for the same ol' Netflix and chill. There are a bunch of great winter activities for couples that would make the perfect first date, anniversary celebration or any moment in between.
These outdoor and indoor date ideas offer different levels of romance, and many of them are even free (or cheap!), and don't require any special equipment, so they're ideal options if your wallet is a little thin after the holidays, too.
One note: If you're planning on doing something on Valentine's Day, be sure to pick one of the extra-romantic date ideas, like a walk on the beach or an indoor picnic, that will help bring you two closer together. And when all else fails, remember, no matter what day it is, you can't go wrong with planning a delicious dinner for two and watching a romantic movie together.
Build a Snowman
If you live in a snowy area, shake off the impulse to hibernate and channel your inner Frozen fan by creating your very own Olaf. Or, turn it into a competition by seeing which of you can craft the cutest one!
RELATED: Say Yes to an Early Morning Date With These Daytime Date Ideas
Go to the Beach
Just because it's not swimming weather doesn't mean the beach isn't a beautiful spot for a romantic stroll. Bundle up and get out there. Chances are, you'll have the place pretty much to yourself.
Get Into a Snowball Fight
Lots of couples start to get into arguments when they're stuck inside for a while. Lean into it by engaging in a good, old-fashioned snowball fight. Just no throwing at the face or close range.
Volunteer as a Team
A lot of food banks and other social service organizations see a huge influx of help over the holidays that quickly falls off once January hits. Help out a local charity by volunteering, to do good and feel good doing it.
RELATED: 6 Surprising Benefits of Volunteering You Need to Know
Sing Karaoke
You don't have to be Mariah Carey to have a blast singing karaoke. Grab your phones as microphones and belt out some tunes at home or check out a local karaoke night to get a taste of each other's musical side (even if they can't carry a tune in a bucket).
Watch Stand-Up Comedy
Hit up an open mic night or a comedy showcase or find a favorite comedian who has a streaming special to get a good case of the giggles. Laughing releases endorphins, and that will make you and your partner feel closer than ever.
Make a Hot Cocoa Bar
Gather all of your favorite toppings and enjoy a DIY hot cocoa bar. We're talking shaved chocolate, miniature candy canes, little candies, adult mix-ins — the works.
Make Fondue
Melted cheese, chocolate and dippables: Is there anything cozier or more romantic? We think not. Fondue is back and you owe it to yourself to get in on the trend.
RELATED: 9 Best Fondue Pots of 2022
Do a Beer or Wine Tasting
Discover a new favorite beverage while tasting wine, beer or even coffee or tea if you don't drink alcohol. Many breweries and wineries offer tastings, but you can also DIY it at home with a tasting kit or just buying a few single-serving varieties.
Take a Dance Class
Get your blood moving by moving your feet in a dance class, either at home on YouTube or in a studio. Next time you find yourselves at a wedding, your new fancy footwork will wow the other attendees.
Visit an Arcade
There's no age limit on fun, and you're never too old to throw down with a few arcade games. See if you can earn enough tickets to give your main squeeze one of those super-cheesy prizes.
Have an Indoor Picnic
Picnics aren't just for summer dates! Lay out a blanket on the floor, put some picnic foods in a wicker basket and chow down. Use disposable plates and cutlery to save on dishes, to make it feel really special.
Create a Home Spa Day
Pick up some pampering face masks, essential oils and DIY mani-pedi supplies at your local drugstore, light some candles and put on relaxing music. Then grab your robes and get to pampering. You'll both feel wonderfully relaxed after dedicating some time to slowing down.
Take a Hike
Get your blood flowing by heading out on a winter hike with your partner. Exploring the great outdoors will help you appreciate the beauty of the season and boost those endorphins, too. Just make sure you check the weather, dress appropriately, map out your route and bring the proper equipment for your journey.
Plan a Future Getaway
When the cold starts getting you down, spend an evening plotting your escape. Sometimes planning is almost as much fun as the vacation itself, so make a night of it. If you're looking for Caribbean vacations, whip up some piña coladas. Booking a European adventure? This calls for pasta and vino. Even just daydreaming about a future trip will take you away from reality.
Attend a Virtual Event
Dinner and a movie is a date night cliché for a reason — watching something together makes a great bonding experience! Even if you can't attend a play or concert IRL, many performing arts centers have streaming options you can enjoy from home — and they're free, to boot. Put on your best theater-going outfits and put away your phones, just like you would in person.
Challenge Each Other to a Video Game
So you want to adhere your butts to the couch but just can't stomach yet another episode of 30 Rock. Pull out your video game system — or borrow the kids' — and challenge your partner to a few rounds. If you don't have a gaming system, try an online game instead.
RELATED: 11 Fun Games to Play on Zoom that Will Amp Up Your Next Virtual Party
Make a Meal Together
Heat things up in the kitchen to combat the weather outside. If you already know your way around the kitchen, try your hands at a delicious new recipe. Or, if your home-cooking skills are more Kitchen Nightmares than Top Chef, grab a frozen pizza crust and dress it with your favorite toppings for a less challenging activity.
Play a Game
Get in touch with your competitive side by playing a game together. Whether you're a chess whiz or a Monopoly maven, there's a game out there for everyone. Don't forget to put your phones on silent while you play; some of the best conversations can happen during a friendly challenge!
Take a Staycation
No need to hop a plane for a romantic getaway. Move into the guest room for a night for an affordable couples' night away or if you've got trusted friends nearby, consider swapping houses for the weekend. Don your plushiest robes, have breakfast in bed (with mimosas or Bloody Mary's!) and consider this permission to ignore your responsibilities for awhile.
Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.
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