9 holiday date night ideas that will bring out your romantic side
‘Tis the season to break out of your early winter rut (even though it’s not technically winter yet) and dream up a playful, fun-fueled excursion with your partner, lover, or love interest, as the case may be.
While togetherness with family and friends is an undeniable hallmark of the holiday season, so too is high romance. Be it naughty or nice (or both), your desire deserves its rightful place beneath a strategically placed sprig of mistletoe, by the light of a menorah or kinara, or, really, in any setting you and your SO deem worthy.
Planning festive dates during the holidays (or choosing to embark on one spontaneously) can be an incredible way to get away from the hustle bustle of shopping and decorating and social obligation, blow off steam, and strengthen your bond with your chosen person.
So, no matter how long or short a time you’ve known your SO, scope out the following list of inspired holiday date night ideas—they’re sure to stoke your sense of magic.
1. Have an ice skating date night
Perhaps the most classic date idea on this list, ice skating is for lovers, period. Don’t like the cold? Find an indoor rink. Whether indoor or outdoor, many ice rinks play cheesy/romantic tunes, especially during the holidays, which makes it the perfect venue for hand-holding and gliding about as though in a wonderland. Think of it as a bonding experience—especially if you’re not a strong skater and hand-holding is a necessity. Tip: if you and/or your partner lacks experience, try a weekday, when rinks are less crowded.
2. Walk (or drive) around and look at the lights
If you live in a neighborhood where the majority of houses are festive with lights and other holiday decorations, take a walk with your partner—taking care to bundle up if it’s cold. Alternatively, drive to a neighborhood with colorful decor (hint: houses in the suburbs tend to go all out) and take your walk there, or, keep your PJs on and take a drive instead of walk—whatever makes you happy and sappy. Some towns even have more formal drive-by holiday lights experiences, so be sure to search your local events. No matter what you do, be sure to bring a thermos-full of hot cocoa.
3. Play in the snow
If you live somewhere with snow, go on a date devoted to playing around in it. You might: channel your inner child by making a snowman/woman or snow angels, have a good old-fashioned snowball fight, or go sledding—the adrenaline rush as you speed downhill through the crisp, cold air is sure to heighten the chemistry between you and your person. Whatever you do, remember the whole point is to embrace your playful side, engage in a little harmless mischief, and nurture your sense of wonder.
4. Attend a holiday concert
Holiday concerts are commonplace (thankfully!), so there's no good reason not to schedule multiple date nights aimed at attending these lovely soirées (or matinées). It’s a great excuse to a) get dressed up in your finest/sexiest/most festive attire (ideally all three), and b) hang out somewhere other than your house or apartment, while simultaneously getting deep into the holiday spirit. Whether it's the local high school’s annual Christmas concert, your city’s gospel choir, or a special all-percussion Kwanzaa performance at the local community center, enjoy being a part of something bigger—with your SO by your side.
5. Go caroling
While caroling is slowly falling out of style, you can still honor this old-timey tradition—consider Go Caroling Day (December 20th) your call to service. Whether Xmas is your holiday of choice or not, caroling can be a truly uplifting experience—especially if you and your sweetheart are musically inclined (not to mention, no one says you can't swap out Xmas songs for other tunes). It works even better if you invite friends along. While you can always go door to door serenading residents in a given neighborhood, hospitals and nursing homes are also beautiful places to share the gift of song. Caroling with your babe promises to be a meaningful and inspiring experience that fosters romance and intimacy.
6. Go see a ballet...or have a movie night
If you’ve never seen The Nutcracker, and you can appreciate ballet, consider scoring a couple of tickets and take your darlin’ out on the town. If it’s f@#$% freezing and you’d rather not venture out of doors ever again, there is no shortage of holiday movies to choose from, romantic or otherwise. Ask your date to pick their all-time favorite holiday movie, and you pick yours. If you have it in you, go for gold with a double-header movie marathon. Bonus: making out at the movies can be more relaxing when there's no one else in the room.
7. Have a holiday photo shoot
First things first: you’re never too old to get your photo taken with Santa, so if that's your jam, head on down to the mall for a snapshot with the big guy—he may even let both of you sit on his lap at once. Or you might consider hiring a pro photographer for a seasonal photoshoot in your home, yard, or at a local ski-hill. Get goofy, and enjoy being big kids together! And if you’d rather err on the adult side of things, you might don your version of hawt holiday lingerie/attire (both of you, if the will is there!), and organize a DIY boudoir photoshoot—the sexy holiday edition. You might take turns posing and snapping photos, or set a timer and get into the frame together. Is it getting hot in here even though it's cold outside?
8. Cook or bake
They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and this may very well be true, especially during the holidays. Maybe you're inspired to surprise your partner with a home-cooked meal (or dessert)—by candlelight. Make it with love and you can't go wrong. Of course, making beautiful food together can be sensual and fun too. At the best of times, cooking can get messy, competitive, and downright hilarious. Whether you work together to build a gingerbread house or you compete with different savory dishes is up to you—just remember to lick the chocolate (or the marinade) from your date's lip before kissing them.
9. Rent a cabin for the weekend
This is the ultimate romantic getaway—far removed from the pressures of shopping, wrapping, family dinners, and the like, the holiday cabin is reserved for those ready and willing to spend some serious quality time with their partner. Preferably you book a place somewhere with snow, where you can sit by an open fire, or sip champagne in a hot tub, but any natural surroundings will do as long as you're in good (nay, great) company.
May you harness the fun-lovin’ romance and sensuality of the holiday season with someone deserving of your brilliance. Happy holidays to all! <3
