11 Creative Winter Date Ideas

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

This article was originally published on HelloGiggles.com.

We are officially in that awkward it's-winter-but-the-holidays-are-over-so-what-do-we-do-now phase, and it's easy to get into a rut. When it's so cold and frigid and dreary and dull and terrible outside (nobody actually likes winter, right?) Netflix and chill can easily seem like the best options for couples who are trying to avoid the cold. But there are better winter date ideas than just shuttering yourself in and hanging on the couch (although that's always a good option).

However, seeing as winter takes up approximately one-third of the year (spring is actually getting shorter each year according to science) it is probably a good idea to find a way to enjoy the coldest season with these winter date ideas -without freezing to death. Hey, Titanic was a great movie, but that ~ frozen and in love ~ thing is better left to Kate and Jack.

These are fun winter date ideas because you can't just stay in bed forever… (or can you ?!)

1. Host your own bake-off

A little friendly competition never hurt any couple, especially when there are cakes involved. "The Great British Bake Off" is one of the most fun reality shows of our time, and holding an IRL bake-off with your sweetie is a fun way to hang out while avoiding the cold outdoors. You can even speak in British accents to each other if you're into that sort of thing. Or invite your couple friends, and friends you want to set up, over to join you.

2. Go snow shoeing

If you live in an area where it snows, strap on some snow shoes and hike with your honey. Being outside together will feel like a fun adventure, and nothing is more beautiful than a fresh blanket of snow in the sunlight. Quit hiding outside and get out there!

3. Go watch a hockey game

Hockey games are really fun because you get to be warm while watching other people be cold… And sometimes beat each other up. Even if neither you or your SO is into sports, hockey games are often very exciting and a good way to embrace the cold (from the comfort of your warm stadium seat). College or local, minor league teams might even have cheaper tickets and the concession stand will be stocked with nachos and hot chocolate, at the very worst.

4. Find hot springs nearby and chill out

Japanese snow monkeys called Macaques stay warm by visiting natural hot springs, and they should be your new inspiration for winter-fun activities. Natural hot springs can be found all over the country, and they are an awesome way to watch the snow fall while staying warm. Plus, since they're outside of cities it is a fun excuse to get out of town together for a weekend and have a little road-trip.

5. Go sledding together

Sledding is so fun and will make you and your partner feel like you're kids again. Even if you've been dating for a while, those endorphins will make you feel like you're in puppy love. Plus, even if you take a tumble the snow is usually soft enough to break cushion the fall and your bff is right there to laugh at your flop.

6. Have a couple's spa day

Whether you're massaging each other with whatever oils Lush had on sale or actually at a day spa, taking the time to relax with your boyfriend or girlfriend is a great way to enjoy the great indoors when it's cold outside. Plus, if you two try some weird spa treatment (mud bath anyone?) You'll be able to laugh about the weirdness together and build fun memories. Or just go get a pedicure together.

7. Cook a gourmet meal together

If you and your significant other are holing up indoors, skip the Seamless and plan a delicious meal that you two will cook together, then eat together! This will be a fun way to work together in new ways if you're used to taking turn playing chef, and will likely include lots of flirty food fights (and hopefully minimal arguments over how much is too much salt).

8. Get ~ cultured ~ at a museum

Hide out from the below-40 degree weather gloom and view some art! Or, if you're not so into Monets, find some of the more offbeat exhibitions like food museums or something weird like New York's Museum of Sex. Get freaky! Get artsy!

9. Go ice skating

Sure it's a little cliche, but one of the best ways to make winter less miserable is doing the activities you can only do when it's cold outside. You can both dress up as ice dancers and pretend you are able to glide on one leg while gazing into each other's eyes. If you two get sick of it, there's usually a lodge nearby with hot cocoa where you can snuggle up by a fire.

10. Attend a symphony concert

People who watch Mozart in the Jungle know that the symphony can be sexy, and going to a hear beautiful music with your beautiful lover will likely be super fun. Give your laptop a break and go stare at an assemblage of musicians instead, it's a great excuse to stay inside and try something new.

11. Have a game night

Again, friendly competition never hurt anyone, and a good old fashioned game night is a great way to bond as a couple and have a ton of fun. It might sound as cheesy as Parcheesi but it will bring you back to a lovely time before iPhones and Netflix when family game night ruled your Friday nights. Plus, if you whoop your SO's butt, you'll have bragging rights for the next 3 months. Or make a sexy wager.

Yes, "the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful" still applies after the holidays, so make the most of those snuggly cuddly cold days because soon it will be sizzling hot outside and you won't want to be within 10 feet of any person.