10 Dates to Go on Before Winter Is Over
/Winter can be one of the best seasons for dating. Why? Well, for one thing, it’s cold, which makes your date want to lean in close and warm up next to you. For another, some of Matthew’s and my favorite activities can only be done in winter. We’ve made a list of ten dates to go on before winter is over so you can make the most of a tough and often underrated time of year.
We know that, especially towards the end of the season, the winter blues start to set in. You probably don’t feel like doing much of anything. But that only means it is the perfect time to get up, get out, and have some fun. We’ve included on our list both indoor and outdoor dates. Here’s our advice: don’t stay stuck inside all winter! Winter can be a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the cold, brisk air. However, we’ve got you covered for those cozy nights in, too.
Outdoor Dates
Take a Hike
Go for a hike on a local trail this winter. If you live in a warmer climate, the weather will be perfect for outdoor activity. If you live in a colder climate, strap on your snowshoes. You may be surprised how good it feels to get outside and let the fresh air fill your lungs.
Tear up the Ice
You don’t have to be an expert on the rink for ice skating to be an excellent date idea. In fact, it may be more fun otherwise. With hearts pumping and hands brushing as you both try to make your way across the ice, you’ll discover plenty of romantic moments. We’ve broken down this date idea step-by-step in the link below. Pair your time on the ice with a cup of fancy pants hot chocolate, recipe included.
Hit the Slopes
Snow sports make winter one of our favorite seasons. Since Matthew and I live near a ski resort, we take advantage of alpine skiing every weekend during the winter. And there are plenty of other snow sports to try out: snowboarding, ski biking, snowmobiling, nordic skiing, sledding. If you don’t have snow in your area, maybe it is time to plan a weekend getaway.
Take a Dip
Opinion: Hot tubs are way more enjoyable in winter than in summer. The contrast between hot and cold just works. Plus, the hot water eases your sore muscles from all the exciting winter activities you’ve been doing. We suggest taking a dip to relax with your date—either in a hot tub or at a hot springs. Hot springs have unique health properties of their own, just make sure to know what you’re getting into in advance.
Play in the Snow
You never get too old to play in the snow. Between snow ball fights, snowmen, snow angels, and snow forts, you have plenty of options for letting the good times roll with your date. Build snow people versions of yourselves or try your hand at building an igloo. If the snow isn’t sticky for building, run races through the deep snow.
Indoor Dates
Try an Escape Room
An escape room makes for a fun, unique date night. Locked in a room, you have an hour to figure out how to escape. This usually involves a series of difficult puzzles—so difficult that you probably won’t make it out in time. Whether you win or lose, the thrill of the game is worth it. It would also make a great double date, since rooms can hold many participants.
Bake Something New
Baking and winter go hand in hand. Not only do you end up with a delicious treat, you also heat up your living space with the oven. For this date, find a recipe for a treat you both love and test out your baking skills. Then enjoy the results.
Watch a Classic
Stuck in a rut with what to watch? Go back in time and watch a classic movie with your date. Pair the movie with a classic cocktail, and you’ll both be feeling swell. We’ve made a list of our favorite classics, each partnered with an old-school beverage. Check it out through the link below.
Have a Game Night
It is always a good idea to have a stack of board games for date night. While we tend to play a lot of Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, we have a bunch of options depending on what kind of mood we’re in. We asked our friends from around the internet to give suggestions on their favorite date night board games. Check them out below!
See a Show
This last one is certainly not least. Support the arts! Theater seasons typically run through the winter, giving you and your date a perfect place to stay warm and have a good time. Matthew and I always enjoy seeing a play or musical, whether it is done by our community theater, a professional regional theater, or a direct-from-Broadway touring cast. Look up what is going on in your city. If they aren’t doing any shows in person, see if they have any digital shows you can watch from home.
This week, live life on the edge at the ice skating rink and show off your hot chocolate skills with the most epic cup of cocoa you’ve ever concocted. Bundle up—this is going to be a cozy one.