No matter if you’re still looking for your cuffing season partner or are already in a long-term relationship, dating in the winter truly just hits different. Sure, it’s a bit colder, and yes, the sun goes down before it’s even dinner time, but it’s the perfect season to get real close with your person.

Whether you prefer to stay inside with your thick socks and hot chocolate or you like to venture outside in the cold, you have tons of cheap and fun date options.

So as much as you may love being lazy and never leaving your warm, fluffy bed, here are 18 winter date ideas that may be exactly what you need to reconnect with your partner or meet a dating app match. You’re welcome!

1. Put up holiday decorations

I mean, not only do you get to stay inside for this and keep your comfy clothes on, but you get to decorate your home together. Maybe it’s putting ornaments on a tree, maybe it’s putting up that “what a wonderful world” sign. Whatever it is, kill two birds with two stones by making your chores a date night with your person.

2. Binge your fave holiday movies while sipping hot chocolate

Is it really the holidays if you’re not watching Home Alone, The Grinch, or some cheesy rom-com on Lifetime? This date is perfect for a Friday night after you’ve told your friends you’re “too tired to go out.” So grab your cosy blankets and fuzzy socks, and get ready to Netflix and chill.

3. Plan an indoor picnic

Why not bring the outdoors in with an adorable picnic? Make space in your living room, throw down a blanket, and spend the rest of the night eating off a charcuterie board, drinking a speciality drink, and cooking up your favourite desserts.

4. Make a gingerbread house together

Prove that you work well together by building a gingerbread house together. You don’t really have to spend too much money doing this, and you can end up eating it in the end if it falls apart.

5. Invite another couple over to your house for an indoors double date

The holidays are for spending time with your loved ones, and yes, that, of course, includes your sister and her partner as well. Invite some friends over for a double date, make dinner together, and play some games for some well-deserved time off.

6. Make s’mores together

I know s’mores are kind of associated with summer or fall time, but TBH, having a fire pit in your backyard when it’s cold outside sounds a lot better than when it’s above 50 degrees. If you decide to go through all the trouble of making a fire pit, use the time and opportunity to make a s’more while you’re at it too.

7. Paint and sip

The key to dating in the winter is you must choose activities that are either a) at home in your PJs or b) inside in a heated place. For this reason, if you want to venture out, try signing up for a paint and sip class where you bring your own drinks and create your masterpiece together.

8. Play any type of game together

Board games, video games, you get the picture.

9. Go on a drive or walk to look at holiday lights

All you need to do is bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and make your way through the neighbourhood. Did we mention this activity is totally free?

10. Go to the movies

I’m all for going to other buildings during the winter just to stay warm, so why not catch a newly released movie while you’re at it? You’ll get to enjoy your partner’s company while enjoying some movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and slushies.

11. Go to your favourite restaurant

If you want to avoid massive crowds at your favourite restaurant, schedule date night during the week. Not only will you have something to look forward to after school or work, but you won’t have to be rubbing elbows with other people at the restaurant since it will likely be more empty than on a Friday or Saturday night.

12. Go ice skating

Take some time this holiday to hit the ice. Make it better by getting your favourite Starbucks holiday drink after.

13. Go on a winter hike

If you’d rather stay active than hibernate this season, go outside for a walk. It’s always rewarding when you’re able to get a workout in while getting some fresh air.

14. Explore winter villages

Many towns and cities tend to have winter villages during the season where people can buy holiday trinkets, different foods, and spend lots of time together. Get together after work and hit up a jolly wintery event.

15. Take holiday photos together

The holidays are always so much a romantic time, so why not make your friends envious by taking some holiday pics together? Take a snap for the ‘gram and make a date out of it.

Via Cosmopolitan US