In a season that naturally keeps your schedule jam-packed, it is so important to make space for intentional quality time with your partner! And what better way to get into the holiday spirit, than with a curated list of enchanting date night ideas? From cozy at-home activities to outdoor adventures, these festive date night ideas are centered around having fun and nurturing your relationship during the busy holiday season. So, clear your calendars– we’ve gathered 15 festive date night ideas tailored for the holiday season to inspire your next date night–inside or outdoors!
01. Ice Skating Adventure
Find your local ice rink and lace up your skates! During the holiday season, it’s common for places like shopping malls or local plazas to host a pop-up ice rink. Plus, you *don’t* have to be a pro. If you have trouble finding a pop up ice rink, most hockey rinks also offer free-skate hours + rentals!
02. Holiday Lights Tour
Make a cup of hot cocoa to-go and take a leisurely drive or stroll through neighborhoods adorned with dazzling lights and decorations! Map out the best displays and enjoy the enchanting scenery together.
03. Build Gingerbread Houses
Decorate one together and see how your icing skills collide, or make it a competition and see who has the best gingerbread house building skills between the two of you. May the best house win!
04. Attend a Christmas Tree Lighting
These are usually towards the beginning of the holiday season, and you’re most likely to catch them within the first week. So make sure you plan ahead to attend a Christmas tree lighting with your partner!
05. Holiday Movie Marathon
Snuggle up with your favorite festive flicks, from timeless classics to new releases. You can amp up the cozy atmosphere with blankets, popcorn, and hot cocoa for the *ultimate* movie night in.
06. Gift Wrapping Party
Fun + productive! Gather up your trinkets and goodies and spend the evening wrapping Christmas presents together. If you haven’t chosen your holiday wrapping yet, throw that into the agenda and pick out your favorite wrapping paper and ribbons for the holiday season!
07. Cookie Decorating Contest
Because who doesn’t love fresh baked cookies? Put your creativity to the test with some at-home ingredients and a friendly cookie decorating contest. If you need a recipe, this is one of our go-tos! When you’re both done decorating your sweet treats, send photos to your friends and family and have them vote on who created the most inspiring cookie!
08. Holiday Craft Night
There’s something about the craft store during the holiday season that just hits different. Make a run to your local craft store and get supplies to spend a cozy night in getting crafty! Using anything from glittery papers to twirling ribbons, there is so much you can make as keepsake gifts for each other. These are some of our favorite holiday crafts that get us into the Christmas spirit!
09. See The Nutcracker Ballet
For something extra enchanting, make your date a night out and see the Nutcracker ballet this holiday season! This activity gives you the perfect excuse to get all dressed up for a nice evening out. Bonus date night additions: happy hour cocktails + dinner for two before the show!
10. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Can’t you just smell the pine needles already?! Bring your camera and take a trip to your local Christmas tree farm! Even if you aren’t interested in coming home with a fresh Christmas tree, grab a cup of coffee for the ride and bring a camera to take some sweet photos together during this festive date night! A Christmas tree farm makes for the *perfect* backdrop for some darling Christmas photos.
11. Spend Time in the Snow
Day trip, anyone? Embrace the winter wonderland vibes with a charming day trip to the snow! If you’re in Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is only a short drive away from the city and brings you to the most gorgeous views and chilly mountain air. Bundle up and head outdoors for some playful fun in the snow; which may or may not include making snowmen, throwing snowballs, and all the things of that sort!
12. Cook a Holiday Meal Together
Spice up your holiday date night by cooking a festive meal together! Throw on your aprons and dive into preparing a delightful holiday feast, from traditional roasts to sweet treats. The best holiday dinners always include a balance of something savory and something sweet– wouldn’t you agree?
13. Charity Volunteering
Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit like giving back to your community! For something different, volunteer at your local charity with your partner for your special date night out. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter, participating in a toy drive, or engaging in another local charity event, this kind of date night can help foster a deeper connection and embodies the true meaning of the holiday season.
14. DIY Holiday Cards
Pull out the cardstock and paint sets! This is another practical + fun date night activity because you get to be creative while making holiday cards for friends and family! You can use any materials you’re comfortable with, but some of our favorites are watercolor paints and cardstock!
15. Create a Vision Board for the New Year
Kickstart the new year by spending a date night creating vision boards together! This is not only such a fun activity, but it’s a great opportunity for you and your partner to connect on what goals you want to establish together for the new year. You can use any materials you want for your vision board, but some of our favorites include magazines, inspiring images and favorite quotes. And of course, don’t forget the board itself and some great glue!