I’m tapping this out on my laptop as a space heater warms my toes, and a wool blanket hugs my shoulders. It’s about 20 degrees in New York City right now, and while I know my building’s furnace is working properly, it doesn’t feel nearly warm enough on my couch. It’s one of those days where I feel the winter-y-ness of it all down to my bones, when not even the promise of a post-SNL Timothée Chalamet sighting could tempt me to go outdoors.
It’s almost February — categorically the most difficult month to go on dates, no matter your relationship status. It’s just too cold! And dark! If you’re coupled up, are you celebrating Valentine’s Day out at a restaurant, or Doordashing a Netflix & Chill night at home?
Bottom line? The vibes are, I don’t know, they just aren’t giving, get out there and do something romantic. You know?
Single people really get the short end of the stick when it comes to winter dating. It can be so difficult to motivate yourself to get all bundled up and brave the cold for an unknown payoff. Nearly frostbitten fingers in exchange for a watery gin and tonic and a side of withering conversation? No thanks.
For both single guys and those in relationships (or somewhere in between), the best way to combat the powerful forces of deep winter’s Might As Well Stay Inside-ies is to plan a date with a guaranteed return on romantic investment.
What I mean is, something that you and your companion will both enjoy, and come away feeling closer.
So come on, grab your coat and scarf! Ahead, Team SG has gone ahead and rounded up 12 engaging, original, and fail-proof winter date ideas guaranteed to spice up your relationship, or rejuvenate your single-and-looking life.
Below, 12 winter date ideas to try this year:
1. See a double header of Oscar-nominated movies
Find a theatre in town playing all the “important” films and book back-to-back viewings. You get to pick one, and your date can pick the other.
Wear your comfiest winter outfit, and plan for bathroom breaks in case one of you chooses The Brutalist.
2. Take a cooking class
I have officially been influenced by TikTok to make 2025 the year I finally learn to make homemade pasta.
Consider signing up for a cooking class with your significant other to learn a new kitchen skill, whether it’s pasta making or cake decorating.
3. Book a last-minute romantic staycation at a nice hotel in town
Bonus points if you don’t leave the property the whole time! In-room fireplace not required but definitely encouraged.
4. Go to a local talk, lecture, or seminar and then discuss over drinks after
There’s nothing like stimulating intellectual discussion to get her temperature rising.
5. Hit your local sledding hill
If ice skating isn’t your thing, go ahead and skip the rink. There’s plenty other winter date ideas that actually get you outdoors.
Sledding is one of those “Wait, this is still SO fun” activities that you can enjoy at any age.
A nice leisurely afternoon spent on cross country skis could be fun, too.
6. Try an infrared sauna for two
Way more fun than a co-ed cold plunge!
7. Go thrifting
Shop for one another and pick out items to try on. You never know when you’ll stumble on a treasure!
7. Hit up a bookstore and select books for each other to read
Your local, independent bookstore will have the classics and more modern finds. Make your selects; then, get cozy at the neighborhood coffee shop or bar with hot chocolate or a hot toddy.
It’s the perfect winter season date — quiet and intimate in the best way.
8. Take a flower arranging class
It’s time you learn your chrysanthemums from your carnations!
9. Get pedicures together
Spas are great, but that’s more of a big ticket date.
And before you protest — no, you don’t have to get a colorful polish if you don’t want to…but why wouldn’t you? It’s your toes! Who’s going to see them?!
10. Take in a local theater production
I love a Broadway show as much as the next millennial woman with the original Rent cast recording memorized, but there’s so much more culture out there to be consumed!
Snag tickets to a high school performance of Pippin, or your local repertory theater putting on The Crucible.
11. Put together a LEGO set
Head to the store together to find one that fits both your respective skill levels. Remember, this is supposed to be fun.
12. Cook a meal at home
Finally, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to romantic winter date nights. Turn off the TV. Put on a playlist, and open a bottle of wine or make some delicious N/A cocktails.
There’s never a bad time for quality time. Go ahead and savor one another’s company over a good meal.
More Winter Stories from SG HQ
8 Stylish Outfits for Winter Dates
Give the Best Cold Weather Colognes a Sniff
