Yes, raising the bar for date night come yuletide season is always a good idea. In fact, it can even strengthen your bond with your partner.
“The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is notoriously a fast-paced and exciting time with parties and finding the perfect gift for loved ones,” says Antoinette Bonafede Shine, LCSW, clinical director and head therapist at Everybody’s Place Psychotherapy in New York City. As couples approach this time, they often report feeling pulled in many directions and can lose sight of the positive energy this time of year brings, she says, adding that “holiday dates offer an opportunity to slow down and take in the holiday spirit while prioritizing your relationship in a fun way that’s special to this time of year.
Plus, as Bonafede Shine notes, holiday dates also have a way of becoming sentimental traditions that couples look forward to each and every year.
We’ve got a list of classic date ideas in the list below, including a holiday movie marathon at home and whipping up a warm meal of holiday favorites, and some less expected standouts like going people-watching at night and ornament-painting. Whatever your desired date idea, throw on your ugly Christmas sweater or matching PJs and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas date ideas for couples
Read your favorite holiday story out loud
Whether it’s Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” or Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” this is sure to be a nostalgic favorite. “Share memories of who you read it with first and your favorite characters,” says Bonafede Shine, noting that you can also reveal any funny thoughts you had about the tome both then and now. “How often do you return to a childhood memory and share that childlike playfulness? Bring it back!” she says.
Plan a winter getaway
Are you overdue for a couples’ vacation? “For many of us, winter is the season of spending extra time at home and staying cozy under a warm blanket,” says Barbie Adler, founder and president of Selective Search in Chicago, further commenting that travel helps shake up this pattern and open you up to a wealth of new experiences.
“Whether you’re planning to visit a tropical locale to bask in the sun or explore the natural beauty of a different country’s winter landscapes, a midwinter getaway can help you escape the winter blues and make memories that will last a lifetime,” she adds.
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A few ideas to get the wheels turning: Go ice skating and museum hopping in Philadelphia (the area around Rittenhouse Square really doubles down on the merry and bright); savor a winter snow globe experience in Big Sky, Montana, where you can ski — or après-ski — to your heart’s content; escape the cold and laze on the beach at Curtain Bluff in Antigua where the piña coladas and views are unparalleled.
Paint ornaments together
You don’t need to be Picasso to enjoy this unifying activity. “Add the year to the design, and don’t be afraid to get creative,” says Bonafede Shine. “This is a memento you can reflect on each year when you decorate and a fun activity to see each other’s artsy — or not so artsy — side!”
Visit a spa
If a longer retreat isn’t realistic for you, get some R&R at a local spa. “A spa retreat allows you and your partner to block out all other concerns and focus on simply enjoying yourselves together,” says Adler, pointing out that some spas offer special treatments during the winter, such as hot and cold treatments or 14K gold facials.
If you find yourself in New York City, Miami or London over the holidays, try Blacklane’s “Holiday Chauffeur” package where you and yours can shop ’til you drop with a five-hour chauffeur-by-the-hour service and cap off your with an indulgent spa treatment as you recap all the Santa cameos and beautiful holiday decorations you saw along the journey.
Create a new tradition
The holidays are the perfect time to update your roster of couple rituals. “You each likely have traditions which are meaningful to you from your families growing up which you can, of course, include in your life together,” says Krystal Mazzola Wood, M.Ed., LMFT, author, blogger and therapist behind Confidently Authentic. “It’s bonding to create a new tradition with your partner. You can look up ideas of cultural traditions around the world and engage in the one you love,” she continues.
For instance, Mazzola Wood shares that in Iceland, people exchange books and quietly enjoy each other’s company while reading them on Christmas Eve. Additional ideas: Write each other a holiday jingle and perform it, have an evening dinner by candlelight with no electronics present for the duration of the night, or host an annual holiday brunch double date at home.
Decorate your Christmas tree
If you haven’t got a tree yet, Mazzola Wood recommends doing this as a date-night activity. “Tell stories about the ornaments you have from when you were younger. You may also exchange an ornament to add to these memories and this activity for next year,” she says.
Make a childhood wish come true
Recreate some of that child-like enchantment by asking your partner what is something they always wanted to experience or receive during the holidays as a child that never happened, i.e., going to Disneyland, suggests Mazzola Wood. Create space to try to plan this activity, together if possible financially, or honor their inner child’s desire by planning a creative date, she says (so for this case by dressing up as your favorite Disney characters, watching a Disney movie and creating a special treat you can get at the theme park. The more silly and playful the better.
Make your own ugly sweaters or sweatshirts
How’s this for an outside-the-box pastime? Visit your local craft store and pick up yarn, fabric paint, iron-on patches, etc., and then buy a plain sweatshirt or sweater and go to town. “This is a wonderful way to tap into humor, have a good laugh and provide a story to tell after,” Bonafede Shine says.
Wrap gifts together
A functional date that’s also fun? We’ll take it. Blast the music, while you’re at it. “Even though gift wrapping can be tedious and an annoying chore, it can still be made fun if couples turn it into a date. Incorporate some fun competition into it like most wrapped gifts the winner or the fastest one to wrap gifts gets to skip the dishwashing chore tonight,” says Lauren Cook-McKay, LMFT.
Best of all: “It’s very budget-friendly, and it also makes the chore easier to finish because you have someone helping out with you.”
Enjoy a movie night
How could we not recommend this classic? “Ask your date to pick their all-time favorite holiday movie,” Shannon Lungren, certified matchmaker and dating coach, says. “After you watch it, share your favorite parts. Chances are, he/she will want to watch your favorite flick next time!”
Create a winter garden
While it’s definitely challenging to plant during winter, Cook-McKay says finding a helper makes it less of a hassle and can even be done without leaving home (or your backyard). “This can also be a test of how your teamwork is around taking on new tasks or challenges,” she added. If you don’t have outdoor space with soil soft enough to plant in, consider creating an indoor garden with herbs.
Swap family traditions
Whether it’s a fifth date or 50th, we love this sweet idea. “Take turns implementing one of your own family holiday traditions into your relationship,” Amber Lee, certified matchmaker and co-founder of Select Date Society, told TODAY. “You will each learn a new way to celebrate the holidays and feel closer to each other as you share the traditions you grew up with.”
Decorate a gingerbread house together
You don’t have to tell us twice. “This is pretty easy and fun. You’ll also have a memory in one of your homes of the fun date,” Lungren says. “You can also plan to get together after the holidays to do a delicious demolition.”
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to make a gingerbread house from scratch. And since you’re already in the kitchen, you might as well bake up a (holiday cookie) storm.
Bake some other holiday treats
On the sweets front, you can think beyond gingerbread houses, too. “For many of us, holiday cookies and other sweet goodies bring back some of our fondest memories,” says Adler. “Baking with your partner can be a great way to share cherished memories and create new traditions in the process. Introducing one another to old family favorites or working together to experiment with unfamiliar recipes can help strengthen your bond while also filling your belly,” she adds. For a twist on this holiday date idea, Adler says to coordinate with other couples and have a cookie exchange party, where each couple makes a batch of their favorite desserts and everyone takes some home.
Attend a holiday concert
“There are tons of holiday concerts that occur. You can both choose to attend one every month or once every week,” Cook-Mckay says. “It’s a good time to hang out of the house and enjoy different scenery while keeping the spirit of the holidays intact.” Not to mention, it’s also an excuse to get dressed up in your finest festive attire.
Window-shop for a Christmas tree
Already have a Christmas tree? Don’t have space for one? Would you rather save money on a tree and decorations this year? Regardless of the reasoning, this bonding activity is a winner.
“The shops are usually crowded, and people’s strange ways of testing the trees adds to the fun part of this activity,” Callisto Adams, Ph.D., a relationship expert and founder of HeTexted, says, noting that the experience will likely bubble up memories for yesteryear. “Be it happy or sad memories, they’ll be a way of showing vulnerability to your date, especially if you’re dating for a long time.”
It also helps that most of these shops have a happy and noisy atmosphere, which can help make conversations more relaxed and easygoing — even if they’re bittersweet.
Take the plunge at a Polar Bear Plunge
Made with thrill-seekers in mind, the Polar Bear Plunge is only for those strong enough to brave the cold. “Sometimes it’s about taking risks that are outside your comfort zone,” Omar Ruiz, LMFT, founder of Online Private Practice, LLC, tells TODAY. “Not everyone will be open to it, but if the couple is, they need to make sure there is a location that will allow for this and that is safe.”
Go ice skating
Perhaps the most classic date activity on this list. “If you haven’t done an ice skating date before, let this year be the year you try it,” Adams says. Think of it as a bonding experience — especially if your skating skills aren’t up par. “If you are not experienced skaters, choose a weekday when the rink is less crowded and learn to skate together,” Lee suggests.
Take a drive to see the Christmas lights
Many suburban neighborhoods have houses with festive lights and holiday decorations. “All you need is a tank of gas and about an hour or so to drive around in the evening to pick out the best and brightest house,” Ruiz says. Some towns even have more formal drive-by holiday lights experiences, but keep in mind that some require you to buy tickets in advance.
“This is even more fun if you take a drive in your Christmas pajamas with mugs of hot cocoa (don’t forget the marshmallows!) while blasting Christmas music on the radio,” Lee added.
Or, take a drive to see any holiday events in your area
Along with holiday light shows, Bonafede Shine suggests hopping in the car or on public transit to visit winter villages, tree lighting ceremonies, and other Christmastime attractions near you. “Take the time to explore your community together and embrace where you live with the holiday spirit in mind,” she says.
Volunteer together
It’s always a great idea to give back, especially during the holiday season. “You’ll be spending time with one another, but not directly. Instead, you’ll share this emotionally-rich experience with one another,” Adams says.
You have a couple of options: Find something that speaks to both of you or you can each pick a different volunteer opportunity for double the fun.
Take a walk in the park
As Adams puts it, being an adult isn’t always, well, fun. “Getting back to your childlike behavior with a partner can be an extremely emotionally bonding experience,” she says, suggesting you pick a day when the weather is appropriate for a walk in your local park. “Let your inner children out and make something like snow angels or a snowman together.”
Cook your favorite Christmas dishes together
Nobody is going to be disappointed with a home-cooked meal, especially if it’s made with love. “Cooking can get messy, competitive, and very funny,” Adams says. “Whether you help each other out or compete with one another, it’s entirely up to you.”
To get the wheels turning for what you’re going to make, check out these Christmas dinner ideas.
Go people-watching at night
Here’s a free or low-cost activity you may not have considered. Make or buy some hot drinks, pick a spot or bench, and start people-watching. “Different people have different worries, ways of feeling jolly and expressing happiness,” Adams says. “This can allow you to remember things from your own stories and share them with your date, but also it makes a comfortable room for you to stay silent.”
Warm up with hot chocolate
But first, work up a sweat by taking part in a snowball fight. “Not only does this bring out an individual’s competitive nature, but it allows for playfulness on a date,” Ruiz says. Once the game is over, snuggle up with some hot chocolate. “This is helpful for couples to remind themselves that not all dates have to be coordinated, it can just be playful.”
Host Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving has become a popular Thanksgiving tradition, but have you tried the winter-inspired version? Come up with a dinner menu, invite close friends and prepare for a night of festive fun.
“This not only allows for a shared experience with others you like and care for, but it will open up doors for exploring how your partner interacts with your friends,” Ruiz says. “This provides more insight into your partner as a whole, rather than a singular one-dimensional person.” (Obviously if you’ve been together a while, the “discovery” aspect about how someone acts around friends might not be new!)
Shop for one another
Instead of just going shopping, Adams recommends incorporating this playful twist: Your date picks an item for you and vice versa.
“This raises the potential for laughter and jolly memories. You can take it as seriously as you want. Or you can passively challenge one another to pick the ugliest item and make each other wear/use it for as long as they need it,” she says, adding that seeing the ugly Christmas sweater they picked out will elicit happy memories every time you bring it out of the closet.
Get your karaoke on
Warm up those vocal cords for a night of fa-la-la fun. Find a local bar or restaurant that has karaoke with Christmas songs. You don’t need to have pipes like Frank Sinatra or Aretha Franklin, though.“It’s about a shared experience,” Ruiz says.
Plan a holiday photoshoot
“You are never too old to get your photo taken with Santa! Have fun being big kids together,” Lee says. If you don’t want to head to the mall for a snapshot with Santa, consider hiring a local photographer or using a service like Flytographer for a seasonal photoshoot in your yard or at a local ice skating rink.
Go sledding
It’s time to embrace your playful side again. Find a solid sledding spot, layer up and spend the day in the snow. “The adrenaline rush as you speed down the hill in your sled will create chemistry between you,” Lee says. If you live in a climate with snow, it’s particularly magical when you do this during the first snowfall.
