You’ve been dating your significant other for a while. You might even be ready to take things to the next level, but aren’t quite to the point of the implied Friday-night couch date just yet. No matter: These winter date ideas are just what you need to score more time together and make things more serious.
Whether you want to bond, heat things up, or just throw out a fun idea she’ll immediately love, we’ve got you covered with these eight cold-weather date ideas.
8 cold-weather date ideas to heat up winter
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Laser tag
Hear us out: There’s something about laser tag that brings out the kid in all of us. At the very least, it will make you both feel a tad competitive (read: feisty) and ensure the night gets a little sweaty. The best part? You’re indoors! It’s a great idea for pre- or post-dinner on a chilly night. Just warn her not to wear heels ahead of time.
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Iron chef
If you’ve got skills in the kitchen (or she does), challenge her to a cook-off. Agree upon a dinner menu ahead of time, then round up all of the ingredients. When she shows up, impress her by having a bottle of wine and two glasses, cutting board, and a few other necessary tools out on the countertop, ready to go. Whoever makes the better food, you both win.
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Wine tasting
It’s no secret that any kind of alcohol warms you up…in every sense of the word. So instead of suggesting something outdoors-y like ice skating (not that there’s anything wrong with that…), why not plan a chill night sipping on some fine cabs and pinots? You’ll score culture points, and the date is also a great icebreaker to plan right before you head to dinner. By the time you Uber over to your restaurant reservation, you’ll both be much more loose and won’t have any of those awkward pauses. (Also: Yes, alcohol technically lowers your core temperature, but we’re assuming you’re not doing a wine tasting in a freezer.)
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Hot yoga
If you or your date like to downward dog, meet up for a Sunday hot yoga class. You won’t exactly be able to hit up the classiest brunch spot afterward (you will both be sweaty and gross), but just showing up will earn you major points if she’s into it. Also, real talk: This date is especially great for creating sexual tension in a new relationship. You’ll spend the entire hour watching her bend and contort her body, while she’ll have to pretend she’s not looking at your abs as you casually peel off your shirt before class. It’s also a great way to fit in some time with the girl who always has plans on Saturday night.
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Secret speakeasy
If you’re going to meet at a bar, at least make it an impressive one. Just about every city has some secret lounge, unnamed bar, or tucked-away speakeasy that she hasn’t heard of. Do your research and find that perfect place complete with unique gin drinks, a killer playlist, and a fireplace. When you finally whisk her upstairs to a cozy seat in the corner, she’ll be in no rush to head back out into the cold night air again.
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Ticket master
If a band you know she loves is coming to town, snag two tickets ASAP. While some might worry this comes off as too aggressive, think it through: Who would say no to the hottest ticket in town? Whether you bought them a week or a month in advance, no one needs to know. Just casually mention on Monday that you saw they’re playing Friday night and see if she’s interested. She will be. Then you get to be the hero when you “come through” an hour later and text her that you got two tickets—not to mention a date for Friday night.
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Hero Images / Getty
The hometown date
When you want to make it clear that you see a future with someone, you call in the big guns: the hometown date. If one of you grew up within reasonable driving distance from your current digs, suggest a day trip to see the sights. Have brunch at your favorite diner, drive by the high school football field you used to play on, and (provided you’ve been on enough dates to make it not weird) maybe even say a quick hello to the parents before heading back to town. This is the kind of date that says, “Let’s make this official”.
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GARO/PHANIE / Getty
Cryotherapy and chill
While cryotherapy may seem like the last thing you want to do in cold weather, hear us out. Trendy cryotherapy is known for reducing inflammation, making it a favorite of athletes, workout buffs, and my-body-is-my-temple types everywhere. But psyching yourself up to shiver your naked butt off for 60 seconds will also spike your endorphins, making it an awesome bonding experience. Doing something new (and a little scary) really gets the heart pumping and blood flowing, and doing something naked is a fun way to shake up dates that have been a tad too polite. When you’re done, put your clothes back on and head to a bar around the corner for a victory drink. Just don’t be surprised if you end up taking those clothes right back off the second you get home.
Hear us out: There’s something about laser tag that brings out the kid in all of us. At the very least, it will make you both feel a tad competitive (read: feisty) and ensure the night gets a little sweaty. The best part? You’re indoors! It’s a great idea for pre- or post-dinner on a chilly night. Just warn her not to wear heels ahead of time.
Iron chef
If you’ve got skills in the kitchen (or she does), challenge her to a cook-off. Agree upon a dinner menu ahead of time, then round up all of the ingredients. When she shows up, impress her by having a bottle of wine and two glasses, cutting board, and a few other necessary tools out on the countertop, ready to go. Whoever makes the better food, you both win.
Wine tasting
It’s no secret that any kind of alcohol warms you up…in every sense of the word. So instead of suggesting something outdoors-y like ice skating (not that there’s anything wrong with that…), why not plan a chill night sipping on some fine cabs and pinots? You’ll score culture points, and the date is also a great icebreaker to plan right before you head to dinner. By the time you Uber over to your restaurant reservation, you’ll both be much more loose and won’t have any of those awkward pauses. (Also: Yes, alcohol technically lowers your core temperature, but we’re assuming you’re not doing a wine tasting in a freezer.)
Hot yoga
If you or your date like to downward dog, meet up for a Sunday hot yoga class. You won’t exactly be able to hit up the classiest brunch spot afterward (you will both be sweaty and gross), but just showing up will earn you major points if she’s into it. Also, real talk: This date is especially great for creating sexual tension in a new relationship. You’ll spend the entire hour watching her bend and contort her body, while she’ll have to pretend she’s not looking at your abs as you casually peel off your shirt before class. It’s also a great way to fit in some time with the girl who always has plans on Saturday night.
Secret speakeasy
If you’re going to meet at a bar, at least make it an impressive one. Just about every city has some secret lounge, unnamed bar, or tucked-away speakeasy that she hasn’t heard of. Do your research and find that perfect place complete with unique gin drinks, a killer playlist, and a fireplace. When you finally whisk her upstairs to a cozy seat in the corner, she’ll be in no rush to head back out into the cold night air again.
Ticket master
If a band you know she loves is coming to town, snag two tickets ASAP. While some might worry this comes off as too aggressive, think it through: Who would say no to the hottest ticket in town? Whether you bought them a week or a month in advance, no one needs to know. Just casually mention on Monday that you saw they’re playing Friday night and see if she’s interested. She will be. Then you get to be the hero when you “come through” an hour later and text her that you got two tickets—not to mention a date for Friday night.
The hometown date
When you want to make it clear that you see a future with someone, you call in the big guns: the hometown date. If one of you grew up within reasonable driving distance from your current digs, suggest a day trip to see the sights. Have brunch at your favorite diner, drive by the high school football field you used to play on, and (provided you’ve been on enough dates to make it not weird) maybe even say a quick hello to the parents before heading back to town. This is the kind of date that says, “Let’s make this official”.
Cryotherapy and chill
While cryotherapy may seem like the last thing you want to do in cold weather, hear us out. Trendy cryotherapy is known for reducing inflammation, making it a favorite of athletes, workout buffs, and my-body-is-my-temple types everywhere. But psyching yourself up to shiver your naked butt off for 60 seconds will also spike your endorphins, making it an awesome bonding experience. Doing something new (and a little scary) really gets the heart pumping and blood flowing, and doing something naked is a fun way to shake up dates that have been a tad too polite. When you’re done, put your clothes back on and head to a bar around the corner for a victory drink. Just don’t be surprised if you end up taking those clothes right back off the second you get home.
