35 Winter Date Ideas to Cozy Up to Your Significant Other In 2022

Baby, it's cold outside.

couple embracing in the snow

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Oh, winter. We can't wait for the cooler weather to arrive, but when it does, we're ready for summer. Still, there is so much to love about this time of year. The days may be shorter and the weather can be unforgiving, but we really do believe that winter is the most wonderful time of the year—especially when you're in the mood to snuggle up to your partner.

If you're looking to go on a non-traditional date this winter, consider this your go-to guide. It may be tempting to avoid the hassle of leaving the house, but trust us, an outdoor date can definitely be worth it. Otherwise, staying in and turning on an old black-and-white movie is as romantic as it gets.

Ahead, check out 35 romantic winter date ideas for extra chilly days and nights.

01 of 35

Make a Snowman

Couple building a snowman with a hat, scarf, and carrot nose

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Like building a sandcastle, making a snowman may seem a bit juvenile, but there's something undeniably romantic about creating something together—and admiring your work when it's finished. Who knows, it can even turn into late-night celebratory hot chocolate and snuggling on the sofa.

02 of 35

Go on a Hike

Couple on a hike in the snow

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Even if you don't consider yourself to be super outdoorsy, going on a winter hike with your significant other could change your mind. After all, a gorgeous view shared with the person you love is worth it, right? You can even pack a picnic to enjoy halfway through.

Your body expends more energy in the winter than it does in the warmer months, so stay hydrated with regular water breaks.

03 of 35

Sip Hot Cocoa

Couple hugging and drinking hot cocoa in the snow

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Whether or not you're a whiz in the kitchen, you'd be surprised at how easy hot cocoa is to make from scratch: Combine milk, cocoa powder, and sugar in a small saucepan and whisk until the ingredients are combined and warm. You can even add your own twist, be it liqueur, cinnamon, or marshmallows.

There's nothing like good conversation over a warm beverage on a cold day.

04 of 35

Go Ice Skating

Couple holding hands while ice skating outdoors in the winter

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Ice skating is kind of like bowling in that it's tougher than it looks, and few people would consider themselves pros, but that's what makes it a fun date idea. You can bond over how clumsy you both may be and help each other up when you fall. Whether you head to a rink or a frozen lake, you'll definitely have a blast (and a good laugh).

05 of 35

Grab a Sled

Couple sledding together outside in the snow

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If you've never frolicked in fresh snow as an adult, now is your chance. Whether you race down hills small and large or share a sled with your partner, you're both in for a fun and whimsical winter date.

06 of 35

Head to the Theater

Theater filled with audience members seated for a show

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Sometimes we need a reason to get dressed up to break with the monotony of winter. If you're not in the mood to go out to dinner, but need a good excuse to step into a pair of heeled boots, your local theater is the perfect place to go. Not only will it add to your cultural repertoire, but it is also a destination where extravagance is expected.

If you're looking for something with a little Christmas spirit, we suggest buying tickets to "The Nutcracker." From the costumes to the set, to the music, you're in for a holiday treat.

07 of 35

Put on a Movie

Couple laying on the floor watching a movie together

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Dinner and a movie may not be the most original idea, but there's a reason it always makes for a great date night. Winter also happens to be awards season, so you may choose to indulge in a cerebral drama or foreign film.

If the weather isn't inspiring you to head outside, turn to escapism and watch a French flick or a psychological thriller. Either way, cuddling on the couch with the soft glow of the television is one date idea we can't resist.

08 of 35

Try Indoor Skydiving

Man indoor skydiving

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A fear of heights shouldn't stop you from trying this extreme sport. If you've always wanted to try it, but jumping out of a plane just isn't for you, you'll absolutely love floating in a skydiving simulator.

Plus, showing each other that you're not afraid of adventure is never a bad idea.

09 of 35

Play Board Games

Couple playing board game at the kitchen table

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Snow days are a great excuse to stay in your pajamas all day and play board games. Chess is an excellent option because it's designed for two, it makes you think, and lets you get a little competitive.

10 of 35

Make a Picnic

Frosted bread, apple, and jam on plaid picnic blankets

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Even though a traditional picnic is best enjoyed outside, winter may not be the best season to eat sandwiches and fruit on the front lawn. Though hanging in the living room lacks the invigorating sunshine that we typically associate with a picnic, you won't miss the outdoors on this cozy date.

Spread out on a throw blanket and nosh on all your favorites. Don't forget to pack a bottle of wine or Champagne!

11 of 35

Go Rock Climbing

Couple indoor rock climbing

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Indoor rock climbing is one of those sports you can do alone or with a partner (either as a spotter or a fellow climber). Let this date be the equivalent of a trust fall; you will need to communicate well and work together to ensure you both make it to the top and have a great time.

12 of 35

Do Yoga

Couple holding hands doing yoga

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Nothing gets your blood flowing quite like yoga does—especially if your partner is guiding you through poses or flowing alongside you. If one of you is a novice, simple guided asanas should suffice. Otherwise, try interlinked couples’ poses to really get to know your partner’s body.

13 of 35

Bake a Gingerbread House

Gingerbread house making supplies

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A gingerbread house is a classic winter staple. You can opt to make the cookies from scratch, but we won't judge if you use a store-bought kit with pre-made gingerbread. The important part is construction—make your house a home with frosted window dressings and candy decorations for the yard.

14 of 35

Visit the Holiday Lights

Trees decorated in white lights in the snow

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Every town has that one street decked out in holiday lights, so why not take a scenic drive with your partner and admire all the hard work that went into your neighbors' displays?

15 of 35

Make S’mores

Couple roasting marshmallows over a fire to make smores

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You don't have to be a bonafide camper to love s'mores. In fact, you don’t even need to wait until it's warm enough to make them in a log fire. If you have a fireplace, you're good to go: Come prepared with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars, and try not to make a gooey mess under the mantel.

If you don't have a fireplace, roasting marshmallows on the stove will work just as well.

16 of 35

Build a Fort

Couple building a fort with white sheets and string lights

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Contrary to popular opinion, forts are not just for kids! After minimally rearranging furniture, drape sheets and/or blankets to form your cozy hideout. Take a few candles and glasses of wine with you to enjoy in your makeshift hideaway.

17 of 35

Enjoy an At-Home Spa Day

Bubble bath surrounded by candles

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There's no need to shell out the cash (or even leave the house) to have a tranquil spa experience. You don't need to be fancy, either; sheet masks and bath bombs were made for snowy days in. Invest in some aromatherapy and trade massages with your partner for a particularly romantic night.

18 of 35

Cook Breakfast for Dinner

Couple eating breakfast food and mimosas

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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it twice? Whether you like sweet or savory breakfast foods, making this delicious meal together after the sun goes down is a perfect way to spend a cold winter night. Don't forget the mimosas.

19 of 35

Have a "No Power" Date Night

Pillows, blankets, candles, and a book

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The power does not have to be out to make this date night work, but if a winter storm kills the lights, this date idea may be the plan that saves your sanity. Snuggle up under a pile of blankets, order takeout, and talk until the power comes back. 

20 of 35

Play Along With Game Shows

Couple on the couch watching TV together

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If you and your significant other like to get a little competitive, turn on your favorite game show and play along with the contestants on the screen. Grab a pen and paper and keep track of the points you earn. By the end of the night, you will finally be able to declare who is the true champion of the house.

21 of 35

Make a Pizza

Couple making homemade pizza together

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Cooking together can be fun, so long as you can agree on the meal. Pizza is a safe choice that everyone will love. Did we mention it's pretty easy to make, too? Learn to toss dough and make patterns with toppings for a work of art right out of the oven.

22 of 35

Have a Bake-Off

Cookies baking in an oven

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Why not hold a contest where you both can be winners? Be sure you have all the necessary ingredients for two different desserts and try baking them simultaneously. Competitive spirits will run high, and the kitchen will be a mess, but there will be two scrumptious creations waiting to be devoured when all is said and done.

23 of 35

Drink Wine and Paint a Picture

Couple painting and drinking wine together

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Instructional BYOB art classes are a quirky trend right now, but luckily, you do not have to leave the house to enjoy a glass of wine and learn how to paint. Instead, we encourage you and your partner to cozy up with a new bottle and some canvases as you stream Bob Ross on your TV. You may not be able to recreate his landscape masterpieces, but you will have a blast trying.

24 of 35

Play Video Games

Couple sitting on the couch playing video games in the living room together

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If you are better at button-smashing, break out the old console and remote controls. Video games tend to be less time-consuming, but they require more technical understanding than board games, and we encourage you to play to your strengths.

25 of 35

Go Antiquing

Woman antique shopping

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You can fit a lot of laughs into a date spent antiquing. There are always unusual items for sale that may tickle your fancy. Plus, every time you pass by your purchases in your home, you'll be reminded of the fun day you bought them.

We promise you'll have the best time at a store that doesn't organize its merchandise—it takes more effort to locate worthwhile items but makes it all the more satisfying when you do.

26 of 35

Plan a Trip

Person with a notepad and travel supplies on a laptop planning a trip

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Winter blues got you down? Use your date night to plan a trip together for warmer weather. Create inspiration boards on Pinterest, research the best hotels, and nail down those flights before the prices skyrocket.

27 of 35

Go Holiday Shopping

Couple hugging and window shopping looking into a holiday window display

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If the holidays are approaching, head to the mall or your favorite boutiques to knock out some gift shopping. You can use the outing to drop hints to your partner about what you really want for the holidays, too. 

28 of 35

Take a Cooking Class

People cutting up vegetables and various foods on a cutting board

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Whether you want to up your cooking game or you have a night with nothing to do, a cooking class is a great bonding and learning experience. To make this one a little more romantic, opt for a private lesson.

29 of 35

Go for a Stroll

Couple holding hands and walking in the snow

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Bundle up in your coats and scarves and head outside. You'll get some fresh air and exercise, plus the cold weather is an excuse to cuddle up close.

30 of 35

Spend the Day at the Beach

Couple walking their dog on the beach in the winter

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If you live close to a coast, grab some blankets and spend the day at the beach. The wintry weather makes the scenery so much more dramatic, and it provides the perfect environment for long, deep talks.

31 of 35

Have a Photoshoot in the Snow

Couple playing in the snow

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There's nothing quite like the season's first snowfall to put you in a romantic mood. Use the self-timer on your phone to capture all of the magic in an impromptu photoshoot. From making snow angels with your love to engaging in a snowball fight, these are the memories that will last a lifetime.

32 of 35

Plan a Scrapbooking Night

Married couple look at their printed wedding photos spread across the table, having a coffee.

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Break out the arts and crafts supplies! A scrapbook documenting your relationship over the years is sure to keep the winter blues away. Cozy up to a cup of hot chocolate or cider as you look back at shared memories.

33 of 35

Have a Coffee Shop Date

Top view of a coffee cup with latte art

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The aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee on a cold winter day is enough to awaken your senses. With cozy window nooks, pastries to tempt your tastebuds, and one-on-one time with your partner, what more could you ask for?

34 of 35

Spend the Afternoon at a Museum

Couple admiring art

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Hit up your local art museum scene for a fun gallery date. If you're both art lovers, then nothing beats the rush of seeing a masterpiece by your favorite artist for the first time.

35 of 35

Visit a Botanical Garden

Women exploring a greenhouse

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With flowers still in bloom and much greenery to be admired, a botanical garden can be an excellent destination for your next winter date. A visit to the greenhouse alone will lift your spirits. Bonus: During the holiday season, you may even be able to catch holiday lights!

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