23 Winter Date Ideas That Are Cold-Weather Approved

With winter almost here, the chilly season will bring plenty of new fashion trends, slow cooker chicken recipes, and of course, cuffing season. But when temperatures drop, and the thought of doing anything besides laying in bed feels impossible, you may get hit with a case of cabin fever. When this happens — because let's be honest, it will — don't let the cold weather keep you from having a good time with a significant other, situationship, or a dating-app match.

We know, it's hard to come up with winter date ideas. And making plans for winter dates in the cold can be tricky. You're never sure how many layers to wear and you don't want your date to be uncomfortable because of the cold weather. Plus, staying inside feels like the more sensible option when the temperature is below 20. But why not try one of these new date ideas in the winter for both indoors and outdoors?

From stargazing to hot chocolate competitions, these winter activities are sure to be a hit for both the home body and the outdoor extrovert. You can either choose to face the cold or embrace the warmth of your home with these highly recommended winter date ideas. Enjoy!

Winter Date Idea: Go Stargazing
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Winter Date Idea: Go Stargazing

Sit under the stars and gaze into the night sky. Make a wish on a shooting star, and maybe even name one after your loved one. Read into astrology and learn together the alignment of the stars and the belief they can affect every individual's mood, personality, and environment.

Winter Date Idea: Have a Photo Shoot
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Winter Date Idea: Have a Photo Shoot

Tap into Pinterest and hire a photographer during the next snowfall. Turn building a snow man, pelting each other with snowballs, and making snow angels into cute memories.

Winter Date Idea: Go on a Scavenger Hunt
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Winter Date Idea: Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt? Make this a flirty one and hide clues for them around the house that lead to a fun, intimate night together.

Winer Date Idea: Host a Fondue Night
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Winer Date Idea: Host a Fondue Night

Melt your way into each other's hearts with a fondue date. If you're craving something savory, pick out your favorite cheeses, melt them in a large, heavy saucepan, and use veggies and proteins to dip into the gooey goodness. Want something sweet instead? Melt chocolates and choose fruits and sweets to pair with it.

Winter Date Idea: Do Art Together
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Winter Date Idea: Do Art Together

Pick a new-to-you art form and take a class together! Try your hand at painting or learn how to make a vase through pottery. Go even further outside the box and pick up embroidery, sculpting, or making ornaments. You may just find a new shared hobby.

Winter Date Idea: Have Dinner Inside of an Igloo
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Winter Date Idea: Have Dinner Inside of an Igloo

Dine under the stars in an igloo near you. Check around your area to see if restaurants are offering an igloo dining experience. They often come with speakers for your favorite tunes, sparkling lights, and heaters to keep you warm.

Winter Date Idea: Take Dance Lessons
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Winter Date Idea: Take Dance Lessons

Spice up your romance with some dancing. Take a class with your partner and get closer through learning a few new and intimate moves.

Winter Date Idea: Make Candles
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Winter Date Idea: Make Candles

Spark your creativity and learn how to make candles from scratch. Local workshops can assist candle lovers with concocting unique recipes. Choose your preferred scent and learn the differences between fragrant and natural candles.

Winter Date Idea: Volunteer at a Shelter
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Winter Date Idea: Volunteer at a Shelter

Fur babies also need some TLC this winter. As it gets colder outside, some shelters may be low on volunteers. You and your partner(s) can be of assistance by helping give baths, feed, and take shelter dogs on walks. Who knows, maybe you'll end up taking one home.

Winter Date Idea: Book a Cabin Getaway
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Winter Date Idea: Book a Cabin Getaway

Use this time of the year to get away and stay in a cabin. Find a cozy home at a memorable destination and take the opportunity to get fresh air, take in nature's views, sit by the fire, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while eating s'mores.

Winter Date Idea: Try Out an Escape Room
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Winter Date Idea: Try Out an Escape Room

Test your problem-solving skills and work together in an escape room. Work on puzzles, riddles, and dive into creative back stories to find your way out.

Winter Date Idea: Go Ice-Fishing
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Winter Date Idea: Go Ice-Fishing

Visit a lake near you and try out ice fishing. Just be sure to check the weather and your local rules and regulations first. You might get a big catch!

Winter Date Idea: Go Snow Tubing
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Winter Date Idea: Go Snow Tubing

You're never too old to sled. Find a place to snow tube this winter, and take your partner with you. Slide down hills and enjoy the thrill and chill of the winter air.

Winter Date Idea: Host A Hot Chocolate Competition
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Winter Date Idea: Host A Hot Chocolate Competition

Hot chocolate is a must during the frigid winter season. You and your partner can make a classic dessert beverage, but with a twist. Buy ingredients, such as marshmallows, powered sugar, and candy canes, and make it a competition. At the end, try each other's concoctions and decides who makes the best hot chocolate.

Winter Date Idea: Host a Mini Wine Night
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Winter Date Idea: Host a Mini Wine Night

You and your partner can each purchase four to five bottles of wine. Choose different varieties you like or have been wanting to try and rate them on a scale of one to 10. Make cards and teach each other where and how each wine was made.

Winter Date Idea: Have a No Electronics Day
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Winter Date Idea: Have a No Electronics Day

This is a great way to unplug from the world and focus on each other. Turn off your phones and TV and, instead, play board games, have a meaningful conversation, or cook together.

Winter Date Idea: Make Scrapbooks
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Winter Date Idea: Make Scrapbooks

Make a scrapbook containing you and your partner's favorite memories. All you have to do is go through your camera roll and head to the nearest Walgreens to print them out. Buy markers, glitter, letters, and other arts and crafts to make it your own.

Winter Date Idea: Knit Ugly Sweaters
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Winter Date Idea: Knit Ugly Sweaters

Stay warm and cozy in your own handmade sweater or hat. You and your partner can purchase knitting kits from Amazon or Target. Choose some colors and designs to personalize an item made just for your love.

Winter Date Idea: Sing Karaoke
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Winter Date Idea: Sing Karaoke

Sing your hearts out in the comfort of your own home. You can do karaoke via YouTube and a hair brush, buy a karaoke machine, or use a subscription app. The choice is all yours.

Winter Date Idea: Have a DIY Spa Night
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Winter Date Idea: Have a DIY Spa Night

Hop into robes, relax for an evening, and take a night to just chill with your partner. Use face, hand, and feet masks, make a homemade moisturizer, or exchange massages.

Winter Date Idea: Build a Fort
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Winter Date Idea: Build a Fort

Tap into your inner child and turn your living room into a fort. On days when you're snowed in, get creative using sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillows to build a cave within your own home.

Winter Date Idea: Have a Themed Movie Night
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Winter Date Idea: Have a Themed Movie Night

Pick a theme and bust out the snacks; it's movie night. Choose a genre, whether it be holiday related, spooky, or a rom-com marathon, and enjoy a night snuggled under blankets with your partner.

Winter Date Idea: Have a Bake Off
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Winter Date Idea: Have a Bake Off

Pretend you're on a baking show and time yourself to each make something delicious. Nothing beats warm chocolate chip cookies and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth brownies during the winter, but can you bake them in a creative fashion within a 30 minute-time frame? Put your skills to the test.