51 Winter Date Ideas for Cozy & Romantic Fun: 2025 Guide

Looking for fun ways to spend the winter months with your partner? This is the ultimate guide to the BEST winter date ideas! 

As the days get colder and darker, cuffing season swings into FULL gear. LOL but seriously though, whether or not there’s actual science behind “cuffing season,” you can’t deny that the chilly weather seems designed for romance. Imagine cuddling up by a warm fire and sipping on hot cocoa as you have a Hallmark romcom on, or taking a winter walk in the snow around your local park… winter dates are honestly some of my favorites!! 

Whether it’s your first date or a weekly date night, winter has a ton of activities for you and your person! My partner and I always have SO many fun things lined up for the season, which is definitely helpful for keeping away the seasonal blues So go grab your human and make the most of this winter season with some truly magical moments 🙂 

This post is all about fun winter date ideas. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. All opinions are genuinely mine.

COZY AT-HOME INDOOR WINTER DATE IDEAS

When it’s freezing outside, ALL I want to do is snuggle up at home with my partner and embrace the warmth!! There’s just something about lighting a candle, curling up in blankets, and watching cozy movies while the snow gently falls outside… It makes staying in feel special. Whether we’re sipping hot cocoa, playing video games, or just spending time together on the couch, these moments at home feel like such bliss 🙂 Winter is the perfect time to indulge in at-home dates! 

1. Build a blanket fort together

Turn your living room into a cozy lil hideaway with all the blankets, pillows, fairy lights, and flameless candles! Make sure you get ALL the best snacks… popcorn and chocolate are my favs. It’s so nostalgic, fun, and the perfect spot for a movie marathon (another idea on this list ;)). Here’s a little How-To on making the best indoor movie fort! 

2. DIY a hot chocolate bar night

Set up a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes (YUMM peppermint hot cocoa), caramel drizzle, and whatever else you love! You can even get a lil funky and add in a creamy liquor like Baileys! Spend the evening perfecting your drinks and taste-testing each other’s creations. If you’re too lazy to throw all these things together, here are some pre-made kits you can order! 

3. Spend a day marathoning holiday movies

I’ll admit it… those B-grade Hallmark holiday movies? I LOVE THOSE!! Yes, I wouldn’t say they have the best plotlines, but they are so fun to marathon for the holidays! If those aren’t for you, you can also opt for some classics like Home Alone, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, and Polar Express! 

4. Bake cookies together

Heat things up in the kitchen with a cookie-baking extravaganza! Choose a few recipes and spend the evening baking (and tasting) together. Bonus points if you choose to decorate them with winter or holiday designs. I can already imagine the smell of freshly baked cookies filling up the home.. delicious! 

5. Make gingerbread houses

Get into the holiday spirit by building gingerbread houses together! Make it a competition to see who can create the most elaborate one, or just have fun decorating with all the candies and frosting. We usually leave ours out as a little decoration! Here are 2 options for kits you can get: 

6. Make homemade mulled wine or cider

DIY mulled wine or cider is perfect for a romantic night at home in the winter. You’ll fill the house with the scents of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. What better time than winter to have a warm, boozy drink?

Post You Might Like: 46 Cute Fall Date Ideas for Cozy Autumn Fun

7. Put up winter decorations together

Turn your home into a little winter wonderland with a festive decorating date! Put up the Christmas tree, hang lights, or add touches like candles. We always have a GREAT time blasting holiday music and making an afternoon out of it.

8. Play video games

Video games are some of my favorite alternatives to watching TV together! There are definitely some great couch co-op games out there. HIGHLY recommend It Takes Two – it’s such a cute little co-op game together that we absolutely loved playing. If you want to test your relationship and ability to work together, pick up Overcooked LOL. Or go classic with Mario Kart! Video games are a great way to bond and have fun from the comfort of your living room!! Plus, it’s a great excuse to stay indoors and enjoy each other’s company!!

9. Play board games together

If you want to be screen-free, pick up a board game to play together! Board games are always a fun date idea if you’re both a lil competitive hehe. Our favs: Exploding Kittens, Codenames Duet, Pandemic, and Forbidden Island!

10. Do a puzzle night

Winter is just THAT time of year when I get the itch to do jigsaw puzzles. Get a cute winter/holiday design puzzle to do together 🙂 It’s a quiet, cozy way to spend an evening focused on working together! Plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy some downtime and engage in meaningful conversation or listen to music! These Galison puzzles are our favorites – the pieces click together in such a satisfying way haha. 

11. DIY candles at home 

If you guys love getting a little crafty, do some DIY candle-making!! You can colors and scents that match the season. Definitely a fun, hands-on activity that lets you both get a little creative and make something that’ll remind you of the absolutely lovely winter night spent together.

12. Make an indoor picnic

Too cold for an outdoor picnic? Bring it indoors!! Lay down a blanket, pull out a charcuterie board, and enjoy a little meal on your living room floor. You can even play a winter landscape video for the atmosphere. 

13. Do a self-care night together 

Get ready to pamper each other! Grab a face mask, run a bubble bath, light your favorite candle, and relax together. 

14. Make a relationship scrapbook

Take a walk down memory lane by putting a relationship scrapbook together! Get your fav photos and anything else that tells the story of your relationship. Spend an evening crafting it together 🙂 So fun to keep updating every so often! 

INDOOR WINTER DATE IDEAS OUT OF THE HOUSE

When you’re a bit stir-crazy from hanging out at home, but you’re definitely NOT feeling the freezing cold weather outside, indoor winter date ideas are where it’s at!! From winter decor shopping to cozy cafe hopping, there are so many ways to stay warm while getting out of the house. Who says winter can’t be warm and adventurous?!

15. Visit an indoor ice skating rink

If outdoor rinks are too cold for ya, indoor ice skating rinks are the perfect way to enjoy a classic winter activity without freezing!! Ice skating is a great first date idea – you have the perfect excuse to link up and glide on the ice (hold on for dear life if you’re not a pro like me LOL).

16. Do a winter paint and sip

Find a local art studio offering winter-themed paint and sips! It’s such a fun indoor date to be creative together, even if neither of you is a superb artist. 

17. Go shopping for winter decor

​Get into the festive spirit by doing some winter decor shopping! Pick out ornaments, a wreath, lights – anything that will make your home cozy this winter season! 

18. Volunteer at a soup kitchen together

Winter is all about giving back, so find a place to volunteer together (it doesn’t have to be a soup kitchen). Volunteering for a good cause is such a meaningful way to spend time with your partner, helping others during the colder months 🙂 

19. Go bowling

Bowling is a great indoor activity to show off your competitive side! Plus, it’s indoors and warm, so you can keep cozy while knocking down those pins. Up the ante and make the loser buy food! 

20. Pick out books for each other at a bookstore

Spend a little time apart wandering around, aisle-to-aisle, finding the perfect book for your partner! It could be something that reminds you of them, a favorite author, or completely random and fun. Meet back up and reveal why you chose them! Grab a coffee while you’re out and make a whole afternoon of it. 

22. Take a seasonal cooking class

My boyfriend booked a cooking class for us last winter and it was SO fun! We ended up making sushi, but they often have seasonal dishes during the winter. The best part about cooking classes is that you get to eat what you make, so it’s a win-win!

23. Indoor rock climbing

If you’re feeling adventurous but want to be inside, try indoor rock climbing!! Great way to be active and cheer each other on to reach new heights (literally LOL).

24. Visit a botanical garden conservatory

Want to escape the cold a little bit? Botanical garden conservatories are warm and tropical – such a vibe when it’s cold outside!! Wander through lush plants, enjoy the humidity, and pretend you’re somewhere else for a little bit. 

25. Go to a planetarium

Okay, stargazing in winter is enchanting for sure, but let’s be real—it’s also FREEZING!! Head to your local planetarium for an indoor version, where you can learn about the stars and galaxies without needing to wear 20 layers. Plus, those starry skies are always romantic.

26. Do a cozy cafe crawl 

Cafes are next-level cozy during the winter!! The warm, soft lighting invites you in as the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air… They seriously feel like a warm hug during the winter months. Do a little cafe hopping and try different seasonal drinks—peppermint mochas, creme brulee lattes… you name it.

27. Try an escape room

There was a period of time when I was absolutely obsessed with doing escape rooms. They’re such a great idea for a date if you like working together and getting your brains going while still staying indoors!

28. Go to a brewery or winery for a tasting

If you’re a beer or wine lover, this one’s for you! Many breweries and wineries have indoor tasting rooms with seasonal brews or mulled wine during the winter. It’s the perfect atmosphere to chat about life while discovering something new to sip on.

29. Check out your local comedy club

The BEST cure for the winter blues is a good laugh!! Spend the evening at a comedy show for some indoor fun with live entertainment. Winter nights are long, so this is a perfect way to brighten things up. 

30. Explore a local museum exhibit 

​Go check out what’s new at your local museums! I love reserving museum days for the colder months because they’re the perfect way to spend a whole day out of the house but indoors. 

31. Visit an art gallery

Going to an art gallery is such a fun way to support local artists AND see fresh art! 

Post You Might Like: 101 BEST Cheap Date Ideas for Affordable Fun

32. Watch a theater performance

​Get tickets to go see a live show together! Whether it’s a Broadway show in New York or a local play, it’s a sophisticated way to enjoy an evening. The Nutcracker is always a fun one to see during the holidays. 

33. Book a couple’s spa appointment

If winter is getting you down and stressed, treat yourselves to the ULTIMATE relaxation with a spa appointment! Side-by-side massages, calming music, all the stress of life melting away… you’ll both leave feeling so refreshed and connected. 

34. Escape in a snowy cabin for the weekend

Imagine this: you and your human being tucked away in a cozy cabin, surrounded by a blanket of fresh snow. The world is quiet. It’s the perfect place for quality time and reconnection, unplugging from all the chaos. 

OUTDOOR WINTER DATE IDEAS

Prepare to bundle up for this section because this is where the list of winter date ideas get a bit chilly!! I looove getting outdoors in the winter and here are some of my favorite outdoor activities to do with your person! Whether you’re skiing together or trying the new seasonal flavors at your local brewery, you’re bound to have a good time. 

35. Go skiing or snowboarding

My boyfriend and I have been doing winter sports since we were kids, so hitting the slopes is a MUST for us every winter season! Whether you’re a pro or a total beginner (bunny hills are fun too!), skiing or snowboarding together is the PERFECT way to embrace the winter weather outdoors. And when you’re done, warm up by the lodge fire pits with a warm drink 🙂

Post You Might Like: The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

36. Try cross-country skiing

If you’re looking for a winter date that’s a ~bit~ more peaceful but still gets your heart racing, try cross-country skiing!! It’s a great workout AND a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful snow-covered trails together. 

37. Ice skate at an outdoor rink

Going ice skating together is a quintessential winter date idea. So many parks or outdoor areas transform into ice rinks in the winter – go find one and rent some skates! 

38. Go snow tubing 

For something less involved than skiing or snowboarding, you can always hit the slopes for some snow tubing. You can either get your own tubes and go to a hill nearby on a snowy day, or many local ski resorts have a tubing area. 

39. Visit your local zoo lights

Many zoos will transform their grounds into a glowing wonderland of twinkling lights, festive music, and maybe even a few animal sightings along the way! It’s such a fun winter date night idea – great for wandering around hand-in-hand while sipping on some warm drinks. 

40. Dine in a heated igloo

Heated igloos are the best of both worlds for the colder months – outdoors without the cold! Lots of restaurants have popped up with heated igloos. Go and enjoy dinner or a warm drink under the stars. It’s definitely one of my favorite romantic winter date ideas! 

41. Visit a Christmas tree farm

Spend a day at a Christmas tree farm!! Pick out the perfect tree and maybe even steal a kiss under the mistletoe 😉 It’s a festive and fun way to kick off the holiday season together.

42. Go snowshoeing 

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do snowshoeing at night, under the stars. How ~enchanting~. Whether you do it during the day or at night, snowshoeing is a great way to take advantage of a cold winter day. 

43. Do an outdoor bonfire

Who said bonfires are just for the summer? Do a winter bonfire (may have to wear your parkas). Roast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire on a cold night. It’s simple, sweet, and oh-so-romantic.

44. Take a scenic winter drive during the day

Make a dreamy winter playlist together, bring along your favorite snacks, and hop into a car to see the beautiful winter landscapes! Snow-capped mountains are the best sights of the season. 

45. Do a tour-de-holiday-lights at night

If you love sparking lights, highly recommend driving through some big neighborhoods to see all the holiday lights! Town squares are also a great place to see them at night if you just want to walk around. 

46. Hike a snowy winter trail

Winter hikes are such a vibe! Find and explore a scenic trail dusted with snow. It’s such a great excuse to escape the city and enjoy nature – especially in the chaos of the holidays and Q4. 

47. Check out a local winter festival

Look for festivals in your area like a winter wine festival or a craft beer festival. You can typically find events like these via Google or Facebook Events!

48. Shop around a holiday market

What better way to get in the festive spirit than to go to a holiday market together? Sip on mulled wine, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It’s an absolutely delightful way to spend an evening, filled with holiday cheer and tasty treats.

49. See a holiday light show

Lots of cities will have seasonal light shows that take place during the winter! Definitely one of the best outdoor dates to help bring a bit of light during the dark days of winter haha. 

50. Visit a farmers market

Farmers markets in the winter are FULL of seasonal goodies like fresh produce, baked treats, and handmade crafts that bring up all the cozy vibes at home. Go and stock up on some fun cookie-making ingredients! 

51. Do a winter photoshoot

Have I raved enough about just how beautiful the winter scenery is?! Capture the beauty and go do a winter photoshoot! Whether you book a professional photographer or you whip out your tripod and phone, you can for sure get some gorgeous photos!! 

This post was all about winter date ideas!