25 Winter Date Ideas Guaranteed to Heat Things Up

Planning a date when it's warm is simple enough: There are so many opportunities for outdoor activities! But what are couples supposed to do when it's cold outside? Turns out, there's no shortage of winter date ideas to choose from, and each promises fun in its own way. This is true whether you're planning a first date or keeping the romance swirling in a long-term relationship—and whether you're looking for free or inexpensive date ideas or planning to splurge for a special occasion.

From putting on your snow pants and hitting the hill for some sledding to cuddling up next to a crackling fire with a steamy beverage and board game, let these date ideas for winter inspire your own cold-weather romance.

Crafting Session

Pull up your sleeves and dive into a craft project together. This indoor winter date idea will pass the time, ignite good conversation and will leave you with a token to appreciate when all's said and done. Think shibori tie dye, DIY picture frames or a Bob Ross-inspired painting night—or any of these crafts for couples we rounded up.

Star Gazing

A little star peeping action doesn't have to be reserved for summertime. Winter's cold and clear skies are perfect for beholding the sparkling stars above—and the perfect reason to get extra close to your date.

"Pack a hamper full of champagne and charcuterie, grab sleeping bags, blankets, and maybe a small telescope," says celebrity matchmaker and relationship expert Bonnie Wintston. "Find a quiet park space or mountaintop. They even make small, portable 'fire pits' if you want to bring along goodies for s'mores."

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Cookie-Making Bonanza

One of the best winter date ideas is to hit the kitchen to bake some delicious cookies. To add some excitement, you can turn it into a mini competition to see who can whip up the best treat. Or, consider putting together little bags of cookies to give to neighbors, friends or family.

Bar Trivia

Find a local bar that does a weekly trivia night and team up to test your knowledge together. Have fun creating a cute trivia team name—and don't put too much pressure on coming in first or second.

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TV Binge Night

Scrap the guilt and settle in for a purposeful binge night of your favorite TV show or movie series. "When it gets colder, sometimes it's fun to just stay in and chill with each other. Order a red velvet latte and relax," suggests celebrity matchmaker Jacqueline Fae. "A binge night can be super entertaining and a great way to ignite conversation. I recommend ordering some yummy food and making your favorite snacks."

Root Beer Tasting

Maybe it's a school night, or perhaps you simply prefer not to imbibe. In that case, why not skip the wine or whiskey tasting and instead make root beer your beverage of choice? There are numerous brands to choose from—each with their own spin on this classic soda—and it's a cheap winter date idea that'll spur lots of fun.

DIY a Coffee Table Book Together

Take a walk down memory lane by rounding up your favorite pictures together and creating your own coffee book. Artifact Uprising allows you to customize your own album down to the paper quality and binding. Maybe it's a "year in review" or a "our favorite moments together" theme. You choose!

Thrifting Outfit Date

Looking for an inexpensive winter date idea that'll pass the time and ignite some giggles? Hit some local thrift stores to pick out outfits for each other, then wear them out to dinner (or around the house if the outfits get too zany).

Photo: Dimensions / Getty Images

Spa Day

The perfect way to relax and warm up together is to find a local resort and spend all day pampering yourselves. Splurge on the couple's massage and soak your worries away in a steamy hot tub or indoor heated pool. This cute winter date idea is a little more expensive, so consider saving it for a special occasion!

Duckpin Bowling

Hearken back to a classic date idea for winter by stopping by the bowling alley. Those retro shoes are a look, for sure, and some healthy competition will heat things up a bit. Duckpin bowling will earn you some extra nostalgia points, but regular bowling is just as great.

Sound Healing Session

Netflix and chill is always an option, but how about chilling to some beautiful sound waves? Check to see if local yoga or meditation studios offer this class, then dress in your comfiest clothes and make your way to the studio for a calming evening. If you can't find a studio that does sound healing, there are lots on YouTube that you can enjoy together.

Bonding Game Night

If you're craving an opportunity for deep connection with your special someone, pick up a card game for couples that aims to bring you closer together. For example, We're Not Really Strangers features thought-provoking questions that'll help you get to know each other better while sparking some emotion. Check out these additional card games for couples for more ideas.

Ice Skating Date

Do winter date ideas get more classic than an ice skating date? As common as it is, it's a favorite for a reason! "It's a great chance to grab someone's hand and warm up yours," Winston says. "If you're an amazing skater, you can show off. If you're not, they can show off for you!" Afterwards, venture to a nearby restaurant for a well-deserved, hearty meal.

Photo: SolStock / Getty Images

Holiday Lights

As the holidays near, touring elaborately decorated houses and public spaces is a cute and free date idea for winter. Scout out some neighborhoods known for their display and park or drive through at your leisure. "Depending on where you're located you may need to wear a warm jacket and grab a hot cocoa or alcoholic beverage to stay warm," says Fae. "Looking at lights together can be super romantic—a great place to hold hands, take a picture and steal a kiss.

Daytime Christmas Markets

For another seasonal winter date idea, check to see if there are any Christmas markets happening in your area. Even if you have to drive to the next neighborhood over, these festive markets—held both indoors and outdoors—are a great way to partake in the season, bond with your sweetie and check off your Christmas shopping list.

Comedy Club Date Night

Swinging by a comedy club is an easy winter date idea that'll keep you warm and laughing. See if there's a comedian coming to town that you both love, or get adventurous by seeing someone you've never heard of. Either way, we're sure laughter will ensue.

Diner Brunch

Any old restaurant can serve as a breakfast or brunch joint, but make your outing extra special by scouting out an old time-y diner that's decorated to the max. Think bright red and turquoise booths, black and white checkered flooring, and maybe even a little neon nostalgia.

Couple's Book Club

Are you both big readers? Choose a book to read together, come up with a cadence for how much to read at a time and then chit-chat about what's happening in the book as you work your way through it. Tie in a beverage or food that keeps to the book theme.

Create an Indoor Herb Garden

The soil may be hard outdoors during winter, but you can always bring some fresh greenery inside. Purchase a set of small indoor planters (you can even scout some at a thrift shop) and packets of herb seeds. Take care to plant each type of herb according to the directions.

Build a Bouquet

If flowers are more your speed, take time to build a beautiful floral arrangement together. You can pick up stems inexpensively at the grocery store or market (a good rule of thumb is to have one-third greenery). Trim away green leaves on the lower part of the stem, remove any damaged petals and then spend time carefully arranging the flowers together.

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Enjoy a Staycation

Plan a cute winter getaway somewhere close for a change of scenery and ample time to canoodle. You could opt for a local boutique hotel, cozy up in a cute cabin or rent a cool home. Take some time to figure out what appeals to you both most, then make it happen!

Yoga Session

Hitting the gym is a great winter date idea, but also consider doing a slower-paced fitness date like yoga. This stretching guided practice can help your body feel more relaxed and open, and it's a nice way to shift into a lower gear together. Get fresh fruit smoothies or enjoy hot tea after.

Karaoke Night

Break out the microphone, warm up your vocal chords and sing your little hearts out! If you're feeling extra bold, choose a song for the other person and see what happens. Or if you're a little shy, opt for a duet so you can be songbirds together.

Arcade Games

Ignite some friendly competition by swinging by an arcade game studio or bar. You could try one with retro machines or look for venues with some modern-day games. As an alternative, consider ax-throwing, darts or pool.

Hearty Homemade Dinner

Food is one way to another person's heart, and cooking together is a great bonding experience. Come up with the perfect hearty meal idea (like a flavorful stew or a rich roast), source all the ingredients and then spend an afternoon whipping it up. The prize, of course, is a delicious meal together!