Who wants to be outside when it’s below 60 degrees? Not us! Unless you are a snow bunny or someone who lives to snowboard or ski and just loves the cold weather for some weird reason (we don’t understand at all), you probably spend most of the colder months inside—you know, where there is heat.
This brings us to our point (it’s not just disliking freezing temps): winter dating is harder than in the warm months! There are subzero temps, and the sun goes down at 4 pm, so most of the things you can do outdoors are literally on ice. But you don’t have to stay off the dating apps just because it’s cold! You can do lots of fun stuff inside.
What, exactly? Well, we have some ideas, so we whipped up a winter dating guide with some cozy ideas for those brrrrrr January nights. If you want to turn up the romance or just dodge the cold, we have some fun and creative date ideas that will keep you and your date temperature-appropriate!
Why Indoor Dates Are Perfect for Winter Dating
When it’s cold (or even freezing) outside, staying in is the obvious choice. There’s no reason to layer your clothes under a huge puffer jacket and possibly get frostbite if you forget your gloves or brave icy sidewalks. Indoors is where it’s at! Inside, you will be warm, comfy, and actually able to enjoy each other’s company—and feel your face.
Besides, inside dates make a space where it’s just the two of you, and that means it is easier to talk, laugh, and pay attention to the moments that matter when you’re not distracted by other people or trying to stop your teeth from chattering. Just hanging out on the couch can be the best date if you enjoy the company!
January nights are literally made for all of the cozy vibes. There is just something about being warm and tucked away together that can melt away the winter blues and make the most of the season.
Creative Indoor Ideas for Winter Dating
When winter blows into town and the world outside feels like you’re in a walk-in freezer, indoor dates are a warm remedy. The best part of staying in is that it’s not just comfortable—it’s an excuse to get creative and have some fun! The following are a few date ideas that will make it memorable:
Cooking or Baking Night
Turn your kitchen into a warm culinary haven by planning a themed meal or having a baking sesh. You can pick a fare that you both love or try something new, like trying to make Thai food. And you can’t go wrong baking winter treats like yummy cookies or pies. Want to turn up the romantic heat while the oven is hot? Do the following:
- Set the Mood: Dim the lights and light a few candles to create a warm ambiance.
- Play Soft Music: Make or find a playlist that hits the spot and hit “play.”
- Cook Together: Do it together! Cooking as a team is super fun and a good way to connect.
Movie Marathon with a Theme
Snuggle up and have a movie marathon! What’s the feature? That’s up to you two, but if you don’t have any preferences, we suggest a showing of winter classics, rom-coms, or a nostalgic fav. Want to make it even more special? You can:
- Make a Snuggly Space: Put down blankets and pillows to build a floor bed—it’s better than the couch, trust us.
- Make Some Snacks: If you’re watching a movie, popcorn is a must! Pop some and pair it with hot cocoa or any other warm beverage to have during the movies.
- Pick a Theme: Watch any movies that fit a particular theme, like holiday films if you’re still in the spirit or a series that you both want to watch.
Want movie recs? We have those, too!
- When Harry Met Sally: A classic romantic comedy that explores whether men and women can truly be friends without romance getting in the way.
- Love Actually: An ensemble film that delves into different aspects of love through ten separate stories set during the festive season.
- The Holiday: Two women swap homes for the holidays to escape their respective relationship issues, only to find unexpected romance.
- Bridget Jones’s Diary: A funny look at a single woman’s quest for love while she navigates the challenges of her 30s.
- Serendipity: A romantic tale about fate and destiny as two people meet and separate, believing they are meant to be together if the universe allows.
DIY Craft Night
Let loose with your creativity and have a DIY craft night! You can do things like make candles, make trinkets, or create vision boards for the new year—all are fun and meaningful. When you craft together, you can:
- Spark Creativity: Doing hands-on activities stimulates the imagination.
- Encourage Collaboration: Working on a project together strengthens your connection.
- Provide Keepsakes: You’ll both have tangible reminders of the time that you spent together.
Indoor Picnic
Bring the charm of an outdoor picnic to the inside by doing one simple thing—spreading a blanket on the floor. To really make it special, do the following:
- Set the Scene: Light candles to create a warm and more intimate atmosphere.
- Make a Meal: Opt for winter-themed foods like soups, stews, or fondue to stay on brand.
- Add Personal Touches: Add a playlist of your fav songs for a little background music.
Game Night
If you like a little competition, you can make it a game night with board games, card games, or trivia. To add in an extra fun element, you can:
- Make Friendly Bets: The winner gets to choose what you do on the next date or gets a special treat.
- Tell Stories: Between turns, swap ridiculous or embarrassing stories, or tell each other your favorite jokes.
Winter Dating With a Touch of Luxury
Yes, winter comes with frigid temps and way too early darkness, but that doesn’t have to stop you from your dating life! And if you’re in the mood to go above and beyond the usual Netflix-and-chill routine, we have some elevated—but easy-to-plan and execute—date ideas that will fancy up your winter nights, and you’ll both feel spoiled. Who says staying in can’t be bougie?
Wine or Hot Chocolate Tasting at Home
Turn any room into your very own private tasting experience. If you’re wine lovers, pick a selection of reds, whites, and bubbly. It doesn’t have to be an expensive night with Dom Perignon, either—there are so many affordable options that have excellent flavor profiles to sip on.
And for all of you hot chocolate fans, don’t use the basic powdered Swiss Miss mix. There are gourmet versions (Godiva makes a banging kit), like white chocolate with a dash of peppermint or richer dark chocolate that is spiced with cinnamon or a spicier brew with chili powder.
To level up your tastings, no matter what you choose, do these things:
- Get Fancy with Presentation: Serve wine in your nicest glasses or pour hot chocolate into oversized mugs with lots of whipped cream and toppings or some hot chocolate bombs. Add little extras, like a platter of cookies or a charcuterie board, for an oh-so-sophisticated touch.
- Curate the Tasting: For wine, you can try pairing different varieties with complementary cheeses or chocolates. For hot chocolate, try pairing it with marshmallows, biscotti, or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- Make It a Game: You can taste your favorites or try guessing the ingredients—maybe even do a blind taste test and quiz each to find out who has the best palate!
A tasting date is indulgent and cozy at the same time, and that’s a great way to take the chill off and treat yourselves.
At-Home Spa Night
We all love to be pampered, so pamper yourselves and turn your bathroom (if it’s big enough) into a relaxing retreat for two. All you need is a few simple spa essentials like warm towels, candles, and some calming music. Search online for DIY treatments—there are a ton that are as just as fun to make as they are to use.
Below are some ideas to make it a spa night that won’t disappoint:
- DIY Face Masks: Mix up ingredients like honey, yogurt, and oatmeal to make soothing masks that will leave your skin feeling fresh—and exfoliated.
- Foot Soak: Fill a large bowl with warm water, Epsom salt, and a few drops of essential oil for an easy DIY foot bath.
- Trade Massages: Use scented oils or lotions to give each other hand or shoulder massages—it’s an easy (and it feels amazing) way to relax and connect.
- Extra Touches: Wrap yourselves up in your fluffiest robes, sip on some herbal tea or champagne, and put on a playlist of nature sounds.
An at-home spa night is a perfect way to unwind and bask in each other’s company without any distractions. And bonus, your skin will be glowing after a mask treatment!
Book Club for Two
For a date that’s equal parts thoughtful and intimate, why not turn your love of stories into a mini book club for two? Reading together is an easy way to connect, kick off conversations, and learn new things about each other.
Here’s how you can make a mini book club date-worthy:
- Pick Something Fun: If you don’t have time for a full novel, you can choose a short story or even an interesting essay to read out loud.
- Set the Scene: Dim the lights, curl up with blankets, and have a warm drink like tea, mulled cider, or a winter cocktail of your choice.
- Discuss Like Pros: Share your thoughts on the characters, plot twists, or how you’d change the ending. It’s such a good way to dissect the story—and each other’s perspectives on it.
This date idea is a perfect one for bookworms and casual readers, so it’s no big deal to adapt it to your tastes.
Making the Most of Winter Dating Indoors
Staying in doesn’t have to feel like you’re resorting to plan B. With a little effort, your indoor dates can be just as special as a night out—without the aggravation of having to bundle up and brave the cold. Next up, we cover how you can create the perfect atmosphere and make your inside dates some of the best you’ve ever had!
Set the Mood with Lighting, Music, and Decor
The right ambiance will totally transform your space, so change out any harshly bright overhead lights for the softer options like fairy lights, candles, or lamps that have warm-toned bulbs. Play background music that fits the vibe—could be acoustic music (don’t play it yourself, dude—no one is trying to hear that), light jazz, or a curated playlist of your fav chill songs.
Decor also makes a big difference, so add throw pillows, soft blankets, or twinkly lights to make it a cozy winter retreat. If you’re feeling super creative and aren’t ready to let go of Christmas, you can hang snowflake cutouts or use any leftover holiday decor. And if you still have your tree up, turn on the lights!
Incorporate Winter Themes
Really lean into the season by bringing wintery energy into your date night. The following are a few ideas:
- Winter Treats: Serve some snacks like spiced nuts, gingerbread cookies, or a warm bowl of hearty soup.
- Seasonal Scents: Use candles or essential oils with scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla.
- Snow Day Fun: If there is snow outside, bring a little into the house and make snowman crafts (it will probably melt too quickly, but it’s worth a shot).
Adapt to Your Relationship Stage
Not all inside dates are gonna look the same—it all depends on where you’re at in your relationship. If you’re still in the early stages, keep it playful and fun—game nights or baking sessions are great for breaking the ice (yes, the pun is intended).
For the long-term couples out there, you can concentrate on going deeper with the connection aspects. Wine tastings, book clubs, or quiet and relaxing spa nights are super intimate and give you the time to reconnect with one another. It doesn’t really matter what stage of the relationship you’re in—all of the above ideas can be tweaked to fit your specific romantic dynamic!
Conclusion
Winter is cold, but that doesn’t mean that your date nights have to go into hibernation—you can warm them up! Winter dating indoors is a chance to slow things down, connect on a higher level, and make great memories—in the coziest way possible, of course.
Look below for a quick recap of why inside dates hit the spot on a cold winter night:
- Cooking or Baking Night: Try out new recipes, bond in the kitchen, and feast on the fruits of your labor.
- Movie Marathon: Snuggle up with classic films, rom-coms, or your go-to comfort watches.
- DIY Craft Night: Get a little creative and make something together—it’s fun and cute.
- Luxury Nights In: Pamper yourselves like royalty with wine tastings or spa treatments—or both.
- Set the Mood: Use lighting, music, and decor to your advantage so that you can make the night feel special.
Winter is the best time to be ensconced in the comfort of your abode—your home is your place for connection. If you are in hibernation mode when the temperature dips, you can try out any of the ideas and let the cozy vibes wash over you and your date. And if you have your own favorite indoor date ideas? We’d love to hear them, so tell us in the comments and tag us on social media in your cute and cozy moments that you post!
