Christmas is coming, and it’s the time of year when almost everyone is feeling those festive vibes. You are, too, but if you’re without a holiday plus-one, seeing couples ice-skating while holding hands might bring out a little bit of the Grinch in you. Why? Because you want to ice skate and hold hands, too!
And when the party invitations start arriving, you could go full Grinch when you see that dreaded plus-one next to your name. There are office parties, New Year’s Eve bashes, or your family’s Christmas dinners and festivities, and going to those minus a plus-one feels like you are showing up with the word “single” tattooed on your forehead.
But don’t worry—online dating apps are here to help you deck your halls with a little romance. The holiday season is pretty much the perfect time to be on the dating apps, as there is a surge of activity because of your fellow singles who don’t want to go to their work party solo. Whether you’re searching for a short-term holiday buddy or for something more serious, we have everything you need to know so you can find your perfect holiday plus-one match!
Why Look for a Holiday Plus-One Through Online Dating?
The holiday season is both heartwarming and chaotic. Among the twinkling lights and seemingly endless gift wrapping, meeting someone special might seem like an impossible feat—but that’s where dating apps come in to help you put a bow on top of your holiday gifts!
The Holiday Social Scene
Holidays are full of events that practically scream for a plus-one: office holiday parties, family dinners, Christmas markets, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Having a companion obviously can elevate these experiences—they’ll feel less like obligations and more like things you actually want to attend. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to finally have a holiday plus-one to dance with at a party instead of dodging mistletoe from that one kinda creepy coworker?
Convenience of Dating Apps
Honestly, who has the time to meet people “organically” between all of the holiday shopping and catching up with family who’ve flown or driven in? Dating apps are super convenient for browsing potential matches from wherever you are—it’s like shopping online for Christmas presents only it’s people. With the location-based options and swipe-friendly features, they save a whole lot of time yet they still deliver on connection.
Emotional Connection
The holidays are so good at tugging at the heartstrings, and that makes even the Scrooge-ist among us long for a little companionship. Sharing in traditions, laughing over holiday mishaps, and toasting the new year with someone special—they just make the season better.
Key Features to Look for in a Dating App for the Holidays
Not every dating app out there is equipped to handle the festive season like a pro. If you’re actually serious about finding a holiday plus-one, here are the features you should be looking for on a platform!
- Quick Match Features: With everyone in a holiday rush, apps with fast matching options are lifesavers. Whether it’s a quick swipe or instant connection feature, speed is key when you’re trying to lock down plans for the weekend.
- User Base with Similar Goals: Not everyone is looking for the same thing. Apps that cater to people who are interested in holiday companionship—whether casual or long-term—will save you from mismatched expectations. No one has time for vague intentions when December’s passing you by.
- Festive Icebreakers: A lot of dating apps have holiday-themed prompts like, “What’s your go-to holiday movie?” or “Best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?” They can make starting conversations way easier and more fun than any generic one-liners.
- Location-Based Matches: Nobody wants to drive an hour in the snow for a first date. Apps with strong location-based matching will help you find someone that is close by, so it’ll be easier to plan holiday outings or events.
Top Online Dating Apps to Use for a Holiday Plus-One
Ready to get the Christmas romance rolling? Below are our picks for the best dating apps that will help you find your holiday plus-one, all with festive vibes and compatibility features!
Bumble
Bumble puts women in control of starting all conversations—it’s a nice change for anyone who is tuckered out by the same old swiping routine.
Key Features:
- The women-first approach encourages meaningful conversations.
- Holiday-themed profile prompts like “What’s your favorite ugly sweater moment?”
- Quick response times keep things moving.
Why it works: Bumble’s vibe is flexible yet still intentional, so it’s good for those who want to connect quickly but still value substance.
eHarmony
eharmony has been in the dating game for a long time, and its in-depth compatibility matching system makes it perfect for people who are looking for serious, lasting relationships.
Key Features:
- A detailed personality test helps match you with compatible partners.
- Focus on long-term connections, perfect for someone who wants a relationship that goes past New Year’s Eve.
- Comprehensive profiles with plenty of room to share holiday traditions.
Why it works: If you’re serious about finding “the one” and don’t mind a little extra effort upfront (the personality test takes 30+ minutes to complete), eharmony is a worthy choice for holiday dating.
Elite Singles
Designed for professionals, Elite Singles is all about quality over quantity. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated plus-one, this app delivers.
Key Features:
- A curated user base of career-focused singles.
- Matching algorithm that considers lifestyle compatibility.
- Sophisticated profile options that showcase what you bring to the table.
Why it works: Perfect for finding someone who can hold their own at your company’s formal holiday party—or even to impress your usually unimpressed Grandma at the family Christmas Eve dinner.
Christian Mingle
Christian Mingle is a faith-based app connects singles who prioritize common values, so it is a great option for those who want to share faith-based holiday traditions.
Key Features:
- A community-driven approach to dating.
- Profiles that highlight faith, values, and holiday traditions.
- A supportive environment for meaningful connections.
Why it works: If shared faith is a must for your holiday companion, Christian Mingle is a wonderful space to meet like-minded people.
The League
Known for its exclusivity, The League caters to ambitious professionals who are looking for equally driven romantic partners.
Key Features:
- The highly selective application process guarantees a curated community of singles.
- Video dating features for virtual meetups.
- Great for finding a polished plus-one for high-end holiday events.
Why it works: If you’re juggling a busy schedule and need a plus-one who understands the hustle, The League has plenty of sophisticated options.
Tips for Using Dating Apps Effectively During the Holidays
Dating apps are only as good as the effort you put in, so below are tips for how you can make the most of them this holiday season!
- Optimize Your Profile: Your profile should feel festive and fun. Add a holiday-themed photo (yes, that one with you holding a giant candy cane), and mention your favorite traditions or any seasonal plans.
- Be Direct About Your Goals: Nobody likes guessing games. If you’re looking for a holiday plus-one or a potential long-term partner, say so upfront. Clear intentions save time and make sure that you’re connecting with people who are on the same page.
Engage with Holiday-Themed Icebreakers: Skip the overused and boring “Hey” and try something like:
- What’s your favorite holiday drink?”
- “Would you rather build a snowman or bake cookies?”
- “Are you team real tree or fake tree?”
- Be Respectful and Authentic: The holidays are about spreading cheer—not ghosting. Be kind, be honest, and treat matches how you’d want to be treated. Even if someone isn’t your ideal holiday plus-one, a kind goodbye message shows you aren’t a total grinch.
Pros and Cons of Finding a Holiday Plus-One on Dating Apps
Like with anything in life, dating apps have their pros and cons!
Pros
- Convenient and efficient, especially during a busy season.
- Opportunities to share festive moments with someone new.
- Potential for the relationship to grow past the holidays.
Cons
- Mismatched expectations can be a real holiday buzzkill.
- Not everyone on dating apps is looking for the same type of commitment.
- Holiday timelines can feel really rushed.
Success Stories of Finding a Holiday Plus-One On Dating Apps
Not a true believer in Christmas dating miracles? Pshhh, we can turn you into one with the success stories from three dating app couples!
Bumble: Emma and Ryan’s Christmas Market First Date
Emma wasn’t looking for anything serious when she joined Bumble in early December—just someone who could make her laugh during the holiday madness. She matched with Ryan, whose profile casually mentioned his talent for picking the worst Christmas trees every year. Her curiosity was piqued, so she messaged him.
After a few days of DMing, they met up at a Christmas market. They spent the evening sampling treats, cringing at an overly ambitious caroller, and debating the best holiday movie. It was easy and fun—exactly what Emma had hoped for. A week later, they went tree shopping together, and Ryan’s “terrible tree” streak continued.
Christian Mingle: Faith and Luke’s Holiday Connection
Faith had been super skeptical about online dating, but she gave Christian Mingle a try after her sister lovingly harassed her all through November. She connected with Luke, a church volunteer who seemed down-to-earth and kind. Their messages turned into long conversations about family traditions and the reason for the holiday season.
Luke invited her to his church’s Christmas Eve service, and Faith decided to go. Afterward, they grabbed coffee and talked until the shop closed. Faith realized she’d met someone who valued the same things she did, and they’ve been making holiday plans together ever since!
The League: Sophia and Nathan’s Holiday Spark
Sophia wasn’t planning on dating during the holidays, but when she matched with Nathan on The League in early December, she decided, “why not?” Nathan’s profile was a nice balance of humor and confidence, and his holiday-themed icebreaker—“What’s your favorite kind of cookie?”—got the ball rolling, as she has very strong feelings about Christmas confections.
They met for a casual dinner the week before Christmas. Conversation was easy, and neither seemed like they were in a rush to end the night. By the time they walked out into the winter air, it was obvious that they’d both found something unexpected: a connection that didn’t feel forced or fleeting.
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for in the form of a holiday plus-one, any of the dating apps we listed can save the season!
Let’s do a quick refresher on what you need to know about the best dating apps for finding yourself a holiday plus-one, shall we?
- Online dating apps like Bumble, eHarmony, Elite Singles, Christian Mingle, and The League are excellent platforms for finding a holiday plus-one.
- Features like location-based matching, festive prompts, and compatibility algorithms make it much easier to connect during the holiday season.
- A well-optimized profile and clear intentions do yeoman’s work in making your holiday dating successful.
The holiday season is short, but the connections you make can last way past New Year’s Day! If you’re hoping to snag a holiday plus-one or looking for a long-term love, the right dating app can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Ready to find your holiday plus-one? Check out our reviews page for detailed insights on the top dating apps to see which one is best for you!
