32 winter date ideas for couples

Let’s face it: It can be difficult to plan events during the wintertime. But don’t let the weather keep you from having a good time with your significant other. 

Check out these winter date ideas to spark some inspiration.

Relax and unwind with these calming date ideas for winter. 

1. Indulge in a spa day

Treat yourselves to some pampering with a date at the spa. A couples massage can lift you out of your winter slump, giving you and your partner a chance to relax and reconnect. Prices can vary depending on the spa, so you can check the price list before you go to know what to expect. And adding extras to your service, like hot stones or aromatherapy, can be an additional fee. Remember to account for any tips, too.

2. Book lovers unite

Switch up your typical date venue and go to a bookstore instead. You can learn more about each other’s interests through the books or magazines you pick up. So try to find a store with a cafe or cozy place where you can chitchat about your selections.

3. Paint and sip at home

If you don’t want to leave your home on an extra-chilly evening, consider bringing some fun home instead. Pick up some art supplies from the craft store and pick out a picture you and your partner can try to recreate. Or you can find premade paint-and-sip kits with step-by-step instructions that mimic the same lesson you might receive in a live class.  

4. Enjoy a movie marathon

Pick out some movies to watch from the comfort of home with your partner. This traditional date is perfect for wintertime and can be a more budget-friendly option than going out to see a flick. Get creative and theme the snacks or meal around the movies you pick out. 

5. Plan a rejuvenating getaway

Spend more time with your significant other and plan a relaxing overnight or long-weekend trip. Look for a cozy rental cabin, or opt for a more urban location with plenty of seasonal activities close by. 

6. Take a scenic drive

Make a playlist together, pack some snacks and hot cocoa, and take a relaxing winter drive on a scenic road. Choose a route where you can marvel at holiday lights, or find a road that leads you to showstopping winter views. 

7. Shop together

Stroll through an outdoor winter market with your partner—or pick your favorite store and help each other pick out holiday gifts for friends and family. If the holidays are over, it’s never too early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. Discover more ideas using this gift guide.

Turn up the heat with these action-packed winter date ideas for thrill-seeking couples.

8. Hit the slopes 

A ski or snowboarding date can be the perfect way to spend an active winter day with your partner. Take in the expansive views from the top of the hill—or cozy up together on the chair lift. When planning, consider the cost of the lift ticket, food or drinks at the mountain (if you plan on partaking), and equipment rentals if you don’t already have your own gear. 

9. Take your relationship to new heights 

Whether you’re an experienced rock climber or a beginner, indoor rock climbing is an adventure-filled outing that can kick your typical winter date up a notch. 

10. Try out a new indoor sport

Connect with your partner by playing or trying a new sport together. You can look for a local league or check out programs offered at your local gym. Whether you’re playing pickleball or doing some indoor cycling, doing something new together can help strengthen your relationship.

11. A little friendly competition never hurts

Here are a few ways you and your partner can bond while engaging in a little friendly competition or exercise:

• Dodgeball
• Go-karts
• Indoor paintball
• Laser tag
• Rollerblading
• Bowling
• Ax throwing
• Indoor mini golf

12. Have a snowball fight

Take advantage of the season’s snowfall by getting outside to have a snowball fight. Warm up with hot drinks or dinner afterwards.

Keep warm by going on a date at one of these indoor places that can be enjoyed any time of year. 

13. See a play or comedy show

Enjoy a play at the theater or see a comedy show with your special someone. Going to a live show can help reenergize you after being cooped up during the cold and snowy months. 

14. Put on your dancing shoes

Break up an otherwise monotonous winter evening by trying out a dancing class together. Reenergize yourselves with this upbeat activity that’s sure to create warm memories. 

15. Catch a flick

What’s more classic than dinner and a movie? A new action film or cheeky rom-com may be the motivation you need to get dressed up and get out of the house.  

16. Cheer on your favorite team

Get tickets to the big game for a fun event to attend with your partner. Cheering on a team together can bring you closer and add some excitement to the winter months. If you’re an eligible Capital One cardholder, see how you can use your rewards, your card or a combination of both to get tickets to thousands of events through Capital One Entertainment.

17. Check out a museum or art gallery

Indoor venues like museums or art galleries can be a good first date idea, especially when it’s cold outside. Start conversation while enjoying the various exhibits to learn more about your partner.

Just because it’s chilly out doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Embrace the cold with your better half to beat the wintertime blues.

18. Go ice-skating

Ice-skating can be a fun and nostalgic winter activity. Head to your local rink and practice gliding on the ice with your partner. Remember to budget for the cost of admission, skate rentals (unless you have your own), and snacks or hot drinks when planning your date. 

19. Bundle up for snowshoeing

Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland by giving snowshoeing a try. It’s similar to hiking, but you can more easily trek through deep snow using snowshoes. You can also give moonlight snowshoeing a try for a more romantic feel.

20. Grab a sled or go snow tubing

Tubing or sledding can be an exhilarating wintertime date. If you’re in a place where the snow doesn’t hang around for long, for an action-packed day together, be sure to grab your sleds right away after a snowfall.

21. Warm up by a campfire

Bundle up and make a fire to stay warm. Prepare some hot apple cider or hot cocoa to enjoy while you gaze at the stars and savor each other’s company. 

Who says you have to spend a lot of money to have fun? Here are some wintertime date ideas that won’t break the bank.

22. Coordinate a game night

Couples who play together stay together. Bring out your favorite board games or video games and spend time getting a little competitive. Check with your local library to see whether they have any board games you can check out for free. 

23. Take a winter hike

Why spend money on a fancy date when you can enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors for free? Bundle up and remember to bring a thermos filled with a hot drink to share at the end of the trail. 

24. Spend the day antiquing

Shopping at an antique store can be a creative first-date idea, and the eclectic items you find can serve as conversation pieces. Look for an item that needs a little TLC and turn it into a project to work on together.  

25. Volunteer together

Pick your favorite charity or community service event and spend time together supporting a good cause. Or go through items that you or your partner aren’t using and donate them to an organization in need.

26. Create a scavenger hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt around town for a winter pick-me-up or anniversary date. Create clues about places you and your significant other enjoy. Then give your partner a challenge to accomplish before heading to the next spot. To save money, pick places that are free or you don’t have to spend a lot of money in—like a library or a coffee shop. And remember when creating your route to account for any costs associated with getting to each destination.

Centering your next winter date around delicious food, drinks or dessert just might make you forget how cold it is outside. 

27. Have a bake-off

Pass the time on a chilly winter day by turning up the heat inside and making it a challenge to bring the best dessert recipes to life. Go to the store together to gather the ingredients you and your partner will need. Then have fun taste-testing each other’s finished masterpieces.

28. Takeout and a movie

Dedicate a night of the week to ordering a to-go meal at a restaurant in town and cueing up a movie. If you want to divvy up responsibilities, one of you can pick the movie and the other can choose the takeout.

29. Brush up on your culinary skills

Build your culinary skills by taking a cooking class together. You can opt for an in-person class with a professional instructor. Or you can even order a subscription meal kit to make a romantic dinner at home, or spring for gifts for foodies.   

30. Bring the wine tasting to you

Couples who enjoy the occasional glass of red or white can enjoy a wine tasting at home. You and your partner can each bring your go-to bottle and a new type of wine to compliment—or critique. If you’re new to wine, you can learn more about the dos and don’ts of wine pairings. Look for mini wine bottles or flights designed for at-home tastings so you’re not paying for a full bottle.

31. Set up an indoor picnic

Bring on the cozy by using your living room as a blank canvas for an indoor picnic. Spread blankets and pillows across the floor, and when shopping for food and drinks, consider sticking to a fun theme, like a Parisian picnic or a barbeque-inspired roundup.

32. Prepare a brunch spread

Shake up the traditional date time with a morning rendezvous instead. Bring out your favorite dishes to create a sense of elegance while brunching with your special someone. Consider making a breakfast casserole as part of your meal and then freeze the leftovers to enjoy later. You can also split the cost and ask your partner to bring some coffee or pastries.

You can find plenty of ways to have fun with your significant other despite the chilly temps and early sunsets. By thinking outside the box, you can plan unique wintertime date ideas to fit any interest. And if you’re looking to spend even more time with your better half, check out these creative winter travel ideas.