Winter Rendezvous: Cold-Weather Date Ideas

Just because the weather outside is frightful, that doesn’t mean your love life has to be.  Don’t let the cold temperature deter you from getting to know that special someone.  In fact, chilly air and falling snowflakes can provide a very romantic setting. All you need to do is make your plans more winter-friendly and you’ll be on your way to creating a heart-warming romance in no time.  Here are some ideas for cold-weather dates:

First Date

The first date is like the initial job interview: if you don’t impress during that first meeting, the odds of getting any more opportunities to display your greatness are slim.  Also like a job interview, the first date should allow you to get to know one another.  Long gone are the days of going to a movie, where you are unable to talk at all.

Think about a setting which will allow you the opportunity to talk freely and without pressure, while still enjoying a structured activity.  Having a plan (any plan!) is important, because nothing is worse than finding out that the person who asked you out has absolutely nothing in mind.  Aimless wandering can often lead to awkward silences and uncertainties.

A prime first-date activity may be ice-skating—which also can provide an opportunity to hold onto one another.  Bundling up in warm clothing and visiting the zoo is another option.  You won’t want for conversation while talking about favorite animals or funny stories of past zoo visits as a child (everyone has at least one).  If you want to plan something more original, surprise your date with the gift of a warm scarf or hat (as well as a travel mug of hot cocoa), and take a walk through a Christmas village, corn maze, or just around your city.  If the chill is not your ideal setting, move indoors to a coffee shop for warm beverages.

Second Date and Beyond

By this time, you have both acknowledged that you’re at least kind of interested in one another.  The atmosphere can, therefore, be a little more relaxed and casual.  If you’re adventurous and want to be outside, try building a snow fort or sledding.  If you prefer to enjoy the cold weather from inside a warm house, plan for a fun, cozy evening: watch movies and drink hot chocolate; bake cookies or other goodies which can be given as holiday gifts; or, build a jigsaw puzzle while listening to music.

If you feel awkward about inviting your date over for the first time (or worried about giving him or her the, um, wrong idea), try organizing a game night.  Invite a good mix of friends to come over—four or six would be the ideal game-playing number.  Ask each person to bring at least one board game and one appetizer (or dessert).  The crowd will ease the pressure of spending an intimate evening alone, while still giving you time together (especially if you play a game which requires teams).