Between all the decorating, shopping, baking, and gift-wrapping, it can be a busy time of year when you may wonder how you are going to fit anything else in, much less a date night! However, well-orchestrated holiday date nights may be just what your love needs to keep the festive spark alive and well! Besides that, it may even make all the other things on your to-do list a little less daunting.
So, whether you make time to catch the latest cheesy holiday rom-com, fall down in a bed of snow to make angels, or attend a local festive event, the holiday season marks a perfect time to create special date nights that will speak your love language and touch your romantic heart. Ahh, feel the weight of all the holiday stress slowly melt away.
Sounds great, right? But maybe the thought of getting childcare, trying to find the right event, or planning something special among all the other holiday things you have to do sounds more overwhelming than enjoyable. I can understand that. When our daughters were younger, we didn’t always seize the opportunity to go out. However, we did make a pack with a few friends to switch off childcare nights, and let me tell you - that was such a blessing! Finding ways to pre-plan now may be all you need to take the chance and make the most of your date nights together!
Now, are you ready? Discover some unique and fun date nights below that are guaranteed to spice up your love this holiday season and get you both in the Christmas spirit.
1. Date Night Ideas for the Adventurous Couple
There are great benefits to bringing a little adventure into your marriage. It not only helps you feel connected, but it can also reduce stress (which is much needed around the holidays) and create fun-filled memories that kick in the endorphins and rev up the thrill of excitement. So, if you are feeling a bit adventurous, try some of the date night ideas below and let the adventures begin!
Play in the Snow
Make angels, go sledding, or have a snowball fight. If there is no snow in your area, no problem; hit up an indoor sports complex and let the good times roll.
Do a Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Create a fun-filled scavenger hunt. There are several templates online if you need ideas to get you started.
Take a Dance Class
Many dance studios offer couple dance classes, especially during the holidays. Check them out and experience the waltz, tango, or foxtrot, then dance the night away.
Have Fun at an Amusement Park
Many parks offer holiday-themed activities. Check out one closest to you, and take on all the thrills.
Act Like Children Again
Hit up a local roller-skating rink, go ice skating, try your hand at whiffle ball, or play a sport you enjoyed as a child, and let the laughter and fun begin!
2. Date Night Ideas for the Low-Key Couple
Maybe you and your sweetie are more of the homebody type. You both seek something a little more peaceful, restful, and laid-back. While you could easily chill with a cup of cocoa in front of the TV watching Elf, you may need more creative ideas to strike your fancy. Check out the ideas below and see if they check the criteria box of tuning into your love while being positively relaxing at the same time.
Rejuvenate in Couple’s Massage
Get out the peppermint essential oils and let the stress of the season go as your cares melt away in the ambiance of a peaceful spa.
Go Stargazing
Get outside and look up. Then, let your own sparks fly as you share stories and enjoy simply sweet time together.
Play Board Games
Need a bit more competition? Then pop some popcorn and get all the board games out because you may stay up late to see who is better at Parcheesi.
Stroll the Neighborhood
With all the beautiful lights to look at and great conversation to be had, take a moment to step away and let the wonder of the season infuse into your love.
Make Festive Smores
Get a little more creative and kick your smores up a notch by using Christmas cookies instead of graham crackers. Yum-o!Maybe you and your sweetie are more of the homebody type. You both seek something a little more peaceful, restful, and laid-back. While you could easily chill with a cup of cocoa in front of the TV watching Elf, you may need more creative ideas to strike your fancy. Check out the ideas below and see if they check the criteria box of tuning into your love while being positively relaxing at the same time.
3. Date Night for the Spontaneous Couple
You are your spouse may be more of the last-minute date night kind of planners. With little children or busy schedules, date nights may just be one thing that happens on the whim. So, whether you come home from a long day and are ready to kick up your heels and have fun, or you need a break from the children, let’s find some easy date nights that require little to no prep and can happen anytime.
Snuggle Next to the Fireplace
After the house is quiet and the two of you finally have some time, get cozy and share about your day in front of a peaceful kindling fire.
Have an Indoor Picnic
Get out all the goods for a charcuterie try, grab two glasses of wine, and enjoy each other’s company.
Reminisce and Replay Old Videos
Remember Christmas past as you look back over old videos or photos and relive funny moments that may produce tears of joy or sparks of laughter. It will quickly help you both realize just how blessed you are.
Do a Christmas Devotional Together
Try doing a devotional together. Waiting Together: An Advent for Couples may be just what you need to shift your focus on God’s goodness, mercy, and grace.
Listen and Dance to Christmas Music
No need to get away; just play some Christmas music on the Alexa and slow dance in the middle of your living room.
4. Date Night for the Romantic Couple
This is for my fellow sappy romantics. If you tend to be a little more sentimental and in touch with your feelings and genuinely like dates that appeal to your romantic heart, then these dates may be just what you need to rekindle the flames of your love. If this isn’t your strong suit, but your beloved spouse tends to tap into this side, here are a few ideas that will create a simply magical date that the both of you will thoroughly enjoy.
Write Each Other Love Letters
Make your own personalized Christmas cards – to each other. It's such a simply sweet way to share your love.
Go to a Nice Holiday Dinner
Get dressed up in your most elaborate festive gear and head out for a night on the town.
Take a Mini Holiday Getaway
If you are able, take a few days off and head to the mountains or a cozy place that will reignite your love in a magical setting.
Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
Many places, from big cities to quaint little towns, offer this special experience that will be marked as a cherished date night for sure!
Bake or Cook a Holiday Treat Together
In nearly every holiday romantic movie, you will see a couple bake or cook together. Why? Because the interactions and closeness just beg for sparks to fly. So, bake some Christmas cookies and create some simply sweet memories.
5. Date Nights for the Creative Couple
You are the couple that has fun getting your hands dirty and getting to work! Whether working together on a home project or hosting a party, you do it together - in style. While the holidays can bring on more and more opportunities to build and create (especially if you have kids), you may want to tap into something a little more special for just the two of you, so try your hand at the date nights below.
Finish a DIY Project
That project you have been putting off may have come to light when you took everything down from the attic for Christmas. Why not work on it together and see how far you can get?
Take a Cooking Class
Need some more knowledgeable skills in the kitchen? Then, have fun at a cooking class and learn from top chefs how to create some scrumptious concoctions.
Try Your Hand at Festive Art
Painting classes have become the latest rave. But they are actually quite fun and leave you with a personal beautiful masterpiece.
Volunteer Together
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than helping out at your local community? Whether it is a local toy drive or food bank, share in an experience that will be sure to bring joy out in the both of you.
Make Gifts Together
Prepare your crafty hands and make special gifts for those you love. Think about a few of your favorite things and create a basket that is filled with them.
A Prayer for Your Marriage
Father God, I lift up Your son and daughter and their precious union to You. I ask that You provide them with ways to make time together this beautiful holiday season and that they choose to make their love a priority. As they seek creative ways to etch date nights into their schedule, use that time to grow them closer together while drawing closer to You. May they find joy, peace, and a way to really see the goodness of their love and the richness of Your blessings. Amen.
Originally published Wednesday, 22 November 2023.
