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The holidays are a magical time, and for the hubby and me, they hold some of our most cherished memories. After 15 years together, we’ve always made date nights a priority. But during the holiday season, they feel even more special. Whether it’s sharing laughter, creating traditions, or simply soaking in the festive vibes, these moments strengthen our connection.
While we have a few tried-and-true favorites, like riding around to see Christmas lights and cozy movie nights by the fire, there are so many ways to make the season romantic and fun. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas to help you plan a magical holiday date night.
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Ride and Admire Christmas Lights
This is, hands down, our favorite holiday tradition. We love bundling up with hot cocoa, turning on a holiday playlist, and driving around to see the lights. Whether it’s a local neighborhood with dazzling displays or a professional light show, this simple outing never gets old.
If you want to mix it up, you can make a scavenger hunt of it—spotting reindeer, Santa, or even the “best house” on the block adds an extra layer of fun!
A Cozy Christmas Movie Night
Another staple for us is transforming our living room into a cozy holiday haven. We pile up blankets and pillows, light a fire, and settle in for a marathon of Christmas classics. From Elf to Home Alone, it’s a relaxing way to wind down and enjoy each other’s company.
Snacks are essential for this date! We love pairing our movies with homemade cookies or festive popcorn. It’s such a simple but meaningful way to celebrate the season together.
Plan a Holiday-Themed Game Night
If you’re feeling competitive, consider a holiday-themed game night. From charades with Christmas movie titles to trivia about holiday traditions, there are plenty of ways to make it festive. For an even simpler option, play board games with a holiday playlist in the background—it’s cozy, fun, and easy to plan.
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Bake (or Decorate) Holiday Treats Together
There’s something romantic about baking together, even if one of you isn’t a master in the kitchen. Whether it’s decorating sugar cookies, building a gingerbread house, or making fudge, baking adds a sweet touch to the season. Plus, you’ll have delicious treats to share (or keep for yourselves).
Go Ice Skating or Take a Winter Walk
Even in warmer climates, many towns set up pop-up ice rinks during the holidays. If skating isn’t your thing, a nighttime winter walk can be just as magical. Bundle up, grab some hot drinks, and take a stroll to enjoy the crisp air and holiday decorations.
Volunteer Together
If you’re looking for something meaningful, consider spending a date night giving back. Volunteering at a local food bank, wrapping gifts for charity, or donating time to a holiday fundraiser can be incredibly rewarding. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with your partner while spreading holiday cheer.
Try a Festive Craft Night
Get creative with a DIY craft date. From making ornaments to designing your own holiday wreath, crafting is a fun way to bond while creating something unique for the season. You could even turn it into a friendly competition—who makes the best ornament? Here, we make wax melts together.
Have a Romantic Holiday Dinner
For a more intimate date night, plan a festive dinner at home. Cook a holiday-inspired meal together, light candles, and enjoy a quiet evening for two. If cooking isn’t your thing, treat yourselves to takeout and pair it with your favorite holiday wine or cocktails.
Why Holiday Date Nights Matter
The holidays can be hectic, but taking time to connect with your partner is so important. For Santiago and I, simple traditions like looking at Christmas lights or snuggling up for a movie remind us of what truly matters.
Whether you stick to old favorites or try something new, holiday date nights are about creating memories. They don’t have to be extravagant—it’s the thought and effort that count.
Make the Season Special
With so many possibilities, the hardest part might be choosing what to do first! The beauty of these ideas is that they’re adaptable, so you can make them your own. Whether it’s a cozy night in or an adventure out, the key is to enjoy each other’s company and embrace the magic of the season.
Happy holidays—and here’s to making them unforgettable!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
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