Tis the Season: 15 Fun and Festive Christmas Date Ideas
The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the magic of Christmas, and what better way to celebrate than by spending quality time with your partner? Whether you’re parents juggling busy schedules and family activities, or a couple enjoying the freedom of a kid-free holiday season, there are endless ways to make the most of this festive time together. From cozy nights at home to outdoor winter adventures, we’ve gathered a mix of date ideas that are perfect for couples with kids and without. So, whether you're sneaking away for a quiet evening or looking for family-friendly fun, we’ve got you covered with creative and festive ways to celebrate the season!
Ice Skating
Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner like me that can’t stay up for more than 30 seconds, ice skating is a classic Christmas date that brings a little magic to the season. Many outdoor rinks are beautifully decorated with holiday lights, making for a festive atmosphere. For couples with kids, it’s a fun family activity where everyone can join in, but it’s equally as fun for a solo couple date. Don’t forget to grab some hot chocolate after!
Look At Christmas Lights
Take a drive through your neighborhood or head to a local park known for its Christmas light displays. For couples with kids, it's a fun way to enjoy the holiday magic together. You can make it an adventure by grabbing some hot chocolate and counting the most creative light displays. For couples without kids, take a leisurely stroll through a beautifully lit area while enjoying the peace and beauty of the season. Looking at Christmas lights is one of my favorite Christmas activities to do!
Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Baking gingerbread houses is a sweet tradition that’s fun for all ages. For families, it’s an interactive activity where everyone can get creative with icing, candy decorations, and making memories. My family loves to do a gingerbread decorating contest; it was always something I looked forward to as a kid. For couples without kids, you can make it a playful competition to see who can design the most elaborate or funniest gingerbread house. Either way, you’ll end up with a cute (and edible) holiday decoration!
Holiday Movie Marathon
Nothing says Christmas like curling up with your favorite holiday movies. For couples with kids, create a cozy movie marathon with family-friendly classics like Home Alone, The Grinch, or The Polar Express. For couples without kids, enjoy a more romantic evening with Christmas classics like Love Actually, The Holiday, or White Christmas. Make it extra festive with cozy blankets, popcorn, and a glass of hot apple cider or hot chocolate. If you need more movie ideas check out my other blog “Get Cozy: 10 Holiday Movies to Watch This Winter!” for my top 10 must watches during the holiday season!
Sledding
If you live in an area that gets snow, sledding is an old-fashioned holiday activity that brings out the kid in everyone. This activity is fun for everyone whether you have kids or not! This is an exciting way to get outdoors and make memories together. I love to go sledding for an hour or so and then warm up with hot cocoa afterward. Plus, you can have a little friendly competition to see who can go the fastest! This is a must do activity for the holiday season!
Build A Snowman
Another timeless winter tradition is building a snowman. For families, this is a perfect way to get everyone involved—making snow angels, crafting carrot noses, and adding scarves and hats. For couples, it’s a fun, lighthearted activity that brings you outside for some fresh air and a little creativity. When I was little my family would all make mini snowman’s and then have a contest on who made the most unique snowman. This was a great family activity and something I look back on fondly. Live in a tropical area without snow? Head to the beach and build a sandman! Add a carrot nose, sunglasses and a beach hat for a twist on the usually frosty tradition!
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Baking sugar cookies and decorating them with festive icing and sprinkles is a great activity for couples with kids or without. For families, you can make a batch together and then enjoy decorating and, of course, tasting your creations! You can also just buy them premade which is what I do since I’m too impatient to make them. For couples without kids, you can also make them (or buy them) and decorate them together and enjoy them while sharing stories or listening to Christmas music.
Skiing or Snowboarding
For an active Christmas date, consider hitting the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding. If you have kids, it’s a great way to bond over family fun while everyone learns or hones their skills together. For couples without kids, you can make a day of it—enjoy the thrill of the mountain and then relax afterward in a cozy lodge with a cup of hot cocoa. Are you still living in a tropical paradise? Consider hitting the surf for some boogie-boarding, surfing, or skimboarding! If you’re in a landlocked state, you can try skateboarding or finding a new bike trail. The idea is to get outside and enjoy each other’s company!
DIY Ornaments
Get creative and make your own Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree or give as gifts. For families, this can be a fun craft day where everyone gets involved, choosing their own materials and adding personal touches to each ornament. When I was younger, me and my family made DIY ornaments out of playdoh. Though playdoh isn’t very sturdy for ornaments, it was one of my fondest memories and something we still hang on our tree to this day, even though they are broken. For couples, it’s a sweet and sentimental way to create something special together that you’ll cherish for years to come. My boyfriend and I have a dog and a cat together and we recently got an ornament kit to press their paws into so we can have them be apart of our tree. This was a very fun and sentimental idea that we will look back on each year when we see the ornaments.
Holiday Getaway
If you’re looking for a way to really escape and enjoy some holiday romance, a quick holiday getaway could be just what you need. For families, consider a cabin retreat or a trip to a snowy destination where you can spend quality time together. If your family likes to ski or snowboard make it a weekend getaway to hit the slopes and spend quality time as a family. For couples without kids, a weekend at a cozy inn or cabin can make for a magical and intimate holiday experience and a great opportunity to create lasting memories.
Go to a Christmas Market
Visit a local Christmas market and stroll through rows of charming vendor booths filled with holiday treats, handmade gifts, and seasonal goods. It’s a great way to explore together while enjoying festive foods and shopping for unique gifts. I recently went to a Christmas market with my mom and it was such a fun and festive activity to do as we are getting into the holiday season!
Christmas Tree Farm Visit
There's something about choosing the perfect tree that adds a sense of nostalgia to the holiday season. This is a great way to get everyone involved in picking out your tree and then enjoy decorating it at home. Visiting a Christmas tree farm can be a romantic outing or a good family bonding activity. Whether you pick out a small tree for your apartment or a big one for your family, just enjoying the winter scenery and taking in the Christmas spirit with your loved ones is what will make it most memorable.
Hot Chocolate Night
Set up a hot chocolate bar at home with all the fixings—whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and flavored syrups. For families, everyone can create their own custom hot cocoa drinks and then settle in for a holiday movie. For couples, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. Light some candles, grab your favorite mugs, and enjoy your own little festive escape. If you like to stay indoors to keep nice and warm during the cold months read my blog “Winter Date Night? Stay Warm with These Indoor Ideas!” for more indoor date ideas!
Christmas Village
Many towns set up outdoor Christmas villages during the holiday season, complete with light displays, festive food vendors, and seasonal performances. Take a walk through these magical villages to shop for unique holiday gifts, try tasty treats, and get into the Christmas spirit. For families, it’s a fun outing that’s full of sights, sounds, and smells of the season. For couples, it’s an intimate experience as you stroll hand in hand through the twinkling lights and seasonal displays.
Snowshoeing
If you're looking for a quieter outdoor activity, snowshoeing offers a peaceful way to enjoy the winter landscape. It’s a wonderful way to get everyone outside and moving in the snow. Snowshoeing through a forest or winter trail can be a romantic, serene experience or a great family activity! Afterward, enjoy a nice lunch or hot drink together! And, if you’re living in that oh-so-warm tropical destination...I guess go for a long walk on the beach? Find a new trail you haven’t walked before? Get a refreshing drink to share together?
No matter your situation, the holiday season offers countless opportunities to make lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you're creating new traditions, revisiting old favorites, or simply enjoying the cozy comfort of each other’s company, these Christmas date ideas are sure to add a little extra Christmas spirit to your activities. From outdoor winter adventures to cozy indoor moments, there's something for every couple, whether you have kids or whether you enjoying some quiet time together. The best part of Christmas is sharing it with those you hold dear.
Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next time!
Related Resources
Creating Lasting Holiday Traditions as Newlyweds: A Guide to Building Your Unique Celebration Style
12 Winter Activities You Can Do With the Whole Family
12 Unforgettable Utah Christmas Dates
Justin Fague reviewed this article. To reach out, please email healthyrelationships@usu.edu.