10 Great Winter Date Night Ideas

Written by Aaron & April Jacob

The bleak mid-winter is upon us (at least where we live). So it's definitely time for some romantic, cozy, and adventurous date nights to help with the winter blues.

Any of these 10 ideas below are sure to spice up your marriage, help you and your spouse have fun together, and create happy and romantic memories together. And we're all about the romance, over here at NM. 

1. Go on a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride

This just screams romantic. Google or search on Groupon for "carriage rides" in your area and then surprise your spouse with a romantic trip around town. Finish off with a stop at a fancy restaurant for just dessert and you'll be good to go. Don't forget to stare into each other's eyes for four minutes straight on that romantic ride...it will do wonders for your marriage. 

2. Ice Skating + Hot Chocolate

Kind of typical for a winter date night, but also super fun. And you have to hold hands the whole time. We like to ice skate and ask each other questions like the 36 Questions To Help Your Fall in Love With Your Spouse Again. If you aren't in a chatty mood - spice it up and have some speed contests, or learn a simple little routine together (be careful though...). And the enjoy some hot chocolate together afterwards. Fun.

3. Attend a Sports Event

Maybe you can grab tickets to a professional hockey or basketball game, or maybe you would prefer to just support the local high school basketball team. Whatever your preference, get tickets in advance, ask your spouse out, and enjoy some great food while you cheer on your favorite team (Do I see a food theme, here?). 

4. Attend the Symphony + Dress up Fancy

Whether or not you consider yourself the symphony-attending-type, fancy dates to refined events like the symphony or the theater are definitely romantic and fun. So mix up your date night ideas and go somewhere you are a little hesitant to go. Perhaps the opera? Oh, and make sure to dress up a little and maybe even go to a fancy restaurant beforehand. Classssssy.

5. Order Take-Out + Play Board Games

We are all for date-nights in when it is cold outside, especially when you don't have to dress up and can just wear PJ's! So get some blankets, order take-out, and play your favorite board games. Check out this list of 40 2-player board games you can play with your spouse. 

6. Go Snow-shoeing or Cross-Country Skiing

You can be adventurous. We recently went snow-shoeing and had a blast - plus we burned a kajillion calories, so that was awesome in and of itself. It isn't hard to find a place to rent snowshoes or cross-country skis, and to perhaps even pay for a guide. Pack some water and beef jerky and go have an adventure together enjoying the great outdoors.

7. Make Homemade Pizzas + Watch a Movie

Doesn't this just sound yummy?! Make homemade pizzas with all your favorite toppings and then eat them by candlelight. Then cuddle up with the amazing popcorn recipe below (A MUST-TRY. Like, tonight. Make it. You won't regret it.) and watch a winter-esque movie. Or an action/adventure film. Whatever floats your boat. 

8. Go Skiing, Snowboarding, or Snowmobiling

Now these kinds of activities are more like all-day dates, but who doesn't love an all-day date in the thick of winter?! In fact, we suggest that if you haven't taken a getaway in the winter, at least go on a few all-day dates. Plan them in advance, make sure you have a sitter lined up if your kids are still young, and go have a blast together. Ski, snowboard, snowmobile, or visit a nearby town and do a few of the activities listed in this post in one day. You'll have a blast, guaranteed. Plus, adventurous activities like these really get your adrenaline pumping, which, according to research, is important for your relationship. 

9. Learn to Paint, Sculpt, or Dance

Yes, you. Your local recreation center is bound to have all kinds of activities that you maybe wouldn't consider at first glance. Sign up for that painting class, or that dance class and then show up. You are going to be surprised at how much fun you two have doing something you normally wouldn't do. Novelty brings back the butterflies, folks. Plus, Groupon has a ton of awesome deals for fun classes like these. 

10. Go Sledding and Have a Snowball Fight

Act like kids again. Go sledding at a local sledding hill and race each other. Build a snowman or snow-fort and don't forget to flirt and throw a few snowballs. And kiss in the snow. So. Much. Fun. 

What are some of your favorite winter date night ideas? Please share in the comments below! 

Photo credit: Ashley Swenson Photo

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THE BEST Salted Caramel Popcorn OF

​YOUR LIFE 

by Janene Goubert

photo credit: Janene Goubert

Ingredients:

• 3 bags of microwave popcorn (butter flavor)
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light karo syrup.
• Kosher Salt

Instructions:
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Make 3 bags of microwave popcorn, take out unpopped kernels. Add butter and sugars to pot and cook to boiling. Pour over popcorn. Sprinkle with Kosher Salt. Mix. Pour in cookie pan lined with parchment paper and bake 30 minutes at 300°. Return to large bowl! It WILL be eaten!!

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