If you’re like me, this dreary winter weather is realllllyyyyy started to get to you! It’s difficult to plan fun date night ideas with your boo thang when the winter chill hits and the sun sets early! I miss the days of dining al fresco at outdoor restaurants, trying out new rooftop bars, planning beach dates or finding new hiking trails to try. 

Though, alas, the Northeast can’t have sunshine alllll year round, so I’ve pulled together some of Frank and I’s favorite date night ideas for when winter hits! 

1. MOVIE NIGHT 

Okay now this may seem like a no brainer but turn a regular Netflix and Chill night into a special occasion! I’m talking comfy blankets, take out from your favorite restaurant, a bottle of wine, and movie marathons. Frank and I even bring out my old N64 console and verse each other in Mario Kart! Show off that competitive side and challenge him to Rainbow Road!

2. BOWLING

When was the last time you went bowling? If you read the story of how Frank and I met, you know that we’re both veryyy competitive. So we’re always up for a game that’s going to  give us a challenge. I say that, as I’ve yet to win a game against him 😂 But it’s still a ton of fun and makes for boatloads of laughs! 

3. HIT THE SLOPES

Have a weekend off? Plan a day trip and head to the nearest mountain! Whether you love skiing/snowboarding or you’re a total newbie, embrace the winter and give it a go! It’s always fun to try something new, especially together! A lot of nearby mountains like Windham, Killington, or Mount Snow have beautiful resorts, too, if you’re looking for a winter getaway! 

4. POTLUCK PARTY

I always find it’s easier for us to get together with our friends when the weather is nice! We’ll plan nights out downtown or days spent together at the beach. But in the winter, it’s tough, for sure! Planning a fun potluck, either around the holidays, or just because, switches up the ordinary! Everyone can bring their signature dish or try out new cocktail recipes on the group! 

5. GAME NIGHT

For extra fun, combine number’s 4 and 5! Start with a potluck and end with your favorite board games! Whether that’s Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, or a mean game of Pictionary, planning a game night is a great way to get out during the cold winter months! 

6. TRAVEL 

Or, plan for travel during the warmer months! Frank may not agree with me on this, but I love planning incredible trips *almost* as much as I love going on them. Truthfully, planning for me is half the fun!! For the past few years, we’ve taken trips in March and we love spending the colder nights dreaming up our next trip together! Last year, we took a trip to Texas and you can check out our travel guide on the blog!

7. GET TICKETS

Whether you two love basketball, hockey or football – find a winter sport and treat yourself! Frank and I love going to basketball games together during the winter wearing opposing jerseys, of course (He likes the Nets and I’m a Knicks fan!) 😂 You can head on over to TicketMaster or StubHub to check out your team’s schedules!

8. ICE SKATING

Now, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed with how well Frank can ice skate. He never played hockey, but that boy is so dang athletic, he totally could have! (Do I sound smitten enough, yet) hehe

Whether you’re holding the wall the entire time, or out there racing each other, embrace the winter season by going to a nearby ice skating rink! Top it off with some hot chocolate and some post-skating cuddles, and you’ll nearly be on the set of a Hallmark movie. 😉

9. BROADWAY

Get all gussied up to head downtown, book a reservation at one of your favorite NYC restaurants and see a show! There are some amazing ones out right now including, The Lion King (my all-time fave), Wicked, and The Book of Mormon. 

10. STAY-CATION

No social media. No phones. Unplugged. Whether it’s an afternoon or you’re able to snag a whole weekend, treat yourself by tuning everything out and catching up with each other. Make dinner together, watch movies, or even pick a few of these ideas to do all at once! My love language is a boatload of quality time together and planning a stay-cation is the perfect answer to our hectic schedules. 

What do you and your love do that makes the colder months even better? What are your favorite wintertime date night ideas?