If life looked like a Hallmark movie, I’d say the holidays would be the most romantic time of the year. There would always be a quaint, downtown Christmas festival where you and your love could hold hands, dodge a snowball fight, and sip hot cocoa. But in reality, so many of us are running on all cylinders from mid-November through December 26th that romance is the last thing on our minds. Still, planning holiday dates for you and your husband shouldn’t be the last thing on your list.
Lean into the season and explore holiday date ideas that are a creative step up from dinner at a nice restaurant. Even if some of these ideas sound like a stretch, don’t immediately write them off. Remember, studies show that a date night packs a lot more punch when it’s something that’s out of the ordinary for you and your husband. Which of these 6 romantic holiday dates makes your bells jingle?
1. Feel the chill.
You know how the song goes: The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful… Take advantage of the chill to create some warmth of your own. Put a fire in the fireplace, and leave your heater on low. Half the fun is feeling cold, so you and your hubby can snuggle under the blankets. Once you’re close, take the time to share your favorite Christmas memory or discuss your dreams for the future together.
2. Go on a Christmas scavenger hunt.
Why save all the fun for the kids? Send your husband on a treasure hunt, with a nice prize at the end for all of his hard work. First, come up with clues that send him around the house, or even outside (or use our Christmas Scavenger Hunt printable). One clue leads to the next. At the end, be waiting with hot cider, his favorite treats, or a prize of your own creation… Wink, wink.
3. Share the shopping.
Do you do all the shopping for your children’s Christmas gifts? Let your husband help. Grab some of the catalogs that come to your house and head out for coffee. Look over the books together and see what catches your husband’s eye. One mom we know did this, and the gifts her husband chose were the big hits on Christmas morning. Dads bring a different perspective to toys and games. They’re usually big kids at heart, so let them play!
4. Do something seasonally surprising.
Look for an offbeat holiday experience, such as a Christmas trivia night at a local restaurant, a holiday-themed escape room, or a “lights and bites” food tour downtown. Or opt for a traditional experience if that’s more your style, with a live Nativity, Messiah sing-along, or candlelight church service. Choose something together that feels special and different from your typical holiday routine. And yes, leave the kids at home with a sitter. This holiday date is a party for two.
5. Have a holiday movie night.
Don’t overlook a classic! Put on a Christmas movie, make two cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows (and even a candy cane), and enjoy some time away from all the chaos. You could even start the night by making cookies from scratch to enjoy with your cocoa. Order a pizza for the kids and let them have their own movie night together.
6. Get active.
Is there snow outside? Go sledding. Have an ice rink nearby? Put on some skates. Even going for a walk when the air is brisk and cool in your lungs can make you feel energized and bonded as a couple. When you come in from the cold, warm up with a hot shower, and light a couple of Christmas candles.
Bonus Ideas: 15-Minute Micro-Holiday Dates
Wrap presents together. Instead of dividing and conquering the gift wrapping, make it a joint activity after the kids are in bed. Put on a Christmas playlist, pour some eggnog or cocoa, and wrap side by side. Talk about the expressions your kids will make when they open their gifts. Reminisce about gifts you’ve given each other over the years.Â
Tag-team kitchen cleanup. Instead of one person cleaning while the other collapses on the couch, both of you tackle the dishes together. One washes, one dries. Or both load the dishwasher. Turn up the Christmas music, dance together, flick water at each other, or steal a kiss by the sink. Christmas romance can happen in the mundane moments too!
Make fancy hot chocolate together. Add whipped cream, cinnamon, or a splash of peppermint syrup. Sit by the tree or fireplace and toast to the season. Ask each other these This or That Christmas Questions, or test your knowledge of all things Christmas with these questions. Who says kids get to have all the fun?
Go on a Christmas light walk. Hallmark Christmas movies almost always include a walk around the small town decked out in decorations. So take a stroll around your neighborhood to admire Christmas lights. Hold hands, point out your favorite decorations, and snap a silly selfie together.
What kinds of holiday dates do you like to go on with your husband?
