From sweater weather and snowfalls to hot toddies and holiday cheer, there are a ton of things we love about winter. And while most of the festivities may have already wrapped up, the coldest season has just begun! One of our favorite things: chilly temps = the ultimate cozy weather. Whether you’re just looking for fun ways to snuggle up with your partner, or kickstarting your 2015 vow to heat up your love life, here are the 18 best winter dates. (And hey, we know your wallet’s looking a little sparse this month, so we’ve got you covered with tons of cheap — and free! — options, too).
1.Go camping indoors
Set up an air mattress in the living room, make some hot cocoa and cuddle up under your biggest throw for some old fashioned bonfire fun. Truth or dare anyone?
2.Play tourists on winter vacay
Visit a local ice skating rink, go sledding in the park, or find a carriage ride to hop onto (cheesy, we know, but still secretly adorable.) Warm up afterwards by exploring that new museum exhibit.
3.Make a spicy dinner together
Heat things up with hot salsa or jalapeños poppers, dig into homemade spicy chili or chicken curry, and end with one of these Sriracha-inspired desserts here, here, and here. (You’re welcome.)
4.Give pottery a go
Paint matching winter mugs or roll up your sleeves and try your hands in a wheel-throwing class.
5.Help others stay warm
Sign up to serve at your local soup kitchen, or round up old gloves, scarves and jackets for a coat drive together. If you’re feeling crafty, visit your nearest fabric store and make these (super) easy no-sew fleece blankets to donate.
6.Build a hot cocoa and s’mores bar
Gather up a few friends, your favorite candy toppings, and a big bag of marshmallows for a wondrous buffet of all things gooey and chocolatey. Find ideas on getting started here and here.
7.Take a salsa dancing class
8.Bake gingerbread
Christmas might be over, but this winter cookie classic is good all season. Decorate ginger men as your favorite celebs or team up and design your dream sugar mansion.
9.Go to a hockey game together
10.Attend a poetry reading
Grab your cardigans and Warby Parkers then scope out bookstores and cafes for local readings or open mics shows. Afterwards, write your best haikus over mulled wine and swap masterpieces
11.Have an indoor game day
Tie up your sneaks and break a sweat with your date over bowling or rock climbing. There’s nothing like an adrenaline rush to warm things up!
12.Take a winter walk
Sweet and simple.
13.Cozy up at the library
Grab a few coffees and spend the day at your local library. Find your favorite childhood books, learn something new together, or swap best reads with your date.
14.Try Korean BBQ
Get grilling at your table with this interactive and delicious dinner experience.
15.Build a snowman together
Let’s get real, you’ll never be too old for Frosty.
16.Have an old-school lock-in
Ahh, don’t we miss the years when snow days were still a thing. Unleash your inner 13-year-old at the roller rink over pizza slices and arcade games. #skeeballforever.
17.See a psychic
No matter what you believe, start the new year on an unpredictable note with a sneak peek into the future. Who knows what’ll you’ll see…!
18.Two words: hot yoga
Hey, you wanted to get fit this year, right?
