While many are hunkering down indoors during winter and plant themselves in front of the TV, there are many who want to grab a date and get out there for some fun. However, with the high cost of the holidays, spending as little money as possible is optimal, especially if you’re paying for two. With a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy, there’s more than enough options for everyone. If you’re ready to add some excitement to the cold, dreary winter months – and your dating life – there are several low cost date ideas to carry you through the season.
Go snow tubing
There’s something about snow tubing that brings back so many childhood memories. It’s incredibly fun and usually only costs around $20 a ticket for a couple of hours. Make it a little more interesting by having a contest for who can get down the hill the fastest.
Browse a bookstore
Curling up with a good book is one of the simplest pleasures, especially during the winter season. Head over to a bookstore with your date, browse the selections and discuss the different books you read. Then the two of you can grab a coffee and curl up on the couch to read your books.
Have a Christmas movie night
Christmas movies are all over the TV during the holiday season, so snuggle up on the couch and take advantage of it. Order some takeout so neither of you have to cook and you’re all set for a great movie night.
Take a Christmas lights tour
With so many people beautifully decorating the outside of their homes during Christmas, it’s almost a waste not to enjoy it. Pick up some hot chocolate and your date, then spend a night driving around looking at all the lovely decorations.
Take Bikram yoga
Bikram yoga involves doing a series of yoga poses in a room that, at minimum, is 105 degrees. There’s obviously a lot of sweating going on, so you can’t be afraid to look a mess in front of your date. On a cold winter day, it’s a great way to work out your body and get warm, but you may want to consider talking to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you to do.
Take in some live winter music
So many music venues offer wonderful concerts during the winter where you can go and listen to holiday music. The tickets are usually relatively inexpensive, especially at the lesser known venues, but that doesn’t mean the quality is sub par. I’ve been to several performances that blew me away where I paid barely anything for the tickets.
Have dinner in front of a fireplace
Not all of us are lucky enough to have a fireplace in our home, but if you have one, take advantage of it by setting out a blanket in front and eating dinner on it with your date. If you’re lacking a fireplace, there are several restaurants that offer fireside dining, but you should call in advance for a reservation as it’s likely a very popular spot during the winter months.
Go ice skating
I’d love to love ice skating, but unfortunately, my inability to do it properly regardless of how many times I’ve tried has kept me away from the sport. However, if you like ice skating, ask your date to go with you. It can be a fun experience, especially if the two of you aren’t very good and you can make fools of yourself together.
Volunteer
‘Tis the season to give back even more than usual. Find a place in your area that needs volunteers, then ask your date to go with you. It’ll be a good chance for the two of you to spend time together while giving back to the community.
Rent a cabin
Renting a cabin may sound expensive, but some places charge less than $100 a night, especially if you rent through a private owner. It’s the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and relax in quiet for the night. Check out HomeAway.com to browse listings in your area.
Get / give a warming massage
For less than $10, you can get a bottle of warming massage oil that can help the two of you have quite the relaxing evening. You can each give each other a massage and, if you’re so inclined, make it even more romantic by devouring some champagne and strawberries.
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dating life. It being cold and snowy also doesn’t mean you have to constantly stay inside. With so many inexpensive ways to enjoy the season, you’ll be able to set up more than enough activities to stay entertained.
More from Lauren R:
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